KimS

Glad to hear I'm not the only one suffering from this lack of enthusiasm. My Christmas quilt that I was sooooooo excited about is folded up waiting to be finished. How did that happen!! Then after I got my grandson's quilt pieced it got folded up and set aside. The sad part is I'm still buying fabric for projects I want to do and then it just gets "put away" for awhile. I can sit here all day and cruise the internet looking at the beautiful fabrics and literally go into a trance. I think my problem is I'm so unorganized, and my sewing space is even in worse shape than I am, that I don't know where to start to get back to point A. I'm going to take some of your suggestions and go from there to see if I can't get back into the swing of things. How is it that something we love to do sometimes seems like just another chore??!!

caspharm

I know the feeling. We had so much going on last year: moving to a new home[actually Dec 2010] with some work on the house, a room addition, setting up a real quilting studio area, a couple of trips -including visiting our son in Spain, and a BOM from the LQS near our new home (signed up for both versions and still need to finish 7 blocks for that), that I only finished two small projects (baby quilt for a friend' new grandchild) and a late retirement gift for a friend of my DH (it was due in Oct, but sent in Dec).

I am starting to get energized. I just finished two tops from a block swap at guild as well as the guild BOM we started in Nov (guild skipped Dec). I still have a stack of UFOs from when I was working full time (just retired before moving) that I want to finish, including some BOMs and shop hop quilts.

sblancarte

Make something for yourself--we're always making things for family, friends and coworkers we put off those projects for ourselves. Make a mug rug out of your favorite fabric or make a cute pin cushion. I agree with everyone else-once you get started the creative juices start flowing!

SueSew

A second thought. Don't shoot me!!! But maybe lack of motivation and enthusiasm is because other things are more interesting and should be enjoyed instead. If you're sick of it, do something else! Life is short!
In fear of backlash, but meaning well,
Sue

DawnFurlong

Sounds like a lot of good ideas here, and that this just sometimes happens to a lot of people. I can so relate to what SouthPStitches said! I had been on about a 5 or 6 year hiatus, for the most part. I had just gotten involved with a quilting club, had started a BOM club at my LQS - then I went back to work outside the home full-time. Everything fell by the wayside. I did start a quilt about 3 years ago. I only finished the top in November (finally!). It was that small thing that kick started me again, for some reason. Actually, I decided at the same time that I was going to make a small quilt for my 13 month old grandson. I had moments of pure joy as I sat there and sewed!! I decided that this was a very good thing for me and it was time to branch out, learn new things (I have stayed very safe, and relatively simple, in my quilting thus far).

I hope you have your quilting enthusiasm back soon! And congratulations on the move. :-)

ilovequilts34

I participated in the 12 Days of Christmas mini quilt at http://temeculaquiltco.blogspot.com/ and it was so much fun. I am also making a baby quilt out of recycled blue jeans that I am taking as a shower gift on January 14. Both of these are small projects and completing something is important. Make some strip potholders and give to family or friends. Many of us start projects and then don't finish them. I have seen many quilters posting that they are finishing UFOs and trying to use up their stash.

New Kris

Each of us deals with life differently as you can see y reading these responses.
Motivation doesn't seem like the problem if you are asking for advice.
Inspiration is all around you.
REWARD yourself. Pet your fabric, get familiar with your new space. Just sit with a cup of tea and dream. this will get boring real quick. lol
Do your wash, sew 10-15 minutes, fold a load then sew 10-15 minutes. Start dinner in the crockpot and go into your space.
Enjoy the "me time" you deserve it. Pretty soon you will have accomplished a lot. You will be feelin good from the reward you've given yourself.

mhollifiel

Beth,
DH and I just got back from your beautiful home town. The weather there was so nice and unseasonably warm. We loved it! If you like the outdoors, maybe the gorgeous weather will end soon and drive you back to the real quilting fun. I had a slump like yours when my first husband died. He was my quilting cheerleader and I just couldn't get into it. Finally, I made myself get back in the water and it was OK. Then I met my current DH and he keeps egging me on with his encouragement. I am doing something quilty every day now and I am loving it! Maybe you need to find someone who wants to see what your are working on? Maybe that will get you back in the groove!

kbishburg

My problem is quilter's panic when I feel my quilting is out of control!!
I spent an entire day cleaning up my mess - yuck. I bought a big canvas bag at a yard sale and dump all my scraps into that. Then I sorted out my unfinished projects and hung them on hangers with their backing (feeling more in control already) and then prioritized them. Number 1 came out and the others are waiting politely for their turn.
I bought an audio CD/DVD player (on EBay) and love to listen to books on tape while I quilt. I ONLY get to listen while I work so it is a powerful motivator. I'm just getting started on "The Charm School" bu Nelson Deville. I did buy some new fabrics but I'm not allowed to touch them until I finish at least 3 of the 6 projects that are hanging over me like a cloud.
Looking at quilt magazines is always a motivator (I had to put mine away for now) and so is looking at quilt designs on line. I try to watch one tutorial a day just to get new ideas. I love jenny from Missouri Star Quilt. I want to be her when I grow up.

quiltingfan

I actually moved in a 6 ft table so that I could cut at, thinking that was the problem. It helped a little bit. I think I just need to get into a really nice project and that might help.