I need the 'Quilting Bug' to bite me again - fast!!
 

I've been back to work for almost two years now, after being on unemployment for almost two years - when I really got back into quilting. It's almost impossible for me to sew and work both, I pretty much veg out after work, so have not made but a pillow this whole time.
Today is Day 1 of 3 (not counting the weekend) that I have off, using up some PT time. Last Saturday I just got my new Brother PQ 1500S sewing machine delivered from AllBrands, have only taken it out of the box so far, haven't even hooked up the foot pedal to it! :( I have all this really cute flannel to make a co-worker's new grandbaby a quilt - who is already 3 months old - and need to do it while I'm off work.
How do you all get yourself motivated again - if like me you've drifted away? I really want to just get in there and get quilting up a storm, but it bums me out that I can't do it almost full-time again, like I used to! So I do nothing. Grrrrr.

Try setting yourself a goal of cutting/sewing/quilting for 15 min. every night after work. That may be enough to get your juices flowing again.

In the meantime, get that foot pedal hooked up to the new machine, start reading through your instruction manual. I'll bet seem some of the stitches available will inspire you to start playing around....just to see what it can do. That should get you inspired. After all, you have 4 uninterrupted by work days to SEW.

Let us see that baby quilt you make :)

I frequently get like that and then I just force myself to sit down at the machine and next thing you know - I'm in the groove again!

It's hard to find time to quilt. You sound like you are focused too heavily on time, and are not thinking about why you quilt. Do you quilt because it is fun? Creative? I bet your reasons for quilting have nothing to do with time.

Sewing with a deadline is not fun and if we feel the deadline is impossible then it's harder to get started. Here are some ideas that might help you get back to quilting:
- set aside 1/2 hour in a day to quilt. Many people find a "date" with quilting works for them.
- find a project that doesn't have a deadline. It is easier to make time, when it is a fun activity and not a chore. If necessary buy something for the 3 month old and you will be rid of that project which might be what is holding you back.
- take a class or meet other quilters. This is great motivation, you will meet new people and have new challenges. A class with homework will force you to get back into quilting. It is great to "work with others" and see yours and their progress.
- don't look at any completed projects/photos on the website -although they are beautiful, the photos will frustrate you because you aren't making progress. It is like trying to diet and everyone around you is bikini-sized!
- find an old completed project, and admire your work, remember the fun you had making it.

Hope these suggestions help you.

Sew when you have time and don't expect too much. Work full time also and sometimes a person only has a few minutes or hour and we need to take advantage when the time is there.

You all are awesome! Thanks so much!! When hubby goes to work in the morning, I'm going into my sewing room.... ~ hopefully! ;) :) :)

Boy, when you work, it takes ALL of your time. And ALL of your energy. I don't know how these folks work full time and sew too. I couldn't do it.

Find a kitchen timer and set it for 10 minutes. Promise yourself to work on sewing until the timer goes off. This works for me when I just can't seem to get started. Usually I end up setting the timer for another 10 minutes, and often after a few timings I am off and running on a project. The 10 minutes seems to help me focus.

I cleaned a cabinet last night. I usually sew at least a couple of hours an evening after work. I'm 67 and don't have as much energy as I use to have. I am working on my 17th quilt for this year. I'm trying to use up some of my huge stash and I figure if I don't keep going I won't accomplish it. I have lots more quilts and patterns I want to make.

Boy, all I have to do is look at a quilt magazine, or get in here and look at all the stuff. Then I want to make it all. I have trouble at night, as well. Work all day, just want to veg out at night. My machine is set up at the end of the living room, so I can still watch TV and visit with DH. But some nights my recliner just calls to me. Do whatever inspires you. Don't "force" it, it may take the fun out. But then again, just start looking through your stash and at patterns, audition some possibilities. Maybe that will get you going again. Good luck. And Merry Christmas!!

Give yourself a break...you are working and need to learn a new machine! Maybe try to think of it as "playing" with the machine will give you the urge to do more!

You all are such a blessing. Thank you!!
I did get my new machine threaded yesterday, even had to follow the book on it, it's quite a bit different! lol!!
And bought a bunch of wonder under, as the baby quilt has appliqued butterflys on it. :)

I'm home full time due to physical disabilities and I don't get all my sewing done either, I leave my projects where I can see them every day and I force myself at times to go over and do some simple cutting (stripes) and then I will find some time to sew the easy stuff. It's not just you! lol I couldn't imagine working full time again and trying to fit sewing in, take a little at a time would be my suggestion. The other's ideas would work well too especially working on a smaller project.

I like the 15 min rule, I have been in a slump myself.

It sounds to me that the job is making you very tired and unfocused.when I was working this happened to me told I was stressed. Probably was, just give your self time. With no pressure. Find a group to join or go to in the evening eve if its only once a month. I am sure their how and tell will inspire you.

Mollie Sue where in MI are you? Maybe you need a sewing buddy. PM me to see if we are somewher near each other. I've had a hard time motivating myself too. Maybe we could motivate each other. Enjoy your new machine.

Dottymo, yeap my job is very face paced, stressful. Grrr.... I think it uses up all my energy mentally, and literally do very little week nights. Somehow that has to change.

Just sent you a PM Grannie Sharon! :)

I wasn't able to quilt for most of 2011 - fell down our stairs and broke my arm - I finally had surgery in December last year and now am back to life. It was hard to start sewing again - I was out of the habit! It has been a year and I am sewing more, using my longarm more and in general just doing more. I still don't have the stamina that I used to have but if I get to spend any time sewing it's a good day.