Some thoughts for you:

I am guessing there is a quite a bit behind that blahblahblah.... and maybe you were just having a bad day and you were wanting your other half to give you a hug and instead (being a man)

Now that was just him trying to think of something useful to say. He failed, because that it really not a useful thing to say at all. Bless him, he can't help his male brain. You know that he forgot he had said this as soon as it was out of his mouth, while you are stewing over it- we've all been there!

I am sorry you have been having a hard time getting into your room, but can I just stop you on the "completing anything" bit? Have a look at your contract and see if it says you have to complete things. Woops- no contract? There you go then. You don't have to complete anything. Personally, I am a great starter, and I enjoy that. I have several things on the go, and for me it is all about doing what I feel like doing when I can grab a few minutes to sew. Completing things is not necessarily what it is about for me. I complete plenty at work. If you are not like that with your hobby, that is OK. (If you really value completing things, I advise you to pick something super easy- a Christmas bauble perhaps?)

Congratulations- you are a creative person. There are millions of people in the world who have very few ideas. So you are ahead of the pack on that one.

Your ideas materialise! One of my great pleasures is to close my eyes at night and visualise things. They don't materialise either, but I still enjoy it!

OK, this is an interesting one. Can you define losing interest? Is it that you just don't want the thing anymore, or that you don't want to work to get it, or that you lose confidence that the person you are making it for will like it, or you have chosen a project the needs speciliased skills, or what?

Sorry, let me check here, these would be completed projects? So you have actually completed two whole quilts, plus pillows? So in what way do your projects not materialise?

That is draining. It doesn't leave much energy for other stuff at the moment.

Oh look- a Capital Letter! I is for..... Inadequacies. Lets look at that one. Take out your contract again, the one about being a perfect wife, mother, homemaker, employee, daughter, neighbour- yeah, that one- the one you wrote yourself. Have a look under Inadequacies and see what you put in there. Look evberyone- there is a whole section on being Martha Stewart! (without the prison record). Sheesh- would you let anyone else talk to you like you are talking to yourself? If anyone else had come up with that list would you take it? So, why are you taking it from yourself? Take out the whiteout/tippex/correction fluid and remove some of those Martha clauses from your contract. While you are at it, write in some extra clauses about rewards and recognition for all the great stuff you achieve, (including having all those great ideas, and not being in jail)

And this would be unusual how?

Hi Mom! Come in and pull up a chair! Now Mom, we all know how hard it was in your day and you didn't have all those machines, microwaves, disposable diapers, mobile phones, etc, but you know what? You also did not have to commute two hours a day and hold down a full time job as well as being the perfect wife and homemaker and dealing with all those new messages we get from the media now. So, butt out. You have no idea what you are talking about so just stop. You may be bitter that your daughter appears to have it easier than you did, but she doesn't- she has worries you don't even understand. And even if she did have it easy, that would be something to celebrate, so stop being so miserable and keep your opinions to yourself. (Now you can leave, we are busy talking here.)

Keep trying, sister!

Two really good reasons to collect fabric! You could have told your OH this when he made his comment about you being a fabric collector- there is nothing wrong with being a fabric collector, if it makes your heart sing.(And if you can afford it, but hey, you go to work, so you can afford some fabric)

We do too! Group Huuuuuuug!

Nothing fundamental. I would say you are stressed out and tired and putting pressure on yourself. Somehow your hobby, which is supposed to be fun, has become just another chore. Take some time to do something that is pure fun, try to recharge your batteries a little, and see if you feel better.

I agree with everyone - you are tired & discouraged. Don't let your husband get you down with negative comments.. If you have any holiday fabric - maybe make something small that you've had your eye on doing. It will help you with the negative feelings.

it sounds like you are describing my life! The way I get past it is sign up for a class at a local quilt shop , it seems to give me that jump start. As a matter of fact I think I will start looking for one now.
You are NOT inadequet you are busy. Sometimes you need to just give yourself a break and look for a new pattern.

Kelley

Maybe you just need to find a project you like and just spend 15 to 20 minutes a day on it and maybe 2 hours on the weekend, before you know it , it will be done... You seem to be overwhelmed with work getting home and keeping house and a family... quilting is suppose to be relaxing... just try and relax for 10 minutes a day doing something... Let us know..

Hugs
Ladybug

Cut yourself some slack. I worked fulltime for 40+ years - when I got home I didn't feel like doing anything either. Now that I'm retired there are periods of time that I never see the inside of my sewing room. A friend of mine suggested spending 10 minutes or so a day sewing - you'd be surprised how much you accomplish over time.

