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First of all, I would advise that you have a medical check - up just to make sure everything is OK. Thyroid problems can cause energy and anxiety problems. You can chat things over with your doctor as well. Then, if everything is sorted and you feel the inclination, get back into the sewing.
Lots of people have a tendency to dismiss 'women's crafts' - (usually those who don't know or care what is involved) so a humorous way that I have to ignore them is to call them "Philistines" (in my head, not out loud). I don't try to change the attitude and I don't allow them to change mine. Sewing is therapeutic as well as fun. Even if you just get out your material and move it about a bit - it doesn't matter. Do as you like with it. |
I believe there are times all of us are in the same mental place you are in, give it time don't force it. I have been accused of collecting fabric and quilt magazines. But I get motivation from the magazines, books and fabric and then I can't wait to get into my sewing space. It will happen.
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First thing do not listen to any body may let u down. Some men think there items, work, books is the perfect and more useful ....
If u have private place to keep your machine ,fabrics, notions, keep it busy with your thing and that makes your hand and mind think about them and easy to reach. If u busy at work, husband, child with collecting from school, homework, chores that make spare time very little for hobbies . But after and before u want to do what u LOVE to do 4 YOUR SELF so make small projects and pick easy ones for example squares (big not small one) in the end it is quilt and it will finish quickly and nice. Time will change . Good luck |
Do you have physical tiredness or emotional ? When raising my 4, I found I really was tired of being a sounding board for everyone. Listening to, and replaying their problems in my head, my mind and emotions where gone by the time I got home. I had nothing for myself or children. Protect yourself from co workers who gossip and don't carry any around , it's heavy. Do you have an emotional vampire at work who drains you? These are people who talk about me ,myself and I. My problems should be your concern and know every thing about them. They drain you ever so cleverly.
On your way home listen to a book on tape soft music nothing which takes energy. Ease up on yourself. This isn't a race. I do about 10 to 12 quilts a year. But I need to protect myself from those people who use and abuse me. I haven't always been this productive for many years I had to step back and live with life's problems. I still work 40 plus hours a week. Babysit grandchildren, help children and grandchildren move into different homes, etc, etc, Relax. You sound like myself a few years ago. I think I know you or do you know me? Maybe we are sisters! :lol: :mrgreen: :D |
Originally Posted by kellen46
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
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Originally Posted by fabrichore
The other day I was talking to my other half about my sewing room, blahblahblah, anyway he said "I don't think you are a quilter, I think you just like to collect fabric", and I had to stop and think about it, recently I have been having a hard time getting into the sewing room ( a new sewing room mind you) and sitting there and completeing anything, I have many ideas and thoughts but nothing ever materilizes...I make a mistake and I have to pull it all out and do again and I find myself losing interest really quickly, I do like to sew and make pretty things, I am new to quilting and have made two quilts and some pillows but I do not know what my problem is, I have been struggling with my son lately but I am not going to blame him for my Inadequacies, I work all day and it takes an hour to get home, so by the time I get home I do not want to do anything,,,my mom would call it lazy and maybe I am...I am trying very hard not to convince myself I am not capable of doing this whole sewing thing, I love fabric, I love color, and I really do like to sew and create, so what in the world is wrong with me.... :cry:
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I am new to this list and a new quilter, but here is a suggestion. When I was working full-time as a nurse and raising six children (while going through a divorce also), it was always hard to get going on anything different. What worked for me was making a list allowing myself time for myself. Set aside one thing a night you need to do but then one night could be dedicated to quilting or your quilting room organization. You may just need to get into the easier world of following a schedule at home. Good luck. Pauline
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I am new to this list and a new quilter, but here is a suggestion. When I was working full-time as a nurse and raising six children (while going through a divorce also), it was always hard to get going on anything different. What worked for me was making a list allowing myself time for myself. Set aside one thing a night you need to do but then one night could be dedicated to quilting or your quilting room organization. You may just need to get into the easier world of following a schedule at home. Good luck. Pauline
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Invite a friend over that also quilts...make it a fun day and help inspire each other to do a UFO..if you have the time make it a weekly event...sometimes when we are down it helps to have a friend to encourage us on..and it makes great fun...have PB&J sandwiches and chocalate..how can you go wrong..blessings
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NOTHING IS WRONG WITH YOU!! I think this happens to everyone. Life get's in the way. I go in spirts with my quilting. I find I do it mostly in the winter as I have to much going on in the summer. I'll go to my design studio and putttss. I'm up here to quilt but I'll rearrange fabric, look at books.... I am making a large lap quilt for my friend and the majority of the block were on my design wall for almost a year. Finally, top is done. In the process of quilting and she will get it for christmas.
