DebraK

good advice, Tartan.

cjsews

I have gone thry several hobbies/crafts in my day. When I have had my fill, I quit and move on. Sewing has always brought me pleasure since I was a little girl. If I ever tire of that, it will be ok with me. I had many years of enjoyment from it and that is all that matters.

Butterfli19

Very good outlooks, everyone, thank you! I didn't think of keeping it as past enjoyment, I feel as if I have to hang on to it because I've been doing it for so long, and maybe that's why I can't "move forward". Maybe something new, or a new direction, is in order.

Skratchie

I'm certainly not knocking anyone, and we're all different, but I've seen the comment a lot lately around here that someone can't bear to cut up some bit(s) of fabric they have because they're "too cute" or "too pretty" to cut. And I don't really understand that point of view. All the fabric I buy, I like. Some of it I really love. But it's just part of my pallette to create the end product. I bought it with the thought of cutting it up to make quilts, so the idea of not doing that doesn't really make sense to me. I've never used a fabric then thought, Wow, I wish I'd kept that one because it was too pretty to cut up. Instead, I think, wow, that was a pretty fabric before, but now with these other fabrics, it's more than I ever could have imagined it could be.

If I ever did get to that point, I wouldn't think it was the fabrics stopping me from quilting, I would think that my focus has shifted, and maybe quilting isn't what I want to do anymore. So as others have suggested, maybe a break to allow yourself to refocus where you really want to spend your time and talent is in order. :-)

AliKat

You will know what to do when you listen. You maybe need a bit of inspiration. Till then you can try to artfully arrange your materials so that may tempt you in the future. I have some displayed in my studio and living room. It is calming and inspiring for me.

The amount of investment doesn't determine the passion for something. As our lives change so do our passions.

Butterfli19

THIS is why I feel so lost...I've tried all that has interested me and now I'm back to cross stitch, which is another long love - almost 30 years! - but I feel as though I need to grow into something else but I don't know what. I feel like I'm wandering in the craft world but don't know what to try next. I have been spending quite a bit of time in Pinterest and there are so many things that I love but nothing is making me sit up and say "THAT! That is what I want to do!" Geez, I hope I don't sound whiny, lol.

Colorful1

I lost my mojo for about a decade then found it again about 8 years ago while recovering from an ailment. I'd come from a garment construction/quilting background and finally acknowledged to myself that I didn't like sewing clothes but that I loved the rotary cutting and sewing processes themselves. To aid in my recovery, I purchased a used HV Rose (my first 'exotic' machine) and sat at my dr table sewing fabric pieces together... No project in mind... simply enjoying the hum of the machine, its gorgeous stitches, and the nourishment it fed my soul.
This is what it's been for me since this time and I love it. I piece and make quilts - sometimes... I piece to learn, I piece to experiment... I don't pressure myself w the end result nor deadlines, anymore; it is the process that I find inspiring. And this process has taken me to exciting places I never would've considered....it is an ongoing journey; I don't think ahead...I enjoy the 'now'.
This is my reason for sewing.

Colorful1

Btw, I also view fabrics as art. Some I use, some I don't ~ they're too pretty to cut into so I pet them instead, and smile

athomenow

I rotate my hobbies. I can crochet for a month or more and then look at all the throws and scarves and say ok enough of that. Same with knitting. I tend to not buy bunches of stuff for any hobby knowing how I am. I have enough fabric to quilt for some time but I don't like to have yards and yards of fabric lying around. It makes me nervous. I am also not working at the moment and so my hobby budget is limited. I think someone else said it, take a break and leave it all where it is. You might have a use for it later on. I know I look through some of my older bins and smile because I know there is always something new to do.

Pennyhal

I put fabric aside for several years once. Did kniting, crochet, needlepoint, etc etc... Then one day I looked at all my stuff and it hit me. I really really love quilting and all this other stuff was taking me away from it. So I gave everything except my quilting stuff away and then just did quilting. But recently I've found a new love, machine embroidery. So I do a little of both.

I follow my heart.