Getting back into quilting
 

I'm new to this site and am so glad I found it!

I started quilting many years ago and for a while was very actively competing, blogging, and generally really involved in all aspects of quilting.

A few years ago my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and I found myself having to give up a lot of stuff in order to be available for my parents. I didn't mind and would do it again in a heartbeat, but now that he's passed away, (last November), and my mom seems to be doing well and doesn't need me as much as she did, I'm trying to get back into quilting.

I'm fortunate because I have a stash of great fabric, a patient husband who doesn't mind me spending money on materials, and a son who's a senior in high school and pretty much takes care of himself. So, here I am, I have the time and the materials, but I'm having a hard time getting going again.

Does anyone out there have any advice for me? I really want to get my quilting mojo back!

Find a project that you really love and get started on it. Don't force yourself to work on something because you have to. Work on something that gets you really excited. Maybe a small project to begin with.

Glad to have you back with us and look forward to seeing your work.

Welcome to the board. Not sure what advice I can give you on quilting mo-jo. I find just looking through pattern books or magazines or even surfing Pinterest is enough to get me sewing. Or sometimes just playing with my stash. I am one who has stash assigned to a bucket list projects going out for at least 5 or 6 projects so I always have something to turn to. Then I have stash with no assigned task/pattern. Then there are the decades old WIPS I could pull out and work on. Thankfully they still hold my interest so I could easily become absorbed in them again. Some quilting buddies always inspire me too. Maybe a shopping trip with quilty friends to pick out something new and special? How about that technique you always wanted to try your hand at? It sounds like you now have the time and resources to once more become very active in the quilting community. Resurrect your blog and find a local guild. I am sure you will be up and running again in no time.

Sorry for your loss, but glad you now have time for you, look through sites, free patterns, maybe start with potholders, table runners, bags? Find something that calls you and you'll soon be on your way x

Have you checked out the MSQC website? There are a lot of tutorials that are fun, quick & easy. They usually suggest you use either charm packs or jelly rolls but you don't have to. I use my own fabric.

Here is the website:https://www.missouriquiltco.com

Enjoy!

Not sure where you are in No. CA but the Pacific International Quilt Festival is in October. https://www.quiltfest.com/activities.asp?id=7

Have not been there, but assume it is like Road to CA in SoCal. Classes, exhibits, vendors, etc. You can see all the new ideas, fads, etc. In the meantime, visit quilt shows, local quilt stores, look at books, magazines, pinterest. It will start the juices flowing, and by the time PIQF comes around, you will be ready to jump into a class or two, buy a kit or some kind of project there.

Forgot to add that there is a show that is once or twice a year: http://quiltcraftsew.com/
There should be a show near you. A lot of the show is devoted to quilters.

Just going to my local quilt shop really inspires me!

I've actually been to the PIQF, about 5 years ago. It was really packed with exhibits and booths, and so many people! I'm on their mailing list so I just got their brochure again for this year's show. I wasn't planning on going, but it might be just what I need.

Actually, everyone has been very helpful. I think I just need to get my toes wet and before I know it'll I'll be waist deep again. Thanks!

Several years ago, my husband was very, very ill with pancreatitis necrosis. That's a medical term for when the pancreas destroys itself. For about five or six years, I really couldn't sew. I guess I was so concerned about him that I just couldn't focus on quilting. I still had an interest in quilting, but I just couldn't actually quilt. I wondered, too, if I would ever feel like quilting again. I was able to retire from work a couple years ago. I am now quilting all the time and really enjoying it. I said that to say that I think we are all different and it may take one person more or less time than another to get back into quilting. But I think the time will come and you will know when that is. Just keep reading quilt books and magazines and visiting the quilt shops and it will happen one day. I wish you the best! By the way, my husband has recovered from the pancreatitis and is living a normal life now, for which I am very thankful!

Welcome to the board Susan from a Southern California quilter. I would suggest a small quick easy project. Any babies arriving soon??