I gave away my stash once (yes everyone quit gasping). I gave it to my sister's church group....you never saw such a bunch of happy old ladies (late 80s & 90's) fighting over fabric. It was worth that alone.

I didn't want to sew and I didn't know how (still don't, just learning) how to quilt. My sons were grown so I didn't need to make them anything else....until the grand babies started coming.

Now they seem to "want" a quilt and I have found my self wanting to learn new things.

I saw some of your quilts and read part of your blog. I think you are amazing! Yes amazing. I can't believe the wonderful quilts you have done is such a short amount of time.

Being so far away from anyone that could help you is indeed a bummer. Could you do a webcam or skype for moral support?

I couldn't sell my machines (wish for a longarm...just no room for it). I worked too hard to get them and even if they just collected dust for years, they were still there. I wouldn't recommend selling them unless they are completely in the way and give you bad memories.

But.... again, your work is amazing. Please don't cut off your ear or something like that as a frustrated artist. (that was suppose to make you smile).

Life is too short to be unhappy....do what you need to do to be happy but remember...it's hard to undo things done in haste.

I think all quilters get bit by the bug of frustration at times...I know I have...I just stop for a few weeks and Man'o'man does that work..I dream of patterns I want to make and new designs...and everything involved with quilting..I soon work out the problems in my head and get back to quilting with a renewed desire

I heard once that if you are having trouble with your creative outlet, try another art. Go to a museum, try painting or drawing, learn to bake, garden...something that is creative. At some point during the process, you will reignite the creativity in you and you will find your love for quilting again.

The Quilt Unversity is at your finger tips. I'm not
certain,I believe, once you receive tne instructiions,you can work at your own pace. Farming is Work! as a kid I had chichens and calves I had to feed and water. As adult, We did have acreage in Mo. We cut, chop, spilt and hauled it in every chance we had. The first,five yrs we also hauled water up from a small river about 4 mi.s away. Oh,somewhere in ther we built our cabin. So, You may be a homebody But you DO WORK!!! Tinker

This has been a tough and depressing winter and we had half of what you have here in Guelph. Just finish the Wolf, and them enjoy the Spring (if it ever comes) and the glorious summer you will have. Your machines and the stash will patiently wait for you when the seasons close in again. Chin up. You know you love to sew and quilt.
Mary Katherine in Guelph (where we're still getting unheard of frosts and it's rained for a week.. and Oh Yeah and Harper got back into power!)

Don't give up. Have you tried Rhonda's cut down methods? If you go to Home on the board & scroll to the bottom you'll find the link with all her great instructions & tutorials.

I had a gal over my house that I met on this very group the other day.I have a wonderful sew studio and while I was putting a quilt on my long arm frame she was using my cutting table to cut out the fabric for a quilt she wants to start.I watched her struggling to measure and cut then I stepped in.Gave her one of my rulers showed her how to line everything up using the lines on my 38 x 70 cutting board and away she went.I guess what I'm saying is if you have the proper tools and can spread out in a roomy place ,have an iron near by to press seams and cut out the material correctly and make sure your seams are all scant 1/4 inches and read and reread your pattern ,you can do it.Use pins to connect seams and intersections so they all meet.and if all feels call me or another quilter to give you that extra push.

All of us has gone thru this in the beginning made stupid mistakes oh yes I forgot to tell you buy a seam ripper I'm an advanced sewer and still have to rip we all do.Don't give up I know you can do it.

Elaine from Pa. http://community.webshots.com/user/heellie

Dag nab it, girl. That's what is the fun in the quilting. Make a mistake, fix it. You learn from everything you do. I have made about 20 now and every quilt has my trademark on it - a mistake of one sort or another. I set out to make THE perfect quilt. In my dreams!!!!!!!! There is no such animal. That is what makes quilting fun. Even my charity quilts had a mistake in them. Both of the Susan Komen quilts had a mistake in them and they brought in over $1,500 each!

You can always make lemonade out of a lemon!

I make a quilt for warmth - not for show. I have my grandmother's quilt she made for me. It is one of my most precious possessions, as is the one from my mother. They both have a mistake in them. It doesn't make me love them any less. It just remember my grandmother sitting at her sewing machine on the farm and out of that came a memory for me that will last my lifetime.

