I do the same thing! I wash all my fabric and fold it haphazardly, plopping it in a pile until it's time for 'ironing' - a way of being connected to sewing without doing sewing and without having to think.
When I've left my room in a mess, and/or I am in a mental state of blah, I sew crumbs. I don't clear, I don't put any barrier in front of sewing, I just sew crumbs with the thread that is on my machine until I feel "ready." It usually gets me doing the things that need to be done.
It's been over two years, sigh! I had Covid, was in the hospital for two months, during this time my husband passed. It has taken me over a year to get my energy back(I'm 74, so this was not easy.) I am wanting to make me a quilt, first time for everything, haha. That little creative fire I have nurtured by crochet, I have run out of yarn and projects for the kids and grands, so now I want a beautiful little quilt for my twin bed. Getting started, yes well you hit the nail on the head. I went and looked at material today, none spoke to me. You said to take little steps, sounds good. Maybe a little pillow cover for my bed.
I needed this today. I have not sewed anything in over a year. I've been overwhelmed by life. You have helped me forgive myself. so tomorrow, I am making pillowcases for my friend's kiddos. Thank you Karen.
nice to hear. But also maybe you can break it down into smaller steps. Maybe you are 1-organizing your materials then if you are able 2-cutting everything out and then if you are able 3-sewing it together. it's important not to work to the point of exhaustion.
Thank you for this video. I haven’t seen anything since I don’t know when. Had some medical stuff get in the way. I need to start up again. You gave me some good ideas. Do you have a tutorial on how to make the foam board containers?
@@JustGetitDoneQuilts I like doing it that way too, like an assembly line. I made almost 40 napkins for a big family Christmas party and I would iron everything, then cut out a bunch, pick out the tread, then sew them. I did that in a few batches
I was on the hospital for five months came home two weeks ago and cleaned my machine, went thru all my fabric and neatened up, and now I’m going to finish 3 quilts I started and didn’t finish One at a time slowly. I’ve rebooted too! My health is better than ever too! Look out quilt world! 😎
I lost my sew jo. I have tried off and on to get it back this year, but my home is in chaos after my husbands death in Feb, along with my mind and my heart. This video just happened to catch me trying to reorganize my sewing room. I hope it works to get me going again, because I've found at least 7 or 8 quilt tops that need to be sandwiched and quilted. I just seem to have no energy, and I don't have any "sew sisters." You ladies are lucky and blessed if you do.
Oh, Karen, I’ve said it before-I so appreciate how supportive your videos often are, and this is one of them. Last fall when I decided it was time to get back into my studio, I didn’t even bother to clean. I just picked up an unfinished project-a Christmas wall hanging-and sat down and decided what to do with it that would bring me joy. That meant that I had to step around stuff on the floor between my machine, my ironing station and design wall-which was frustrating and dangerous. But I knew I had to create something first. I finished the quilt top (not surprising, it was dramatically different from what I had planned), took it to the quilter, felt 1000% better-and THEN I cleaned. And my creativity took off again. It’s been such a joy. Two years, knee surgery, pandemic and retirement separated starting that quilt and finishing it. You have to (a) realize what you need, and (b) be ready to act on that realization. Your “one step at a time” plan is exactly right. Thank you, Karen, for another supportive video!
Much of what you said is familiar. I've gone thru shoulder surgery, hysterectomy, R knee surgery, both knees ripped again and much downtime and total discouragement. This video I needed to hear today. I felt connected to your comments. I wish you well. Hopefully we can take some baby steps forward and reignite the joy and creativity.😊
I have never made a quilt, but I watch Karen`s pieces all the time. I sew smaller patchwork projects sometimes, which as close as I come to quilting, but whenever I watch one of her clips what amazes me is that everything she says applies to anything you do -- and feel, and experience, and learn, and long for... It reminds me of what Mary C. Richards, a potter, said: "All the arts we practice are apprenticeship. The big art is our life."
