I think every quilter I know has had this problem at one time or another, I know I do. When I get frustrated with a quilt, I put it away for a bit, then work on something else. That clears my head, ramps down my frustration level and I sometimes get something else accomplished while I'm at it.

((((Yael)))) I know how you feel! I found out if I go do something easier, or something I can finish quickly, I feel better and more confident. Then I'm more inclined to struggle with the difficult pieces.

Best of luck with your Mariner Star, you'll be happy with it when it's done!

[QUOTE=yweinst;5992098]So I went to my LQS and they helped me out with what some of the issues. I am also going to take a private class on Sunday with an expert at the store and she is going to help me precision piece better and fix my mistakes. Thanks for the suggestion to find a quilting penpal...it's what gave me the idea to go to the LQS and ask for help.]

I am so glad you were able to get help. Let me just say that I have been quilting 9 or 10 years and don't think I will ever attempt a Mariner's Star. They are certainly beautiful, but too hard for me! I like easy and am not looking for a challenge. I do something I regret in every single quilt I make. My latest was pressing. I was taught you press to the dark whenever possible. I've got nine patch squares sewn to white squares and pressed each one back to the nine patch, because I thought you would really be able to see the dark seam allowance under the white block. This was very hard because of the bulk, but I kept going. After finishing piecing the top I looked over the instructions to see if there were quilting suggestions when I noticed the instruction to press toward the light. Geez! It sure would have been easier! I have since read that with today's fabrics the idea of pressing toward the dark in no longer so important. Anyway, my point is that even after all these years I don't think I've ever made a quilt that I didn't wish I had done something differently.

My mother used to say " A blind man on a galloping horse will never see it!"

My UFO's are because I didn't know how to proceed (and some because I lost interest). I've learned to go onto another project and learn new things, then revisit my UFO's. One quilt took 5 years of starts and stops. It's a favorite now-all finished. I didn't get frustrated, just recognized I needed more info and relaxed into the process.

By the way, if you're a beginner, you'll learn with less frustration by picking the easy patterns, and joining a sew group. Many LQS have UFO or open sew days on their schedule. I never did take my own advise and always chose not one step beyond, but way beyond my abilities. I also give myself permission to never finish a quilt and donate it at guild exchange day.

Are we having fun yet?

I am having a hard time just trying to sew...I just can't get into it...
I am in such a slump .....makes me want to cry....

Agree with this, stepping away helps so much. Amazing really!

I agree with Julie. We can only learn and improve from our mistakes.

Excellent advice. I have done this many times with crocheting, cross stitch and other things.

[QUOTE=BillieJean;5994355]I am having a hard time just trying to sew...I just can't get into it...
I am in such a slump .....makes me want to cry....[/QUOTE]

From this last comment, maybe it's more serious than a little down. This almost sounds like depression. There's some information on this: http://www.webmd.com/depression/guid...toms-and-types