I've seen quite a few posts saying something like "I'm in a quilting slump - I don't want to sew - It isn't fun right now. . . "

Why should one feel one MUST "work" at something that is supposed to be a hobby and/or pleasurable pastime?

I understand about having all that money invested/spent on tools, machines, books, and fabrics. And perhaps feeling some "guilt" about just having it setting there.

But if one had traveled, for example, the money would also be gone/spent - but there would be no stuff around to "have to" do anything with.

As my Mom used to say - "It's paid for - and it doesn't need to be fed" - and she just packed up the things she no longer wanted to work on for a while and put them out of sight.

If one is depressed - which is a medical/physiological condition, one should get some treatment for it.

Clutter can contribute to depression. If the depression pit gets deep enough, sometimes outside help/assistance/intervention is necessary.

Doing something one enjoys can help make one feel better, but I don't see how sewing can do that if one doesn't want or need to.

Exactly...

I have packed up my quilting stuff when I wasn't in the mood or didn't have the $$ to spend on it. Took it back out later. I only quilt when it is fun.

I guess it depends on an individual psyche. I used to sew when I felt good and paint when I felt bad. But, if I wasn't creating something I had severe withdrawal symptoms! If I was away from a sewing machine or a place to paint, I would do cross stitch. LOL

Seriously, I sort of agree with your points. Clutter can/does lead to depression and one does not need to feel guilty if they can't sew or create every single day.

Mostly those people we are thinking of just need a hug and someone to chat with....in my opinion of course.

So, all you quilty friends, consider yourself hugged and I will to. Let's all have a great day!

I was wondering about that too. If you are not doing something, it is usually because you don't want to. If it is not a necessary activity, and you don't feel like it, then just do what you do feel like!

I do think that some, maybe most, people are not always good at recognizing our own feelings and they might be feeling bad for a reason that has nothing to do with quilting at all. The symptom is not necessarily the problem.

I think this need is at the core of many posts - and I can also soooo relate to this need, too.

Thank you for pointing that out to me.

Makes sense but the person in the slump, may not be able to think logically.
Just know things aren't the way they were, the way they should be.

I've sort off taken the summer off. My projects are all waiting for me when I'm ready-and having been away for a couple of months, I'm really looking forward to getting back into it when the weather is cooler and I'm back home

Same for me. I love to sew, but I would rather enjoy being outside when the weather is nice. Soon it will be cold and nasty, so having my hobby gets me through the winter months.

I have said many times that if you want to sew you will. It's hardly something to stress over.

What a nice way to put a positive spin on this topic!