Do some organization of your fabric. That's what I've found really helps me get in the mood. Pull out the fabric in your stash and re-fold it. You'll see fabrics you haven't seen in a while, and it really gets you thinking "this fabric would be perfect for THAT quilt I've had on my bucket list" or "There's that fabric! Now I can finally make THAT quilt!". I also like to sit with my quilt books or magazines that I've not looked at in a long time. Don't worry, it will all come back. My funk lasted for a year after my mom passed away. Thanks to Peggi (Peckish on the board!), who kept sending me pics of quilts she thought I would like - it started little sparks that, at first, I ignored, but later found that I just HAD to make them!

Organizing my studio usually makes me really want to get in there and do something. It's depressing when it's too big a mess. Good luck. Don't press it.

Roll with the punches -- I put my projects in boxes with the fabrics and the instructions. I also sort through my fabric and reorganize - it's nice to have a nice clean room when the mood finally does hit. Enjoy life in the meantime though - read, go for nice walks and maybe have coffee with friends.

Just do it! I went through a dry spell for the past month. I tidied up the sew room, re-arranged furniture, reorganized fabric, and then just sat down and worked on a project already started. Just like that, I am itching to go down to the sewing room, and do a few more rows. Hope that works for you, too!

New fabric might work?

Find a couple small items to quilt. A tote, a pillow, a vest. Quick to get done and you can walk off for a few days with no regrets

Besides FART-ing [fabric road acquisition trip] just to look and pet the fabric and get inspired I do one of several things.

When I wasn't inspired is when I made my picture database of quilt top patterns and then their instructions via my scanners. I get to go through all my quilting magazines and then pass them along to other quilters as I don't need the magazines anymore. My paper clutter is greatly lessened. I can do a slide show of the quilt tops and play around.

I also go through my scraps that I had told myself I would eventually go through and sort. This isn't something I really like to do so it really is a jump starter.

I make yo-yo's. Even though I don't know what I will ever do with them. I can make them while watching TV or a DVD. I can make them at quilting meetings. I haven't taken them to church to work on yet though.

Hi Gayle! I like what you've written! good advice for someone who needs to be motivated to quilt. Donna

This past summer I picked up a huge amount of fabric by asking if they would be interested in selling the whole collection. It was priced at 50 cents FQ and $2 a yard for most. Rest was in gallon bags stuffed full of large scraps, for example a FQ with a 4 inch square cut out or several 3" by WOF. These bags were about a dollar. It was the second weekend of yard sales and I about fainted when she said $20 for it all. I whipped out the money and started packing it to the car. I was shocked with what I got. I have used quite a bit for donation quilts and scrappy backs. The less than desirable fabric I cut into 4 inch squares which my grands use to practice piecing. It was a real win-win for all of us. Remember you can always decline or ask what their bottom dollar is. My DH is really good at bargains, but I tend to pay too much. This time I didn't!!! LOL

having recently suffered the loss of my DH, I was having a hard time even going into my sewing area. So I got a book on Zentangle (Totally Tangled) and a black pen. After a few small 4" paper squares and circles, kind of playing with pattern in SMALL area's, I've been feeling better about sewing and quilting again. It'll take a long time to get settled back into a full zone, but it's ok to take a break. And the project I'm working on has a "puzzle" FMQ pattern on the pre-printed panels. I'm doing that one as Quilt as you Go pieces, so it's one small success at a time!

Take your time, find something that includes pattern and color (or Black and White), the Quilt-bug will be there when you get back! Maybe now is a good time to "organize" the area, paint, freshen it up. That way, it'll be ready and more welcoming when you do return, fully recharged!