I have been making quilts for 20 years, have taught numerous
quilt classes, owned my own on-line quilt shop for a while, and
am a published quilt pattern designer. However, for some reason,
I have hit a huge 'slump' where making quilts is concerned.
For some reason I cannot seem to make myself work on anything.

This has been going on for a year or so, but in recent
months it is worse. Also, it seems I have lost most
of the people I used to quilt with because of various circumstances in their lives, so I feel more isolated now.
I have tried and tried to make myself go in my work room
and 'just do it', but most times I walk in there, look at all
my fabric and half-started projects, and just turn around
and walk out. Has this happened to anyone else, and if so,
what did you do to turn things around? I need help!!!
Thanks,
Marcia

Hi,

It sounds like we need to push you to get back in your creative quilting room!

I was wondering since you taught quilters before maybe you could post some tutorials on the quilting board site for us!

I hope to hear back from you!

Karen "Craftybear"

I'm the same - well except for teaching and being published etc - but I also go into the sewing room, look around, and walk out. I too was much more productive when I had local quilters to inspire me. I have several projects that I need to work on but none tempt me. I'll be reading along for suggestions!

I'm sort of in one of those myself right now and have had them in the past but never for more than 3-4 months. I always wanted to "retire" so I could quilt--sounds like you quilted and then "retired" so I understand why you don't want to quilt some more. Maybe try a new challenge--painting, photograpy, something totally different for awhile and see where you end up. You may go back to quilting, you may find your interests have totally changed.

I'm going to do the Farmer's Wife Quilt Sampler with this group so I'll be held accountable for weekly blocks. I hope this is the "kick in the a$$" I need to get out of my slump.

Good luck--just enjoy what you do and do what you enjoy. Otherwise, it's just another job.

You likely have had some major issues occur a year ago. It is sad you have lost quilting friends. I hope I am understanding what you wrote. A useful book, one that I discovered several year ago, and have been using it again this summer. "The Artist's Way" A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity" by Julia Cameron. This is a great book for blocked artists. It is "A Course in Discovering and Recovering Your Creative Self".

I've hit a slump too! I finished my first top in June, then a week or two later a lap size top. Then I started cutting pieces for my next project. I cut quite a few pieces the wrong size and just can't get back in the swing. I even signed up for 2 'group thingy's, and still nothing.

Maybe it will get better before Fall. :(

I feel the same way. I retired in June and have not made one thing.

I guess I am in a 'slump'. I have 5 client quilts hat I need to hand quilt but they are just sitting in their shopping bags waiting. But I am pretty sure that as soon as the weather cools and I don't feel like I will suffocate under them, I will get started again.

But it seems like I go in spurts. One is when I buy and buy and buy and buy fabrics and layout quilts and play with my EQ to lay it out, etc. And another is when I cut and cut and cut and put everything together. And then when I piece top after top. Funny, I never really get into a spurt where all I want to do is hand-quilt. I guess it is a good thing that I am saving my pennies from client work to buy a long-arm.

But it doesn't matter - I enjoy it all. Right now I am working on a baby quilt where I am cross-stitching the centers of the blocks and really enjoying that. I never really get bored I guess. Always something different to do or learn. Right now I am waiting on delivery of my QuiltCut that I bought off of here. I suspect that that will lead to a cutting binge.

the last thing you need from us, or from anyone, is "a push". that would just make you feel worse.

i sense two things. (1) that quilting was work (an obligation); and (2) the friends you quilted with made is seem less so.

when you're used to doing something with friends, it's difficult to start doing it alone. if there's no local guild to join, would you be up to the challenge of trying to start one?

try this ... don't walk into the sewing room intent on forcing yourself to work on anything. just pick up a pattern and shop your stash, pulling out the fabs you'd use if you were going to start it today. if that works, try putting together the fabs a few more projects.

who knows? something might grab your attention and call to you so strongly you'll be at the cutting table before you know it.

You might think about checking with your doctor to see if clinical depression may be an issue also. Especially if it is also affecting other areas of your life. And good luck!!