Sounds like you take time to get everything, (for everyone else) done so why not do something for yourself? You take time to put on makeup, exercise, eat something healthy, I am sure. This is taking time for YOU. You will be a happier person if you can be creative and enjoy "making" something. I know you can do it!

This is a GREAT idea! Not only does it prepare for a project, it sets limits on all the fun things there are to make, and brings focus into it. I find that I keep gathering ideas, but nothing ever gets done. I love this idea and WILL do it.

I read this board every day and post seldom. Most posts glide through processes from which I learn so much, but today, this post stopped me cold. Did I write this in my sleep? I can totally relate. Thank you for baring your souls. I've learned not only quilting from this board but something about myself.

I also work from home and had trouble allowing myself to have "fun time" in the sewing room when there were cleaning jobs, cooking, etc. to be done. But I never seemed to catch up so I could "earn" some quilt piecing time. I finally decided Fridays were going to be my guilt-free day to be in the sewing room no matter what I got done during the week. And it can flow into Saturday depending on what demands come into my Friday that end up cutting that day short. It's amazing, even with the interruptions to that day by needs of others, how much I've gotten done. My suggestion, try finding a set time each week that you can schedule "guilt-free quilt time".

I agree! What you do in your free time is something you ENJOY not something you have to do!.

You all describe quiltmaking/sewing the way I feel about writing. Besides quilting and other hobbies, I write, and this is where my perfectionism stall comes in. I can cut, sew, make clothes or curtains or quilts without fear, but writing is where I behave exactly as many of you describe. And I know it's my fear of failure. I'm somehow not afraid of failing in any of my other interests, probably because I know -- within reason -- that I can do it. It's writing I'm afraid of failing at. Funny how we approach these things differently.

I thought that I would share something with you that is framed and on my wall--"The First Step to Paralysis is Perfectionism". I often had trouble starting and doing things because I expected everything to be perfect the first time and my mind knew that it wasn't going to happen that way so I had trouble getting started. Finally I had to do what many people suggested as in making kits and just jumping in. I read Nancy Ziemann's book 10-20-30 minutes to sew and realized that I could accomplish a lot in a small time if I was prepared and it sounds like you are totally prepared. Just make up those kits and go and have fun!

I think that I am your secret twin. Rotary cutting is very difficult for me. Once I get started however, it becomes easier as I go. Unfortunately, with every new project, it is the same thing. I have had to be very good at whatever I did all my life, so I fight perfectionism, workaholism, some OCD tendencies, need for organization, etc. I too have many projects I want to do. Lot's of fabric, etc. I have taken classes, and always feel like the dumbest student in the class, but I like seeing what everyone else is doing. I have met some awesome people, so I keep trying to go forward.

Yes, I really want to quilt. You might want to try one of the Craftsy classes. Relatively inexpensive, your deadlines are your own, very well taught. Once I get started, and in the habit of letting myself keep working a little at a time, things get easier, and I can get more reactive. It is when I take a hiatus, and have to start up again that I have trouble getting going again. I just moved, and need to set up my sewing area. Then I am going to take my own advice and jump in. I hope you will be started by then.

I kind of agree with Skratchie. You perhaps don't really want to quilt. I like the thought of eating more healthy and exercising. I have lots of cookbooks and exercise clothes. But I really don't like it. I always find an excuse - it's too hot, it's too cold - my stomachs upset. I'd rather sew than walk or workout, and I'd rather grab a handful of chips than a stalk of celery. So I keep saying, I'll start tomorrow - I'll start tomorrow. As a result, I'm a chubby old messy thing, but with LOTS of quilts! You are very neat and tidy with no projects. We can both change if we really want to. I guess I really don't want to! I'd rather sew!!

My quilts will never be perfection, or even close to it. But each person I've given one to is so sincerely thankful, and so appreciative, that I've come to the realization that perfection is not the goal -- its to enjoy the process, and make something for someone else. I love quilting, and even if I only get 15 minutes in at the end of a work day (I usually don't get home till 6:30 or 6:45 & am in bed at 8:30 to 9), its very relaxing to me and I look forward to that time. Why don't you pick something easy, like a D9P or a baby quilt, a bib or burp pad, and make several of those to put aside as gifts? Once you start, you'll find you accumulate a nice pile & when you need a gift, you're ready. You'll have the enjoyment of watching the reaction of the recipient, which should further 'fuel the fire' to quilt. Also by doing this, you'll have small projects to do hand work on, which you can take with you on errands, to the doctors office, etc. I use a basket with a handle as a purse, and I've always got a hand project in there to work on during breaks, lunch, etc, at work. I like the timer idea, too, as on weekends, I find I'm in my quilt room from morning until my DH calls me for dinner....breaks are good!