"Post Quilt Blues" OMG, for the longest time I thought it was just me. At least until this past February right after I finished my last quilt. I've been so down ever since and I recalled how I'd felt like that right after completing the previous few quilts. I've never had kids, but I wondered if there was some kind of "Post Project Depression" (like postpartum, but with big labor-intensive, time-consuming projects). I looked it up and lo and behold, it's an actual thing that happens with all kinds of artists and creatives, for instance writers often experience it after sending their completed novels to publishers. The struggle is real.
I miss having a quilt guild to go to. Zoom calls are just not the same. I need to hug my quilty friends, fondle their quilts, take inspiring classes from teachers and be immersed in everything. Without a local quilt store or physical guild to go to I have lost my mojo. I want it back❗
I totally lost my sew-jo for months after breast cancer surgery. (I'm fine). Just lost it, and I loved to sew. Thankfully Christmas came along and I made pillow cases to go with books for the littles in the family. Your videos on scrap sewing helped immensely, also...just going in that room and putting two pieces together lit a spark. This video also helped and am actually doing the 2024 Declutter, which is also sparking joy. Also, finishing up small WIPs is helping move my meter, too. Thanks for all you do and share. Love your down to earth approach. I'm at the stage where it doesn't have to be perfect, just done.
I am a fan of all your videos. I use the timer tip each time I work in my sewing room. I have so many UFOs that it is embarrassing. I did a project triage. Starting with the projects that just need borders. Then the ones that need rows sewn together. Finally, the ones that need blocks finished. I labeled the stacks with sticky notes. I am still on the borders stack. Lol. I hope this helps someone.
I am so glad that I found this video. On July 6th I had a heart attack, then on the 11th I had a stroke that affected my vision. Plus my sugar was over 500. After spending 3 weeks in the hospital, after I got home I couldn't imagine sewing again. I have so much fabric but I couldn't see colors correctly. It is gradually improving. I finally started makinf cuddle blankets out of flannel. Can't make too many mistakes !!!!! They were my flying geese ! Plus the timer idea was great. I end up sewing too long and can hardly walk when I get up Thank you so much Karen for being on RUclips.
Karen this video is awesome! My mom recently passed away and I started quilting to keep myself sane while taking care of her. Now that she is gone….so is my sew-jo. I walk into my sewing room and my heart is not in it. If course it has been hectic for years but I always stole a few minutes here and there to do something. Your advice always puts me back on track. I am so thankful for you!! ❤ Pray that my heart finds what makes it happy once again
I so needed this today. I’ve spent the last six weeks in another state taking care of my sister after she had major surgery. I took my sewing machine with me and did various scrappy blocks. Got a lot done too. But now I’m home and have yet to even touch my projects. In fact, I think my machine and a couple project boxes are stilll in my car. I’ve been home five days. I think I will start with bringing them in and setting up my sewing table. Thanks for the pep talk and encouragement . 😊
Cheryl. Taking care of another human..esp rehab is exhausting. Almost 40 years as an RN......workers comp CaseManager...nuf said...take care of you for a bit....give urself permission to get a breath....and do not push urself too hard. Hugs. Good human u are.
This video is so very helpful. Excellent advice for recharging my dying sew battery. Every year since your organizational videos were posted I have watched those several times. You have encouraged me, organized me and helped me to improved my bindings. Thank you.
Health and age have a lot to do with our creativity. It IS ok to take a break and rest and regroup. I enjoyed creating and making some hotpads. Small project! Yes! I learned some things about using different background fabrics to enhance or make the pattern pop. Now I am taking a break again. And it's ok! Thanks Karen!
Well I am on a reboot. Third guans. He’s never felt with this so I’m working on easing him in. We took the unusable bedroom space and we’re working on making it a craft space where I can quilt. We shall see how this goes!😊
I just finished a quilt for my daughter's friend. They both suffer from sleep paralysis. My daughter said hers stopped after i made a quilt for her. Apparently I have momma mojo. So, I had to find the right pattern, and match with the right layer cake. Anyway, sent my daughter to a local quilt shop and they had fallen in love with my quilt, and my sewing! I was invited to join a guild. Got my backing and finished the quilt. She's gotten relief from her sleep disorder already. Me... very excited about a quilt guild, that has a free long armer for finished tops 😮😊❤
I lost my fiance 3 months ago, and the night before he passed, we were in my sewing room sandwiching his quilt. I have been taking baby steps in just walking into my room again. Of course just dropping fabric I just bought on my table but I still have no Jo to sew.
