I need motivation... please help...
 

Do not know what happened, but it seems since I have been in the new house that I have just not been motivated to quilt. I thought it was because I did not have my own space to cut fabric. Then it is the lack of money to buy fabric. I have some stash but not a lot. I still have enough to at least get started on a baby blanket that I need to get done for a great niece of mine that will be born the end of the month. My son's quilt that I have promised him for over a year now. We bought some of the fabric for that. I also have a monthly door hanger that I could be working on... See what I mean?? all these things that I need to be sewing and nothing. I just walk by my space all the time but don't sew anything or get anything done. Now that I have figured out how to get replies sent to my email I thought I would try to post again and see if I could find some motivation here.

I work on small things that i can get and and feel like I accomplished something. I also find that if I search the web for patterns or such I get motivated to do something. I think the hardest part is walking in and just doing it. Stop making excuses (I know its hard) to walk into your room. Since you have a lot of stash work on a scrappy wall hanging or burp cloth for the baby. Good Luck, and know you are not alone!!!

Ok here is what I would do. Start small. Organize the 3 projects you just talked about. Have one ready for cutting on the cutting table. Get the seasonal runner setup by the machine. Put all the current fabric together for your sons quilt. Each day work on one project for 15 mins. You can spend 45 mins a day 15 mins on each project. You will be amazed at how much you will get done. I think maybe a new house and a clean room maybe stopping you as well. If you keep it small the mess will stay small and easy to clean up. Relax put a favorite movie or music on and enjoy your new space. Luann

Maybe to get started again you need to just do small steps like cut out pieces of just one fabric for a project at a time until you feel the juices flowing again and will jump back in. Or for me if I ever like I am getting lost I look at fabrics in a store or online and almost instantly I find myself back at it full force. Then I find myself having to stop to eat and drink to keep going. I did have a dry spell a few years back but at this time I was working a full day job for eight hours and then work at night in a bar six nights a week for 8 hours and on my day off I just didn't feel like doing anything. But my addiction of quilting soon came back after about six months of this and after one trip to a quilt shop during a huge sale I dived right back in and have not look back. I certainly hope you find your groove back into quilting!!

Thanks guys. Will start to cut something out and at least make a block. Beth

I have the opposite problem. I have so many projects ahead of me that I'm not sure which one to pick up next!! I just finished the 2nd of 4 wolf panels & I'm afraid to start the 3rd as I'm getting burnt out on them. I want a little diversion. Maybe I'll make some burp cloths for my identical twin great grands on the way. :-) I want to try ear bud pouches, a french braid table runner in batiks, a Christmas panel quilt I didn't get to before Christmas & a long list of other fun stuff I can hardly wait to get to. Plus I signed up for a BOM on Craftsy & I have to find my fabrics before the ruler I needed comes in. :-)

My process for getting past the quilting block is to require myself to do at least 15 minutes every night. The first few nights I have to set the timer but as the week progresses, you find yourself going over the time.....and finding things to do....and then wham.....you're back in the swing. You're right, sometimes you just can't pinpoint a reason for your block...it's just there.

I need it to.
 

Where is my motivation. (I need it back, please.) I think I'm feeling the let down from the Holidays. Wrap that up in to many projects started and not finished.(I shouldn't have counted them.) I'm over-whelmed. But, I have 2 little doll quilts to finish before the end of the month. (they are on a dead line.) I will finish them. Hopefully I will break through my block. Good luck. Try concentrating on 1 thing at a time and see where you get with that. :)

I play with my stash, look at my pattern's and pictures in my mag's, that usually gets me started.

This is what works for me. Right now my room is anything but clean after the whirlwind of holiday projects going on since October. I grabbed the two roll-about hampers from the guest bedrooms and have put all - ALL - my scraps in them - except for batik and Christmas, which have their own cubby hole homes. With the clutter in half, I can start SEEING what I can do ... and now it's off to the web for patterns and ideas!

Try a new block! Craftsy is giving a free BOM class, I did the first block and it was fun, easy and inspirational! Good luck be patient with yourself, a move is a big deal

Is it possible that your new space lacks something? My sewing room turned into a total mess and 7 cats couldn't find one mouse. So I spent some time in the space to figure out what was bugging me. DH helped me empty the room and rearrange all the furniture into a nice setup. He was doubtful that it would make a difference but even he is surprised at how "happy" the room is now. Maybe you need to really "CLAIM" the space and make it your creative haven. Then start slow and have fun.

Make a list of what you want to accomplish and post it so you look at it daily. Also helpful to put a date of completion so you are reminded what you wanted to accomplish by when. Them take baby steps towards it. Good luck!

I know it is easier said then done but I think you have gotten some good advice. The 15 min. a day sounds like a great start. I would also be very interested in seeing the baby quilt, the door hangings and the quilt you are doing you your son. I have two sons and I would like to make them a quilt and looking at patterns to do.

Will be watching for pictures.

Hang in there!!!

