There are times when I believe all of us have days when nothing goes as it should. Sounds like you need a few days off. Do you have a garden? A good book? A friend you haven't visited in awhile? Don't hurry to sell you machines and stash. Give yourself some time to rethink what you really want to do. I wish I were closer, I would come over, we could have a cup of tea or glass of Dr. Pepper and just enjoy visiting. When you think you are ready to put together another project, maybe start with something fast,fun and easy. How about placemats for a picnic table? It always helps me to go to a quilt show. Is there one coming up in your area?

Just reading more posts here and I've often wondered why I/we have so many UFO's and you've hit on the reason. It's because I/we sometimes start a project and something happens - we hit a snag, make a wrong cut more than once, need to unsew more than once or just get tired of it. So we put it away and hopefully at some later date we will pick it up again. It becomes a new quilt because we had forgotten all about it. Step back but don't step away.

No don't give up--just put it aside for a time. Try something else--like sewing yourself a nice new summer tote or maybe some cross stitching. Then when you just can't stand it anymore, go back to quilting. I just love to sew, so I sew different things and make things for others. Then its fun--not strenuous or stressful. I am glad you have two new machines so I am sure you can do a lot with them--try your fance stitches. You will be alright I am sure after you have some time off from quilting.

don't sell your stuff or do something so final. You could just be suffering from burn out. This happens to all of us. My solution is to have other craft to do for a while. try scrapbooking or learn to crochet, or paint, just give yourself a vacation from quilting. If you truly love to quilt, you will go back to it. but if you have sold everything, you will just have to buy it all again.

Are you also feeling somewhat isolated because of the location of where you live?

You are looking so hard at the destination but not enjoying the ride!! First of all will any of you quilters out there please answer my post and let me know about the PERFECT job you did on ANY quilt you ever made??? There will be no answer as you will see because quilters are honest and supportive.

Now that we have that out of the way I say take to heart and use this rule of thumb that somebody on this board posted and I loved.....Can you see the mistake while driving twenty five miles an hour? If anybody ever answers yes then you are too picky and need to speed up !!!

Hang in there and keep on quilting.

Why don't you take a breather. Do something else for a while. Do not sell you things. I did that about 12 years ago and it has taken me the last 5 years to get almost all of it back. Put it away, go get a job and when you come back to it, could be 5 years, you will love it again.

I looked on your blog at the 2009 quilts and here is what I saw.

1. They are beautiful
2. They are not simple no brainer quilts
3. You have very high expectations of yourself.

How long did you crawl before you walked? How long did you walk before you could run? Did you fall down while learning?

Quilting is like life, you take what it throws at you, learn from it and keep plugging along.

There is nothing wrong with you, you just got stuck in the sand. So here is my suggestion. Make a very simple quilt, not too big, and sandwich it by basting with very long stitches. Put it in a round hoop and hand quilt it. This will relax and de-stress you and get you ready to take on the world again.

You will win

I couldn't agree cctx more. Take a breather and do something fun. I have crated a few crappy quilts in my past. If you are not in the mood don't sew. like everything else you will know when the time is right. If we lived closer I would bring over a bottle of Chardonay and a couple of glasses.

Oh how I relate to this statement ! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

When I find myself frustrated with a difficult quilt... I find a panel that I love, some pretty cordinating fabrics, and simply border the panel. Nothing fancy, super easy, and always beautiful! Then, with your long arm (so jealous) you can HAVE FUN being creative and quilting the top. Then, you have a finished quilt that was easy and quick and beautiful... and a perfect donation or gift for someone!! :) Good luck!

Take a deep breath and make something just for you. If you have a quilting friend, have her come over and sew with you - that way it is a social event and you are accomplishing a little bit each time. I know it is probably not much comfort, but you are lucky to have a longarm. THat has always been my dream. Hang in there.

These feelings come to all of us. Please take a walk with good thoughts on your mind or do something else you truly enjoy. It is always best to take a rest when something you are doing is not going well. I hope you do not give up such a rewarding hobby so soon. My best wishes to you.

Maybe you could just stop the piecing frustration (been there for sure) and concentrate on the long arm quilting. You could advertise and just do that for other, and get paid for it!! IF you enjoy that part, that is. Don't give it all up. You will be sorry, I'm sure. Walk away from it for a bit...perhaps while you garden or help with planting or feeding the crew! Keep your chin up and don't try being a perfectionist. We are rooting for you!

I agree with the "take a break" suggestions. I too become very frustrated when my seams don't line up perfectly, but life isn't perfect and quilting mirrors life. I like the suggestion of paper piecing...a good way to relax and still keep your hands busy and productive with fabric. Redwork is also a possibility. your embroidered panels are the showcase of the quilt, instead of the blocks and their arrangement. If their are certain areas you want to improve, Make a list and one by one develop a plan to work on each one.
Give youself some time to master those areas. You can do it!

