When I make something (whether I’m writing, sewing, knitting, or drawing), it’s easy to get caught up in what others will think. I see the flaws — the awkward wording, the mismatched points, the uneven decreases, the distorted proportions — and assume everyone else will see the same things and hate the finished product because of them. But that’s not how it works.
I just finished a quilt that is simple, about as basic as my quilting can get. When I gave it to my friend as a gift, I was embarrassed, sure she would think it was boring and plain. To my astonishment, she adores it. She loves the colors and is so happy to have this hand-made gift. She sees it with different eyes, with a different heart.
While I’m pleasantly surprised by her response, the most important thing about this is the reminder that I do not decide the value of my work. I must simply make the things I am compelled to make and send them out into the world. After that, destiny decides.
