ywoodruff5

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...

insgal62

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!

matraina

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.

jdreamblue

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.

mimee4

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.

QuiltingMia

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.

yolanda

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.

acjacques

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.

lorimax5859

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.

Neena

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.