Another thought..... My mom, who was 100% Dutch started to make quilts when she was in her 50s. Some of her quilt friends would give her shade because she hand pieced, hand appliqued, and hand quilted. Some were bold and told her she must have no life to spend all the time with hand work. Sometimes she felt really bad about it, especially when some of these woman had a new quilt to show every month. She began to doubt her work. She kept doing her hand work because it is what she loved. Soon she found better friends. By the time she was in her 80s, she had a large circle of lovely friends who mostly did hand work. I treasure her quilts. I am doing a lot of hand work myself now..... a yoyo coverlet, epp hexagon flowers, and sampler blocks. I am learning about Dutch quilts. I love you videos!
Mary You are Awesome! I just started quilting at age 55 just couple years ago-self taught off RUclips. I make quilts for my family and extended family. A lot of them are truly awful- points not lined up, creases in back-one looked completely wonky and seemed to be coming apart! I honestly don't care I LOVE TO QUILT. I am not very good at it (but I am getting better) I sew almost everyday and it is the best hobby and past time I have ever encountered. My family brags on my quilts like they are the Mona Lisa, they honestly think they are wonderful . I love the person (I cant remember who) who said if the mistake doesnt show up when you squint while walking by it's fine. I am proud of my silly quilts they are an exercise in self acceptance and imperfection. If I ever encounter the quilt police I will think of you, Smile and walk away-
I just started quilting a few years ago at the age of 40 through you tube videos as well. My Mom had made me a beautiful quilt when I was young and my interest was always there but starting was intimidating. But I'm so glad I started to dive into the process. Quilting is so much fun! And I don't follow patterns because then there is no pressure that my quilt has to look like a picture. My quilts can look the way I want them to.😉
I’m blessed, like you, in that my family, friends and neighbours love my quilts (even though points often aren’t there etc) and argue who is going to get one next. Perhaps as quilting is more rare in the UK, but growing in popularity.
@@jenniewren9351 I’m new to quilting and am 67 and have returned to sewing during first UK Lockdown. My family are so proud of the way I’ve just ‘gone for it’ that they’ve bought me a better sewing machine as encouragement. I am blessed!
“Oh... you’re using teal and that orange AND a floral? Hm” Yes Gertrude, I move in spaces and colors you can not comprehend in your early 90s pastel floral monotony.
I’m a beginner. I promised a charity two quilts by Christmas, and the coordinator knew I was in a final push. After I donated the quilts, she emailed me to say that I’d made a pucker in the backing while quilting one of them, and she could show me how to stop doing that for next time. I asked for the quilt to be returned to me. It was suddenly good enough for her to keep it. I will find another charity for donating quilts. This is the only Quilt Police I’ve encountered. Everyone else in this community has been so kind and helpful. I look forward to joining a guild once the plague is under control.
Love this video. And Mary, you aren't "too" sensitive. You are sensitive. I was called "too" sensitive my entire life only too learn that there are distinct differences between sensitive and not as sensitive people. I feel physical pain differently, I feel emotional pain differently, I hear things differently, I taste things differently. All are ok. We are needed in the world, especially now. Wear your sensitivity proudly...we need you!
I made a kaleidoscope quilt once with purples, golds, greens, and all sorts of patterns. The quilt police told me at every step that my colors were garish. Once it was stitched together I asked each of them, have you ever actually looked thru a kaleidoscope? Then they got it. I didn't care what they thought, I was working on MY vision of what the quilt was supposed to look like. It was then I threw out all the rules and quilted just for me.
OMG!! I fucking love you! I loved you on PBS and I love you still today! I grew up with the life police and the quilt police should not be tolerated. You’re so right about both the life police and the quilt police. Keep up the excellent work!
I have always and will always do my best to say something nice about other’s work. It might not be a style or design I like, but I will tell the creator something affirming about their block, quilt, etc. I personally avoided starting quilting because I had this idea in my head that all sewing, piecing, etc. had to be hand done with teeny tiny even stitches made by hand, and my hand stitching is not that great. Now I know, it can be done a million different ways, by hand, by machine, however it makes you happy.
I've been told I'm not a "real" quilter because I don't use a long arm. I quilt by hand, the way I was taught over 50 years ago. I do alot of piecing by hand, I find it easier to do so with my job I drive an eighteen wheeler. Occasionally I'll piece by machine when I go home and I feel like I'm cheating.
A couple of years ago my neighbor lost his mother. I asked him if he’d consider allowing me to make him a memory bear and I dashed in the house to grab one I had finished to show him. He was so uncomfortable until he saw it up close (he’s practically blind) and he sighed with relief. He complimented my bear and was very impressed with my work but then he expressed how nervous he was about what he would say if he hadn’t been so impressed with my work!😳 I never thought about it like that. I put him on the spot! You can tell when someone is disingenuous as they are complimenting your work but the danger is in the inference of what they are articulating and/or the weight their opinion has on how we feel about our work. My husband often criticizes my quilts. I am blue and he is orange. We are opposites on the color wheel but we compliment each other. I love to quilt my quilts to death! That is my style, but it’s not his. I can decide to take offense at his opinion or I can focus on how much he’s invested in my art. If someone isn’t giving you positive feedback regarding your work it either falls in the useful or un-useful category. If you can grow from it take it. If you can’t , discard it. There are often people that are just miserable and don’t know how not to be. Please don’t give their opinion weight. Instead hope they find joy. It must suck to live a joyless life. After all, that’s why we quilt!
