Been there - done that -
 

Some of us jumped/plunged into quilting big-time - we may have spent thousands and thousands of dollars on equipment and supplies

And then comes a day when we just don't care about it any more.

For whatever reason - health, something else is more interesting, family issues - all this stuff is around that is no longer useful, or interesting.

Why should one feel guilty about moving on? One can take a trip/vacation - spend the money - when the trip is over - the money is gone and only the memories remain (unless you are a photographer or buyer of zillions of souvenirs).

The point of this post is - if one has lost interest in quilting (or whatever hobby) - in most cases, it's okay to let it go.

IMO.

True. I had several 'crafts' I did before retirement and moving. So I gave away $$$ worth to others whom I hoped enjoyed the crafts. One friend did pass it on to others to enjoy as a new neighbor did here after we moved. At age of 76 this year, there is a limit to time and money and I hate to see anything of value tossed, so I pass it on as I can. Postage rates are so high, I cannot ship like I used too, so some boxes are on hold until I figure out how to work it into the budget. Best budget keeper is to not go to town or shop on internet. Still machine quilt and have a large stash to work with in my hobby of quilting...no LA for me, but I know a few in the local area, so no problems in getting the tops done, if we have the money.

Retirement cut our income by 55%, so we are still adjusting to less spending money, more what we need, instead of what we want. and I spent more time quilting, reading and cooking for dh.

Absolutely agree! And having been the recipient of much generosity, you can pass along fabrics , notions and knowledge to start others on this wonderful journey like it did for me! I used to be somewhat of an artist until small kids and a smaller house hampered that!

Fill your life with trying many wonderful crafts - you can always go back to them when you want.

I never spent thousands on any hobby, but I did spend a hundred on supplies for watercoloring several years ago. Then I found out I have no talent for it. I lost interest but I kept the paints and paper in case I run out of stash and books and get bored. If I run into someone who could use my painting stuff, I would give it to them.

Years ago, when I was younger I had a lot of hobbies, along with three kids then a job. Now I am down to one hobby that I love and want to do until I can no longer do it. That is quilting, mostly making quilts for children in foster care in my county. If I could take my last breath as I finish a quilt that would be perfect for me.

I like this thought. Thanks for the post.

My 12 year old Granddaughter just made her first quilt... I am so proud.

I use to crochet when my kids were young and I had little money to spare. Then I went to cross stitch. Then watercolor painting, then pottery making. Seems each new interest cost more then the next. Then I found quilting and never went back to the other hobbies. If I find another hobby I won't have any thought about getting rid of my quilting items. No use for them if I'm not doing it. Money is to make you happy to spend it, after bills are paid and savings account is full. LOL

I have several hobbies, and am not quite ready to give away any of my "stuff". So far I have been able to balance doing what I choose. I have a big stash, notions, machine, do-dads, rulers, and spend most of my free time quilting. I also love button art, and have a large button collection. I have a lot of scrap-booking supplies, and have several books in various stages, always adding something that strikes my fancy. I love making floral arrangements, so I have alot of floral/foam/wire etc. I have tackled upholstery when the opportunity presented itself. Genealogy has taken me on a virtual trip around the world. Tartan is right...life is short - do what you love!

I am notorious for getting really really into something and burning myself out on it. I go through phases. Luckily there are lots of sub-types in quilting so hopefully I won’t get tired of it.

On the the other hand, I’ve been playing the same online game for years and quite enjoy visiting it almost daily for a few minutes a day.

i agree that it’s A-ok to move on and let go if all the trappings are bogging you down.

I go through cycles, but I always come back to the same things...quilting and horses.
Currently, I'm taking a break from showing my horse, Watson. Of course I'm still doing the regular day to day stuff, but just not the intense work involved in showing.
I take breaks from quilting, too, sometimes long, sometimes short.
I think everyone needs to do something different for awhile until they get inspired again.

And, if you feel like you aren't enjoying something anymore. If it makes you feel guilty because it's staring you in the face and you aren't doing anything with it, maybe it's time to move on. And, that's OK too.

Watson

Yes, I agree with you Bear. I have a friend who jumps around with her crafts, losing interest in them quickly. Now she’s into quilting and I try to discourage her from buying too much fabric, but I haven’t succeeded. Hopefully she will use her fabric .

Bear, I agree with you. I feel that way when I get rid of fabric I no longer want. I used to feel guilty about spending money on something I didn't use and then I realized that I enjoyed buying it and looking at it. So who cares that it eventually didn't get used? Someone else gets to use it. I'm really not into guilt these days.

Why should anyone feel guilty? There's no quilting police saying you must quilt. We do what makes us happy.

I have just recently to stop making regular quilted quilts because of the pain caused by quilting them since I have upper back and neck problems from old injuries. I will still be making comforters with pieces, just not quilting them. Instead I am going to go back to making garments, dolls, and home dec projects, and tying my comforters. I will still pop in here sometimes but I have discovered that being so involved in quilting, I have let everything else go. I want some comfortable summer tops that are not revealing or don’t show my bra straps (I hate that). Yesterday I found double gauze at Walmart, so that is what the first couple will be made from.

When I walk into my sewing room I have books and supplies for all kinds of crafts I used to do but they have not been used in years. I made jewelry for a long time and have all the tools and boxes of beads and stones to make so much more. Just as I was thinking of what to do with them my DGD's want to start making jewelry so I have everything they need to do so. I haven't painted in awhile but want to start doing that again. I am going to get the things I don't want to do anymore and take it to goodwill. Make more room for fabric.

Of course it’s ok to let go!

I was into machine knitting a few years ago. When I decided I had gone as far as I wanted with it I gave my machines to the crafts department of a local university.

Quilting today - who knows what tomorrow!

Thanks for your post, Bear. For a couple of years, I have been very lacking in my enthusiasm to do quilting. This has made me feel guilty. Now I don't feel so bad, because it seems to be normal with age.

I got into weaving. Not that much of an investment, rather the 15 years I devoted to it. I sold the business, then the last loom I just gave it away. I had quite a carreer in weaving: I made rugs for Midwest Living, Country Living, Better Homes and Gardens and loved every minute of it. After 9-11, people nested, sold their 2nd homes and stopped decorating with my style of rugs.

Marcia

I made chainmaille armor, After some time I developed allergies to the building process. I can still do it for short durations. but I don't really miss it. But glad I can still wear ( and repair) it. Easier that ripping out knitting.

Hey, Sandra. Since sitting to quilt now is so painful, I do not enjoy it anymore. I have given my quilts away, all but 4, and am just reading. Gardening was a wonderful activity, but that is out also. Reading is all I have left, since I can't paint any more due to a crippled hand from open heart surgery when the nurses did not realize my hand was too tightly wrapped and killed the nerves in my dominant hand! I try to stay busy, but standing to cook is beyond my ability now. I persevere.

I am so sorry for your losses.