YOU'RE NORMAL! WHAT A SHOCK, HUH? :thumbup:

Just spending a few relaxing minutes browsing your quilt magazines for
projects will help you wind down. Then make a list of things you would
really like to finish, and gradually collect your fabrics, and begin the project.
It feels so good to cross off your accomplishments!

Being creative is not a straight line, it is a up and down line. We all need to pull back and let our inner artist rest and refresh. All creative people do this, writers, painters, all artists. Rather than punish yourself and replay other negative messages allow yourself to take a break. You are not a factory, nor are you a machine. I would suggest you clean the sewing room, clean the machine, organize your stash and then shut the door for at least a week. If you have other passions, reading, cooking, crochet, walking in the rain or taking imaginary trips to Europe then do that. The urge, the need to go back will surface when ready and you can answer that call. I once took a whole year off to learn and do book binding. I came back to sewing renewed and recharged. What you should never do is let others define you. Even done in a loving way, with genuine concern it is destructive. They do not live in your skin and may have their own agenda. For what ever reason they offer an opinion remember only you can define who you are. Turn off those voices and when people inquire tell them your inner quilter is on a vacation, hopefully to a sunny local with good local red wine and handsome charming waiters who love to bring you great food and call you La Bella Donna

Is it possible that you actually miss the OLD sewing room? If your furniture/tools/machines are arranged differently, you need to learn a whole new routine/path around your space.

And with all that's in your life, you may not WANT new routines now, but the comfort of old ways.

When I replaced my cutting table in my sewing room, I was in a funk just because the new table had to be turned a different way in the room. (Go figure!)

Also... if you have collected too much stuff, it can be so overwhelming that you just don't know where to start. Perhaps it would be helpful to keep out the items you need for just one small easy project, and put everything else in boxes or opaque bins so you don't see it. That way you can focus on just one thing for now, and forget about the rest.

When you get the one project done, you might feel so pleased that you can face... two projects the next time!

How old is your son, by the way?

What I heard was a new sewing room. Maybe you are like I was in May. I had finished working and was off during the summer and had several quilts planned to make for my family as gifts at weddings or special occassions. But Nothing was where it use to be I had gotten a new sewing table, it was the right height but we had not become comfortable with each other. Where would my thread go. My table did not have drawers like my old one. I felt like a stranger in my own sewing room. I had to get everything I wanted handy and laid it all out and worked my way through the unformalier territory of a new environment until I made it mine again. Quilters are artist and we all have out artistic temperment and for us to get in the creative mood we have to be comfortable and comfortated in an enviromnent that we feel the freedom to take what is in our head and heart into a fabric pieced form.

See if your family will take a Sat or Sun or both and give you some alone time to reconnect with your sewing room. It might be good for son and dad to have some one on one time. My boys always need it and so did I. Hope this helps. Gail

Try some of those ten minute blocks you can have a lap quilt
in no time.

Ditto! I think we're twins. :lol:

Couldn't say it better !!!!!

When I went to work outside the home with 4 kids at home, I pretty much abandoned most quilting, as well as lots of other things. I am trying to get back into it now that the nest is empty. One thing you mentioned was frustration with having to undo and redo- perhaps you could sign up for a class at a quilt shop, and learn some techniques and tips that will make it more enjoyable. If doing so now would put too much on your plate, maybe next summer if your off work. And with a job, an hour commute, family responsiblities I wouldn't call not wanting to do anything lazy- I'd call it TIRED! And rightly so. In the mean time, maybe do something small for a gift like a potholder or mini quilt wall hanging. Or instead of starting with gifts for others maybe start with something for you. That might be rewarding and motivating to get the creative juices flowing. I'm hoping that moving my machine from the dining room to one of the spare bedrooms will make it easier too. But the comment about checking in on this board using all your time is too true for me too. Hang in there, take some baby steps. and good luck.

Everyone is so right!! Sewing and Quilting is supposed to be the fun part of your life. Please don't let it add to the stress. When you are missing your fabric, just go in and play with it. Sort some of it, pet it and hug it. Put some that compliment together; no specific project needed to have in mind. It's just to soothe you and give you a quiet time with your fabric. And if for right now you are just a fabric collector, so what? Just look at all you will have to work from when you turn back into a quilter!!! Many hugs and smiles, wildlinda

Geez Luise - working all day with a hefty commute AND a family, I'm surprised you have any free time. Don't beat yourself up - quilting is a journey, not a destination.