I’ve never joined a guild because all the quilters I met when I was starting out were so rude. I just didn’t feel the need to pay a fee to have people be rude to me. Now I know they were just self appointed quilt police. I’ve got a thicker skin and a sharper tongue now, so they don’t bother me any more.
I’m so glad I watched this because I was just learning English Paper Piecing and I thought “There has to be a cheat method for this!” Turns out it’s not cheating to be innovative and the quilt was for myself, so who cares! Thank you! Great video
Loved the raw edge quilt comment. I bow to those little tiny cutters who painstakingly snip away! I personally won't attempt because of the tiny twists and turns, but I applaud those who do.
Yeah, I'm done with large quilting groups for the reasons you mentioned. I sew with a couple handpicked friends and my daughter now. I'm so sorry to hear about the negative experiences you had. Luckily you have a great Mom and real quilt fans of your own now.
I love you, Mary Fons! I have been so intimidated by the “quilt police!” I have even completely changed a quilt after the “are you really going to….?” And I hated the quilt and never finished it! Thank you for legitimizing ignoring them! I feel free!!!!
The best video ever! Hair....Oh, babe...natural curly, super thick, and live in humidity. I feel your pain with hair problems, and people's comments about it. I do a lot of tiny pieces and meticulous work. I always hear (with a smirk) "That's too much trouble, but you can give it to me when you are done". Um...NO. My favorite is being at the fabric store and waiting for my fabric to be cut. Someone will ask what I am making, and I answer "a quilt". "But...you don't look like a quilter!". What the what does a quilter look like? Should I be dressed different, is my hair not right? Traditional, non traditional, hand, machine, whatever. The point is in the creating and the joy, and that is all that matters. Life is too short to be anything but happy.
Another good piece. My friends and I joke about the quilt police all the time. I am hooked up with several quilting forums on Facebook, and someone is always posting something, either to just show it, or ask for opinions. I have to say, the feedback is nearly always positive. The old crank who weighs in negatively usually gets shot down. The old saying: "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" often comes to mind. Quilters seem to follow that Golden Rule, and I love that! A comment on the hair: I am a twice cancer survivor and I no longer have the thick and lush head of hair I sported for 48 years. I love your hair! Just accept that you have it and go from there! LOL! Thanks, Mary!
Hello Mary, just watched you with Karen Brown. Totally enjoyed listening what you are up to. I look forward to reading Quilt Folk each quarter. I would love to be entered in a chance to win Quilt Folk coffee table book. Thanks Sonia
I have never once thought about your hair except that you had hair, even when we were on the boat in Savannah! Thank you so much for just being yourself helpin us develop 💜
I laughed so hard at your last comment!! I have always marched to my own personal drummer with everything in life... including quilt making. I do what I like and avoid the negative people as much as possible.
To me, there is no such thing as an ugly quilt. Every quilt is magic because someone made it. I also think finishing a quilt is an amazing skill in itself.
Fantastic! Love your opinion. I encountered the quilt police this week and they have no idea how that made me feel, or how it changed my opinion and respect for them. Thank you Mary xxxx And I have always a thought you look really chic!
Thank you. You are a breath of fresh air in the quilting world. Listening to you made me realize why I shy away from quild meetings. Most quilters are generous and helpful but the rule followers seem to be the ones who never miss a meeting. That said The one good thing about covid is that so much is online and you can post or not post w8hen taking a class online. Mary keep these videos coming. And so glad you did the interview with Karen Brown.
Mary, you are so precious and beautiful! There is nothing wrong with your hair and never has been anything wrong with it! It is beautiful, shiny, and healthy and looks wonderful on you no matter how you have it combed (or not combed as you say😁). You are so delightful and a real person - not phoney at all - which makes you so endearing! I've loved watching your Mom and Liz as well as you through the years. I'm so glad I found you on RUclips. You are as pretty as ever and still delightful! Blessings to you!!! 🤗🤗♥️
I was victimized by one of these. Well known charity too. They actually refused my quilt and insisted I pay full market value for materials. Brutal and very hurtful.
I am new to your channel! I found you by Karen at Just Get it Done Quilts! I love this video and let me tell ya....It just has to do with manners. If you want to wear a sweater, wear one! Your hair is just fine...You should see mine OMG lol. I think that mean thing is everywhere. I play guitar and I actually stopped because of the rudeness that I got from people. of course....these are usually people who can't play, but it still sucked. As far as the quilts go, I have never put one in a show, but I do know every single one I have ever made, my daughter gives me the ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh mom that is awesomes!! And that makes me happy!! Anywho, hello from Phoenix, AZ!! Love the channel and totally subscribed!!
