Frozen! Can't seem to start...
#1
Frozen! Can't seem to start...
Has this happened to you? And, what did you do about it?
I have a new project (A wall hanging) that I've been pretty excited about. Bought all the fabrics and fuseable, the backing, the thread, just about everything...But I just can't bring my self to START.
This will be a variation on a stained glass window design and will have lots of pieces and I just can't seem to find a good place to begin.
Any tips for someone feeling daunted by the project before them?
Maybe I've bitten off more than I can chew?
Watson
I have a new project (A wall hanging) that I've been pretty excited about. Bought all the fabrics and fuseable, the backing, the thread, just about everything...But I just can't bring my self to START.
This will be a variation on a stained glass window design and will have lots of pieces and I just can't seem to find a good place to begin.
Any tips for someone feeling daunted by the project before them?
Maybe I've bitten off more than I can chew?
Watson
#2
When I feel like this I go to youtube and watch quilting how to videos. Watching a few of those help me begin to feel "I can do this!" and I'm off and running. It doesn't matter what type of how to's I watch. That seems to help me get over that hurdle.
#3
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,646
I think I would put that spectacular project aside and just do some "no-brainer" sewing for a bit - like making 9-patches - although from what I've seen of your work, that might seem to be a punishment for you instead of relaxation.
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 11,276
I sometimes get 'analysis paralysis'. Maybe I should use this fabric instead of that. Maybe a pieced sashing. Maybe draft a PP version of the block. I obsess and never seem to start. What I've found is if I just start cutting one of the fabrics (usually my least favorite) , then everything starts rolling along. For some reason it breaks the log jam for me.
Just grab a fabric & start cutting. Maybe the one with the fewest number of pieces?
Just grab a fabric & start cutting. Maybe the one with the fewest number of pieces?
#5
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Escondido, CA
Posts: 112
I always find when I can't seem to get started is because I don't have a plan what I want it to look like. So go back to your thought when you first bought the material. Look online for ideas and make a plan, it will excite you again to get it done.
#6
when i get like that i clean my sewing room a little bit clear off my tables fold and stack my stash i have laying around i don't do a lot just enough so it looks neat then i put the project out on my nice clean uncluttered table and glance over the project i don't do anything else LOL! I walk away let it there and pretty much when i walk in my sewing room the next day i'm ready to start, I don't have the backround clutter to overwhelm me. But thats just me . your project will be done before you know once you do start i love stain glass i'm sure it will be beautiful
Last edited by mandyrose; 10-06-2016 at 11:43 AM.
#8
I never look at a project as a whole thing. Break it down into steps. List what needs to be done first , second, third, etc.
Most patterns have some sort of organized system and you can expand on it. For example I love Pam Bonos' patterns but they can be hard to follow with many small and odd shaped pieces. Each part of a quilt as parts or sections and breaking them down into units makes each task simpler.
Wish I knew what pattern you are challenged by! It might not be as bad as you imagine.
peace
Most patterns have some sort of organized system and you can expand on it. For example I love Pam Bonos' patterns but they can be hard to follow with many small and odd shaped pieces. Each part of a quilt as parts or sections and breaking them down into units makes each task simpler.
Wish I knew what pattern you are challenged by! It might not be as bad as you imagine.
peace
Last edited by ube quilting; 10-06-2016 at 06:25 PM.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Maine-ly Florida
Posts: 3,926
Yes, I do feel that way. In fact, I have a Toni Whitney Blue Heron wall hanging kit that is making me feel that way. Lately, I try telling myself it's just for practice. Kind of like giving myself permission to make mistakes along the way. Not sure if it will help with this one!
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Southern Indiana
Posts: 3,111
I have gotten that.. I usually just set it aside. Sometimes if I work on something else that will get my mojo going for the original project.... or may be I just do nothing. Sometimes I need a break
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
craftybear
Recipes
3
06-09-2010 10:14 AM
babeegirl
Links and Resources
3
07-26-2008 05:29 PM