Does anyone have any ideas that you use when you just can't get interested in a new project. Its seem I really get rolling and then get tired of what I'm working on and everything gets shoved in a box. Any ideas? Linda

Keep reading this forum. There are so many ideas and inspiration here. Take a picture of your project and post it here and you'll get lots of encouragment. I would love to see what you are working on.

I work on several things at once. I always have something to work on by hand at night in front of the tv, then I have a couple of projects going that require the machine. I find it works out well when I have projects in different stages--some I'm quilting, some I'm piecing, some I'm cutting...then I can just do what I'm in the mood for that day :lol:

For me, Sandpat is right. I have several things going on at one time, if I get tired of working on one, I'll work on another, or maybe start a new one.LOL

thanks for the hints....sometimes I think I have tooooo many projects going and miss seeing any results. ha I'm trying to get myself off the puter this am and back in the sewing room....Happy Newyears to everyone and I'm going to enjoy this forum...

As suggested, I have several projects going and work on the one that currently has me the most excited. Also, sometimes I just need to set one aside until things seem to gel as far as the design goes. Reading this forum gives me lots of ideas, maybe too many. And going through my stash and WIPs occasionally I find one or two of those "OH, I remember that one, it will be so pretty when I finish it" projects. And sometimes I just need to take a break entirely.

I always have 2 or 3 quilts going at the same time so that I don't get burned out. I make totebags or maybe something to wear just to do something different.

Sybil

Seeing what everyone has done inspires me. Stay with this forum you will get inspired really quick. Welcome from the Ozarks :D

If I am at a "blocked" point, then I try and find a quick project that is easy to sew and gives quick results...
I don't put my projects that I am tired of away...they are always out so I can see them...like a thorn in my thumb...
If I need inspiration...I then come here or take all my saved quilt magazines and start looking through them...
I am bound to get inspired.
K

I agree with all of the suggestions so far, especially the quick project for almost instant gratification. I keep one or two projects out, but if I have more than that going I put them in my waiting-to-be-worked-on drawer; if I see too many out at one time, I can get discouraged.

Something else I like to do to get my creative juices going again is to visit my local quilt shops - getting up close and personal with so many beautiful, finished quilts seems to renew my interest. Works better for me than looking at pictures online, not sure why.

Okay--just think, when you're done--you can post a photo of the masterpiece in the picture section and get lots of compliments. :wink:

Linda, you need to make a rug! It uses up alot of your scrapes too. Look at Mary's tutorial and go to town. It's mindless work and You get a great rug out of it!

I like, no, I LOVE quilting but I also have many other committments. Often times, if I get 5 minutes to sit and quilt, I feel like I'm really missing out on my favorite pastime.

That said, I keep projects in various stages. If I sit to machine quilt and it's just not clicking, I can grab another bag that needs 100 2 inch squares cut, or go embroider on the other machine. I find if I do things while I'm doing my laundry, I am very good at bribing myself--only 2 more to do after I fold this load!

I love the LQS--I always find something :wink:

So nice to talk to you guys...I did get some sewing done yesterday. I had a big stash of batiks and saw the "tube" quilt in Quilters World mag and started that one and must say I got alot done on it. It has a diagonal setting so each row had to be lined up right. Anyway love all the hints and maybe I can get back on track. As of right now I don't have any hand projects going. Finished all my blocks on the Asian quilt. My DD and I went to the Chicago show in April and I took a class from Pat Campbell. She had alot of gorgeous patterns. Hope everyone has a great New Years. We probably will be staying home. Heavy fog here in NE Michigan with rain???? predicted. Last Friday we got 12" of snow but thats Michigan......

Where is Mary's tutorial? How can I make a rug and use up scraps?
Thank you,
Julia

Here it is.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/10783.page

I always find this time of year heading into January I have to really push myself to get back into sewing mode. I guess I sew up a storm from Sept-Dec I am whopped come Christmas. I am finding I am very tired this season. I tend to give myself a little break before getting back into sewing/quilting mode again. I really need to push myself hard this year cause I have a pile of things I want to complete and need to be completed this coming new year!

Maybe this will be seen as apostasy :wink: but I just stop quilting for a while. I knit, I crochet, I read a book. I even -- GASP -- clean! There. I've admitted it. Nothing gets me in the mood to sew or quilt like taking a break from the machines for a while.
Anyway, just my two cents.

Cleaning would do it for me :) :) . I'll do anything to avoid that!!!

Welcome to the board Linda. Everyone has great suggestions!!!

I love getting together in person with quilting friends - once a month we get together and chat - show projects -even if I havent done anything all month at 10pm I leave there all inspired and usually stay up late working on a project. Once a year we get together and go away and take our sewing machines - a sewing retreat is also inspirational plus you dont have to cook all weekend - I usually get there Friday after lunch and sew all weekend until lunch Sunday. I get heaps done there plus it keeps me going for a few months afterwards catching up on what I started. But definitely this site keeps you inspired - viewing the photos, seeing the beautiful projects people have created plus becoming involved in mystery projects is part of the excitement. Why dont you join the new year's mystery?