Mary, I am so glad to be getting to know you lately. I confess, as a newish quilter who first encountered you through reruns of your PBS shows with your mother, I was not sympathetic at first. I thought you must be a super-entitled spoiled brat because you had inherited your mother's fame. But ... as I've gotten to know you through your interview with Karen Brown and now through some of your own videos, I see your kindness and generosity and hear your unique creative voice, and I'm reminded to be less judgmental.
You are not too sensitive. You simply have the ability to read people and read between the lines as well. Too many people do not have that ability. If you were too sensitive, you would really care what these people thought and probably ball your eyes out at each recognition of implied imperfection. What I see in you is someone who sees true colors in people and has the backbone to be OK with whatever is thrown your way because you know who you are. Knowing who you are and not having a problem with it is one of the greatest accomplishments a person can gain in this life. In addition to this, I must pose a question to all of the folks freaking out about machine quilting. If I call you from my cell phone and tell you some pertinent information , does it mean that you should ignore it because I used improved technology to get that info to you? Does it only count if I walk six miles barefoot uphill in the snow to complete the task? I love this video and you are pretty awesome too!
Thanks for this! It was awesome. I’ve met a few of those people in my 20 years of quilting and I Hope was never one myself 😬😳. By the way I always liked your hair and what you did with it and I’ve followed you for years 😊
There are a lot of unhappy, mean people in this world. Don't let them steal your happiness. A lot of times, they are jealous, or just downright mean. Or are not happy with their own life. Sometimes people just get kicks upsetting other people. Sometimes they are just bored. I don't understand it either. Just be you, there's only 1. Also, if you know Jesus, Let your light shine!!! :)
After quilting several years I made an antique pickle dish variation of double wedding ring. It took me 2 years to make and I tried very hard to get the points just right. It was in colors to match my bedroom. I entered it in the county fair. The only comment on the judging sheet that was positive-ish was it was interesting color choices. Never again will I enter a competition!
I made a wonky log cabin quilt (on purpose) and hung it in our guild's quilt show. A lot of people just bypassed it and others thought it was fun. A couple of ladies said "It looks like Little House on the Prairie - winter is coming and I have to get this quilt done!" I could have been offended but I thought "YES! That's what I intended it to look like! Incidentally, my husband didn't like it at first until we brought it up to our wonky 80 year old cabin. Now he gets it and it's his favourite napping quilt.
You are the absolute BEST! You were the very first quilting video series (quilty) I found on RUclips when I first started quilting about 10 years ago. I binged watched all of your episodes over and over. Being relatively close in age, I loved listening to you, your hair, your quilts, your jokes, and everything else about you. You are so down to earth and relatable. That’s what I love about you the most. I cried when you left Quilty to pursue other adventures, but I was so happy for you. We all need to grow. I’m glad to see you back on RUclips.
Great video! Thanks for sharing. I think there’s a s style and method for everyone. ( I like more modern styles and less country, but I love when someone takes an old block and makes it modern. It’s also why I loved Quilty magazine) And it may not be your style, but the work and time that goes into a quilt should be understood by anyone who has ever made one, and there’s always something positive that can be said.
For the record, I adore your hair lol I have the blond (white now shhhh) equivalent. Working from home today and youtube chose you after watching a Just Get It Done. Ive watched the myths one you did (SUPER!) I will promise to never become or have ever been a Quilt Police (mostly cuz they make me cry, my motto in life is don't make people cry) . :)
What's not to like about you???? I never noticed anything about your hair. You share quilt stories, quilts, techniques, shows, your quilt making experiences. So much to love right there. I appreciate all of you efforts and expertise, from Paper Girl to Fons & Porter, to your IG to RUclips. Ignore the haters. Easier said than done-I know. But if they are talking about you, they may just be jealous, which I know, is terrible. Keep up the great things you do and know that so many of us support you and appreciate you.
In preschool we call those teachers The Poopy Face Lady or The Lamination Lady. If you are not having fun and are not willing to admit to your challenges, why are you still here? Innovation and creativity!! I am not great at either, but I make what I like!!
Great video - thank you!! In my experience quilt policing comes from insecurity. Some of the 'best' quilters (technically and artistically brilliant, internationally known) I have met are the biggest champions for the work of others. The police are too busy judging others to sew themselves - and are not confident about their own quilts so choose to pull down other people. I won a (fairly big) competition once and two people I knew told me what was wrong with my winning quilt. I hadn't asked. I just laughed. They hadn't even entered.
You taught me how to guilt years ago Mary. I think I’ve watched all your shows. Didn’t know you were back until seeing you on Karen’s show. Love your new talks. Keep them coming. I too was told my whole life that I was too sensitive. Love from🇨🇦
I used to scrapbook, and we had the same police in those circles. Gasp! You’re not using all acid-free products!?! (Clutches pearls) Fortunately, some well-known designer/leaders in the industry spread the “It All Counts” philosophy and it really helped everyone calm down and realize that there are so many different ways to document your story. Maybe you can help spread the same message in the quilt world. It all counts, and all styles, techniques, methods, colors are welcome!