I totally agree with sherriquilts. Find a friend who you can spend time with quilting. When my 3 sons were little my FIL also lived with us and with 5 need males to care for I was exhausted and needed some out-side-of my home girl time. I wasn't quilting then but I heard about a quilt class at our local SR center. Now I wasn't old enough then to belong but I could take the class. That was the beginning of my love of quilting---24 yrs ago! I belong to a quilt guild and try to get together with quilt friends at least once a month. They rejuvenate me and we motivate each other. We help each other with our projects and just have fun for a few (or several) hours. You would not believe the difference a few buddies will make. Make a day just for you and a friend. I'm so glad I did.

How about taking a class at a LQS? Most of them offer fun and interesting classes and it's a great way to get to know other quilters. Our shop offers Friday Night Stitchers where we have an open sew and a pot-luck dinner. We also have UFO nights for "unfinished fabric objects." These sessions are always full because quilters are more motivated when we are having a good time with others.

I didn't read all nine pages of replies so maybe someone else has suggested this already.

Go into your sewing room and arrange your fabrics. Refold them, feel them, enjoy them. "Neaten" them. Sort them by color, category, or whatever works for you. For the moment that might be all you feel like doing. Eventually the desire to use them will come.

Noveltyjunkie, you said it all so very well!!!

Wow it sounds like I wrote this. I too work full time and a one hour drive. I am exhausted when I get home. So hard for me to get motivated to sew. But I found for me sewing releases stress. So I organize and get my projects together in the evening little by little so by the weekend I try to get up before anyone is out of bed and I head to my sewing space and sew until everyone is up. then do my errands and back in the sewing area. So just pick at it little by little . I don't care if it takes a long time to finish a project . It just very stress releasing for me.

noveltyjunkie - you are the best pin in the pin cushion! You spoke with grace and forthrightness in every idea that needs to be addressed by fabrichore. Hurrah, for both of you and fabrichore, do lighten up upon yourself. I have been there done that years before my retirement and it really did not solve too many problems. Make time to sew; it is very relaxing. Forget about patterns and exact corners. Just strip quilt 10 inch blocks or make rail fence blocks. These can be done with nothing to think about and the personal bonding with fabric and creating of colors will make you feel so warm. Best wishes and please do not give up on yourself.

Try not to kick youir self to hard. we all have times like this. yes I have used the seam ripper alot. but you learn from your mistakes. at least I do. I made a puffed quilt a year ago , It would,nt fit in the washing machine , so guess what? I had to take it apart and make it a little smaller. so dont get discouraged, you will get back in the mode when you are ready. Mary

dont worry i have like seven projects started and i wanted to have them done for christmas i will sit there and say gee maybe i should do this or maybe that and with a busy secdule it does seem like i give up at times but just put things in front of you pick a design and just go with the flow

What's wrong with collecting fabric!?! I'd hate to hear what they have to say about me. Besides, would it make them feel better if you collected something like stamps or coins? Ridiculous.

If I had to drive an HOUR to get home... I would not be ready to sew, cook, clean, or think... sheeez... does dh come home from work and IMEDIATELY start in on projects or fix dinner or start cleaning... they need "down time".... You are not lazy....relax and do something else for a little while... the quilting will come back

No matter how much we love to quilt... sometimes we just need a break. So take a break & don't feel bad or worry about it. You will get the desire back.

Hmmmm......Are you afraid of cutting all that lovely fabric???? You said you had to rip out stuff. Do you feel pressured to make something perfect and fabulous since you've spent all that money on fabric. Have you made sewing into a chore instead of fun. Thinking up and putting together all the material for a project takes time and concentration...not something you have energy for after work, kids, and the house. Buy a little wallhanging or other pre put together kit and just enjoy the therapy of sewing.

I agree with this post...small goals...after all you spend many,many hours a day doing for others, so whatever you feel like doing when you have down time is OK. Sometimes I can only congratulate myself for finishing a book I've been wanting to read or finally watching some of the stuff I've recorded from TV. Seems small but if that's all I get done today, there's always tomorrow.