Besides, you have to have time to play with us on the board, and that counts as a creative outlet. Don't worry, fabric is patient and the inspiration will come when your mind is relaxed and your heart is free.

It sounds to me like you have a full day to begin with and just maybe this isn't the time to start something new. As for tearing things out, I have found that it is best for me if I tear it out and press it, and then walk away from it till the next time I am in the sewing room. This is of course if it is a big tear out. Maybe you could get an hour or so during the weekend. Good luck and don't give up, okay, we all go thru stuff that keeps us from getting in the sewing room. Jan

you have gotten some great advice and I am going to try to outline it for you!!

1. Give yourself a break. As women, we don't know how to take care of ourselves and I think you are in that mode right now. No one can take care of you but YOU!

2. Get a checkup -- you might need Iron or Vitamin D or B12 or something.

3. Take a step backwards. Start making a charity baby quilt or lap quilt (Project Linus comes to mind) with a four-patch or a nine patch. Making something for someone you don't know is good for them and good for you!! I have done this a lot!!

Hang in there and take your vitamins!!

Pat in Atlanta

You are proably being too hard on yourself! Try sewing a charity quilt either for children or for Quilts of Valor(injured servicepeople). They are not critical if the corners or points are not exact, and you won't have to unsew anything! Choose a simple pattern--there are so many easy project out there. But most of all, RELAX and ENJOY your time in the sewing room.

ME TOO

I could never sew during the week while I worked. I had to dedicate one weekend day for sewing like a maniac.
You just need some time with another quilter to get your momentum moving.

My plan this winter is to make as many quilts, wall hangings, table toppers etc. as I can. I get bored also when I get a top done and then get to the hand quilting part. Takes so long to finish. Like you, I have a job and when I get home I am tired. I did bring one top to work with me to quilt on my lunch hours. This way at least one will get all done by summer. Mabey I will have enough money to get some sent out to be machine quilted by summer also.

Every once in awhile, I burn out and just have to step away for awhile. That said, I usually have 3 projects going in different stages, one on the frame, one being pieced, and another being hand appliqued. None have a deadline. That way, I tend to work on one for a few minutes here and there whenever the mood strikes. Quilting is supposed to be my therapy so I try not to stress over it.

My husband laughs at me on "housework" day because I'll vacuum the rug and then go sew for a little bit, clean a toilet, and then sew for a bit. Next thing I know, the day is over and LOTs got done without thinking about it. Relax, let go of the stress.

You know, there's no craft police keeping track of what you make.....or finish.I don't know how anyone working full time can find free time for anything.
Both our DDs work full time & have a son at home.They work all day then start their 2 nd job.There are meals to cook, homework to supervise,house to clean,laundry to do, kids to run to school activities & the list goes on & on.That leaves about 10mins for themselves before bedtime.Then the next day, you do it all over again.
There aren't enough hours in the wk, so if you can find time to do something you enjoy, you're ahead of the game.

I think you should just go SIT with all your fabric and just BE ! Touch it, smell it! Some times I just go in my room, turn on the T.V. and look thru quilting magazines. It clears my mind and I get to look @ beautiful quilts. Sometimes it is just hard to get started... Relax! Life does get in the way of our FUN sometimes!

Not to worry.
In the morning, put a recipe into the crockpot, go off to work and while driving home, think of a nice quiet place you have been..perhaps the mountains, brook or stream you have walked by...autumn leaf changes you have seen...Let the family serve themselves from the crockpot dinner. Eat your dinner and let everyone know that you are going to sew. No interruptions, no discussion of family problems,....Close the door, turn on some music and work on one of your projects.
Make it a small one, the next one can be that big project.
Even if you just piece a stack of nine patch strips, or half square triangles, or cut out some appliques....Lastly, don't feel guilty for these stolen moments of "your" time. You cannot carry the burdens of the world and your family discussions can take place at a time that is best for you...preferably in the morning and not before you go to bed. Think of those special peaceful places as you go off to sleep. Then, perhaps you will not feel so tired in the morning. Can you tell "I have been there, done that"..We all have..you are not alone. Now go and plan Your Day and enjoy your time.
D in TX

First, don't listen to your mom!! You are not lazy!! You are overwhelmed. To much on your plate. Shut the sewing room door and don't even think about it. I have been there. NOt to your sewing room but there!! Walk away and don't worry about it. Don't listen to anyone (especially mom) and you will be fine.