I know exactly what you are going through. I make something and when I look at it it just looks like a piece of junk. I guess I started too late in life!!! or maybe I am too critical!!!! Get real depressed about it!!!

Oooh ahhhh! The quilting blues! Its so hard to be perfect! There has been so much good advice on this page, I hesitate to add anything. However, I really think you should not be so hard on yourself, and definitely not give up. You should see some of my cutting and sewing!! That would make you feel better! As long as there is love in every crooked stitch and wavy line, it DOESN'T MATTER! I do hope you decide to keep going, I'm sure your quilts are beautiful - how about posting a couple? I'd love to see them. She'll be right mate - you aren't alone!

I think Jim's Gem advice is very good. Take a break from it and if you enjoyed quilting in the past, maybe you're just pushing yourself too much with the patterns you're choosing. An easy pattern made with some beautiful fabrics you love (maybe a small throw or wall hanging) might be just the thing for you, after you give it a rest for a little while. Then see what happens and decide then - maybe an artists paintbrush or something else might be better for you than quilting. But, I would encourage you to give it one more little try with something simple but with beautiful fabric and made just for you. Good luck!

brenda, i just glanced at your blog. quilting IS a passion for you. remember, THERE ARE NO QUILT POLICE! i have no idea how many quilts i have pieced and quilted...but i do know that EVERY project i have done has been a learning opportunity. count your blessings...and remember, TOMORROW IS A NEW DAY!

When you get frustrated, make something easy or fun to make. I make lots of quilted tote bags and kids quilts. They probably all have mistakes in them somewhere. So what! I like them and it is relaxing to me. Please don't sell all your supplies, you will perk up before you know it. Good luck.

What a great perspective. I find myself being highly critical of my abilities, but will try to look at it as you have so nicely stated here. I'm not in the quilting to win awards, I am in it to make comfort quilts. I want my quilts well-used and well-loved. Thanks for the reminder.

btiny36 I feel the same way and I haven't even gotten not one quilt top to gether. I think if I finally can get one quilt done, I will be hooked and can do better. I don't have any one close too me too help me either and when I run into an area that I just can't match up, I just quit. Once in a while I come in and look at the top and wonder do I want too keep stressing out on this or should I just quit. I have no answer for you except don't quit. I hate to be considered a quitter. if you have made several quilts already the next one may be the one that gives you the confidence you need too keep going. Ask for help from the ones on the board. Someone will see your question and come back and try too help you through. Maybe you are like me thinking it has too be perfect and if the seams are a hair off, I panic!

Brenda you don't say how long you have been quilting.
It seems like you have a lot on your plate. 2 machines a
longarm 13 or so quilts. My feeling is you are trying to do
so much at once it is just getting you down.

Dont make any rash choices. You and your beau take a
couple of days away together and dont stress about your
sewing. Maybe you can get a new outlook no things.

Dont jump into a decesion you wont be happy about later.

Make a rag quilt for the two of you to curl up under and
watch your favorite movie. Just let the stress go and
enjoy.

Stay strong and Im sure you will find your neich.

Take a break and try your hand at something else. I am constantly trying different things- I'm the kind that can't stand to do the same thing twice. Try doll making or applique. There are so many things to try your hand at. Try a different medium. Painting, clay etc. You may find another love to go along with the one you have. In my family we all did some form of art except my father who always asked us to do something for his work as a pastor. Finally we all refused after he'd give his two cents on what we needed to change. At the age of almost 60 he picked up a paint brush and discovered he was good at it and enjoyed it. Check out site such as Favecraft for some fun ideas

Do some little projects. A table runner, a totebag, a set of place mats, some mug rugs, a bed runner--better yet, cut some 14 inch squares of muslin and make a string quilt. Those don't have to be precise, you can use up a bunch of scraps and have something unique.

Or just put it all up for a while and go sit on the front porch and watch the squirrels and the birds. froggyintexas

None of us were perfect quilters overnight. Ask around to see if there is someone in your area that you could consult with, at least for problems. Don't be discouraged. It's like learning anything, it takes a lot of practice and it's okay if things don't always turn out perfect the first time. Start with easy patterns and work up gradually. Take a class or two if there are some in your area. Check to see if there is a quilt guild anywhere near you. Ask for tips at your local quilt shop if there is one. Watch some good videos on line. Check out the Missouri Quilt Company for those. Surf for easy patterns and instructions. Just keep on keeping on and you will improve dramatically.

If you could join a group of quilters once a month, it would get you away from your farm and you would love getting ideas and meeting new people. We have 7 quilters who meet at the church and quilt for fun. Love it, hang in there you can do it. I always say every stitch is a prayer for whom ever the quilt is for.

Please, don't give up.Have you ever had any classes ? If you could find a good instructor you could learn basic skill cutting and how to get the quarter inch seam etc. in a couple classes. I know 2 hrs. away is a long drive it will be worth it if you have the diesire to quilt it won't go away you just need help to get you on the right track .Do you belong to a quilt guild if so share with your group.
Good Luck.

