I have spent the last year quilting for Christmas.. I am actually on the home stretch and I have hit a burned out phase.. How do I get refocused? I can't start another project which I know would get me excited again.. I have to finish the rest and get them wrapped.. How do the rest of you get over what I am feeling? I know I am not the only one this has happened to...

set up a carrot-on-the-stick reward system for yourself.

as soon as you complete the next project, you're allowed to pick the pattern for your next project

next one down ... pick the focus fabric

next ... a companion fabric.

go along like that. each current project polished off gives you permission to take another step toward your new-and-i'm-so-glad-it-isn't-due-by-christmas project. :-o

One Christmas I did 8 quilted projects, from large quilted pillow covers to wall hangings to lap quilts. Once it was over--I didn't sew for a few months to catch my breath. (I'm a teacher so there wasn't a lot of spare time before the Christmas break.) I read a few good books in my spare time afterwards and let my sewing machine rest. I totally enjoyed doing it--and there was pressure to do something for one niece/nephew if I was doing something for another--but it was all worth it when I handed them out--all the folks getting them were at one place, so that was fun.

Let your heart lead you to finish; picture the joy on the recipient's face as he/she opens your treasure--then take as long a break as you need to when the last stitch is in place. :-)

I haven't sewed at all this week. I just can't get with it. I have things I wanted to finish for gifts, one quilt is sitting.......a tablecloth and napkins repace it.........I have a pile of Xmas fabric I may just put away. I love this hobby of mine but you have to forgive yourself if you are tired...don't turn it into a chore yor forcing yourself to do. Make some table runners.......add a candle to the package or a pkg of cookies. take time for you

We all have different ways of getting things finished. Typically I'll sew for a little bit (and I do mean little) then go do something else, cook, dust, read, whatever. I have always used this method to get my work done. I enjoy reading because it's escapism and it helps me avoid work! It also relaxes me.

I'd like to recommend a book series that is fun and total enjoyment. The books do stand alone but they are more fun if you read them in order.

Dearest Dorothy, Are We There Yet? (Bk. 1.) by Charlene Baumbich


Charlene also writes a "Twinklegram" that you can subscribe to on her website. I look forward to her twinklegrams because they are alway fun and very uplifting.
http://www.dontmissyourlife.com/

Hope you find a way out of your doldrums. They're not any fun at all! Perhaps some bouncy Christmas music?

Diamonds, Have you gotten yourself re-lit yet (you said you were burned out)? If not, you might try calling a friend to go out to lunch and a movie. I think sometimes it helps just to get away from your projects and not think about them for a few hours. It usually helps revive me and I'm ready to get back to the sewing machine again. Hope this helps. :-) :-)

Have you tried treating yourself to some chocolate? That tends to cure my blahs. Read a good book about uilting, like Ealene Fowlers mysteries. She mentions quilts in her stories and sometimes that gets me recharged. Good luck!

I'm like Vicki, I use chocolate (limited to dark for my health, but still chocolate) and I put a picture of the one I'm making the quilt for up prominently in the room I work in. THAT insists I finish what I'm working on.

I have to fess up to doing many at once though, if it's a large item I work on several smaller ones for the breaks. I just can't keep my mind working on only one thing at a time.

Chin up, you'll work through this. Come here every day and we'll help encourage you! Promise!!!
Hugs,
Sharon

I too am ready for a break, finished my projects. Making some potholders for fun and then will put material away til after holidays.
Going to do some reading and baking. :) :D

I get burned out too. What I do is close the door to the sewing room and forget about quilting until I feel the urge to take it up again, and I don't let myself feel guilty.

You can read good books, take walks, sign up for a class like cooking or photography - whatever you have put off while making quilts.

I find that I really enjoy quilt making when I have completely put it out of my mind for breaks.

Enjoy yourself - it is a vacation!
Wendy