I loved seeing your hair on Quilty. You clipped it and braided it.. I do the same and find it adorable! 😉 Thanks for talking about this. I LOVE every quilt I’ve completed, even if they weren’t perfect. That’s okay though, I’m having fun and learned a lot. 💜
You're awesome! You should know that, and BTW I really really wanna learn how to make an applique quilt, like the one I saw you has recently made on another video!! It's had thee cutest animals ever and words... A Dog🐶 or wolf.🐕. It was one of these single best works or art in a quilt that I have ever seen!! It, was raw and real and so beautifully perfectly imperfect!! I was so taken aback, if I could make just ONE that good, I'd been on happy quilter!!! Thank you for sharing, I will no be able to spot and avoid them nasty quilt police... oh yeah I just remembered, I think it was your covid quilt?? Btw you are so very talented, and such a beautiful soul, inside and out... And WTF, I LOVE YOUR HAIR,, TRUTHFULLY I'VE ALWAYS BEEN JUST A LITTLE BIT JEALOUS CUZ IT'S ALWAYS SO COOL 😎. MUCH LOVE 💗 MANY PRAYERS 🙏 JENNIFER FROM BAKERSFIELD CA
I love watching quilt tutorials from all over the world: Korean, of course US, South American, Usbekistan, Russian, Indian, Turkish tutorials. All are different, all are beautiful - so what is right or wrong?
You may never read this but, you are awesome and made me laugh with you at your glorious turn of phase. Keep being you and sharing and quilting. Fast friends, Sew On 🤟 Positive Threads
Awesome! So glad you're back. Quilt police be damned. As TQM says it's only fabric and it's only thread. I make quilts for others but I dont quilt for them. I quilt for me, so the persnickety comments people make are useless to me. Quilt because you love to quilt, not to pass some quilt Gestapo test. (:
Does anybody have good hair in the decade, I know a year but it feels like a decade, of Covid? I’ve had two professional haircuts in the last year, and for someone who is picky about their hair, ME, that is torture. And don’t talk about my grey roots or I really will deck you. The quilt police I can ignore but the hair police now they just piss me off.
My MIL was the police over how I raise my child. When she was a young mother she buckled her children to the potty chair until they pooped and leashed them to the clothesline pole to keep them in the yard. Hee hee hee!!!.
I'm not trying to be the quilt police here, but I think your quilt at 4:29 is misattributed. The quilt pictured is "Going Up" by Stephanie Skardal. Loving your content!
Another thought..... My mom, who was 100% Dutch started to make quilts when she was in her 50s. Some of her quilt friends would give her shade because she hand pieced, hand appliqued, and hand quilted. Some were bold and told her she must have no life to spend all the time with hand work. Sometimes she felt really bad about it, especially when some of these woman had a new quilt to show every month. She began to doubt her work. She kept doing her hand work because it is what she loved. Soon she found better friends. By the time she was in her 80s, she had a large circle of lovely friends who mostly did hand work. I treasure her quilts. I am doing a lot of hand work myself now..... a yoyo coverlet, epp hexagon flowers, and sampler blocks. I am learning about Dutch quilts.
I love you videos!
My mom knits socks and is often asked why she doesn't buy cheaper socks....
Mary You are Awesome! I just started quilting at age 55 just couple years ago-self taught off RUclips. I make quilts for my family and extended family. A lot of them are truly awful- points not lined up, creases in back-one looked completely wonky and seemed to be coming apart! I honestly don't care I LOVE TO QUILT. I am not very good at it (but I am getting better) I sew almost everyday and it is the best hobby and past time I have ever encountered. My family brags on my quilts like they are the Mona Lisa, they honestly think they are wonderful . I love the person (I cant remember who) who said if the mistake doesnt show up when you squint while walking by it's fine. I am proud of my silly quilts they are an exercise in self acceptance and imperfection. If I ever encounter the quilt police I will think of you, Smile and walk away-
I just started quilting a few years ago at the age of 40 through you tube videos as well. My Mom had made me a beautiful quilt when I was young and my interest was always there but starting was intimidating. But I'm so glad I started to dive into the process. Quilting is so much fun! And I don't follow patterns because then there is no pressure that my quilt has to look like a picture. My quilts can look the way I want them to.😉
Yes, Iam just starting to use patterns after 3 years.
I’m blessed, like you, in that my family, friends and neighbours love my quilts (even though points often aren’t there etc) and argue who is going to get one next. Perhaps as quilting is more rare in the UK, but growing in popularity.
@@jenniewren9351 I’m new to quilting and am 67 and have returned to sewing during first UK Lockdown. My family are so proud of the way I’ve just ‘gone for it’ that they’ve bought me a better sewing machine as encouragement. I am blessed!
@@seasidestitches615 yes you are! Enjoy your machine!