Bottom line, I think you need to be in the right mind set to be creative. My husband tells me the same thing sometimes and I just say, " WHAT - DID YOU SAY SOMETHING?????""" I can't hear you-lalalalala. Have a good one!!! :thumbup: |
everyone gets like stuck occasionally...
i keep a couple easy EASY blocks cut out & in my drawer ready to go, then when i am stuck, i do one of those... usually, after i finish that one thing, i'm not so stuck anymore... and i wonder why i was stuck in the first place. |
Originally Posted by loopywren
I understand for different reasons I have been the same.. but have you thought of hand sewing, I find watching the television and hand sewing very relaxing, don't plan too much just grab some fabric, whatever tools you need and off you go, doesn't matter what it is ......
Try making some potholders or hot pads by hand ... maybe that will get you going. |
Everyone goes through slumps. I've gotten some of the same comments that you have and I don't let it worry me anymore. Everyone has a passion. It isn't defined by a label such as quilter or sewer. It isn't defined by the number of finished projects. It is defined by your enjoyment. My favorite part of a project is always the beginning. The middle is busy work. Once the project is finished, that's great but by then I'm already starting something new. I'm sorry that you are stressed. Just give it time and don't let others stress you out more because you aren't in the sewing room.
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I just wrote you a reply, but it erase before I could send it -
Don't listen to anyone but your quilters heart. If you don't have one already, put a comfortable chair in your sewing room. Go in there once or twice a week with a cup of hot coffe/tea/cocoa - touch your fabric, look at patterns - close the door and relax. Everyone deserves ME TIME Check out the totorials on this site - Oma66 - posted a great tutorial http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-74134-1.htm On a great method to sew 1/2 square triangles - I can't wait to try it. Play with your fabric. |
I have that problem too. I find I am overwhelmed with all that I have to do in my life and job (very stressful). I also close down when it gets dark and can't do a thing. I take classes and get all inspired but never finish so I have lots of WIPs. I have no suggestions but I am trying to take one thing at a time. Fortunately my DH does not criticize my lack of "energy". If it bothers him that much he picks up the slack. I am blessed.
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I have that problem too. I find I am overwhelmed with all that I have to do in my life and job (very stressful). I also close down when it gets dark and can't do a thing. I take classes and get all inspired but never finish so I have lots of WIPs. I have no suggestions but I am trying to take one thing at a time. Fortunately my DH does not criticize my lack of "energy". If it bothers him that much he picks up the slack. I am blessed.
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Kelly - I feel your pain! Sounds like you're getting it from all sides! (Been there unfortunately) First repeat after me: I'm worth taking time for myself, even if I don't do ANYTHING!! Secondly, do you have any friends that sew, quilt, or do any type of hobby? Maybe you just need them to give you a "quick" call and say to you: get to your sewing room; or perhaps decide on a day of the week that come what may that's the day/evening you're going to go to your sewing room and close the door to keep the world out. (Put out a DO NOT DISTURB sign if you must!) Turn music on as high as it goes, or put on your MP3 player to keep the world at bay Tell yourself you're only going to do something for only 5 minutes - most of the time once you get started, you'll keep going. Also, on your long ride home put on some soothing/relaxing music to calm you, but the music you play in your sewing room should be "funky" and LOUD to get your blood going! Hope this helps you. Good luck!!
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I undersatand what you are saying. I know it is hard when you are working but what has always worked for me is to join a small group that meets once a week for 2 hours. It helps to motivate you to do something at least during that time. Then eventually you will want, once in a while, to work on the project at home when you can. I truely find that joining a group no matter how tired you are after work is a great motivator for those of us who work.
