When this happens I will give my self a stern talking to-usually in my Gramma's voice-this usually works. And when it doesn't work I will cut out the next quilt on my list. Once I've done this I can't wait to get busy putting it together and before I know it I am down to the sandwich part and I can finish the quilting and binding in 2 or 3 evenings while catching a favorite show on TV. And then it's on to the next one on my list.

I had a ton of unfinished and un-started projects and no motivations. My BFF advised me to write the name of each on a piece of paper, put them in a container and then draw one out. That is the one to work on - no excuses! She also advised me to set a goal of sewing at least 20 minutes a day - again no excuses.

What happened, of course, is that once I got back into sewing, I was soon sewing much longer times. And it is so nice to finally start making a dent in the projects.

A majority of the time my motivation is a deadline, like finishing 2 dresses for our DGD's birthday on Sunday. I've had several days these past few weeks where I sit in my sewing area and do nothing, but eventually I can start on a project. I have no definitive answer to your question, as my motivation can come in many forms, but deadlines get me moving more quickly (especially after I have procrastinated - LOL).

I find when I look at the whole elephant I'm overwhelmed...I'll never be able to eat this meal
Then I think "I can eat anything one spoonful at a time"

When I'm overwhelmed or listless my kitchen timer is my best friend.
One bite=15 minutes.

Stay out of the stores :)

I find having a deadline gets me moving...I also like to make two quilts at a time so when one is completely done I have another one to finish.

When I started really quilting - I would not let myself start another project until I completed the one I am working on. I've been pretty good about doing this unless I run into some kind of a snag with what I'm working on and just have to leave it alone for a while. If I got too many projects going at one time - I'm like a kid with too many toys - don't know what to play with and get flustered. Anyway - that is what works for me but we are all different and unique. Sometimes it helps to treat yourself when you finish a project that's been hard to finish - maybe a pedicure or a movie or if all else fails, you can always treat yourself to the local quilt shop!!!?

Do you have a pal who quilts or does another craft? Can she come over and work beside you? Sometimes just having another person there is a gentle push to begin.

I like to put on some music that I love or a movie that I have watched a million times...
Then just pick up one of the projects and dig in....you will be into it in no time.

When I'm not in the mood to use the machine, I'll grab my scrap hoop and work on a crazy quilt, I'm hand quilting. Piecing it by hand and quilting by hand. I found an old dry iron a few months back at a garage sale and it still works. I press the seams with it. I have some embroidery, I may work with then before I know it, I'm motivated.

Motivation
 

If I were you I would start on the summer in the park quilt. It is such a fun quilt to make that the pattern should come with a guarantee to get you motivated! It sure worked for me. I was only going to make a couple of blocks to "try it out" and ended up making either three or four baby quilts with it. You will love it.