Motivation, ah, it can be hard to get moving and sew. As a realtor, I know moving into a new house can be emotionally draining. Take a breath, you have worked hard to move into a new place, both physically and emotionally. Then My advise is to take out everything for that baby quilt, and put it where you can see it. What got me motivated was making a design wall and putting up the blocks as I sewed. It is only a piece of foam insulation board from Lowe's, covered with wool batting held on with duck tape. It is out in the open in my sewing/office room, and even just 3 or 4 blocks show me what I have accomplished.

I just moved into a house too. What got me motivated was first I made a table topper for the house. Now I can't stop I'm barely done with one thing while planning 3. I do have my days where I sit on the couch watching tv looking at quilting mags n books too. Tomorrow I'm sandwiching quilts. I try to vary it so it doesn't become mondan. Hope to get you back in the groove!!!

You've got a lot going on, first the holidays, second the new house. Worrying about a quilt you are behind on is probably a third stressor. It's natural to avoid stressful things!
I think the advice to start small is good. try picking one thing, dividing it up into bite-size (doable chunks) and then doing the first chunk, may break the logjam there and get you back in the swing.
Good luck! And congratulations on your new home!

When my slump lasts more than a month I make it a point to go to both Guild meetings, join the weekly sew-in at my favorite quilt shop etc.
Anything that gets me with a bunch of other quilters inspires me and gets me going again.
Good luck.

If you start on the smallest things first you'll see results faster and be more motivated to get another one done and then keep on going from there. That's what I've been doing for the past couple of weeks. The more you see done the more you want to see done.

Same for me!!! Those slumps can creep upon us unawares. Don't be too hard on yourself..... we have all been there. You have made the first step just by acknowledging it.... You will find your way back. {hugs}

I get like that with just about everything...lol. Several people have said what I think helps...do something small that you can accomplish quickly. I'm very impatient and want to see the finished result yesterday.

I bought this new Horizon last Thursday and didn't even practice sewing on it till Saturday afternoon. Today I started a small wallhanging that I should be able to finish really soon. My instruction class is 1/27 at the dealer and then right after that my whole sewing room needs to be rearranged...must buy tables etc. I'm using the machine downstairs on my dining room table and won't bring it up till everything is just the way I want it. Then I think I'll feel like really diving in on the 3 projects that I have planned.

Oh...looking at fabric sites and going through my magazines and books really gets me inspired too...like others have said. And just reading and looking at the pictures on this site helps too.

Quilting is a creative process and if you're not feeling it, you just have to back off from it for awhile. I once had almost a ten year hiatus. I'm never feeling it right after the holidays. Too burned out from making gifts and usually just putz in the sewing room for six weeks or so in the winter. For whatever reason, by early Spring, that's when I'm ready to sew like crazy. Start by planning a few projects in your mind, or look through books and magazines. As some of the others have mentioned, that kitchen timer each day for even a few minutes does seem to help. You'll get there!

I feel like I'm in the same boat as quiltingfan. I just can't seem to get the quilting steam going. I look at patterns, fabric, etc. but just can't seem to decide on what to do. I finally decided to start on something small and quick - maybe that will get me going again.

Sometimes we just need a break to get our energy back and refocus...don't beat yourself up...

Luann, I think you hit the nail on the head. I need you to come and get me organized. I like your idea of setting up the three projects, ready to go. Yes it is hard to walk into a neat space and decide what to do. These last few "football" weekends were really great for my motivation. When the game started, I headed for the sewing room and found a project to work on. My biggest accomplishment was to tackle an applique BOM for the next guild meeting. By Sunday evening, it was finished. Yea!!! Good luck, Neighbor. Let us know what you chose to do. We're cheering you on!

I once hit a 3-year slump. You could just be overwhelmed by the move and the unpacking and the unfinished projects looming. One thing that has helped me out of a slump is sitting down and organizing my fabrics by color, organizing my magazines by date and reading every one of them (this could take days!), and completely cleaning the sewing room so that it is ready for a fresh start. Good luck - and congratulations on the move!

First you moved and its right after the holidays both are exhausting . Then there is the slow down for winter time. We all feel it, we just don't pay attention.
When I have a slow down , I either take a break and don't even think about sewing or doing any thing like it. I clean things,(in other rooms) and read for a few days. Then I watch maybe a video on youtube or The Quilt Show that kicks in my "want to" normally. And gets me thinking creatively again.

Maybe your space is not inspiring you. Kind of a fengshui (sp) thing. I have trouble working in a room until I arrange it so I am comfortable. I can't do anything facing a wall. Try sitting in your sewing chair and just moving it around the room until you find the spot that feels right.

