What makes one an "advanced quilter"

[Donna N.]

If you had to define the attributes of the advanced quilter, what words would you use? I've been asked to describe an "advanced quilter" in 20 words or less and need a little help from you. Thanks in advance.

[Donna N.]

Donna,
The first word that comes to mind is experience. Someone who has worked with a variety of blocks and patterns (from simple to complex) and that would include appliqué, paper piecing, hand piecing AND machine etc. Someone who can enlarge a block as well as reduce in order to fit a measurement etc....
This is way over 20 words, but it is what came to mind once I read your post.

Good luck!
Jeanine in the deep freeze of Nova Scotia

[Dawn S.]

Advanced quilter.........someone who can "wow" her viewers so much so, that they feel she is a master.

Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana

[Lorna B.]

That is a good definition, Dawn. I like it,

[Hannelore N.]

That would very much depend on if you ask me about other quilters, or about myself.

The reason: I know a few quilters who would say that they are not advanced but they definitely are (may have something to do with perfectionism and/or lowish self esteem), and then there are the quilters with the big egos who think they are advanced quilters, and behave like they are the best thing since sliced bread, but I look at their work and I don't get it.

Soooooo, I'm not prepared to even try to give a definition because it would end up being much too long for the Forum.

[Nancy R.]

I think an advanced quilter is one that displays a high level of workmanship in their chosen area of quilting. I don't think that a traditional quilter needs to show talent in modern quilts in order to be considered advanced. An advanced quilter just does beautiful work consistently.

[Judith A.]

Nancy said it well. "High level of workmanship" would be a good choice of words for an advanced quilter.

If you could use more words, you could list some examples of things an advanced quilter should be able to do well.

Maybe "high level of workmanship in challenging quilting techniques."

Judith

[Donna N.]

Thanks to all who responded. Your input has been invaluable to my project!

[Renata L.]

I would add that, what resonated with me, from Nancy's comment, was the adverb, "consistently." I believe that high level of workmanship accompanied by the ability to achieve it consistently, produces an advanced quilter. On the other hand, you could say that consistency (which comes from a lot of practice) is what is responsible for a high level of workmanship. I suppose, then, the next question might be, how is that different from a "master quilter" or some label that defines a quilter whose skills go beyond that of an advanced quilter? In the end, all things are relative and bounded by a commonly accepted definition over time...

[Nancy R.]

I don't know what the official guidelines are for when they (who are "they" anyway??) designate someone as a "master quilter", but that is a specific term. In my mind, what would differentiate an "advanced" quilter from a "master" quilter is that a "master" quilter would also have to design their own works. An "advanced" quilter could work from the designs of others. A "master" quilter might also have to use innovative techniques, but that might be pushing it because innovative designs might really be enough (in conjunction with the high level of workmanship). JMHO

[Pat F.]

I sort of like your differentiation, but feel that there has to be more emphasis on superior workmanship. I have seen a lot of original designs that have been compromised by poor workmanship.

[Pat F.]

I just hope when I achieve the title of "advance quilter" or "master quilter" that I am still enjoying the process and the whole purpose of doing it!

[Pat F.]

Interesting question!
Barb