When I invited you to join me on this long-arm journey I knew that there would be bumps along the way to machine quilted glory, I just didn't realize that they would appear on the quilt's surface! While many bloggers exhibit lovely, flawless sweeping cables and perfect flowing feathers you get more than that here. Where else can you go to view tiny tucks quilted into the backing, lopsided motifs, visible starts and stops and edges that ripple? I wonder if I could call these "embellishments" and chalk them up under the "quilter's intent" column? I went back to the long-arm handbook the other night to review the entire loading process, I'm not sure that I attached this String Quilt (see Tuesday's post) properly to the rails as it was bunching up when advanced to unquilted sections. Hmmm... another day, another opportunity. I'm rethinking my new motto: "finished is better than perfect", as those words seem to genuinely be mocking me now. And yet, I'm moving forward; there's no turn
ing back, I'll get there... someday, 
Life is Good!
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
20 comments:
Was there a wart, I mean an embellishment, in that photo? I couldn't see it! Hang in there, I'm sure you're noticing things no one else ever will.
Looks good to me!
maybe a turbo hair got in the way
It's quite a process, isn't it? I'm not there either. Kind of like life. It will be perfect when we get to heaven. Do you think there will be longarms there???
Don't be so hard on yourself. Someone once said, Each person is their own and worst critique. I see only perfect stitches from my shepherd. As I have also heard, a free-motion quilter must practice at least 80 hours before seeing perfection.
You WILL get there.
It looks good to me - I couldn't find any flaws either!
I can't see tucks and ripples!and if there are any, just remember to call them "surface texture" :cD
You are doing AWESOME...and done IS better than perfect. Throw the quilt in the washer and dryer when you are done....it's gonna be so cozy!
Bonnie
It looks good to me!And it IS finished. One thing I've learned to prevent rippled borders is to cut the side borders on the lengthwise grain of fabric and the top & bottom borders on the crosswise grain. Less stretch when loaded on the longarm. Unless, of course, you're going to load the quilt sideways, then do the opposite.
Linda
You are WAY to hard on yourself! I didn't see any "warts" either.
I didn't see any warts either!!!!
You are your own worst critic...
I think embellishments has such a nice ring to it. Have a great time and enjoy yourself, Rome wasn't built in a day!!! VBS
J
Remember the first time you tried to stipple on your regular machine? I do, and as yuck as it looked to me then...the non quilter I gave it to absolutely loved it. And your yuck is probably my best of show!
I don't see a thing out of the ordinary at all . . . we are our own worst critics *s*
It looks great...I agree you are being too hard on yourself!
I like what I'm seeing. We're so fortunate to be walking this path with you. I really don't see what's wrong however, I absolutely understand you're looking for something "more" in your minds eye.
We'll all know it when you see it.
Goodneedle Quilting Makes the Quilt Love, *karendianne.
Finished is better that perfect! Expecially because perfect doesn't exist! I they are beautiful and full of character!
Thanks for posting the story about Diaz and the mugger! Heart warming!
debbie
It is so cool! I love it, especially the flowers quilted in...Very nice!
I think it looks terrific and if you really are not happy remember that washing and drying a quilt cures just about everything!
Oh yes, never forget to nourish that Kid!!!
If there were "warts" in your quilting, I didn't see them! It all looks loverly to me. We are definitely our own worst critic, aren't we? I know I am!
After an intense 2 days of classes at MQX, the one piece of advice I walk away with that is precious to me is "work your mistakes in, as if you planned it that way". If you have a Machine Quilter's Exposition in your area, I highly recommend taking classes. I had a blash while learning! Keep well!
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