“Oh... you’re using teal and that orange AND a floral? Hm”
Yes Gertrude, I move in spaces and colors you can not comprehend in your early 90s pastel floral monotony.
Taste and colour combinations are very individual, and that is ok so.
I’m a beginner. I promised a charity two quilts by Christmas, and the coordinator knew I was in a final push. After I donated the quilts, she emailed me to say that I’d made a pucker in the backing while quilting one of them, and she could show me how to stop doing that for next time. I asked for the quilt to be returned to me. It was suddenly good enough for her to keep it. I will find another charity for donating quilts. This is the only Quilt Police I’ve encountered. Everyone else in this community has been so kind and helpful. I look forward to joining a guild once the plague is under control.
My husband commented on my points not being perfect once.
Just once.
Just once....hehehehe
😂😂😂
You are obviously a patient and forgiving person, Beth Gilmer, because you described him as your husband and not your ex-husband. :)
Does he write?
@@amyedmans4894 yes? He reads too?
Love this video. And Mary, you aren't "too" sensitive. You are sensitive. I was called "too" sensitive my entire life only too learn that there are distinct differences between sensitive and not as sensitive people. I feel physical pain differently, I feel emotional pain differently, I hear things differently, I taste things differently. All are ok. We are needed in the world, especially now. Wear your sensitivity proudly...we need you!
And why should we be stoic about ass-holery?
Same, it’s the reason I don’t have too much contact with my family, get tired of not being good enough.
I love that - We are needed in this world - especially now - I completely agree.
People who claim that someone is 'too sensitive' sure don't like the tables being turned. Funny, isn't it?
I made a kaleidoscope quilt once with purples, golds, greens, and all sorts of patterns. The quilt police told me at every step that my colors were garish. Once it was stitched together I asked each of them, have you ever actually looked thru a kaleidoscope? Then they got it. I didn't care what they thought, I was working on MY vision of what the quilt was supposed to look like. It was then I threw out all the rules and quilted just for me.
I would love to see this quilt! 💜
Stony silence is a good weapon for us when someone offers an unsolicited critical comment. Don't get defensive!
I think making a quilt is a awesome endeavor! Quilt police? Who would want all quilts looking the same?
OMG!! I fucking love you! I loved you on PBS and I love you still today! I grew up with the life police and the quilt police should not be tolerated. You’re so right about both the life police and the quilt police. Keep up the excellent work!
Same here, I don’t spend time with people like this anymore, life is too short.
Me too!
I’m my own quilt police! You’re a breath of fresh air Mary. Love listening to you and watching you...🇦🇺
I have always and will always do my best to say something nice about other’s work. It might not be a style or design I like, but I will tell the creator something affirming about their block, quilt, etc.
I personally avoided starting quilting because I had this idea in my head that all sewing, piecing, etc. had to be hand done with teeny tiny even stitches made by hand, and my hand stitching is not that great. Now I know, it can be done a million different ways, by hand, by machine, however it makes you happy.
The one thumb down was by someone who is a policeman/woman!!!!!! Loved this and yes, I’ve REALLY experienced the quilt police! Thank you!XO
I’m the only quilter in my family. I’m starting a tradition 🤞 All my sisters are supportive. The thought of the quilt police sounds demoralizing.
Love your videos Mary! I don’t care what others think of my quilts. If I love them that’s all that matters!
I've been told I'm not a "real" quilter because I don't use a long arm. I quilt by hand, the way I was taught over 50 years ago. I do alot of piecing by hand, I find it easier to do so with my job I drive an eighteen wheeler. Occasionally I'll piece by machine when I go home and I feel like I'm cheating.
My quilting is done by hand...just my personal preference. I admire anyone who pieces by hand...I am not that patient.
A couple of years ago my neighbor lost his mother. I asked him if he’d consider allowing me to make him a memory bear and I dashed in the house to grab one I had finished to show him.
He was so uncomfortable until he saw it up close (he’s practically blind) and he sighed with relief. He complimented my bear and was very impressed with my work but then he expressed how nervous he was about what he would say if he hadn’t been so impressed with my work!😳 I never thought about it like that. I put him on the spot! You can tell when someone is disingenuous as they are complimenting your work but the danger is in the inference of what they are articulating and/or the weight their opinion has on how we feel about our work. My husband often criticizes my quilts. I am blue and he is orange. We are opposites on the color wheel but we compliment each other. I love to quilt my quilts to death! That is my style, but it’s not his. I can decide to take offense at his opinion or I can focus on how much he’s invested in my art. If someone isn’t giving you positive feedback regarding your work it either falls in the useful or un-useful category. If you can grow from it take it. If you can’t , discard it.
There are often people that are just miserable and don’t know how not to be. Please don’t give their opinion weight. Instead hope they find joy. It must suck to live a joyless life. After all, that’s why we quilt!
Great thoughts (especially your final sentence)! And I think your hair is adorable! 😊
I left a quilt guild after a few months when I found it was teaming with quilt police. ( I called them quilt snobs at the time.!
