Have had a rough couple of months quilting, to the point I swore I was going to ebay all my fabric. Too burned out from a 40 hr job to have the patience, concentration or creativity to enjoy any of it. Nevertheless, today delivered a lap quilt to husband's cousin who is just starting chemotherapy. She said "this is one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me". I guess I needed to hear that and it gave me a fresh perspective. Think I'll start a new project tomorrow.

It is so nice when doing something nice is appreciated! Good for you.

Congrats for finding the one thing that makes your quilting worth it everyone needs to find the one thing that gives her craft a reason

It's always nice to hear something positive.

I am finding the same...working way too much...and after work I work out at the gym. I did make time today and finish a quilt that my husband reminded me that I need to get done...it is for my Uncle who is getting up there in age...I have so many happy memories visiting him and the farm...its the least I could do is finish it. So glad its done...and ready for the postman.

I'm glad you feel better.

:)

There is a saying that goes something like this:
"If you need something done, always ask a busy person and it will be done AND on time..." Sometimes we all need someone to express gratitude for what we've done...it makes a big difference...Hats off to you...Naomi :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

I'm in a quilting slump. Just need to figure out who will get the next quilt and then I know, I just know, everything will fall into place. The pattern, the fab. the quilting. Just need to find that special person. {maybe DH?}

It's hard to fit in your own creative endeavors when life is so busy. Sometimes they end up feeling more like "chores" than the relaxing craft you had in mind. But don't worry. The pleasure always comes back, eventually! There is a season for all things.

I'm thrilled for you! I periodically take breaks from my art/craft too.

It is always lovely to have someone appreciate what you've done.

Thanks ladies for the additional kind words and support.

I am retired now but easily remember all the years of working, going to school, raising a family, etc., that there were just not enough hours in the day to get everything done, let alone time to quilt. Be very patient with yourself and do what you can and let it go. I still go through slumps, but no longer do I worry about it because I know I will always return to quilting.

This is why we quilt. :-P

Nice to be appreciated.

Nice to get some wind beneath your quilty wings when you need it. Enjoy the second wind.

we all need reminders in all different aspects of our lives to give us a boost

I don't work a 40 hr week, but unless I'm under the weather I quilt and sew everyday

It's hard when you work. I get so torn with the few hours I have to myself when I'm off. Play with the hounds, read, sew. Then reality hits and I'm shopping for groceries, cleaning house, doing yard work, cooking. Don't get me wrong, Glenn helps with laundry and cleaning but there never seems to be enough time to sew. I did squeeze in a class yesterday to learn how to make pajama pants and hopefully I'll get time to work on a friend's quilt this afternoon but it's not easy and I often feel I should be doing something else when I steal time for sewing. Sometimes you just have to let go of all the have toos and do what you need to do for yourself.

Some say quilting is relaxing. But there are times I want to pull my hair out when seams do not line up right. I quilt because I love taking fabric and turn it into something nice for some one.

It is comforting to get on here and see what you are feeling in someone else's words. I've been in a slump, by the time I get home and do all that needs doing I've been too tired most days to convince myself to even go in my sewing room. Same on weekends. Hoping to climb out of slump soon!

Sometimes doing something nice for someone else, puts our lives in perspective. I hope you have a nice week and your husband's cousin gets better too.

I'm special, you can make one for me.........lol

Amen, that is certainly a reason to continue...I sew many,many quilts for charity and people pish, posh and wonder why...my response is.."If all I do only makes a difference in one life, who are we to put a price on that???"
I sew each one I do with love and prayers that whomever receives it will feel that love and caring and I beleive it's so.

Yes that says it all.

I stopped sewing for six years. Last year my good friend, who is a quilter inspired me to start sewing again. I am so glad I didn't get rid of all my stuff. Of course the knits and junk like that, I DID get rid of. Don't fret for taking a break. One day you will want to start sewing again in earnest.

for me, coming home after a "very frustrating" day at work sewing was my release. I could sew and sew and it would make me forget about the lousy day and give me the patience to start the next day knowing it wasn't going to be any better - now I'm retired and I don't seem to sew as much as before. a lot less stress in my life

When in a slump making baby quilts cheers me up. They are so cute. Lots of charities for babies out there.
Keep them on hand for when needed also. Seems baby showers crop up often.

I quilt because I love the process, the fabrics and the quilts. If I give one to someone and they're thrilled, that's a bonus. Also, I hope someday, someone says "My great-great grandmother made this is 2011!" :)

hey faye, i love this saying, thanks for sharing...

i am so glad you gave that quilt, because you got so much more in return......perspective and the spark to continue quilting!!!

I never start a quilt project without having someone in mind. It keeps me going to think of the recipient. I also have LOTS of other craft UFOs lying around for the slumps.

It can be a drag after a while. I don't know about you, but some projects take a whole lot longer to do than what I had originally planned for. sometimes life gets in the way of quilting. then i have lost my enthusiasm for that project. Since i am not in the finish first club, i just start another one, but usually a smaller one than the one I need to finish.

I am chairperson for our guild's charity quilt committee. I recently delivered some quilts to the services for the mentally and physically disabled. The woman was so excited to get the quilts, she was pulling people out of offices and the hall to see them. They will be given to their clients that have no family for Christmas gifts.

Very nice statement!

I have been quilting about a year. So far, all my projects have gone to others. I'm meeting a dear friend Tues. night for dinner so I can give her the quilt I made for her baby girl. I keep thinking I need to make a bed quilt for ME, but honestly, I too love watching others when I give them a quilt or something I've made. It makes all the time and effort so worthwhile. They know that they are really special to me or I wouldn't have poured so much love into their gift.

LOVE IT! That's the best way to give!

That was so sweet! It does make you feel good when someone appreciates a gift you've made. I'm sure your husband's cousin feels the love in it too. :-)

Just what you needed............a great reason not to give up!

Why I Quilt:
My sister came this weekend to help me paint and move boxes into our new house. I walked out to her car to meet her when she arrived Friday night. I noticed she was carring the queen sized quilt I made her. I said, "you didn't have to bring your own quilt, I have lots of blankets and quilts". She said, "Not like this one, I take it everywhere I go". :)