joyce888

Yes I've been there many times. Sometimes I find if I just go with my first idea of a pattern or fabric it's the right choice. I tend to over-think projects to the point that I'm paralyzed in fear of making a mistake.

EvelynJ

Nokie: Yes, dear I was just like you. I wanted to make something anything quilty. So I started with something very simple. I'll see if I can find a picture and post it. I have a USB/Flash Drive crammed with patterns/ideas that one day I hope to do or the great tips/tutorials I have picked up along the way. Just put two pieces of material together and make whatever your heart desires. You do not have to make a huge quilt first. Relax, this really is fun; even for a newbie like me.

Neesie

Make one block of each, with scraps. Then you can decide which block you most enjoyed making, for the final quilt. The other blocks ("rejects") can be used in a sampler quilt!

EvelynJ

Nokie:

Hi I found the picture I was telling you about. Just a couple of small wall hangings I made from a really simple, easy pattern I found free online.

Also I made oven mitts and potholders for my female family members for Christmas. That was a small easy way to start as well. And they all have them proudly hanging in their kitchens, I am so happy!

Then I made a small quilt for my boyfriend's mom, she has a small antique cradle with a doll but it did not have a quilt. I've attached a picture of her with her new baby cradle quilt.

This just gives you some ideas to start out. Doing a small project will allow you to practice and feel like you have accomplished something. Set small goals, then advance; that's what I am doing.

Hope this helps.
Evelyn

lynn_z

This is how I do it. First box is clear salad boxes from Costco so you can view where you're at with gathering for specific projects. I have a plentiful stash but am always finding more fresh designs and colors. I make copies of patterns that I like and might work and keep those in their box until I make up my mind or have enough designated fabric to choose itself. If I am threaded up with some energy left after a sewing session I will go back to whatever box can use that color thread and stitch for a while.....even if I am just emptying bobbins. Same with cutting, etc. So, am actually working on projects little by little and sometimes I surprise myself with how much I have gotten done on them. At some point, it is necessary to move up to larger boxes. Once you reach a certain point of progress (hope of actually finishing something) the biggest boxes move over to the stack of serious contenders. Leftover fabric either goes back in the drawer of second chances or in a box to give away. If nothing else, when I die of old age, I will have at least left hope for someone else to carry on instead of leaving the disorganized mess I used to have.

jcrow

I just cleaned and organized my sewing room because I couldn't decide what project to do next. I went through all my patterns and picked out the ones that I thought would work for this fabric line I have (yardage, charm pack, jelly roll). Well, I had over 20 patterns picked out and was overwhelmed. So, I put them all away and got on the computer and came to the QB instead. I'll read here for a while and go back and see if I'm really in the mood to start a new project. I just finished a huge king size quilt top and maybe I need a break. I also have so many choices in fabric and patterns that I can't decide what to do. I think I can't do the first project I was gathering patterns for...too much for me right now. I need to rethink what I need to do. I have binding to do on at least 4 quilts and that's what I'm dreading the most. So, I'm kind of in the same boat. And, I feel really guilty when I'm not making a quilt. I feel like I have to sew every day!

anita211

I would say start small. Don't look at say a queen sized and know that there is going to be some time involved from start to finish and then the thoughts that you are having. Eliminate the big ones... and the sorta big ones... and get down to a table runner or table topper and go from there.

I hope this makes sense. I just woke up and the coffee hasn't fully kicked in.'

Anita in Northfield, MN

Becky Crafts

I have one right now. A table runner. Very pretty! It's white with fancy ends, binding 1-5/8" in and then has denim blue appliqued flowers, vines and lots of leaves. I have it all cut out and keep putting off starting it because I'm scared of the inner appliqued binding with those fancy shapes. I'll just jump in one of these days & it'll probably come out great!! Then, I have another one to do for DH!! This one will be bigger than the last. It has many stars like the mariner's stars all over it. He even likes the colors! How do I get myself into these things?! :-0

Lavada

do one step at a time soon you will be dancing in the quilt world

quiltmom04

Yeah, I agree. If I can't seem to get going, I put it away, and do something quick or simple, on something that just doesn't matter, and then it seems I gt inspired enough to get back to it. It very hard to MAKE yourself work on something that's not going well, for whatever reason, but I think we all have those times.