pab58

You stated that your ex-boyfriend's mother "is a wonderful, wonderful quilter." Are you comparing your work to hers? Keep in mind that SHE was a beginning quilter, too. Even though there are many, many differences, having a background in garment sewing can smooth the transition into making quilts -- at least I think it did for me. You said she makes clothes, too. That has probably helped her in her quilting. When constructing clothing, things have to line up -- especially in certain areas. There is some fudging that can be done, but if some things aren't sewn together correctly, they will be wonky, etc. ;) Ask me how I know this!!! :oops: :roll:

I cannot begin to count the number of times I had to rip things apart! I even had to take 2/3 of a quilt apart because the dye lot of the background was a shade off, and I was unable to locate a close match for the dye lot from the 2/3 section!!! Talk about being frustrated!!!! I was in tears!! All that work for nothing!!! At least I thought it was for nothing! I learned a valuable lesson that day: buy plenty of fabric to complete the background of the top!!!!!!

Please don't compare your work to others -- especially to your dear friend's work. Accept your work for where it is at TODAY. Down the road you will see the long path you have traveled and will be proud of what you have accomplished. Step back for a while if you feel you need a break, or as others have suggested make a charity quilt. It will lift your spirits and will be a blessing to the one who receives it. Then come back refreshed and inspired to begin something a bit more challenging. No one ever said that every quilt had to be at an advanced/experienced level!! Make what you enjoy and see every moment as a learning moment. 8-)

Please don't be discouraged. Come here to the QB, and we will provide you with friendship, empathy, sympathy, encouragement, knowledge, and with whatever else you might need to get through your frustrations. We will celebrate with you and cry with you -- whichever one you need! ;-)

justflyingin

Agree 100%.

Also, someone suggested doing a really easy one for a kid--big squares, bright colors, simple patterns, great prints. They will love it.
Then give it to them.

So, don't do something rash. But, it should be fun. Take a break for a bit.

Someone else said, "Don't rip the border." I agree. Don't. Cut.

Sometimes getting away helps. Read a book, put away the quilting for a week or two. Sew a couple of pillows. :)

niizh

I, too, think you are comparing yourself to your ex's mom. Remember, the amish, who are probably the greatest quilters in the world, always have at least one mistake on their quilts. It is the humility block. That is what my mother always told me. She was a great quilter Also, remember, you are the only one that really knows about any mistakes. My mom also told me quilting is better than Prozac. So relax, enjoy and the rest will come.

katiebear1

When I get frustrated I make crumb or string blocks. I find that very relaxing.

happymrs

I would agree, maybe you are attempting too hard of patterns if all this is still pretty new to you. Take a break, then try some real simple stuff, just do blocks even. They are good ways to practice, & that way, you are just doing one block & not a whole quilt. That way, you can learn what you like doing & what you don't, & also, if you are not ready to attempt that. Don't get rid of everything just yet. We all realize, as we get older, our tastes change. You may not want to quilt much right now, but down the road, you may wish you had kept all that stuff. Even if you decide to get a job, keep your quilting stuff, it may turn into your sanity later on, & it's cheaper than a shrink, trust me! Hope all our advice is helping!...Good luck!

Stitchit123

Yep this is how you kick those quilting blues right out the back door

redmadder

There are times when wrestling 21 yards of fabric, batting, and backing that I swear off quilting. And then I see something wonderful and off I go again. Take a break, clean your sewing room, oil and clean the machines, fold fabric, and buy a new pack of pins. Good luck.

SueDor

I am sure everyone has told you not to stop quilting and I am sure they have told you to take a break. Maybe the pattern you are working on isn't what you want to do. Work on a pattern that you want to work on and get some bright colored material to with it.

Ilovemydogs

Don't give up! Breathe!!! :-)

eastermarie

Please don't get rid of all your stuff. When you finally come to realize that you want to sew and quilt again, everything is going to be so much more expensive. You may not even be able to buy some of your favorite tools anymore. Fabric prices will have hit the roof. Ask me how I know. Get a lot of your fabric stash, pile it on the living room floor. Go get yourself a cold IceTea, or Coke, or Coffee. Turn on some soft background music. Sit in the middle of the living room floor. Pick up random pieces of fabric, notice the colors, texture, rub your hand across its surface, look for patterns in the fabric. Appreciate the real beauty of it. The unique patterns on batiks are really works of art. Smell it. Does it smell like the fabric shop or new fabric? Remember you like this.