Don't ever give up on something you love because you don't think you can do it. You'll always have a sour taste in your mouth. Take a break, plant some flower seeds, it always comes back. I am on a break right now because I am binding a quilt. No, it is not perfect, Yes when I put all four corners together it will not match exactly, but it will keep my husband and I warm on a cold wintry night (I made it super big). My husband is proud of me. And what else counts? Besides, one of these days that perfect quilt will get its last stitch and you can say that you did it!!!!!! You made the "perfect" quilt. You can always look forward to that. You have a lot of years left to quilt. I am on the downslide now!!!!!!! And I have a lot of lemonade to make yet, before I am done!!!!!! Edie

I wasnt going to answer, but I a good woman and changed my mind. If setting it a side dosen't work then sell it. If it isn't fun, you wont do it. If the stress level is so high and from the distance it sounds like there are no quilt classes that you can attend in person. (I know that there are lots of classes online). Then find something you will enjoy. Most of us here love quilting. But it is fun. Yes we ALL get stressed over something on every quilt. But over all it is fun or enjoyable. If it isn't for you, change direction, just enjoy what ever you do.

PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP.
Watch youtube i have learnt quite a bit just by watching utube and other video on the internet i also have no one to help me but since i join the Quilters Board i found quilting easier you only have to ask for help here and use your camera to post photos of your project or troubles and some one will help you work it out my trusted friend now is a 1/4" foot that i bought and now my seams are OK and i found Elmers Glue which i bought on Ebay from England :)for those tricky little corners and points, oh i still make mistakes and i am becoming an expert at unpicking but i enjoy the craft you just need a little more confidence and you will be OK. JUST DON'T GIVE UP :) :) :)

Hopefully you feel better after reading all of the responses after your post. Maybe you do just need to take a break and during that time explore other things to make. Maybe regular sewing.

Sometimes we all need to vent and then we feel better.

Nice weather has got to be coming soon! That should help too.

Keep us updated.

Take care,

Meg

Don't give up. Sometimes it might not be you. If you don't wash your fabric before using it . It will sometimes draw up when you press it. I am having that problem right now. Let me just say it is just no fun in it right now. All it is is a 9 patch and 3 rail not hard stuff. It just isn't coming together right. Well I'm done venting thanks.

I cannot think of one quilt I have ever made (and I have made about 50 in my lifetime) that EVER just "went together" without some problem somewhere. It is just life, and although it is frustrating, it is also using the "problem side" of your brain. I focus on the beauty of the finished product, and try to remember those mistakes--but most people do not--they see a beautiful quilt!

There is no need to quit. You obviously are just learning. As far as cutting the pieces the same size, do you use a cutting wheel or do you cut with scissors? I prefer scissors as I, too, even being a seasoned quilter had a problem when using the cutting wheel getting them the same size. I reverted to Mom's method. If you are making squares, cut strips the width you want the squares, then mark off each strip to make the squares. When sewing, make sure every seam will match before sewing. even if you have to remove stitching, recut to fit and then sew again. In the long run, it is worth the time you spend making sure it is correct rather than wearing your nerves to a frazzle.

Please don't give up that is just part of it.Hang in there been there my self so many times and still get there today and I am 47 and 11 months so from expierence just don't give up.

Please don't give up. I was the same and i'm a newbie. i've made 2 quits so far for my grandchildren. They arn't great but the kids love them. I started a dredan plate top which fingers crossed is not going to bad .. But i was still thinking of giving up when i found paper piecing. I love it. Why not give it a try. If u feel like giving up pm me and we can talk over our woes together.
terejoy

You have made more quilts than I have!! I agree with another poster. Take some classes esp if you feel that you struggle with certain aspects of quilting. (cutting,etc). Is your 1/4" seam "true" on your sewing machine? It made a HUGE difference in my quilting once I used Eleanor Burns method making sure the seam allowance is "true" vs relying on my 1/4" foot. (I am sure her technique is not unique...I just happened to have a book or 2 of hers.)

Make some smaller projects such as purses or other "non quilt" items. I find that I need a break once in a while so off I go into another sewing direction. It helps and it breaks up the monotony at times.

Don't be so hard on yourself. Go at your comfort level and don't "judge" yourself so critically. Sometimes we have to just say "it is what it is" and move on!

Good luck!
Sandy

do not give up even Jesus took a break and repeating things help us learn

Everyone wasn't born to be a quilter.
Maybe there is another craft/hobbie you would be better at.
No reason to beat yourself up over, lifes tooo short, move on to something else.

I have had some projects, trying to finish one now, that I have just had to walk away from. I am enjoying the time I get to spend on it now. I work 45+hours a week, help with a class at the university, and have volunteer comittments that pull me away, but when I'm at home quilting helps me relax, even when I totally "f" it up. It does get better!

