TerryQuilter - I'm just like you (although I do work full-time too).

I am retired but also disabled. I sew every other day for about 6 to 8 hours, on average. My sewing room is downstairs and has a bathroom next to it, so that's good, but when my body isn't cooperating, I can't go down there. Haven't talked hubby into a stair lift yet. A month ago, I got a herniated disc in my back and haven't been there since. However, a friend brought one machine and some supplies up, and I've been making string quilt blocks at the kitchen table an hour here and there. The colors are a bit weird since I have limited access to my fabric now, but I think a homeless person will be glad to have it. Even when I can't go downstairs to sew, I have quilt books and magazines upstairs and can plan quilts. I also check this board pretty much daily.

In case you are wondering, my output is usually 30 to 65 mostly adult-sized quilts per year, mostly for homeless families, and a couple things for me. I quilt about half of them on the machine; the rest are tied. I sometimes make clothing also. I save the precision quilting for when I'm feeling bad; that's when I do string quilts. When I get back from the Vermont Quilt Festival, a friend and I will be making blocks from a coordinated stash we have been collecting. We will be keeping these quilts for ourselves. I'm taking a class with Sue Nickels to learn to do feather quilting at VQF to use in these quilts. I'm looking forward to that. I also do art quilts and just completed one recently. Lucky me, I also get to take a class with Nancy Prince regarding thread painting, and will use that knowledge in art quilts and clothing.

I was quite burned out for awhile, too....and I don't think I was even that productive! But now, as I've said before on this board, I'm making myself finish tops before letting myself start something new, and somehow that's started the juices flowing again. Much of it is drudge work -- the sandwiching, for instance -- but it's a different mindset and I'm so glad to see things finished, as in quilted, bound, done!

I only sew on a quilt when I want to and never every day. Sometimes I get completely burned out and don't do it for weeks. Quilting should be fun and if you are tired of it you need other hobbies. I have several: gardening around my patio, watching the birds and squirrels, writing family memories, volunteering at a history center and reading good books...oh yes also taking classes for older folks at the State College and breakfasting with friends. But I am lucky I live alone with my cat and have long conversations with her so enjoy playing at quilting and giving away my bed sized quilts. variety is the fun of being 87. Quilting is not my sole occupation so it's fun.

That plan sounds like heaven to me. Can't wait to retire!

I babysit Grandchildren full time, I am home all day but no time to sew until the weekends, then I realize that I have worn myself out, I have to force myself to go out and shop or walk or something.

Lovely philosophy!

Actually, not a bad idea. I think I will have to try that.

I had a 3 year hiatus from quilting and anything crafty which started with a badly broken right leg. My mojo totally went away while most of my energy went to recovery and then rehab. After that I was just busy doing other things, plus the thought of all of my unfinished projects was overwhelming. Last fall some of my close family had some tough times and I felt the need for some craft therapy. Finally!!

I only sew when I want to which is hours some days and not a stitch on others, but I'm pretty focused on quilting and finishing UFOs now and find I am happiest when I can work in a few hours a day. My youngest is 17 so I have the luxury of lots of time while DH is still working, I do feel some pressure to take advantage of it now because life can throw some curves. But mostly I feel lucky to have the time and means to enjoy it!

Remind your DH that you cook, shop for groceries, do laundry, arrange for family get togethers, see that presents are either made or purchased in a timely fashion. Suggest that he start doing those things and then have him tell you with a straight face that none of that is work.

Wow i thought i was the only one! I can sew 10 min then have to rest. if i try to push it I havd to lie down to rest my back!

Sounds like you need to take a relaxing break from quilting and do something else that inspires you! When you least expect it, a quilting project will present itself and you will be recharged and ready to go.

Exactly! I have tried to sew for money several times in my life, and almost immediately burned out. I did not like having to sew or quilt for others, as that set a monetary value to what I was doing, and as we all know, unless you are already famous, you're not going to make the money your skills are worth, which in turn really discouraged me! So it turned my love into drudgery. But I CAN sew for myself ( and those I give it to) for hours and hours and hours!

Lynnie, I'm in the same boat, but I can go about 20 minutes before fainting. When I was working before medical problems, I would make an outfit before going to work! I sewed every minute off it seemed like. Now I feel bad I can't finish stuff quickly, but at least I can still do it. I'm finding hand work sometimes is more relaxing.

I just got a part time job at night; so I am going to be doing all my sewing during the day during the week. The weekends will be just for house work (BLAH!!LOL), errands, grocery shopping now ..Unless its a rainy day then I will be in the room sewing for sure ! lol

I sew for a part time job at the bridal and I leave it there at 5:00. I long arm quilt at home and my quilts for my family and me at home. I am able to seperate the two jobs. If I don't feel like sewing that day, I don't. I enjoy going to work and I enjoy sewing at home. It's a win/win for me.

It is interesting to read how people choose to alot their time for sewing. Or how moods come and go. I think most of us would burn out if we did it 7 days a week for any prolonged period of time. Like many of you, physical limitations define how much I can sew. I have a disability (Meniere's Disease) that makes me keep my time at the sewing machine brief. Too long watching that needle go up and down and I get extremely motion sick. So I vary it up with other things. It works well that way for me. (Although petpainter, I don't know how you keep at it if you are fainting after 20 minutes. That is scary!)

I retired 4 yrs ago and immediately began quilting obsessively every minute of the day and evening -- ignoring all else accept feeding kitties and really necessary house stuff. My husband became a very unhappy, neglected camper! I was totally wrapped up in myself and my creations. The result was: tendonitis in my wrist, weight gain, sciatica, and burnout. Now I pace myself and only quilt 2-3 hrs when my body lets me. Tendonitis is much better, sciatica is very slowly improving, and I'm eager to quilt when able. I'm enjoying my husband and kitties much more and just feel better all around. Will start walking again when sciatica is better! For me moderation is the key!

Thanks for the idea share. I sometimes reach a saturation point, but have solved that problem by keeping some knitting handy, and also keeping my loom dressed and ready to weave. When I begin to feel a little burned out from quilting, I pick up the knitting needles or shuttles and create something else.

I am unable to work more than a few at a time too, ,my embroidery took three years to do it, and one of my favorite took me a year to do those silly little three inch squares but I managed., Keep on keeping.

I start every day with the best intentions to spend more time in my sewing room but there always seems to be something that has to be done. If I spend a couple of hour in the late afternoon out there I don't feel guilty. I spent a fair amount of money building my sewing room so feel I should get out there and use it. Just my opinion not DH's.

Like so many of you, I sew or quilt when the mood strikes. I enjoy making things: guilts, clothes, home dec and crochet for others and charity. But I don't feel obligated to do it. Retirement feels so wonderful and free because I don't have many outside obligations. I'm just glad I lived long enough to have some free time.

Thank you! The pattern is called "Vertigo" and it can be found in the 101 paper piecing log cabin patterns book

http://www.amazon.com/101-Log-Cabin-.../dp/1592173357

I made a mug rug with it and eventually want to make a whole quilt.

He'll tell you nothing I do is work! I don't waste my time arguing with him. I just keep sewing and designing and ripping stuff out!

Your color choices are fabulous, too.