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I hear you. I have the same problem, no energy at the end of the day except for reading, looking at my quilt books and magazines and day dreaming about what I would like to do. I have been to my doctor about my lack of energy and other things, and we are pursuing testing on that front. I have decided that since I like to to applique, I will cut out some patterns for small projects, like wall quilts, or something to hang in my cubicle at work. Somehow, smaller projects don't seem so daunting. And while I may not feel like sewing during the week, I know I can cut out my patterns and do hand-applique. Maybe you can keep your projects small for now as well, until you feel like doing something bigger. My fabric is in clear boxes and I do love looking at it, buying it, etc. Once I have my health at a better, more energtic level, I will tackle big projects. But for now, small is the way to go. Maybe that will work for you too.
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If the quilting part of sewing is fairly new to you, perhaps you subconsciously doubt your ability to to do it just right. That sometimes stops me on a project. Just relax and enjoy the whole process. Tell yourself you can do it, and you will. Just enjoy it. Don't make it a "must do" type of thing
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it's not the race, it's the journey.........quit beating up on urself ( there will always some one else around to do that lol) soooo what, really, does life end because u did not get a project done?!? Womem put to much pressure on themselves ( me included ) to be super-woman....guess what, it also will make us unhappy women when we either fail or just get to worn out to cope. take a deep breath, take a good break, and tell that husband to go get pizza for supper, that ur tired and done for the day... and tell him to stay away from ur stuff!
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Originally Posted by noveltyjunkie
Some thoughts for you:
Originally Posted by fabrichore
The other day I was talking to my other half about my sewing room, blahblahblah,
Originally Posted by fabrichore
anyway he said "I don't think you are a quilter, I think you just like to collect fabric",
Originally Posted by fabrichore
and I had to stop and think about it, recently I have been having a hard time getting into the sewing room ( a new sewing room mind you) and sitting there and completeing anything,
Originally Posted by fabrichore
I have many ideas and thoughts
Originally Posted by fabrichore
but nothing ever materilizes...
Originally Posted by fabrichore
I make a mistake and I have to pull it all out and do again and I find myself losing interest really quickly,
Originally Posted by fabrichore
I do like to sew and make pretty things, I am new to quilting and have made two quilts and some pillows but I do not know what my problem is
Originally Posted by fabrichore
, I have been struggling with my son lately
Originally Posted by fabrichore
but I am not going to blame him for my Inadequacies,
Originally Posted by fabrichore
I work all day and it takes an hour to get home, so by the time I get home I do not want to do anything
Originally Posted by fabrichore
,,,my mom would call it lazy
Originally Posted by fabrichore
I am trying very hard not to convince myself I am not capable of doing this whole sewing thing,
Originally Posted by fabrichore
I love fabric, I love color,
Originally Posted by fabrichore
and I really do like to sew and create,
Originally Posted by fabrichore
so what in the world is wrong with me.... :cry:
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i make a lot of quilts but am also interested in new or old blocks so i often just make a block or more that i find interesting and put them aside for use later then i know i at least created something that day. however, i am retired and not under a lot of stress. i have been where you are and sympathize with you but all i can advize is RELAX!!! you are not punching a time clock for quilting.
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Sometimes, probably more frequently than not, I just like to use my space to dream about what I'll make one day. I enjoy just sitting in the room with my fabrics and finger thru them. It's like rediscovering lost treasures because I've forgotten how truly beautiful some in particular are. No guilt, no shame.
I hope you enjoy it for all it's worth the sketches you'll be adding. And I hope too you'll be feeling better and more relaxed. :thumbup: |
Your active life demands a lot from you, set your priorities --your physical mental and spiritual health..should come 1st so you can do those necessary and wonderful things for your family; husband and son. I recently read a little book "Too Many Irons in the Fire..." I f you have a chance to find it, I think you'll enjoy the humor and see ways to get the balance you may be looking for. All of us have been in your shoes and you too will survive. God bless
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Your active life demands a lot from you, set your priorities --your physical mental and spiritual health..should come 1st so you can do those necessary and wonderful things for your family; husband and son. I recently read a little book "Too Many Irons in the Fire..." I f you have a chance to find it, I think you'll enjoy the humor and see ways to get the balance you may be looking for. All of us have been in your shoes and you too will survive. God bless
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My mother only quilted in the winter months she was to busy in the summer. I like you have a busy life all though I don't have the long drive i live 5 minutes away. But My mom is gone dad basically takes care of his self and still drives but I try to spend as much time with him as possible my kids are grown but one still lives with me I do all the work here at the house inside and most of the outside. I am drawn to fabric as well Have one quilt top done, I have the back but haven't put it together I have the batting, but no time to do anything with it one day I will get there.
