CindyA

I wish we could even each other out! I'm the opposite. My sewing area is always messy, my machines are rarely oiled. I have to set the timer to get up and do work or housework. I set the timer for 15 mins. and do a chore, I set it again for 15 mins and do another chore, then I set it for 15 mins and get to quilt - my reward! On the rare occasion that I do not feel like quilting I look for a quilt show or go to a local quilt shop to get my creative juices going again.

Dina

I understand what you are saying. I used to be really afraid to start any quilt because I was afraid I wouldn't like it when it was done. I spent too much time agonizing over the pattern, the fabric, you name it. I have only recently begun to realize that the world won't end if I make a quilt that I don't like, and I CAN stop in the middle of a quilt if I know I am never going to like it.

I am still working on this. The quilt top I finished two days ago made me so happy because the picture I had on my "mental design wall" matched what I ended up with, and I loved it. So....I started planning my next quilt, experimented with numerous fabrics, none of which went with my focus fabric. Finally I accepted I wasn't going to like anything I was thinking of and made a tote bag out of my focus fabric...a tote bag that I really like.

I just read over this, and now I think none of this will help you. Perhaps though, you can realize that "the world won't end" if you make something you don't actually like. Just finish it or put it aside, and go on to something else.

Sewing up a kit, as others have suggested, may be just right for you now.

Good luck. You will work through this, I just know it.

Dina

ArchaicArcane

BIG - Discipline and order gets me 30 odd machines in one room, but doesn't seem to be helping me be creative.

Prism99 - You're probably right, the FMQ could be a distraction as well. In fact, there's a chance this thread is as well.
Check, I've seen a couple of references to timers now. I have been using one to not forget lunch on the stove when I'm home alone, I'm well practiced. I have found that I can spend days looking for a project. So I think I will say no looking for a project, but picking one that I've already researched would be a really good place to start.

CarolynMT - You bring up a good point. I wonder if part of why I'm stalled is because I really don't like the cutting phase. I love the design stage ( something you can see when I post about modifying desks and stuff), but the cutting not so much. I don't mind the piecing, but it's the quilting part I like... I'm terrible with a rotary cutter. I know it needs practice like anything else, so maybe this is a good practice for me.

barny - it's so easy to "Waste" a day getting prepared, isn't it?


littlebitoheaven - holy cow! Your DDL IS impressive. I have a little bit of organizational envy. So far, I haven't run into a jelly roll that spoke to me. I tend to buy yardage for stash. Luckily my "Tastes" don't change much, so I lkely won't get too tired of any of it, and my color preferences mostly go together. Perhaps I will see if I can come up with some fabrics to cut into 2.5" strips, for practice and then for a quick project afterward. In my former corporate career, I was a technical business analyst. One of the things I often told people was "this is not the emergency you're making it out to be. If this system is unavailable for a hour, no one is going to pass away" I worked in health previous to that. That was a situation where unavailability of systems could cause that situation. I think it sounds like I need to embrace what I told people back then. It doesn't have to be perfect, it just "needs" to be done. I do know, fundamentally that quilting is a journey, I won't be great at it at the beginning. Really, I do.

nancysp - sitting in the travel trailer last week during the hot spell (it has AC, the house doesn't) made me realise that there are a few things, small ones that could personalize the trailer. I did like that friendship runner that Fons And Porter has in their magazine a few months ago. I should see if I have enough matching fabrics for it. You're right, a small project where I can learn would help a lot.

CindyA - I think the reason my machines are the way they are is I came at quilting from a different angle. I started working on the machines first, and hung out strictly in the Vintage and Antique Machine forum, then started poking my head out here. I started quilting because I got tired of the couple of clothing projects I'd tried never fitting like they did on the cover of the envelope. I -never- thought I'd be a quilter. And so far I'm really just a "barely has begun" quilter.

We went to our first quilt show a month or so ago. I found it inspiring, if a little intimidating.

tessagin

Sometimes the learning process and doing process takes a little longer. I go through the different books and look at the designs and videos and buy material and do everything but go to the machine or get the cutter out for the pattern. it's hard especially if much of your life you've been led to believe you will never be good enough. I don't do for anyone in particular and I definitely don't do deadlines. Just do a little at a time, different blocks and eventually you will have a sampler. Doesn't have to be big. Maybe put 2-3 blocks (or even one) together. Then take a break. I've had through my life the potential for 4 quilts and all of the material was pitched in the trash mistaken for rags because they were parts of blocks. The time will come when you start up that machine or pick up that needle and thread. maybe just do small projects, like one disappearing 9 patch or D4P. just one. Take a scrap piece of material and just practice your stitching on the machine, doesn't have to be big, practice the 1/4 by trying to eyeball it. See how far you can go with that seam. if nothing else then shut the door and wait for another day. Just make sure you check out the board. There will be something to wake up that sleeping beauty. We will all be here when you wake up out of that funk. DH may be right. It's llike one of those damn phobias that is almost paralyzing. Prayers from the Gulf it won't last long.

cindi

I've been where you are, and it isn't fun. This year, I decided to have a "no fear year" with my quilting. I'm tired of trying to be perfect and feeling like I've failed. I've created several quilts that are for me, not for someone else. I'll look online at the way others quilt their quilts, and try to incorporate some of their quilting into mine. I've gotten lots of ideas online. Then I'll go to my machine and just try. No fear. I've shocked myself at how much fun I've had doing that! They may not start out looking great, but by the time I'm finished I've learned a new stitch pattern. These are my quilts, so they don't have to be perfect! Go ahead, give it a go! No fear! Here's one I played with. Just made it up as I went along. It turned out so well that I gave it to my granddaughter:

carolaug

You need a schedule...if you work from home pick 8 hours and stick to it...but you can sew before you start working. I find I can get a lot done prior to my work day. After work I am tired. Just think you have an extra hour each day not having to drive to work...good luck have fun...life is too short to just work, work, work...I use to be like that until the day I was laid off...I am working back at the same place and glad....but it also taught me a lesson...you are just a body and can get let go at any time...no matter how hard or long you work. Now I work...but also take time for my hobbies.

Gannyrosie

Quilting should be an enjoyment and not a Barrier. It seems that you won't let yourself begin the process cause you know you will not be able to start and finish due to other commitments and that is why everything else is complete ( the pattern, choice of fabrics, machines ready, desk clean, etc.) You know these things will be completed and done (OCD). To start a project the OCD gets in your way so you don't. It's not a bad thing, it's just a thing and you will need to either tell yourself, "so I may not be able to complete it today, or I may not get it all done," but it is started. To comply with yourself , when some of it is started and not able to complete, then neatly put it away for the next day. Even if it's 2 hours a day to work on it, at least you started. But the putting it away neatly and organized will satisfy the part of you that won't. It's the fear of not being able to complete it is what's stopping you. Good Luck to you, hopefully we'll see that quilt, no matter how good or bad it may be. We don't police it here, just support and help.

my-ty

Try signing up for a class or doing a BOM. Sometimes the pressure of needing to get your homework done will help get you started. I'm the opposite of you, I have way too many projects planned and/or started and find the finishing step the hardest.

Sewfine

Your quilting is beautiful. Wish I could see the whole quilt.

mom-6

I sometimes have a few days when I feel like I just don't know what it is I want to do. Now for me there is no lack of projects - some UFOs, some WIP, some just rattling around in my head. I may just sit in my sewing room and rearrange my fabric or read this board or check through my list of links to projects that have caught my eye. Next thing I know I've found what I want to do and away I go.