Really, it is! Some people are quilt makers, others are collectors, and some just like to enjoy the beauty and friendship of it all.
A recent blog reader emailed me to tell me that she likes reading my tutorials and learns a lot from them, even if she never makes the quilt. That got me to thinking, I actually subscribe to dozens of quilting magazines, own scores of books and follow too many lots and lots of blogs. But do I make all the quilts I see? Not even a fraction of them!
While it’s true that I usually like to design my own quilts, I absolutely love pouring over tutorials, books, patterns and magazines. Sometimes I just read them for the articles. Other times I love looking at all the deliciously decadent pictures!!
Immersing myself in the culture of quilting satisfies my soul. I remember a sweet elderly lady who attended our local quilting guild for many many years before she passed away. She never even made a quilt or knew how to sew – she was just there for the friendship.
So yes, you have my permission (not like you really need it), that it’s ok to just look at quilts, read tutorials, leave comments on quilt alongs or other blog posts, and never feel a need to make them. That’s fine by me!
Christa Quilts 
I couldn’t agree more with everyone. I enjoy reading the blogs and seeing what other quilters are making. I am hoping to make your string of pearls quilt in the future. However, I am attempting to finish some of my quilt projects before I start new a new quilt. It is so easy to get caught up with enthusiasm when I see fabulous fabric and new patterns but I am trying to be disciplined and finish what I start! My daily work is black and white and my quilting world is my color. Thank you all for adding color to my world and giving me daily inspiration.
Hmmm…sounds like I’m not alone either!
I love browsing blogs and tutorials and I collect quilting books. I will never make all those quilts, nor do I want to! It’s just another way I feed my soul. 🙂
It’s not just me then ?????
I took my first quilt class about 10 years ago. Absolutely love quilting even though I don’t as much as I would like to. However, since I cut the tip of my finger off with my rotary cutter last December, I just can’t work on anything 😦 I still follow blogs, buy mags and books, keep in touch with quilt groups, all in the hope of getting over my fear. In the meantime, I love the constant inspiration and support I get from every one. Some day soon, I hope to actually get started on all things of yours that I have pinned. Thanks for being there 🙂
I’m a beginner and don’t think I’ll ever design my own quilt, I’m more of an instructions follower. I subscribe to several quilting magazines but not sure enough yet to follow their instructions, I feel safer following a blog for a quilt, better pictures & more details I believe.
Following blogs and reading quilt magazines is just like reading cook books. I do both and don’t make quilts (maybe table runners and wall hangings) and sure don’t cook all the recipes that sound good
That’s a great comparison!
I’ve been sewing for 50+ years, but only making quilt tops for the last two. I have found a new love and obsession! and love reading about new methods and absolutely love seeing the beautiful work everyone does. I recently saw Christa’s String of Pearls quilt and MUST make one similar to it. The pattern is gorgeous and I really appreciate Christa sharing it through her blog. I am hooked on the blog and look forward to the updates in my email!
Christa I can agree with as I do the same things with books, tutorials and magazines. I have made a few quilts and bags…but there is one thing that makes this hobby of mine limited. ..BUDGET! SURE l am a bargain shopper but to make those awesome quilts dripp off the page abook or wesite I want to make verses the ones I can make all depends on budget.
To kwilt or not to kwilt…now I need to find my machine buried under all the inspirational ideas! I do make kwilty but my kwilty idea bucket overflows!
Totally agree with you! I do quilt but I don’t have time for lots of it. However, I love browsing blogs etc for inspiration – I have a huge folder on my computer with links to tutorials etc that I will probably never use but love to have!
Love YOU!
This post made me smile inside. My BFF is like this herself, buys magazines, patterns and fabrics but to date has only made 1 quilt. Me personally I couldn’t do that but it is perfectly fine for her. Everyone has the right to indulge in any or all parts of the quilting community that they want. There are no quilting police that will come after them.
That was a very nice post. Some people might not want to follow a flicker album that they don’t participate in so I am glad that you welcome non-quilters to look at your work and enjoy and comment also. It is nice to know what others think of our quilts too even if they aren’t quilters.
Pam Arbour
Well, you write your tuts so well than anyone can pick a tip of two so writing a comment down just shows the appreciation. Plus I like the note about time, that’s great addition just like in cooking book, lol.
Maybe we should all start another group just for hoarders (I mean collectors) of magazines books patterns etc that don’t actually make too many quilts!! The intention is there, & we love the planning but……..Love your blog! Oh I collect those too lol!!
Yes well said. I look at blogs, patterns, tutorials, download heaps of patterns and photos of quilts – I will have to live to 150 years old to do even half of them but it gets me inspired and I do as many as I can as well as have a life and meet my friends at our group, to have a good old chinwag. At least it keeps me busy and wanting to do more and more. You have to have a purpose in life. ha ha.
Well said! I was just an innocent bystander until I saw a quilt in Etsy that I could not live without. But when I looked at the $2000 price tag, I said to myself “self, you can do that!” That was last July. About 30 quilts later, I guess you could say I’m hooked! Love the blog!
You’ve found me out. I hoard fabrics, visit quilting blogs, collect tutorials, patterns, magazines, and quilt along instructions like a religious experience. I enjoy it all and occasionally I even finish a quilt. It’s good to know I’m not alone.