I crochet as well and spend some time on that I don't plan my project I pick my colors and design as I crochet and I believe thats where my problem is. I don't think anyone has a right to say your not a quilter you finished two and I am still on my first been a year in the making and the top has been done a while, so don't worry you'll get there its for relaxation and fun not stress and worry. we learn from our mistakes. |
Originally Posted by quiltsRfun
I try to set small goals. Then when I go to bed at night instead of beating myself up for what I didn't do that day, I congratulate myself on what I've accomplished. Even if the list is small it makes me feel better about myself.
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You sound a bit more than "tired" to me; run down and perhaps a wee bit depressed, and defintely overwhelmed. Let's see, you work full time, you are dealing with an adolescent(?) boy, a critical husband who says you are not a quilter after having made TWO quilts, and a mother who calls you LAZY???? Enjoy your sewing room, enjoy your fabric, even if you never sew another stich, and don't waste another second of your life feeling guilty or bad about it, you have just as much right as anyone else to a little luxury and a little idleness. Heck, I live alone, I only need to work part time, and I have someone who come in a couple of times a week to help with the housework -- and I fancy myself a quilter, I have a bunch of old shirts and pants of my son's when he was a child, all nicely cut up, ready to make a quilt, a ridiculously expensive machine at the ready, and I get a great deal of fun looking at the wonderful ideas on this board every day -- but I have never ever sewed one single quilt, not one -- so for it is worth, this abjectly lazy woman thinks you are incredible!
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I work full time as well and some days just visit my fabric when I iron my clothes for work in the am. My belief is Family First and then all else works out. Prayers go out your way.
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Originally Posted by eruthk
..... Heck, I live alone, I only need to work part time, and I have someone who come in a couple of times a week to help with the housework -- and I fancy myself a quilter, I have a bunch of old shirts and pants of my son's when he was a child, all nicely cut up, ready to make a quilt, a ridiculously expensive machine at the ready, and I get a great deal of fun looking at the wonderful ideas on this board every day -- but I have never ever sewed one single quilt, not one -- so for it is worth, this abjectly lazy woman thinks you are incredible!
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You sound exhaused. I worked 36 years as an RN and then taught high school for 3 years. When I decided to retire, all I could do was sit around mostly or sleep. I was completely worn out looking out after everyone else and not myself. Have been retired for 3 years and loving it. Of course you may not be ready for retirement so just take care and time for yourself. My husband would rather I spend all of my time with him but told him I need time for myself also... I have bought a lot of material I think trying to catch up with all the years "Im going to do that when I retire" statements I made... Try to get some rest... Good luck...
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Originally Posted by fabrichore
The other day I was talking to my other half about my sewing room, blahblahblah, anyway he said "I don't think you are a quilter, I think you just like to collect fabric", and I had to stop and think about it, recently I have been having a hard time getting into the sewing room ( a new sewing room mind you) and sitting there and completeing anything, I have many ideas and thoughts but nothing ever materilizes...I make a mistake and I have to pull it all out and do again and I find myself losing interest really quickly, I do like to sew and make pretty things, I am new to quilting and have made two quilts and some pillows but I do not know what my problem is, I have been struggling with my son lately but I am not going to blame him for my Inadequacies, I work all day and it takes an hour to get home, so by the time I get home I do not want to do anything,,,my mom would call it lazy and maybe I am...I am trying very hard not to convince myself I am not capable of doing this whole sewing thing, I love fabric, I love color, and I really do like to sew and create, so what in the world is wrong with me.... :cry:
turn right side out, then slip stitch it closed. then you can machine stitch a big X from corner to corner and i guarantee you will feel much better. plus, you will have something to show for your effort. if blocks are not large enough, just add a little border. and go from there. now, how bout that? |
It won't be good for anybody if you get yourself run down. Grab a cup of tea and a quilt book or magazine. Watch a movie, take a nap and spend some time under a quilt. There is nothing wrong with you and your sewing room won't go anywhere if you take a little break to deal with your son and take care of yourself.
