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

**Nokie** · 04-08-2012, 06:48 PM

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

**jollyquilting** · 04-08-2012, 06:55 PM

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.

**alikat110** · 04-08-2012, 07:00 PM

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.

**Nokie** · 04-08-2012, 07:15 PM

Originally Posted by alikat110

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!

**hopetoquilt** · 04-09-2012, 03:17 AM

Originally Posted by alikat110

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.

Now that is a great idea. I get stuck sometimes and that is very close to what I did.

**lynn_z** · 04-09-2012, 12:12 PM

This is how I do it. First box is clear salad boxes from Costco so you can view where you're at with gathering for specific projects. I have a plentiful stash but am always finding more fresh designs and colors. I make copies of patterns that I like and might work and keep those in their box until I make up my mind or have enough designated fabric to choose itself. If I am threaded up with some energy left after a sewing session I will go back to whatever box can use that color thread and stitch for a while.....even if I am just emptying bobbins. Same with cutting, etc. So, am actually working on projects little by little and sometimes I surprise myself with how much I have gotten done on them. At some point, it is necessary to move up to larger boxes. Once you reach a certain point of progress (hope of actually finishing something) the biggest boxes move over to the stack of serious contenders. Leftover fabric either goes back in the drawer of second chances or in a box to give away. If nothing else, when I die of old age, I will have at least left hope for someone else to carry on instead of leaving the disorganized mess I used to have.

**nstitches4u** · 04-10-2012, 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by alikat110

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.

I have several projects going at all times. I get tired of working on one and move on to another. I don't like to work on the same thing for too long. Some days I just look at quilt books and magazines and "pet" my fabric and think about what I am going to make next. I don't have to sew everyday. I'm retired---I don't have deadlines. lol

**grammy Dwynn** · 04-08-2012, 07:12 PM

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.

**Sweeterthanwine** · 04-08-2012, 07:24 PM

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.

**quiltmom04** · 04-10-2012, 05:48 AM

Originally Posted by Sweeterthanwine

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.

Yeah, I agree. If I can't seem to get going, I put it away, and do something quick or simple, on something that just doesn't matter, and then it seems I gt inspired enough to get back to it. It very hard to MAKE yourself work on something that's not going well, for whatever reason, but I think we all have those times.

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

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