I have to confess that I'm burned out right now. Here's what happened....

My DH and I planned a trip to CA to see our kids. We started making plans in June for our trip in Nov. I knew I wanted to make some quilts and wall hangings for our kids' homes so I got started in August and by the middle of Oct. I had 7 projects done and ready to send so they would be there when we arrived on Nov. 3.

We were gone a little over 2 weeks (and had a wonderful time, BTW) and I keep thinking about some quilting projects I wanted to get started on when we got back. Well, we've been back since Nov. 18th and I've yet to cut a single piece of fabric :(

I can't seen to get my thoughts together as to what project I want to get started on. I've looked at patterns that I have, online, and on here and I was hoping something would ignite the spark I need to get me going again. So far, I've seen some great projects, but I just can't seem to get started :(

Has this ever happened to you??? What did you do (if anything) to get yourself out of it?

Yes and I asked the board for that little push. I need to make a quilt for my grandmother and last night I just started it. Start small find the smalles quickest project so you get that satisfaction of a completed project.

I agree, just pick something small and do it! It'll get you back in the mood. :D :D

All the time! Today is one of those days. can't seem to get motivated to do anything. But then again, I have been doing, doing, doing! Sometimes your soul just tells you to slow down a bit!

Something small or with fabric that really calls your name. It helps me when I have some beautiful fabric to work with.

Don't be too hard on yourself. This time of year has enough stresses. I find that I may have a bit of SED. I know you guys are getting some horrible weather, but see if you can get some daylight/sunshine during the day. That always helps me out. Then start with a small project.

Relax for a bit and enjoy Christmas.

I sometimes will just pick a block I have on my "list" to try... that seems to get me started again :D:D:D

Think of a reason to do a quilt - not just because you can. If your family's all caught up, how about a nursing home or hospital? I want to do one for Wounded Warriors as soon as I can.

I went through this not too long ago. Just let it go for now. Keep looking at magazines and patterns & books, and before long one will grab your attention and you'll "have" to make it. For now, with the holidays getting into full swing, just relax and don't stress about what you're not doing.

Pull out your scraps and start sewing. Don't worry about colors etc. Before you know it you'll have a finished top. Quilt it and stick it in the car for emergencies. Sometimes the act of sewing is all you need to get out of the rutt.

Yep, go make pot holders or something small. that should help you get sewing again.

I've gone through it, too, so I just change directions. Instead of piecing by machine, I pick up an applique project, or sashiko, or redwork. I'll work on the new project until I feel the urge to machine piece again. The wonderful thing about this is that the project is waiting for me.

I like this idea!! And yes, it happens to me also. You'll get back at it. Be kind to yourself! :D HUGS, Sue

this works for me too. sometimes feel i can't cut and sew for some reason. it's very therapeutic to sit with movie and do handwork. pretty soon i am itching to sew again.

don't pressure yourself about it, though. this can start a vicious circle. just have a cup of tea and listen to your heart.

"I put a dollar in one of those change machines. Nothing changed." ~George Carlin

Don't sweat it - there are times for 'not quilting' & times for quilting. It will hit you when you're ready. Meanwhile, have a stress-less Christmas!

The last time I went to California, it took months to get back to normal. The kids would sing " She left her brain in San Francisco". LOL It will come back! Maybe you just need a break.

Myself, when this happens to me, I just go with it. Dont frce yourself to quilt if you just dont feel like it because then your heart is not in it. I just wait for inspiration to grab me, and then there is no stopping me! I have just been through a stage where I didnt want to use the embridery machine for about 4 months, then suddenly last night I got inspired for a project. I plan to start it tonight after work!
Longest stage I ever had when I didnt even set foot in my sewing room was about 12 months. I just couldnt be bothered.

Dont worry, inspiration will grab you when you least exepect. The projects you are looking at may be lovely, but they are not inspiring you to quilt. Thats the way I see it. Sit back, relax and just enjoy until quilting inspires you again

I am in the same boat with you. BUT, last night I decided to make some bedsocks for my GD's. I made 5 pairs including a pair for me and I wore mine to bed and had happy feet all night. Tonight, I have cut out 6 pairs and suddenly its working. That creative spark is roaring into a full fledged bonfire. I just cut out a quilt. Start little and maybe it will work for you..Hugs.

Thanks everybody!!! You're the best :) I knew you'd understand and "hug" me and not scold me. I needed that :)

I have been too hard on myself because when I was making all those quilts I was going at full tilt but now that they're done and our trip is over, I'm feeling "blah" and tired.

I think I'll take ALL of the good advice from you gals and just go with the flow and not worry about it. I have some applique that's been sitting for a while so I think that would be a good "filler" while I'm watching TV or a movie with DH. Thank you, thank you, thank you :)

It happens to me every time I take a trip. It takes a while to get back in the groove.

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.

I'm in a slump again, too. I worked v. hard on a large quilt for one of my teenage grandsons and all I have to do is sew on the binding! It's been sitting there for weeks.
I want to wash the quilt before I give it to him. I did, of course, prewash all the fabric before putting it together, but I want to see just how it turns out...how if tightens up and all. Has anyone washed a quilt before giving it as a gift.?
I have 5 more quilts for the rest of my grandchildren as a remembrance from me.
I'd like to eventually join a worthwhile project like quilts for kids. I see that down the road.
Can anyone advise about washing the quilt and giving me a boost to finish this master piece!! Thanks.

Good Morning Retired2PA,

I went to the Dollar Store and bought some plain tea towells. I am decorating them with Christmas ideas. It takes scaps and just a few minutes.

Hope you like this idea.

Yes and now I am in a real crunch. I should have already been in NC but I have put so many things off, not just sewing, for so long I have to get caught up before I can leave,

I think there is a season for everything.

You've done a tremendous amount of work on quilting before your trip. Since you're very much an avid quilter it does feel strange not to be "doing" something right now but I think sometimes we're called into a "being" state for a while in order to recharge.

Look around and see if there's something else you've been meaning to do...write some cards to friends, sort through "stuff" at home and get a bit more organized, read a good book, try a new recipe, go for longer walks...you get the idea. I think the less you force the idea that you have to be quilting, the more likely you'll suddenly wake up and want to do it again and will have the clarity to know what it is you want to do.

Who cares really? Take the holidays and don't even think about sewing until it calls you. If you wait for it to come back to you - you will be much more creative than if you force yourself to make something. In the meantime - enjoy the holidays and relax. I think you'll be glad you did.

Sounds like it time to make something just for you! Make it something small, a table runner or wall hanging, but make it for you! It sounds like you do so much for others and in the end you're tired and not motivated any longer - so pick out some special pattern/fabric and do it for yourself! You deserve it.

Comments from members here have 'PUSHED' me many times. It is good to spill it out and find others in your same boat. Merry Christmas and a Happy 'Quilting' New Year.

This happens to me when I leave family from a vacation. It takes around two months to get back in the groove. And this is holiday time. so that makes it worse. Then when I stop and think about the hustle bustle that goes on in their houses, although I miss them, I am glad I have the peace and quiet again. - J.

How do you make bedsocks????-- J

I heard a friend say, she does no quilting in Dec. There seems to be enough other things going on and her life is less strssful that way. Just knowing you have a month off and then when Jan. comes, you'll be more than willing to jump right back in it. I've sort of done that too. I made gifts in Oct./Nov.