I feel for you! I, too, visited the "quit" room many times over the years. This is what I learned after I had been retired for several years. When we quilt there is no time limit - I used to want to get everything done NOW. When I have to rip something out it is not frustrating....instead it is relaxing time spent with our fabric. And believe me when I say I am the Rip-Out Queen! And there are no mistakes - only "creative opportunities"....some of my best quilts had boo boos and I figured out creative ways to correct/hid them (like applique or embroidery). And so what if things aren't perfect - I'm not attending the quilt academy and don't give a hoot what the quilt police say! So once I SLOWED down and began to enjoy the process and not strive for perfection everything just seemed to come together. Just remember - this too shall pass...

I also think you're being too hard on yourself. I have severe neck & back pain and boy does that interfere with my ability to sew to the point where every project was stressing me out to the max. I was used to quilting all day every day and being in so much pain was just burning me out and making me not want to touch my machine. So my neck surgery is next week Thursday and followed by lower back surgery 6 to 8 weeks after that. So, if I just need to take a break until I physically feel better, I'm sure that my drive and desire for quilting will return. I've also had some pretty frustrating projects where I had to do lots of "ripies". Sometimes you do need to toss in a simple no brainer quilt that would just be fun to make and not add to your stress level. Don't give up though!!! You have many friends here who will help lift you up and see you through the bad times. And remember . . .that which does not kill us . . .makes us stronger!!! So it sounds like you have built a whole lot of character this year! Best of luck!

I would suggest you take a couple of basic classes. They even have one on cutting - using the rotary cutter and mat and basic rulers. Then there's one on machine piecing. I think if you take a couple classes where the teacher can show you exactly how it's done, it'll make you feel you've accomplished something. Good luck. I'm going to take a class on piecing. I already took one on cutting. I've made a couple quilts but I always run into trouble somewhere, so I'm looking forward to the classes.

Dear Brenda, please don't quit. IF you have always loved quilting you always will and an important part of your life will be missing. You say youare farmers - are you trying to squeeze quilting in here or there? If so, its like starting at square 1 each time. Rearragne your day so you can havae 1 solid hour, or more if possible, where you do nothing but concentrate on your quilting. This IS possible, just takes some planning on your part. Whatev er works for you to take the time to be accurate in your cutting, sewing and hand work and block all else out for that hour or whatever. You will approach it with a new attitude when it is planned not catch as catch can. I wish you well.

I'll echo what everyone else is saying. Yes, this happens to each of us at some point. Take a break from the wolf quilt. Do a fun one - something that doesn't have to match. Make one for the dog or cat. Pick the ugliest fabric you have and use it, then give the quilt away to a nursing home. The recipient will be so delighted and love it. Give yourself some time.

Maybe you can try working on small projects, table runners, placemats, potholders, baby or doll quilts, etc. With these you may be able to complete projects faster and with less stress. Good luck in whatever you do.

I have felt like this a few times but for a different reason (some other area of my life being neglected due to my quiling time) --- I recommend taking a look at what you do like about quilting and then deciding... of course after you finish what your working on and a then I would take a little break before making any decisions... but if you are frustrated and not enjoying the process or the end result is not worth the frustration maybe try something else for a while and then go back and see.

The closest place to take classes is 1hr 30minutes away.....
Perhaps you can make a day of it, take a couple of classes, go to the library, browse at the fabric shop or quilt store. I learned a lot by borrowing quilting books at the library. If there is a pattern I want I take down the instructions and scan the photos, that way I have them on hand. I also tried to start with simple patterns - 4-patch, 9-patch.
Take a break...go into your sewing room only when you feel the urge to do so. When we try to aim for perfection in everything, then we lose the pleasure in doing it since it becomes a chore rather than a hobby.

Hi, you're being too hard on yourself. Maybe you just need to take a break. Taking a class is a good idea, even if it's a long drive (provided it's not in the winter!).
:-D Hugs from Arizona.

Glad you shared with us. Take a breath and a break. When I get burned out, I slow down and take my time making a favorite quilt pattern, like Turning Twenty, with fabrics I really like...love gathering those 20 fat quarters! Lowers my stress level and reminds me of why I love to piece and quilt. Hang in there, go back to basics and enjoy the journey.

