Village Squares Quilters & a Reminder

While talking with a friend and shop owner this post from 2014/2017 came up in conversation.

I wrote:

I hereby propose that the word “JUST”
be permanently removed from the Quilters Lexicon.
I’m just a beginner
I’m just a traditional quilter
I’m just a new paper piecer
I’m just
I’m just
I’m just

We are all quilters in the process of learning. There is always something that we will not be Amazing at until we’ve Practiced! Practiced! Practiced! When we’re “Just” this or that we diminish and demoralize ourselves. If we need to say “I’m a newer quilter” or “I’m new to machine quilting” Great! That opens a realm of possibility!

Let’s be Quilters!

Saying, “I’m a beginner” states where you are as a quilter. It is enough.
Saying, “I’m learning” leaves us open to potential new ideas. It is good.
Saying, “I need help” offers other the opportunity to offer suggestions, leaving you free to choose what will work for you.
Saying, “I need to think about this” says that the possibilities are overwhelming and time to think is necessary. This is great.
Saying, “This is a new technique for me” allows room to make mistakes, and learn how to fix ’em.
Saying, “I quilt for fun” is the best expression of quilt making ever. In this there is room for seams that are a bit off, and quilting stitches that are a little less than consistent.
Saying, “I love quilting” says this is my happy place, a source of joy.
Saying, “I love quilting” says I’m grateful for wrapping my family and friends in love.
Saying, “I love quilting” says I can refrain from comparing myself to other quilters because they are as unique as I am.
Saying, “Just” closes the door.

Fling open the doors, be who you are, You are enough.

I still say that we as quilters, as women should refrain from justifying phrases. While chatting with this shop owner I referred to myself as “low maintenance”, and was somewhat surprised that she took exception to this phrase. As we talked about this we used phrases like “self sufficient” and “secure” that better describe and are uplifting rather than denigrating ways of speaking about ourselves.
I don’t know about you however I have a tendency of pulling back, of wanting to be a wall-flower, of hiding the skills I do have. In part because I’ve watched, women attack other women in their success. I’ve also been on the receiving end, it wasn’t pleasant and makes me hesitant to share good things that I’ve worked hard to achieve or are hard won bits of knowledge.

thank you!

I want to thank the Village Squares Quilters for inviting me to share the “Needles, Thread, and Tension Oh My” lecture. We had a great time, and I’ll be going back for a free motion machine quilting class. Being with this group of women is a source of encouragement for me.

Happy Quilting,

Teri