I have the opposite problem. I am ready, willing to quilt, but my Babylock is in the hospital. TWO WEEKS! Don't know if I can stand it. No wonder I wait till the very last minute before I take it in. Grrrrr............lol.
Judy

Glad to hear I'm not the only one suffering from this lack of enthusiasm. My Christmas quilt that I was sooooooo excited about is folded up waiting to be finished. How did that happen!! Then after I got my grandson's quilt pieced it got folded up and set aside. The sad part is I'm still buying fabric for projects I want to do and then it just gets "put away" for awhile. I can sit here all day and cruise the internet looking at the beautiful fabrics and literally go into a trance. I think my problem is I'm so unorganized, and my sewing space is even in worse shape than I am, that I don't know where to start to get back to point A. I'm going to take some of your suggestions and go from there to see if I can't get back into the swing of things. How is it that something we love to do sometimes seems like just another chore??!!

I know the feeling. We had so much going on last year: moving to a new home[actually Dec 2010] with some work on the house, a room addition, setting up a real quilting studio area, a couple of trips -including visiting our son in Spain, and a BOM from the LQS near our new home (signed up for both versions and still need to finish 7 blocks for that), that I only finished two small projects (baby quilt for a friend' new grandchild) and a late retirement gift for a friend of my DH (it was due in Oct, but sent in Dec).

I am starting to get energized. I just finished two tops from a block swap at guild as well as the guild BOM we started in Nov (guild skipped Dec). I still have a stack of UFOs from when I was working full time (just retired before moving) that I want to finish, including some BOMs and shop hop quilts.

Make something for yourself--we're always making things for family, friends and coworkers we put off those projects for ourselves. Make a mug rug out of your favorite fabric or make a cute pin cushion. I agree with everyone else-once you get started the creative juices start flowing!

A second thought. Don't shoot me!!! But maybe lack of motivation and enthusiasm is because other things are more interesting and should be enjoyed instead. If you're sick of it, do something else! Life is short!
In fear of backlash, but meaning well,
Sue

Sounds like a lot of good ideas here, and that this just sometimes happens to a lot of people. I can so relate to what SouthPStitches said! I had been on about a 5 or 6 year hiatus, for the most part. I had just gotten involved with a quilting club, had started a BOM club at my LQS - then I went back to work outside the home full-time. Everything fell by the wayside. I did start a quilt about 3 years ago. I only finished the top in November (finally!). It was that small thing that kick started me again, for some reason. Actually, I decided at the same time that I was going to make a small quilt for my 13 month old grandson. I had moments of pure joy as I sat there and sewed!! I decided that this was a very good thing for me and it was time to branch out, learn new things (I have stayed very safe, and relatively simple, in my quilting thus far).

I hope you have your quilting enthusiasm back soon! And congratulations on the move. :-)

I participated in the 12 Days of Christmas mini quilt at http://temeculaquiltco.blogspot.com/ and it was so much fun. I am also making a baby quilt out of recycled blue jeans that I am taking as a shower gift on January 14. Both of these are small projects and completing something is important. Make some strip potholders and give to family or friends. Many of us start projects and then don't finish them. I have seen many quilters posting that they are finishing UFOs and trying to use up their stash.

Each of us deals with life differently as you can see y reading these responses.
Motivation doesn't seem like the problem if you are asking for advice.
Inspiration is all around you.
REWARD yourself. Pet your fabric, get familiar with your new space. Just sit with a cup of tea and dream. this will get boring real quick. lol
Do your wash, sew 10-15 minutes, fold a load then sew 10-15 minutes. Start dinner in the crockpot and go into your space.
Enjoy the "me time" you deserve it. Pretty soon you will have accomplished a lot. You will be feelin good from the reward you've given yourself.

Beth,
DH and I just got back from your beautiful home town. The weather there was so nice and unseasonably warm. We loved it! If you like the outdoors, maybe the gorgeous weather will end soon and drive you back to the real quilting fun. I had a slump like yours when my first husband died. He was my quilting cheerleader and I just couldn't get into it. Finally, I made myself get back in the water and it was OK. Then I met my current DH and he keeps egging me on with his encouragement. I am doing something quilty every day now and I am loving it! Maybe you need to find someone who wants to see what your are working on? Maybe that will get you back in the groove!

My problem is quilter's panic when I feel my quilting is out of control!!
I spent an entire day cleaning up my mess - yuck. I bought a big canvas bag at a yard sale and dump all my scraps into that. Then I sorted out my unfinished projects and hung them on hangers with their backing (feeling more in control already) and then prioritized them. Number 1 came out and the others are waiting politely for their turn.
I bought an audio CD/DVD player (on EBay) and love to listen to books on tape while I quilt. I ONLY get to listen while I work so it is a powerful motivator. I'm just getting started on "The Charm School" bu Nelson Deville. I did buy some new fabrics but I'm not allowed to touch them until I finish at least 3 of the 6 projects that are hanging over me like a cloud.
Looking at quilt magazines is always a motivator (I had to put mine away for now) and so is looking at quilt designs on line. I try to watch one tutorial a day just to get new ideas. I love jenny from Missouri Star Quilt. I want to be her when I grow up.

I actually moved in a 6 ft table so that I could cut at, thinking that was the problem. It helped a little bit. I think I just need to get into a really nice project and that might help.