It's good to vent on this board - embrace all the positive suggestions you are receiving and go back to the basics until you are in a good place again with your quilting. I went to a small quilt show recently and after looking at some of the work I decided not to be so hard on myself because even though I saw many mistakes they were still beautiful quilts and I know they were made by women and men who enjoy sewing. We are not perfect and we shouldn't think our quilts will always be perfect either. Don't give up! Sending positive thoughts your way!

Neena,

I too love the Turning 20! :) I hope it gets better for you Brenda. Hugs!!

I have learned that I like instant gratification. I want to see results, the sooner the better. I went through a period of 'discovery' myself. I found out that I bought 4 seam rippers. I keep on in the sewing machine, one on the bookcase (all quilt books), one by the longarm (and yes, I've had to rip out about 20 x 100 inches of quilting because when I change thread, I didn't check my bottom bobbin thread) which took me about 7 hours over 2 days, and I keep one in my purse. I don't worry about the quilt police, I only worry about what I can live with. I did a crazy quilt after a particularly bad time quilting. I went to my scrap bags, grabbed two hands full of fabric, ironed them and started with the first one that I pulled from a bag. I started adding them at all different directions. Wow, I'd finally found one thing that didn't matter if the seams matched or not. I didn't have to worry about star points, or bias edges. Then I pulled out my instruction book from my sewing machine and decorated all of the seams using designs from the book. I even bought some silk ribbon from JoAnns and made some fancy and some not so fancy knots.

It's all beautiful. You will learn more tomorrow than you know today. Change up what your doing for a little while. Give yourself time to step away, rest your brain and eyes and try something different. You've already got the fabric. Make a large fabric panel and then cut it out for a purse. What seems hard now, tomorrow the light may come on.

And keep reading this board. We will support you in whatever you decide. Cheryl

I am a complete beginner having only started to learn quilting about 5 months ago. In addition, I work very slowly. Seeing me so excited, my husband built me a cutting table and bought me a new sewing machine. It is exciting but you know what? It also made me feel a little nudge of pressure to produce some quilts or anything, with the tools he so lovingly provided for me. I hate that there is that little nagging feeling somewhere buried in my mind. It can't be normal but there it is.
I love crafting in many different ways so what I try to do is just work on what feels right at the time. I don't always want to sew. I can't offer much advice but I do know that I had abandoned sewing for many years after sewing for many years. It turns out my love for the process didn't disappear, I was just too busy with what was my life.
I think, if you like quilting, you can leave it for a while and come back when it feels right. Sometimes backing away from something makes it easier to evaluate your feelings about it.
Like I stated, I'm a beginner at quilting. Holy cow, the mistakes! I'm not a beginner at frustration though. I wouldn't sell my tools right away but I would back away for a while. Have a smile filled day.

O.K. you have vented! Get ahold of yourself. You maybe are trying to do too much! Take a deep breath! Sometimes we are inpatient. Everything takes time. I know that I would hurry up and do things and it would not come out right. Slow down! If you were to take a job outside the home, I know that then you would want to be quilting. Back away for a while, mayble a month and then go back. Do not start selling off your stash or machines!!!

Don't give up! You are too hard on yourself. My sister knits and everything she shows me, she is sure to point out what is wrong with it. The same with me in my sewing and quilting. You don't have to make quilts. Try purses, hot pads, pillow tops, etc. Hang in there.

Make a purse, they are fun and fast. And even if you don't like the end result for you someone will love it. I have had the hardest time giving mine away because I love them all, and I am not even a purse kinda girl!

Step away from it for awhile. If you're trying to make quilting part of your income, perhaps you have to give yourself more of a learning curve than 13 quilts. If it's not part of your income, just let it go for a while (the machines and fabric don't require food after all! ), and you'll eventually feel inspired to get back. There must have been some reason you started and invested in fabric and machines! But get back with something EASY, so you'll feel successful.

The Wolf Song quilt was definitely hard! Don't ever give up! Just put it aside for a bit then get something simple and easy where you can feel pride not frustration. Yesterday was a bad day for me....I am making a quilt under a time pressure frame and everything went wrong. Just had to put it away and go out for a walk. We are all here to support. I am sure we all have dealt with quilt frustration. We can feel your frustration! Just think of all those little pieces of fabric you turned into a quilt! You can do it! Luv, Mumz

Nooooo! Don't sell it all, it normal to feel this way. I've done numerous quilts and wall hangings and none of them were easy or finished out the way I would have liked. My major point is, I'm having fun doing this and I've given myself permission not to be perfect. If it was fun, it's perfect ;-)