I know the feeling. I love the look of the color and fabric...but now I'm mostly overwhelmed. Seems like I have too much to do in front of me. Better to hide it, or not have it at all. Sometimes I think my husband is right - get rid of it all, then just buy enough for one project. But it's great to have what you have for when the moment of inspiration comes...and it will. Give yourself some time and try to stay away from the fabric stores! (ya, as if we could, ha, ha)

As long as I can remember I have loved the world of sewing. I mainly had scraps left over from all my years of sewing for my children, but when I got into quilting, I realized I needed a real stash! That gave me an excuse to buy fabric; when I found a great fabric sale, I needed to buy some to help build my stash! Well, my stash grew faster than I could turn things out. A couple years of health issues really set me back. But I discovered that even when I couldn't produce, it was such a stress reliever to visit my sewing room, small though it be. I love to feel the fabric, see the beautiful colors and dream about what I might one day make. It serves a purpose; it is part of my hobby! So be kind to yourself. Life will eventually slow down and your fabric will be there waiting. In the mean time, enjoy the journey!

Here's another thought...go to a local book store, buy a cup of flavored coffee and flip through a whole pile of quilting magazines. The gorgeous photos and cute holiday ideas might get you excited to start a project. Be kind to yourself...this is a journey, not a race!

I have a friend who calls her stash her "worship center." So just look and feel your fabric and don't feel guilty if you are not producing something. Inspiration will hit you one of these days.

I know how you feel! I worked in hospitals for 30 yrs and started quilting after my kids all left home. My DH has been very supportive, but sometimes he pressures me to complete projects that I feel I need to get away from for awhile. We've had a very stressful summer (each lost a parent). We've had to single-handedly clean a grocery store and prepare it to be sold. At one point, I got real busy and made a "stress quilt"! Just the top..I don't have it quilted yet. I was going to try to make some quilts for Christmas, but decided I just wouldn't have time this year. I've ordered some small kits, table topper and two table runners. THEN, my hands and feet went numb and tingly. I just came back today from neck surgery. This is making the hand quilting hard, but I can use the machine and even with the neck brace I should be able to do a little each day. Hands and feet feel a bit better, but recovery could take months. You are just worn out and need the break. Doing a smaller project that is easy to complete would probably help get you going, but don't try to work at night unless you can get a "second wind". I used to relax after dinner, then when DH went to bed about 9:00, I would go back and work for an hour on a project. When I got sleepy or started making mistakes I would just turn everything off and go to bed. Also, don't promise to make anything for anyone. It pressures you and you begin to dread working on it. Make things for people because you enjoy doing it and let it be a surprise. No pressure!

You're busy. I also love fabric, color & creating things from the vision in my head, but I didn't really get into quilting until I retired and the kids moved into their own places. Until that happens, your head is always on 50 other things and the dedicated time just doesn't happen. Even now, I can't sit & sew for hours uninterrupted. My head always comes up with a chore that must be done. Don't sweat the small stuff. We tend to be way too hard on ourselves. If you are relaxed when you are creating and enjoying it, who cares if it take months or years to finish a project.

I have a similar problem -- I get lots of projects "almost" finished, enough to see how pretty they are if they had the border, or the binding, or if they were quilted, etc -- but I can't motivate myself to finish them... I love fabric, and buy more as I find some I like, and add to my stash. I think it is more than being tired.. It's a "problem" - ....

I like you!

I have spent over six months recovering from four trips to the hospital and two surgeries. I discovered that I needed to do things "one bite at a time" So 5 minutes at the machine instead of 15 minutes--or an hour! Now I can sew about 45 minutes , then need to rest. What about some super easy projects--like the 15 minute table runner (really it takes 30!) and place mats to match for gifts--or a lap quilt the easy way (strip quilted or 4, 9, or 16 patches). Or a tea cozy--or eyeglass cases--or small totes. t is amazing how much I got done 5 minutes at a time.....and it made me feel MUCH better to actually be able to do something again. When I could not sit at the machine, I fringed some wool shawls for gifts for Xmas.......
Tonight I made disappearing 9-patch table runners with the 15-minute method....and tomorrow am doing a demo on it at the quilt guild meeting. When I come home, I will make place mats to match---under an hour total for 4..plus 1/2 hour for the runner---made in "bites".
I found a wonderful way to get rid of frustration is to rip strips for strip quilts---watch it, though, some do NOT tear well--great way to get rid of angst! Use the fabrics you bought and now do not like--I do Grab n sew---PM me if you want to know how I sew them....

In response to Gabrielle's Mimi, you know, I almost said when I posted my message to make yourself a cup of flavored coffee, go in your sewing room and just enjoy! Glad you added that! Your idea of the sewing magazines was great. Nothing inspires me like flipping through the pages of a quilting book or magazine!