I’ve never joined a guild because all the quilters I met when I was starting out were so rude. I just didn’t feel the need to pay a fee to have people be rude to me. Now I know they were just self appointed quilt police. I’ve got a thicker skin and a sharper tongue now, so they don’t bother me any more.
I have heard most of these rude comments at guild meetings. It hurts even more if it is the small group of "friends" meeting weekly.
Yes, 2020 is the beginning of a new quilt revival. Let's embrace the wonky quilts, and imperfections, because we all need some outlet and warmth.
I’m so glad I watched this because I was just learning English Paper Piecing and I thought “There has to be a cheat method for this!” Turns out it’s not cheating to be innovative and the quilt was for myself, so who cares!
Thank you! Great video
Loved the raw edge quilt comment. I bow to those little tiny cutters who painstakingly snip away! I personally won't attempt because of the tiny twists and turns, but I applaud those who do.
Yeah, I'm done with large quilting groups for the reasons you mentioned. I sew with a couple handpicked friends and my daughter now. I'm so sorry to hear about the negative experiences you had. Luckily you have a great Mom and real quilt fans of your own now.
I love you, Mary Fons! I have been so intimidated by the “quilt police!” I have even completely changed a quilt after the “are you really going to….?” And I hated the quilt and never finished it! Thank you for legitimizing ignoring them! I feel free!!!!
The best video ever! Hair....Oh, babe...natural curly, super thick, and live in humidity. I feel your pain with hair problems, and people's comments about it. I do a lot of tiny pieces and meticulous work. I always hear (with a smirk) "That's too much trouble, but you can give it to me when you are done". Um...NO. My favorite is being at the fabric store and waiting for my fabric to be cut. Someone will ask what I am making, and I answer "a quilt". "But...you don't look like a quilter!". What the what does a quilter look like? Should I be dressed different, is my hair not right? Traditional, non traditional, hand, machine, whatever. The point is in the creating and the joy, and that is all that matters. Life is too short to be anything but happy.
Another good piece. My friends and I joke about the quilt police all the time. I am hooked up with several quilting forums on Facebook, and someone is always posting something, either to just show it, or ask for opinions. I have to say, the feedback is nearly always positive. The old crank who weighs in negatively usually gets shot down. The old saying: "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" often comes to mind. Quilters seem to follow that Golden Rule, and I love that! A comment on the hair: I am a twice cancer survivor and I no longer have the thick and lush head of hair I sported for 48 years. I love your hair! Just accept that you have it and go from there! LOL! Thanks, Mary!
Just tell them to "Suck it!! I'm Creative"
Hello Mary, just watched you with Karen Brown. Totally enjoyed listening what you are up to. I look forward to reading Quilt Folk each quarter. I would love to be entered in a chance to win Quilt Folk coffee table book. Thanks Sonia
I have never once thought about your hair except that you had hair, even when we were on the boat in Savannah!
Thank you so much for just being yourself helpin us develop 💜
I laughed so hard at your last comment!! I have always marched to my own personal drummer with everything in life... including quilt making. I do what I like and avoid the negative people as much as possible.
To me, there is no such thing as an ugly quilt. Every quilt is magic because someone made it. I also think finishing a quilt is an amazing skill in itself.
Fantastic! Love your opinion. I encountered the quilt police this week and they have no idea how that made me feel, or how it changed my opinion and respect for them. Thank you Mary xxxx And I have always a thought you look really chic!
“It sticks around”. Why I love quilts, too!
Thank you. You are a breath of fresh air in the quilting world. Listening to you made me realize why I shy away from quild meetings. Most quilters are generous and helpful but the rule followers seem to be the ones who never miss a meeting. That said The one good thing about covid is that so much is online and you can post or not post w8hen taking a class online. Mary keep these videos coming. And so glad you did the interview with Karen Brown.
Mary, you are so precious and beautiful! There is nothing wrong with your hair and never has been anything wrong with it! It is beautiful, shiny, and healthy and looks wonderful on you no matter how you have it combed (or not combed as you say😁). You are so delightful and a real person - not phoney at all - which makes you so endearing! I've loved watching your Mom and Liz as well as you through the years. I'm so glad I found you on RUclips. You are as pretty as ever and still delightful! Blessings to you!!! 🤗🤗♥️
Mary, you are a treasure. You are welcoming, encouraging and positive to quilters, new and not-so-new.
Your approach to quilt vlogging is awesome! Honest quilting experiences. I'm a huge fan. Please keep it up. Everything you do is beautiful :)
I was victimized by one of these. Well known charity too. They actually refused my quilt and insisted I pay full market value for materials. Brutal and very hurtful.
Mary, I've loved you and your attitude for so long. This really drove it home - thank you for being the awesome you you are!
Mary touché!!!
Being a newbie the Police really hurt. Just give them back the fickle finger of fate. In your mind and just enjoy your time and quilts.
I do what makes me happy!
Whaaat?? Girl, I love your hair! Anyone who disagrees can die mad about it.
This made me laugh, so true! I have met some quilt police (maybe you should have used a design wall).