I don't think you're lazy at all! I think you're tired and just need to "refresh". If you're wanting to make something, think small. Something you could finish in a day, such as a place mat, mug rug, pot holder.. just a little something. ((hugs))

more great suggestions!

I know how you feel. I don't think you have a problem. I work 40 to 50 hours a week. Plus the hour drive going to and home.
So I understand how you feel about getting into the sewing room and getting projects done. Like some others said here don't get so down on yourself. I just finished a quilt that I started 5 years ago. It is on my bed and I am so proud of it. Once it was done I felt so proud. So just work at your own pace enjoy it when you can. Don't be discourgage because things aren't going as fast as you would like. I have started another one and when I get time I will work on it and find some me time. :)

I am retired. I have no children or other problems that would prevent me from sewing but I still went through a period when I couldn't even start a project - much less finish one. I joined a Thursday night "Sew Late" group at a local quilt shop. For three+ hours every Thursday I sew with a group that has become very dear to me. Two of the women come directly from work. They give encouragement and ideas. They introduced me to other quilters. I have finished 5 quilts since January - an all-time record. I highly recommend time spent sewing with others as a way to get motivated and inspired.

There has been some great advice here and I hope you find it helpful. Quilting is meant to be fun so don't put yet another pressure on yourself to achieve. You're using this board and that is a good start and adds to the inspiration factor. When I'm having trouble getting going I will do somehting with squares and that's it. Just pretty squares. Nice and easy. Also I have read before that doing micro steps helps heaps. One evening put out your rotary cutter and mat ready with three fat quarters for the next day to cut a few squares. Don't commit to making a quilt, commit to selecting some fabric. Once you start small it will help. Do some other hand project, knitting etc to do a little and keep you feeling like you are achieving something crafty. Don't beat yoruself up. I like a quote tha says "We can have it all, but not all at once". You have time.

I've had that same dilemma. I'm also a 'fabricoholic' ... was buying way more fabric than I was quilting. Because my stash is so large, I put myself on a 'no buy' diet this year. Shhhh, I wasn't completely successful.

But for some reason about 2 months ago, I was eager to to finish up a quilt, that got me making a few new ones that I've been wanting to make for a long time. Then I was sewing and quilting more than I had in a number of years.

Maybe step back, relax, find one quilt pattern / block that excites you and start on it. You might find yourself caught up in the joy of completing a top.

warm quilt hugs, sue in CA

I did little or no creative things while my daughter was at home. Now that she has her own life I sew and quilt all the time I'm not on the computer. Just enjoy the colors for now and don't be so hard on yourself!

Be kind to yourself. Your plate is full right now. I could not have even thought of quilting at your stage of life. I started when I was 69, no kids at home and a very forgiving husband. He doesn't mind eating in his recliner because the dining room table is full of quilt. Just enjoy reading and storing information in your head for another day. Do small things that you can see the end of quickly.

I agree with most of what everyone else has said here. Give yourself some Grace! Because you have a sewing room doesn't mean you have to sew all the time!

I didn't sew for many years when my kids were teens and also when I worked full time. There are only so many hours in a day and you should enjoy the ones that are yours to relax in.

Taking a class is a good motivation too. I wish I had the time to take one, but with 3 grandchildren arriving this year I need to work on my quilts I have started. Then I will play again. I am enjoying these baby quilts though! So cute.

MY HUSBAND TELLS ME THE SAME THING. I JUST KEEP BUYING THINGS AND PUT THEM IN MY SEWING ROOM AND SHUT THE DOOR. I HAVE FOUND SO MANY THINGS ON THIS SITE THAT I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE..........BUT...JUST KEEP BUYING. HOPE I CAN GET INTO THE MOOD SOON. WOULD LIKE TO REDO MY SEWING ROOM TO TRY TO MAKE MORE ROOM. HA HA HA.

Like most working moms and wives, YOU are on bottom of the priority list. Been there, done that. You are important and deserve some bit of time to yourself. For you at this time of your life, you get enjoyment out of fabric, and ideas. Sit in your sewing room (haven from the real world) and let your mind rip. Think about what you could make, fondle those fabrics, sort and resort your stash. I give your permission (need a written pass? HAHA) Try not to beat yourself over those projects to be birthed. Right now treat yourself to time in your creativity room(alias The Sewing Room).

