Sundance and I have been spending a lot of time together lately, I am determined that, through practice, I will become a better quilter. I gaze at all of the seemingly perfect quilting; amazing workmanship, that is pictured all over the blogosphere and in the quilt shows and exhibitions and am inspired... but, honestly, overwhelmed at the same time. I can't help but feel that I am falling short. Yesterday, as I quilted around yet one more doggie I looked long and hard at the precious bowl that was riding along on the quilt top as I worked. It is lightweight and smooth, a bowl handmade from Maple by my husband; it has become one of my favorite longarm companions as it is the perfect vessel to hold my clipped threads as I work. And yet, although I find it perfect it was rejected by Mr. Goodneedle because of a flaw. It had cracked along one side after he turned it, he repaired the crack but the "patch" bothered him and he set it aside. Now, it's mine! Isn't this what Paul preached to the Romans in chapter 3, verse 23; "since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"... isn't this bowl, flaws and all, just like us? What is true perfection and who is the judge?
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| Romans 3 verse 24 goes on to say: "they are justified by his grace as a gift"...
It all comes down to grace. I'll continue to work on improving my quilting stitches and on myself, I have faith that I can get better and a new understanding that my idea of perfection simply isn't attainable. I'll never be perfect, nor will my quilts, and that's okay... there's value there. How do I know?
A little bowl, salvaged by grace, serves to remind me!
Life is Good!
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14 comments:
We are definitely our own worst critics. Your work is BEAUTIFUL, as is that of Mr Goodneedle. And of the bazillion other quotes about perfection, I like this one from Edwin Bliss: The pursuit of excellence is gratifying and healthy, the pursuit of perfection is frustrating, neurotic, and a terrible waste of time.
Beautifully shared - what a great illustration!
Flaws make us unique and special .... At least that's what I tell myself when I find a less than perfect part of my quilts. At least it shows it was
Handmade and not made by a machine. I don't know how you LA quilters do it!
i sure know i have....it is comforting not to have to live up to the illusion that i am perfect...
The quilting looks beautiful, and so does the bowl. Most beautiful of all are the thoughts expressed!
A very good illustration of very sound theology!!!
You must have been reading my thoughts this morning as I was perusing some old photos of some of my more adventurous quilting days -- back when I actually was trying to do more freehand quilting instead of relying on pantos......yet another thing to add to my ever expanding list of "to do's..."
That is so cool and such a great idea! And your quilting looks great!
Beautiful!
We are own worst judges I think. Very good posting again, and your quilting is great, and love reading your blog.
Love that little homily. So true. I think it is true, too, that after I allowed myself to be me and accepted that my quilting will never be perfect --it got better. Of course, the practice helps. And so, I now quilt with abandon, enjoying it and being thankful for the opportunity. Oh, and someone else said to repeat your little bobbles here and there. They will look like a design element. :-)
Why are we always seeking perfection and why are we never satisfied with our progress? I think it's because it's the process of improving that brings us the most satisfaction.
I am way behind on reading, but I saw this and just had to comment. Your quilting looks lovely to me!! I don't believe 'perfection' is obtainable. I personally don't see anything that is not quality, so perhaps you should not look so closely, the 'overall' effect is what someone told me that stuck with me. If you have to look that hard at it to find an imperfection, it is great!! My philosophy anyway. I think it is awesome!!!!
You are definitely NOT falling short. I wish I could quilt like your quilting!
Hmm. I think I need a little bowl by my side too (for a reminder and for practical reasons! Too many of my threads go on the floor.)
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