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I can't seem to get started on this quilt!!

I can't seem to get started on this quilt!!

Old 04-08-2012, 06:48 PM
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Unhappy I can't seem to get started on this quilt!!

I don't know what's wrong with me. I have changed patterns 20 gazillion times. Then I'll find one I like, and then convince myself I don't have enough fabric/wrong colors/wrong tools to make it. I've never had this problem before - I think I'm afraid of failing and I haven't even started!!

I keep reminding myself that there are no rules in quilting...but I don't know how to get my feet out of the mud and get going!

I was just wondering if anyone else ever had this problem when they first started....and how do I fix it??

Thanks for listening
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Old 04-08-2012, 06:55 PM
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LOL You could be like me, I finally started two or three things and just can't get inspired so now I am embroidering tea towels. One down, six to go.
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Old 04-08-2012, 07:00 PM
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Set yourself up some project boxes. In each one, start by placing a pattern or inspiration fabric, or whatever. Then build up the boxes by adding additional items needed to complete the project ( coordinating fabrics, notions, THREAD, a journal pad to keep special notes for tension, stitch length, etc). Next, DIG IN! If you need to move from one project to another, then do so. I love having several projects going on...variety is the spice of life.
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Old 04-08-2012, 07:12 PM
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Welcome aboard Nokie ~ Is the quilt 'for' some one special? Or is it just for fun? Are you new to quilting?

We all have gotten stalled in doing our quilts. I myself am taking a break, just finished one for the quilter last week (because it had a deadline for a birthday in May) and I have not been in my sewing room for almost a week. Sometime we stall out because we don't know which pattern/color or for whom. So when I am struggling I usually find myself surfing the web or doing some of my hand sewing.

Don't worry it will pass.
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Old 04-08-2012, 07:15 PM
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Originally Posted by alikat110 View Post
Set yourself up some project boxes. In each one, start by placing a pattern or inspiration fabric, or whatever. Then build up the boxes by adding additional items needed to complete the project ( coordinating fabrics, notions, THREAD, a journal pad to keep special notes for tension, stitch length, etc). Next, DIG IN! If you need to move from one project to another, then do so. I love having several projects going on...variety is the spice of life.
That's a wonderful idea! And - if I ever get all my stuff organized and in order...I'll have extra totes to use just for that reason - thanks!
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Old 04-08-2012, 07:24 PM
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I have the same problem at times. I just have to stop quilting for a while , then when I get back at it, I seem to have more inspiration.
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Old 04-08-2012, 08:54 PM
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I, too, am having trouble actually starting a quilt. I LOVE the research part, acquiring the fabrics and notions parts, collecting the machines (HeHe) part and making lists of what i want to start with...then it's as if the "mood" just leaves me...then I stress over it...A HOBBY, for goodness sake!! I don't know if this is a hangup I have or a residual of when I was first married, my Ex would put me down for starting a project and not finishing it...thing is, it was just this one project that he kept bringing up....it didn't matter that I made all my clothes and even clothes for my mother...it was that darn fabric painting piece on velvet no less that I never got finished!! Even now when I think about a UFO (mostly in my embroidery pile), I get major stressed out and since the EX is totally EX'ed, I know this shouldn't bother me!!
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Old 04-08-2012, 09:13 PM
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I usualy see a pattern and can't wait to start work on it. If I have more than one, I just add the others to my massive bucket list to do later. That seems to help and I have a list to consult if I hit a dry spell.
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Old 04-08-2012, 09:18 PM
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If you have any UFO's try finishing one of those.
Next get into your sewing area and tidy it up. Sort out your fat quarters etc. If you are still dragging your feet may be start a small project like a doll quilt. If all of this brings no inspiration, close the door of your sewing room walk away and have a break. Enjoy all the other great things in your life.
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Old 04-08-2012, 10:03 PM
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If you are new to quilting, I would suspect that in your past was someone who belittled your work, making it hard for you to be your own creative self.

If you have been quilting, I would guess that you just have too many things on your plate right now and you need to give yourself permission to do something small simple and quick to get past this point, or maybe just put things on 'hold'. Maybe take a nap. Maybe make a pot holder. Make a quickie charity quilt.

Generally, if I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, I do a quickie, which is probably why I usually have many projects going at a time, but they all get done, eventually.

You say, "this quilt" . Why are you making it? Is it something you didn't really want to make in the first place? Maybe skip it entirely or postpone it for a year or 2.

Last edited by QM; 04-08-2012 at 10:05 PM.
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