I am in that same rut right now...I worked on finishing everyones gifts and now I am just not in the mood to sew. I know I will be soon enough, but right now I am tired and need a little down time.

I go through periods where I cant sew enough then all I want to do is curl up in a good book (murder or mushy love story) and then back to sewing, so relax, curl up, read, look through those books and relax knowing sewing will be there when you are ready.

when i just don't know what to do, or i'm really struggling with a particular project - i'll make a set of cris-cross coasters. They're simple, great for using up scraps (bc they don't have to match!) and it's a finish it quick project.

I like that something was accomplished. usually while i'm making those the idea will hit me as to what to do with the project that is stumping me or how i can fix what's wrong or just give me the push i need.

here's a link:
http://allsorts.typepad.com/allsorts...ross_coas.html

edited to add: they're also nice to have on hand when you need a last second gift!

When that happens to me, I start browsing old quilt magazines and books to give me inspiration, which usually works. Other times though it doesn't and I figure my mind must need a rest ;-)

Do you have a UF0 that needs to be finished, Work at it , it'll put you back in the mood, Or else wait after Xmas. Maybe you just need a mental rest.

I think most quilters have experienced burn out a few times in their quilting life. I have it happen about every year to year and a half. I will finish something and then just not have the energy to start a project. That's when I sit down with sketch books and just doodle until the mood passes. I think the longest one of these moods lasted was about 3 months, but there were other things getting in the way of my creative side. One child was getting a divorce, so it was stressful in our lives too, as we really liked the "in-law". Luckily it ended up being a split that was not bitter. We are still friends with the ex as well as with our child.

Kick back, read a book, drink a cup of tea, watch the birds. Just do something different and give yourself a break. You'll feel up to sewing whenever you are ready. There are too many stresses on us at this time of year and we are all too hard on ourselves.

Gosh, I think you should pat yourself on the back for what you've got done. When you realize your accomplishments, maybe you will feel refreshed and ready to go again!! I can't imagine getting all that done in a short time. Give yourself credit.

I do the same thing. Work on several projects at once and then get burned out and don't quilt anything for awhile. I have a bad habit of waiting until the last minute to do anything. Most of my "projects" are for a specific occasion - birthday, Christmas, birth of a baby, etc. Like now, I have been planning in my head for a couple of months to make my brother and brother-in-law quilts for Christmas and I just got started last week. Grrr....why do I wait so long??!! I did the same thing last year for my sisters - finishing up their quilts on Christmas Eve. Then I was burned out and didn't quilt for a couple months. My brother's quilt top did go together very quickly - just 2 days, but I still haven't started on my BIL's. Maybe I just worked better under pressure! :)

Oh yes, and sometimes we need to stop and smell the roses. I have hardly quilted this year as there have been lots of other things going on, but that has not stopped me on reassessing my stash, working out my next project and just looking and admiring what everyone else is doing.

You have worked hard and perhaps you just need a little rest and break. Wait and the urge to sew will overtake you and there off you go again.

Enjoy this time as every moment only exists once and is to be treasured.