Oh my! That could almost describe me on some days. I have a full time, demanding job and a husband and teen-age son. I've found that during the week, I may not get to sew much, but I can oogle magazines and books and think about what I want to make. I have made 2 quilt tops (just need to add borders) and I'm very happy with them. But, I realized that I needed to finish something! So, I made a pot holder and you would have thought I'd completed a king sized quilt I was so excited. DH just laughed at me. It was a real movtivator though. So, enjoy your sewing time when you have time, consider some small projects interjected with larger ones for a sense of accomplishment, and do not feel bad for the times you don't feel like sewing.

You have my maiden name! Don't stress yourself out on your sewing slump. Try to sew on the weekends when you have more time or not, it's up to you.

You may be trying to do too much. Make time for YOURSELF, even if it is only an hour a day. If you don't feel like quilting or sewing, then don't. Maybe next week you will feel like. By the way, if you are having trouble with you son, you are not just tired, you are stressed. Stress, makes us do strange things. I suffer from depression & when I am really depressed, I can't do anything. If you are having problems doing other things in your life, talk with your DR. If it is just sewing & quilting, just take a break for as long as you need.

You have a lot on your plate, a family, full time job,long comute, you have to be exhausted. Ease up on yourself.

I am retired so I have a lot of time but sometimes it is hard for me to go up to my sewing room. However once I get up there I get in the mood and want to stay. Haven't figured out why I have a hard time making it up there but I'm working on it.

It's challenging working all day, commuting an hour to and from work, and coming home to work more and tending to family needs. I've started by working at the cleaning a bit each day M-F, Sat. I prep. for Sunday School lesson. While it is important to spend time with family, it is also important to have time to yourself to replenish and revitalize. Sunday afternoon is me time. I spend 15 min or so making lists/planning out what needs to be done for the next week in addition to the cleaning. Then, I do something I want to do, sewing, reading, sleeping, time with friends, drawing patterns for projects, etc. Sometimes the other half can have a point, but negativity needs to be pointed out and ridded by all. Encouragement and many hands helping to make light work can breed happiness and a closer knit family. I find this helps build my enthusiasm toward my projects and picking up the seemripper doesn't bother me so much. Hope this helps!

This was exactly the reason I didn't start quilting until I retired, worked too many hours/day in a very demanding job, too many family issues etc. Now I babysit my gr. granddaughter, and when I have a few days off, pull out my project and get going. Cut yourself some slack, maybe you just need to wait until you've got more time to yourself, it'll come.

Sounds like me.I used to get out of bed, eat a little breakfast and go to the sewing room until lunch time. After lunch right back to the sewing room until about 5:00. I think I burned myself out. Now I have to force myself to go up there. Slow down, take it easy for a while and you will get back into the groove.

Be easy on yourself! There is a time for everything. I didn't sew much until I stopped working.

Oh my gosh - true-er words were never spoken. All I could do by 5:30 when I got home from work was collapse in my chair and fall asleep. This continued into retirement and got worse. I could sleep 13 hours at night. I didn't have interest in things that absolutely didn't have to be done. Temper was short. People irritated me. Couldn't concentrate. Couldn't sew a straight line if my life depended on it. Finally went to Dr., had blood tests, and Vit D levels were almost non-existent. Am now taking 50,000 mg of Vit D once a week and it has made such a difference that I didn't think possible. I'm still not the old "energetic me" but I'm not 40/50 years old anymore. This is my third month of taking the vitamin. Everyday that the sun shines I'm out in it. I can't believe the things that I'm accomplishing now.

This may not be your problem, you have a lot on your plate. Get a physical, request blood tests and talk to your doctor. Process of elimination. Going through all this I've discovered that I'm healthier than I thought I was. That's been a relief also. :thumbup:

Good luck to you. We're pulling for you. {{{ HUGS }}}

Good Morning! Don't feel bad, LOVE your beautiful fabrics!Rest when you can, have a nice cup of cofee or whatever you enjoy, stay with the forum , you're with friends. After I get a project done my brain is absolutely empty, I couldn't thread a needle if asked to for a couple of days yet I feel quilty for being idle (I'm over 60yrs and was brought up that way), so I make small misc. log cabin blocks or s-g, I already have a big box, maybe into potholders for presents. I also sew soft toys , kick them around, growl at them when I feel lousy and blame them for my dumpsand lazyness.Doesn't help the sewing but makes me feel better.

Fabric needs to age before use. Buying and planning is as important as sewing. The sewing will come when it is right.

I really like this idea because sometimes I see some great fabric or a block I wanna try and I "don't"...I'm gonna stop doing that and "Just Do It"
Kirsten