We all have down spurts along with our creative spurts. What if you try 'giving' yourself a quilting day every once in a while. If your guild has a quilting all day event, sign up and tell your children's dad he will be parenting that day.
Or send the kids to grandma's for the day and tell hubs that you're going in your sewing room and not coming out. He may bring food and drink but otherwise is to leave you alone.
Trying to squeeze quilting in on a daily basis while raising children and working is hard. I find it easier to book blocks of time for me. Then the pressure is off, and the creativity flows better.

Sounds like you really need to just stroke and enjoy your lovely fabrics now and that in itself is a real comfort when things are not going your way. You will know when the time is right to start something. Perhaps signing up for a quilt class will help to cheer you up get you going on something you really want to do for yourself and make some new quilting friends who share in your desires and frustrations. Good luck dear quilter, don't give up!!!

You work all day at a job, you have a child, and I imagine you also try to keep your house in some sort of order. To me that says you are not lazy. Or at least you are not able to be lazy at this point in your life. Trying to make quilts or sew clothes is probably giving you stress that you don't need right now. Who does? If all you like to do is go into your sewing space and stroke your "collection" of fabric, that's perfectly OK. Give yourself permission. It's giving you pleasure and helps you to relax. But if it makes you feel guilty because you're not making something with it, that's not good. Don't do that to yourself. Tell yourself, because this is true, that this material will be used to make the most beautiful things. And until then you're storing it, because by the time you get to use it, all of those fabrics will be "out of print" and you would not be able to purchase them anymore. You'll be so glad you have them. 8-)

Sweetheart I can relate to you and most of these ladies. I am a new beginner quilter. I have made nothing yet but I have learned a lot. I was introduced to the senior center here in Oregon and this is where Iam learning to quilt and make quilts. I was started with a quilt pattern block to learn to quilt. It has taken me at least 2 months to catch on how to quilt.
I have been buying small amounts of material or fabric and collecting fabric's brought in to the senior center and shared around. Iam so very thankful for the ladies at the Tigard Oregon Senior Center who has taken me under their wings and taught me a craft I wanted to learn. I will get to the quilt making process some day soon.
I am retired and have minor health issue's like tirdeness that makes me sleep a lot some
times but I will get there.
I have a bedroom upstairs in my daughter's house because she doesn't like me to sleep in my craft room down stairs but I have a craft room and a couch, table sewing machine. TV and computer and let me tell you I could live in that room. Because when I get an idea going all I have to do is get up and pick out what I want to do and I am a crocheter to.
I love this board because you all sound and treat every one just like my quilting ladies treat each other in our senior group. Also Iam addicted to my computer and patterns and all kids of crafts and quilting blogs.
Mary Ann

Oh fabrichore, don't be so hard on yourself!

After a busy day at work; a long drive home; preparing dinner; washing up the dishes; etc; etc; etc; you are crazy if you think you can sit down and do some meaningful, enjoyable sewing!

What you need is some quiet time, maybe on a weekend, when your hubby can take your son out for the day to give you some quiet time and a badly needed break and then, maybe if you feel so inclined, you can give the sewing machine a try.

It's amazing how much more enjoyment you will get from sewing when you are relaxed and fresh.

Make "sewing time" YOUR time and I'm sure you will achieve better results without having to resort to unpicking all your hard work.

Good luck, girl!!!

there are so any good replies that I hesitate to add mine. Ditto what everyone has said. I am now 73, but remember well when I burned the candle at both ends, had the cleanest house on the block, etc. you can not do it All! wish someone had set me aside many, many years ago & said that. so what if you only look at books or smooth fabric ? it is what YOU want to do. husbands some times have a hard time seeing this because most of them can plunk at the TV & lose themselves. go easy on yourself and give yourself some leeway---and most of all---lose that word "guilt". everyone here wishes you well & hopes you will get thru this wall.
loving hugs, smitty

Try not to put too pressure on yourself. I find that when I try to do too much or rush trying to get things done, I make mistakes, or it doesn't work out well - it turns into a never ending cycle. So I stop doing it.

Do small amounts - like cutting certain blocks one night, sewing another, etc.

Slow and steady always wins the race. Relax and enjoy.