Everyone on this board seems to think alike. You have a lot of support from us! We are all brothers and sisters, more sisters than brothers. It's like cutting your long hair and then later wish you hadn't done it. Breathe in and out slowly.

Hi. I hope you will relax and pause for a while. As I made quilts, I have learned that I do not do well with ones that have lots of intersections that join points. SO I decided for the mosst part to avoid these designs, but if I like them, like the Fractured Gems one lady showed on this board, I started it and I am finishing it because I enjoy the overall design and from a few feet back I can't see that all the points don't exactly match up.
As for classes, since it is so far, sign up for an all day class so you won't have to travel so much to get a few hours' instruction. You will learn so much from the other ladies as well as the instructor. Take a nap every day until you feel better.

one thing to do if you are doing quarter square trangles or half square, start out with squares that are 1/4 in or more larger that what the instructions say. When you get them put together, press well and then trim to the unfinished size. There will be such a small amount to trim off that you are not wasting that much fabric, but the pieces will fit together so much better.

Ive had many failures and it is due to trying to do a block I like and make a quilt on my own. Or trying something complicated to soon. My first quilts were stack the deck and they turned out nice.
Go to quilterstv and watch videos of the experts
I also found that using patterns by Eleanor Burns are hard to do wrong. She has videos on her website Quilt In A Day.
Keep it simple and do small quilts until you learn all the tricks and simple ways of doing things.

BTINY, YOUR JUST IN A MOOD, HAVING A BAD DAY...GET IT ALL OUT AND START AGAIN. I know what you are saying...I always start each new project saying.."I am gonna do ALL right",
measuring, cutting following directions and I often am disappointed in some dumb mistake Ive made...everyone at some time or another feels that way...now get it together !!! If you enjoy making quilts...dont give it up...

I see you live in Canada. Watched the Dr Oz show the other day and he mentioned that lack of Vitamin D3 in the winter leads to stress and depression. Sounds like you need some time in the sun. I'm taking the Vitamin D3 now and it has really helped me. We've had a long rainy winter and I'm ready for spring. But now it's 90 and more like summer!

No!!!!! Don't you dare to give up .... You are just going thru a phase to me it sounds like some depression . Understand being a farmers wife yes you do have alot to do but not to have anyone to close to you like friends or family is another thing if you are use to being around people. This job will be good for you but I would just put your quilting aside for now. Who knows this job that you got you just might meet someone who is interested in quilting and then you would have a friend there to help you.
I don't know what kind of job you are getting or getting away from there to work is a good thing maybe for awhile. Don't give up on your quilting. set it aside for awhile because later you might say to yourself that you should have kept everything. I know myself if you have some kind of depression it will make you mess up not continue to finishes anything and just be at witts end. So I just put it aside and then I come here and look and chat and know one day I'll get back to what I like to do. I will keep you in my Prayers and hope things will get better for you.

God Bless ,
Cheryl

Ok, I just thought of something else.

You can sell your stuff if you want to, but all of us on here take notice. Don't buy any of her supplies. Now I've said it. I won't take it back.

We'll support your decision, we just won't buy your goodies. :-))

You'll be needing them again, soon!

((( Brenda ))) I'm pretty new to quilting and really understand the frustration, it begins to just seem like a bunch of work -- but then I'll have a good day and things go together smoothly and I feel so proud of myself for sticking with it, and making something pretty -- and it's a wonderful, fun hobby again...

I hope this passes for you, I think it will, something really attracted you to quilting to start with, and got you through 13 quilts in spite of all the struggles!

I think everyone has given you good advice, I especially agree with taking a break from all things quilting for a while, long enough to miss it and remember why you enjoyed it to start with.

Sorry you are having a rough time. I bet if you got an Accuquilt cutter you would be 'sew' much happier. Every thing fits together like a charm. I hope you are able to give that a try. Sounds like you have a lot of toys to help you, so might as well add another. Not affiliated with them, just love my GO cutter. Good luck

It is hard when you have no close by to share your quilting or everyday problems with. I agree with other QBers.....close the door on that room. Go outside and plant some flowers, spruce up your porch. And give your mind a rest. Frustration is part of the game. Maybe working part time is a good idea...then you would be happy to spend a few hours quilting. Good Luck, you know we are all pulling for you.

SOME DAYS (LIKE TODAY) I FEEL THIS EXACT SAME WAY ABOUT BEING A MOTHER AND WHEN MY CHILDREN (AGES 17 TO 36)DRIVE ME TO THIS POINT, I TURN TO THE QUILTING BOARD AND ADMIRE WHAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE DONE OR FEEL SOME OF MY FABRIC AND DREAM OF ANOTHER QUILT I WILL SOMEDAY START.