I'm ditherin' -
 

My problem is similar to "charity-quilter"'s - I, too, can't get started after a couple years of not doing any sewing. I can't decide on a pattern, I've got enough fabric, and tools, but the tools are laying in a pile on the table. I got a great book that someone recommended - "Cut the Scraps" - it gives a step-by-step approach to getting started with the fabric you have. On the first couple pages it says "don't try to cut more than 6 layers of fabric at a time". I CAN'T EVEN CUT THROUGH ONE!!! I have about 4 different rotary cutters. I bought the blade sharpener too. They (the various parts) are all laying in a pile on the table. I don't know why they won't cut for me.... So I can't get started!!!! The book is great because it gives you several patterns to use with the scraps you cut. HELP, HELP!!

I have this problem also.

I say just do it!!!! Be careful though once you get yourself up and going again it will be hard to leave it alone!!! LOL

How can I get up and get going if I can't cut a square or triangle? I can mark a square and cut it with a scissors? Is that what I must do?

What seems to be wrong, with your cutters? Are the blades not turning or are they rolling over the fabric and just not cutting it?

Do you have a new blade in your cutter? Are you sure it is put together correctly? When you put your blade back on it should not be wobbly, but it should not be so tight that the blade can't turn. What rotary cutter are you using?

If nothing else, to just get started again, so ahead and cut squares with scissors and sew them together, then go buy another cutter and /or blades. OR sew pieces together and make a crazy quilt.

After a long break, I too tried to get back into it. So I straightened the sewing room (now I can't find a thing), Changed the needle in the sewing machine, put a new blade in the cutter, bought a new cutting mat (tried a different color mat, like that was going to make me cut straighter), fabrics ironed and ready to go.....WHAM I had put the cutter back together wrong, finally figured how it should go back together after a really long time I might add. Cut a few pieces on my new mat that is blinding to me instead of helpful, all set to sew and the needle was in wrong, not threaded right...so I broke a needle in the birds nest underneath my fabric...WHEWWW...I was over it!!! Instead I just put on my big girl pants and went after it again and it is all good now. The whole point of this is I am the Queen of Mistakes, I just try not to let that stop me. It is very hard, frustrating but I think if you stay with it you remember your mistakes and avoid them. When you take a long break....it is mistake time again.

Take your rotary cutter to you local quilt shop and ask someone to look at it. I bet you put it together wrong. Or, spend a few bucks and buy a new one. You said it's been a while since you've sewed. Maybe your rotary cutter is out of date and a new one is just what you need. A new one with a new blade will make all the difference in the world. And it will be less than $20. Go for it! Also, google "how to put a rotary cutter together" and see what pops up. Someone had a site on here recently.

Sounds like some great advice!! Good luck! Let u's know how it goes!