To be honest, I can't break out of this sadness after such a hard couple of weeks.. I can't seem to smile, when I know a smile is inside me, and I can't seem to find encouragement in quilting because I have lost sight of patterns I think I could make myself.. does anyone have any quilt patterns you have made, or someone has made for you , that brings you joyful smiles when you are struggling with sorrow or sadness? Hopefully they will be scrappy quilts, as I only have small scraps usually to draw from in my scrap bin.
Just so thankful I can be encouraged by all my quilting sisters/brothers here today.

First of all ((((((((((hugs)))))))))))) I'm so sorry you're feeling sad..

When I get SAD (the seasonal thing) I HAVE to sew with bright, colorful fabrics. I also made the Happy Daisy pattern that Kathy had shared here. I only did 3 of them, but they're happy and bright and bring a smile to my face everytime I look at them.

I also did a chinese coin quilt with bright colors which is on my bed now.

If you've got bright and happy fabrics, use those..scrappy is good.. just go with the flow and soon you'll be smiling..:)

I was thinking the very same thing that Carol mentioned. The 'Happy Daisies' will surely cheer you up.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-58236-1.htm

We are here for you! A death in the family is very straining, You have had a bad couple weeks, and still you thought about others. Maybe it's time to take care of yourself as best you can.

p.s. - happy daisies is a cheery quilt, if you are up for it,

A happy scrappy log cabin? or maybe sew a bunch of half squares together and play with them, using different configurations?
I like the idea of using bright colors too :D:D:D

For me it is anything with Hawaiian fabrics or turtles. Maybe you can see what makes you feel good in the past or has positive memories. My youngest son was adopted from Hawaii and it was one of the most special times in my life. Even if you can not buy fabric right now that would be thematic maybe you can paperpiece or do a pattern that reminds you of it. Sending you hugs and prayers. Maybe a light house pieced pattern with the beautiful poem you wrote?

So sorry you are feeling sad. Hugs!!

if you are religious maybe something with religious saying on them. I don't know if you can buy some fabric maybe but that is a thought. Bright colors is a good thing also. and sometimes just sewing with a box of chocolates and tissues might help also. It is very therapeutic to cry. even if you don't have what seems like a good reason to. sometimes while my kids take a nap I will try and think of something really sad and just cry. it makes me feel better and get out of my stoopers.

We live in an area that gets VERY cold during the winter....and snow will linger. One year, it snowed on Memorial Day weekend!!! I was down....I looked thru my fabrics and found enough bright colored fabrics to make a tote bag. WOW! Yip -- from then on when anyone commented on it I said it was my HAPPY bag!! So, though I know there's patterns out there that may help, I'm with others and think bright colors will help!

I love that happy daisy quilt! It is making me happy just looking at the picture someone posted! :)

It is so hard getting through hard times and grief. I will be praying for you. But remember this is only for a season and as we know seasons pass.

Maybe go to a library or bookstore and browse through some pattern books. See what looks interesting.

If you go on www.quiltville.com and look at the crayon box pattern. It is a very happy easy pattern. Maybe that will help you to take your mind off of your problems. I hope things get better for you

Oh I also am sorry you're feeling this way. It's such a hard part of life :(
Have you done anything like taking a brisk walk?? There's something about fresh air that helps me, just thought I'd pass it along. It's not quilting related but it helps in times of stress and sorrow.
Take care, quilt friend :)

Hugs and more hugs. I suffer from seasonal affective disorder and I have it bad. My Dr. told me to get a 10,000 lux light and use it first thing in the morning. I surf the net and drink coffee while the light is on. My Dr. also told me to use it in the afternoon if I need a pick me up. Also, get some sunlight everyday.

She also told me to take Vit. D3, I take about 16,000 units a day, and folic acid, I think it is 400 mcg (micrograms), these are known to help with the blues.

And of course, quilt something spring like, this is not the time for me to quilt Kansas Trouble fabric, for me atleast.

I hope you feel better soon.

JulieM