janedennis

To be honest, I dont think she really cared one way or the other. She is a little self centered and it shows. I gave her my grandmothers sewing machine so that she could sew, the bobbin case had a problem and instead of trying to fix a 10 dollar part bought at joanns, she went out and bought a new machine and now it just sits in a box. She doesnt use any of them. My son will always side with her so I dont talk to him about it. I dont want to start a family feud it isnt worth it. I live in Florida and they live in PA so I guess it is better that way. I worry about my grandchildren and hope they dont turn out like her. So hopefully I will get over this and start sewing again.

Lisanne

BellaBoo has recommended exactly what I would have. Get outside. If walking isn't something you can do, if the weather makes it miserable outside, then at least get out of your place and visit with other people.

As for your quilting efforts being unappreciated, try to put that in perspective. Not everyone is into quilts or quilted things. Don't hold that against them, just don't waste your time quilting for them. Realize that they probably do appreciate you in many other ways!

The little one loved what you made for her. Be glad of that.

If you'd like some appreciation, consider posting pictures of your quilts here. We'd all love to see them!

And since money's tight, consider selling your work online or to gift shops or at farmer's markets. (potholders, chair cushions, tote bags, keychain fobs, bookmarks, little wall hangings...)

May in Jersey

Jane, Sorry you DIL didn't appreciate all the love you poured into your granddaughter's quilt and things. Been there too.

My recipe for you is:
1. Have a big portion of chocolate or cake, or both,
2. Grab all your scraps and sew some string or crumb blocks, always works for me. Blocks look pretty ugly when they get big, but when I trim them they look great. There's usually a big mess all over but when I clean the mess up I feel great - like the mess in my mind has been cleared up.

Try it, might be just what you need to get your spirit up and running again. May in Jersey

Gwyn

I find when I feel this way, the TV and computer take over my life. I need someone or something to get up and do. Much of my depression blues come from a lack of sunlight. Especially at the beginning of October when the daylight is noticeably less. I guess I sort of adjust, because my late October I have adjusted. But if Spring doesn't come in March/April, I get really ugly.

I am looking for a lamp that will imitate sunshine to help me this fall. So far, they have all been too expensive. I've heard people sware that these lamps will work.

You have such a wonderful husband, perhaps a weekend away together, even at a Motel 6 on the other side of town, might just do the trick too. Gwyn

janedennis

I am sitting here reading all your comments and know that what your saying sounds and is good and I will try and do a few of them and hope they help. This board has a great big crowd of people that are truly caring and giving and I thank you so much for listening. As for my hubby he is the best, he just handed me a nice cup of tea.

Peace and love

bearisgray

I've been reading this - it will probably get moved to the PDA section in a bit -

1) Are you being treated for depression? Many of us have no qualms about treating conditions like diabetes or thyroid conditions with medications, but when it involves mental or emotional issues - which in many cases have underlying physiological conditions - we balk at taking medications.

So - are your hormones in adjustment?

2) Being cash poor is trying. And frustrating.

3) I think the biggest issue is your DIL's apparent lack of interest and appreciation in the gifts that you made for your granddaughter. I can definitely relate to that.

On a charitable note - your DIL may be totally clueless as to how much is involved in making a quilt - I know that at 68 I value some things MUCH more than I did at 20 and 25.

So I would not make any more major items for them - only items that would not break my heart if they weren't used or appreciated - examples: pillowcases or pot holders.

There is a program called "Sit and Be Fit" that's on some of the PBS stations - that might be an option for getting some exercise.

It is more challenging when DH is also down in the dumps.

Good luck - hope things look better for you soon.

Shemjo

Glad you brought this up, I am taking some of the suggestions also. Had a death in the family that knocked the wind out of my sails, so I needed this reminder! Thanks!

Skeat

Jane...We all have been there! At times like a good slump like that, espec one when we lose those that are precious to us, we have a good stump to step up and over! The best advice I could give anyone at a time like this is to reach out and help someone that really needs it!! I made walker bags in a good slump such as yours..there are free patterns online too! I took them to a nursing home w/an oval center so they could write whoever's name on them....something so simple is such a treasure to those that need it and have no way of getting it...espec holiday themes....like fall leaves!! Just make sure if you do something like this...do straps on the bottom sides to button on so they dont swing as they walk. Guess what I am saying is to reach out and help someone that needs it....it helps to take not only a void feeling away but, can really make someone's life rich in so many way!! Most of all....give yourself a big hug....you are a very special person!! Skeat

Skeat

And, have you thought of making a memory quilt of your friend? I just sat thru an awesome crazy quilt class...awesome what they put in them!! Just another idea!! Skeat

janedennis

Thanks everyone, I know I will get thru this and even spent a half hour today talking to my neighbor. We discussed her current quilt she is making. I spent so much time working on my projects that when I dont I feel lost and alone but as of right now just dont have the push to do it. I am some what of a beginner so dont think I am quite up to charity quilts just yet. I did look at some BOM's that look interesting but not sure if it is too much for me. Anyone have much experience with them and could tell me the good and bad about them?