I am new to your channel! I found you by Karen at Just Get it Done Quilts! I love this video and let me tell ya....It just has to do with manners. If you want to wear a sweater, wear one! Your hair is just fine...You should see mine OMG lol. I think that mean thing is everywhere. I play guitar and I actually stopped because of the rudeness that I got from people. of course....these are usually people who can't play, but it still sucked. As far as the quilts go, I have never put one in a show, but I do know every single one I have ever made, my daughter gives me the ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh mom that is awesomes!! And that makes me happy!! Anywho, hello from Phoenix, AZ!! Love the channel and totally subscribed!!
Mary, I am so glad to be getting to know you lately. I confess, as a newish quilter who first encountered you through reruns of your PBS shows with your mother, I was not sympathetic at first. I thought you must be a super-entitled spoiled brat because you had inherited your mother's fame. But ... as I've gotten to know you through your interview with Karen Brown and now through some of your own videos, I see your kindness and generosity and hear your unique creative voice, and I'm reminded to be less judgmental.
Hear, hear Mary, I agree with every word! Even the last one! Hahaha xxxxxxx
Please turn your volume up.
You are not too sensitive. You simply have the ability to read people and read between the lines as well. Too many people do not have that ability. If you were too sensitive, you would really care what these people thought and probably ball your eyes out at each recognition of implied imperfection. What I see in you is someone who sees true colors in people and has the backbone to be OK with whatever is thrown your way because you know who you are. Knowing who you are and not having a problem with it is one of the greatest accomplishments a person can gain in this life. In addition to this, I must pose a question to all of the folks freaking out about machine quilting. If I call you from my cell phone and tell you some pertinent information , does it mean that you should ignore it because I used improved technology to get that info to you? Does it only count if I walk six miles barefoot uphill in the snow to complete the task? I love this video and you are pretty awesome too!
Thanks for this! It was awesome. I’ve met a few of those people in my 20 years of quilting and I Hope was never one myself 😬😳. By the way I always liked your hair and what you did with it and I’ve followed you for years 😊
There are a lot of unhappy, mean people in this world. Don't let them steal your happiness. A lot of times, they are jealous, or just downright mean. Or are not happy with their own life. Sometimes people just get kicks upsetting other people. Sometimes they are just bored. I don't understand it either. Just be you, there's only 1. Also, if you know Jesus, Let your light shine!!! :)
Right on target! Please consider posting to Rumble - we need good quilt people over there!
I like MeWe..
@@jackietucker8942 I like that as well. I’d like to get away from RUclips altogether.
THIS WAS AWESOME! You are the only quilt person I know that would Gucci Mane in their video LOL . Love you and your videos. Keep them coming!
After quilting several years I made an antique pickle dish variation of double wedding ring. It took me 2 years to make and I tried very hard to get the points just right. It was in colors to match my bedroom. I entered it in the county fair. The only comment on the judging sheet that was positive-ish was it was interesting color choices. Never again will I enter a competition!
Welcome back to the fold Mary.....I just decided to do a you tube search with your name and am excited you're making
I made a wonky log cabin quilt (on purpose) and hung it in our guild's quilt show. A lot of people just bypassed it and others thought it was fun. A couple of ladies said "It looks like Little House on the Prairie - winter is coming and I have to get this quilt done!" I could have been offended but I thought "YES! That's what I intended it to look like! Incidentally, my husband didn't like it at first until we brought it up to our wonky 80 year old cabin. Now he gets it and it's his favourite napping quilt.
You are the absolute BEST! You were the very first quilting video series (quilty) I found on RUclips when I first started quilting about 10 years ago. I binged watched all of your episodes over and over. Being relatively close in age, I loved listening to you, your hair, your quilts, your jokes, and everything else about you. You are so down to earth and relatable. That’s what I love about you the most. I cried when you left Quilty to pursue other adventures, but I was so happy for you. We all need to grow. I’m glad to see you back on RUclips.
Great video! Thanks for sharing. I think there’s a s style and method for everyone. ( I like more modern styles and less country, but I love when someone takes an old block and makes it modern. It’s also why I loved Quilty magazine) And it may not be your style, but the work and time that goes into a quilt should be understood by anyone who has ever made one, and there’s always something positive that can be said.
For the record, I adore your hair lol I have the blond (white now shhhh) equivalent. Working from home today and youtube chose you after watching a Just Get It Done. Ive watched the myths one you did (SUPER!) I will promise to never become or have ever been a Quilt Police (mostly cuz they make me cry, my motto in life is don't make people cry)
. :)
What's not to like about you???? I never noticed anything about your hair. You share quilt stories, quilts, techniques, shows, your quilt making experiences. So much to love right there. I appreciate all of you efforts and expertise, from Paper Girl to Fons & Porter, to your IG to RUclips. Ignore the haters. Easier said than done-I know. But if they are talking about you, they may just be jealous, which I know, is terrible. Keep up the great things you do and know that so many of us support you and appreciate you.
