Perfection and Compliments

November 21, 2008

"I quit." "Chill Factor" by Rachel Caine ♦♦♦♦♦

One of the hardest things for me is to NOT point out my (perceived) mistakes. Let's get serious, though. For some of us, the glaring error is only in our own mind and there are zillions of quilters and non-quilters who would be thrilled to reach the level of quality that isn't good enough for "us".

It's really difficult to give myself a break. I have to pay close attention to identify the perfectionist point where my quilting becomes a chore and frustration rather than a creative delight.

Heh.

I don't want to give y'all the wrong impression. I'm a perfectionist but I give myself permission to be NOT perfect. It's a constant adventure, I tell ya. Mild (yet adorable) OC tendencies are probably to blame - but I figure I can fuss and futz to my heart's content UNTIL it ceases to be fun, yanno?

F'r instance, I've commented about how frustrating the Shape Cut thing is to me. That's because I am so particular about accurate cutting. The last time I used the Shape Cut, did I go back and check and trim all of the 400 or so squares I'd cut? No. I "wung it" :snort: on all but the most unusable squares. Some got stretched a smidge, some got eased. Only 3 or 4 got re-cut. I got over myself. (eventually)

I've been told that graciously accepting a compliment is one of the hardest things for humans to do (dogs and cats seem to have no problem with it). Frequently when I compliment someone and they start off on the "if only..." stuff, I rest my hand on their arm and say, "Say thank you. That's all you need to do." (Subtle, ain't I?)

It's particularly hard with my new quilters. I try to remind them that quilting is supposed to be FUN and to assure them that the world will not be irreparably harmed if their intersections or points aren't perfect. At the same time, I'll give hints or tips on how to do their next quilt better. Hopefully the constructive support will influence their way of viewing their work and the work of others, while still encouraging them to grown and improve with each project.

Now I'm off to dig out the storage/guest room in preparation for my mom's visit next week. If I'm not out in two days, send in the dogs...

Labels: babble

permalink 2 Comments:

At 11/21/2008 7:08 PM,  Julie Babbled Back:  

I've been digging out rooms too, in preparation for the onslaught of Thanksgiving guests. It feels so good to make progress!

At 11/22/2008 6:35 AM,  Darcie Babbled Back:  

lol We all have our little quirks and idiosynchrocies, don't we! I've been accused of being a perfectionist all of my life. Sometimes I agree with *them*...sometimes I don't.

And by the way...I love your subtleness. You go girl!

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