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DO NOT GIVE UP YOUR SEWING ROOM--yes i am shouting--do not feel you have to be sewing when you go into your room--put pen to paper a journal is great to show your self things only a few lines needed--your life is currently over flowing with others needs --15 minits every night guilt free will extend to 20 when you realise the sky is not falling[ as others learn with encouragement !!!to give you that time]
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All of us have off moods. Sometimes, I too stay off sewing for some days. But suddenly, I get into that mood of sewing and there I am glued to my books and eagerly waiting to start off a new pattern. Be positive in your outlook, as I have always been and surely you,ll be on a new feeling. Good luck....
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I wonder how many screwdrivers your husband has that he doesn't use everyday...just a thought!!! Don't be so hard on yourself, continue to "collect fabric" until you are ready to use it!!! Quilting, sewing, crafting, whatever, should be fun, not stressful. Just relax and eventually the joy will come back. :)
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I think that like most working Moms you are burning the candle at both ends. I commuted to work (50 miles each way) for 22 years. When I got home I was tired. I left at 6:30 am and got home at 7:00 pm. Just doing the "have tos" was just about all I could manage. Then one of my co workers told me how she cleaned house....She set the timer on the stove for 15 minutes and started to clean what ever room was the most "needy". When the timer dinged she stopped at took a 15 minute rest with feet up. I did that 4 times in a row and then called it quits for the day. I was actually suprised how much you can accomplish on a time limit. I soon learned to apply this same method to my sewing. I would decide the project , get all the materials, patterns, etc all lined up (on the timer method) and then the following day or week I would set the timer for 15 minutes and I would sew on the project. Because I would limit how much time I could spend and then quit I found that I did a lot less picking out because I was not pushing when I was really too tired to concentrate on sewing. My error rate went down and truthfully I finished projects quicker since I wasn't redo-ing my mistakes. I used this method as long as I had kids in school and had car driving requirements until they all moved on to college. My youngest daughter with 4 children at home has now adoped the "timer" method and it seems to be working for her. Just remember there will be a time when things will change and you will have all the time you want or need to sew. Your fabric stash will wait for you.
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As I am writing, I've taken a break from work (my office is in my home), and plan to go into my quilting studio in about 2 hours, but I thought I'd give you some suggestions on conquiering your problem.
But first . . . you'll be hard-pressed to find a quilter who doesn't have unfinished projects. I think I need to go to "Quilters' Anonymous" myself every now and then. It's hard to resist the yummy batiks and other wonderful fabrics out there. I have projects in all stages: A bargello that needs its borders so I can take it to the Long Arm (I'll complete that tonight), a project cut out, but piecing hasn't begun; a project where I've starting piecing, a project that I started, but now I want to go in another direction; so it happens. You are among friends who feel your pain. What I would suggest, since you're already carrying a full load, is to perhaps take on smaller, more manageable projects, or projects that can be done in pieces. For instance, a rag quilt, where each block consists of a "sandwich" of flannel top, batting, and backing when you complete each, then sew, and once you sew it together, you're done; or perhaps a wall hanging or, as you said, a pillow. Also, if you don't have much time, perhaps you won't want to take on something that is very intricate and labor-intensive. If you're tired, and are staring at a million little lieces to complete, you can find it easy to walk away . . . Just some thoughts . . . and hang in there! |
Originally Posted by quiltbuddy
I had the same problem. I get home and have to cook dinner, clean the kitchen up and by then I'm too tired to do anything. Something that really helped get me started was buying a simple Kaffe Fassett quilt kit. I just had to sew large diamonds together and make no decisions. When that project was done I was fired up to do anything. Any simple project might work so you a have a sense of accomplishment. On the weekends I set myself up so I just have the fun stuff to do in the evenings.
We tend to "should" on ourselves too much!!! Go easy, the quilting will resume when the muse is ready |
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