In preschool we call those teachers The Poopy Face Lady or The Lamination Lady. If you are not having fun and are not willing to admit to your challenges, why are you still here? Innovation and creativity!! I am not great at either, but I make what I like!!
Great video - thank you!! In my experience quilt policing comes from insecurity. Some of the 'best' quilters (technically and artistically brilliant, internationally known) I have met are the biggest champions for the work of others. The police are too busy judging others to sew themselves - and are not confident about their own quilts so choose to pull down other people. I won a (fairly big) competition once and two people I knew told me what was wrong with my winning quilt. I hadn't asked. I just laughed. They hadn't even entered.
You are so great, Mary!
You taught me how to guilt years ago Mary. I think I’ve watched all your shows. Didn’t know you were back until seeing you on Karen’s show. Love your new talks. Keep them coming. I too was told my whole life that I was too sensitive. Love from🇨🇦
You’re AMAZING!!
I used to scrapbook, and we had the same police in those circles. Gasp! You’re not using all acid-free products!?! (Clutches pearls)
Fortunately, some well-known designer/leaders in the industry spread the “It All Counts” philosophy and it really helped everyone calm down and realize that there are so many different ways to document your story. Maybe you can help spread the same message in the quilt world. It all counts, and all styles, techniques, methods, colors are welcome!
I love this channel :)
I loved seeing your hair on Quilty. You clipped it and braided it.. I do the same and find it adorable! 😉 Thanks for talking about this. I LOVE every quilt I’ve completed, even if they weren’t perfect. That’s okay though, I’m having fun and learned a lot. 💜
You're awesome! You should know that, and BTW I really really wanna learn how to make an applique quilt, like the one I saw you has recently made on another video!! It's had thee cutest animals ever and words... A Dog🐶 or wolf.🐕. It was one of these single best works or art in a quilt that I have ever seen!! It, was raw and real and so beautifully perfectly imperfect!! I was so taken aback, if I could make just ONE that good, I'd been on happy quilter!!! Thank you for sharing, I will no be able to spot and avoid them nasty quilt police... oh yeah I just remembered, I think it was your covid quilt?? Btw you are so very talented, and such a beautiful soul, inside and out... And WTF, I LOVE YOUR HAIR,, TRUTHFULLY I'VE ALWAYS BEEN JUST A LITTLE BIT JEALOUS CUZ IT'S ALWAYS SO COOL 😎. MUCH LOVE 💗 MANY PRAYERS 🙏 JENNIFER FROM BAKERSFIELD CA
I love watching quilt tutorials from all over the world: Korean, of course US, South American, Usbekistan, Russian, Indian, Turkish tutorials. All are different, all are beautiful - so what is right or wrong?
I love your take on the quilt police and by the way, I love you, hair and all!
OMG how have I just now found this channel....this is amazing
Wow, that silence thing is painful. I guess that’s why I like showing my Quilts on Facebook and IG better than in person. Thanks
Mary, I watched you on TV and thought you were fantastic! And now I love your videos! And your hair!
You may never read this but, you are awesome and made me laugh with you at your glorious turn of phase. Keep being you and sharing and quilting. Fast friends, Sew On 🤟 Positive Threads
I think your hair is great! I am also obsessed with The Fargo TV series.
I have always loved you and your hair and your quilts! And I love you even more now.
I think you are fantastic, thanks for the video. 🇨🇦
Awesome! So glad you're back. Quilt police be damned. As TQM says it's only fabric and it's only thread. I make quilts for others but I dont quilt for them. I quilt for me, so the persnickety comments people make are useless to me. Quilt because you love to quilt, not to pass some quilt Gestapo test. (:
My rule...Play nice in the sandbox!
This was so great!
👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️👏 Gurl... love the video!
My Imperfect quilts are my humble quilts♡
So well said Mary. Thanks for saying it. Life is hard enough! Sod the quilt police!
Loving these videos, Mary!
The vlogbrothers have a version of this about food police - "don't harsh on other people's yums"
Loved this vid - right on!
OMG the last line - love it!
Does anybody have good hair in the decade, I know a year but it feels like a decade, of Covid? I’ve had two professional haircuts in the last year, and for someone who is picky about their hair, ME, that is torture. And don’t talk about my grey roots or I really will deck you. The quilt police I can ignore but the hair police now they just piss me off.
Great video. I love all your videos.
My MIL was the police over how I raise my child. When she was a young mother she buckled her children to the potty chair until they pooped and leashed them to the clothesline pole to keep them in the yard. Hee hee hee!!!.
Yup, me too!
💕💕💕💕 that’s all I have to say, thank you! I feel much better.
I'm not trying to be the quilt police here, but I think your quilt at 4:29 is misattributed. The quilt pictured is "Going Up" by Stephanie Skardal. Loving your content!
Relevant message.......
Great lessons.
I hear you.
I thought the whole point was each quilt is different? There is no right,or wrong way of sewing.
Our canary in the quilt police coal mine!
Love your videos! 😁
Love it ha ha you might be one of them 😅😅😅😅😅 and you are Fabulous Girl