I used to sew daily. I made quilts and enjoyed it so much and then we got stuck in never ending lockdowns (Melbourne, Australia). I don’t even know why I stopped but I did. Then we converted the hobby room into a storage room and no more sewing room. I hadn’t sewn for well over a year and finally I just picked up a quilt and started hand quilting it. My kids keep asking who the quilt is for or why I am making it. My secret thoughts are “to heal” or to recover from the trauma of the last few years.
I finished a quilt for my daughter 1.5 years in the making. I finally had to push myself her birthday is in 2 weeks :) it is not perfect but it is done.😃 So many times at different stages of my quilt I almost scrapped my project but I am so glad I did not. It turned out beautiful.
Just what I need right now. I so want to get back to my tidy sewing corner. My dh died in Jan after many years of illness. My sewing space is dusty and untidy. Maybe sewing will help my spirits
You are one of Life’s really worthwhile people - I love how kind you are and how empathic. The gently encouraging tips in this video are so well conceived that it’s very obvious you genuinely love helping others enjoy their creative process and that’s so nice ❤
I’m laid up right now after having a knee replacement. Each time I walk by my sewing room I see my current project not being completed. I needed to hear those words of wisdom regarding waiting and making sure I’m ready to jump back in. I can do small things like cleaning my sewing space and going thru fabric. I appreciate your insight. Keep it coming!
I had to take a break with 2 eye surgeries there was no sewing for 2 months. I refolded some fabrics during this time just to pet fabric! Finally back to it slowly and a little at a time allowing for healing. Thanks for your videos!
One of the best ways for me to get the juices flowing again is to watch videos. Your videos are perfect to refresh the mojo. I also look for videos on new techniques, new patterns or ones I’ve always be interested in, small project ideas. Thanks for your willingness to share your expertise with us.
When I first stared quilting I made three quilt tops and was overwhelmed. When I finally finished those three I made a promise to myself, one quilt at a time. This works for me, especially because I do my own top quilting on a domestic machine. Thanks Karen for all you do. ❤️👍😊
I am there. My mother a master quilter was teaching me how to quilt when I would come to stay with her for help with daily things cause she is 83. And her health started failing and she needed to move to my sister's home 4 hours away. Now I am struggling to even want to set up my new crafting/sewing room, much less work on projects she helped me start. I go in the room and stare at the brand new shiny pfaff sewing machine she had helped me pick out before she got sick and I just go back out and shut the door. Thank you for helping me realize I will be ok. This beginner sure needed this advice. 😊😊
Since I first watched this 3 months ago, I'd hurt my back so spent a few days watching all kinds of quilting videos I've made playlists for. They reminded me how to do things, the astonishing variety of patterns from HSTs and hourglass blocks, and building skill sets. As one person said, sew an hour one day and the next day you are ahead that hour and can build on it. Being a visual learner, they made me think twice about how frustrated I can get when all it is, is starting small and not being in a huge hurry. This isn't a race. So now I've been organizing as you said here, sorting, putting things in order and getting ready to work on a small project. Nothing like making a little 'thank you' tote for a friend who drove me to the doctor for cataract surgery to make you realize how disorganized you are.. I've not been able to see well and now the difference is amazing; I don't need near as many LED lights on my machine LOL. Thanks again for the way you encourage us all and for sharing your knowledge. Thank you for this! I have to nurture my self since I don't have anyone close enough to spend time with enjoying life or hobbies or just chatting. That's ok, I'm an introvert/hermit lol. I support my local quilt shop and they have charity sewing I sometimes join....this week it's preemie pillows. I haven't watch you for awhile and for some reason I started to this evening and this video is resuscitating my sewjo. Thank you !😀
Thank you Karen, just what I need, after a close family bereavement last year knocked the stuffing out of me, I had not been in my craft room much, and side tracked my self with tidying, Having spent a few days on my own with the dogs I finally picked up a project to work on, a bag rather than quilting, The feeling of accomplishment after 3 days of working on it have sparked my enthusiasm again.
