I am not a beginner ... but, during the whole time quilting I have found when i don't feel like quilting more than likely something else is going on around me. It is only later that I began to see this in a positive light.
If I force it and sew/quilt I find I make a lot of errors. If I use this time to restore my creative juices, then when I get back to sewing/quilting I can do more and better in less time.
Sometimes it is just plain the arthritis is acting up. sometimes I never really know the why. But the waiting it out and relaxing while waiting has always been positive once I 'let go' and tried to control it all.
If it isn't fun ... don't do it!
ali