Surgery has me blocked. My brain is foggy and I am tired. I really enjoyed this video. I feel much better about my lack of desire to do any of my projects right now. Thanks.
Thank you so much! I watched half of the video, stopped it and went into my sewing room and designed my next quilt! Thanks for the inspiration to do 'something' 😊
It happens to all of us at some time or other. I am attempting to share the quilting bug with my 9 year old granddaughter. We sew until she is tired, or frustrated, or bored. My goal is to teach her to just lay it down and walk away when she needs to. It all doesn’t have to be done today. Same with us. Thanks for reminding us, Karen, that this happens to all of us.
This is just what I needed to hear today. My favorite thing to do when feeling overwhelmed is work on improv blocks made from my scrap bin. Thanks Karen. It's a good message to pay attention to your level of overwhelm. You are the best.
This is such a beautiful video that shows care and and support of quilters. You have empathy and are so real about these times when we lose our energy for sewing. Sharing your personal experiences and then gentle ways to get back into the sewing room… perfectly done! We can all relate and feel inspired here. Thank you for taking care of this community…and yourself!
Last year I worked doggedly to make a quilt for everybody in my family and two of my friends. (Two king, two queen size among the other throws and twin size.) It brought on severe burnout to the point that when I attempted to finish a top for myself and had trouble with the longarm I was renting, I got so discouraged that I haven't sewn since and that has been since January. This was going to be the year that all I sewed was for the charity arm of my local guild and I'm woefully behind my own hoped for schedule. All your tips and tricks in this video are perfect for me and I'm sure I'll watch this multiple times to let it all sink in and work on me. Thank you so much, Karen.
Needed to hear you today. Haven't sewed in a bit and can now see (with your help) why and how I need to fix it slowly. Straighten my space, find my machine, and go slowly.....find a simple happy project to help me remember why I loved creating. Thank you so much for sharing and making me realize I am not alone.
Excellent advice. I am a retired hospice nurse and had to care for my own mom at home during the lock down. I have just started to get my knitting group together and they can only manage one night a month. But what a blessing. Your information is good for anyone in transition
This video really struck a cord with me! It motivated me to play with my fabric and do a little cleaning. After I played a bit, I found the motivation to start working on a UFO from last year. I am pleased to say I finished it and now am working on another UFO! Thank you for helping me reboot!
I’m sorry for your devastating losses. I hope you will give yourself lots of time and space to grieve and heal. The fabric on the joy will be there whenever you are ready.
I had lost my sewjo for a few years. Mainly due to so much overtime at work. At that point I realized the best thing for me was to pack up all my sewing things and tuck them away, the not having energy or time to work on things was bringing me even more down. As overtime slowed I realized I wanted my sewjo back but had no idea where to start. I had no patterns or ideas floating around in my head, my fabric wasn't saying I need to be used next, nothing. So I pulled out an old (years in the making) leader ender project. 6" jacob's ladder blocks. The four patches came first. The only rule I had created for this project was light and dark for half square triangles and that the same fabric couldn't touch itself. What was 24 completed blocks became a full sized quilt in a few weeks. Next thing I know, I made 3 more lap quilts in a few months. Now I know, sometimes you just need to sew the scraps into four patches or nine patches or whatever little units with no plan and somehow a quilt is born
So very calming to hear you talk about taking care of self in the creative process! I will definitely have to rewatch this video for when i struggle with motivation and the creative process.
It has taken me over 9 months to finish a quilt for my husband that should have taken about 6 weeks. Things kept getting in the way, and I was just uninspired annd tired, even though I really like the quilt. I appliquéd my granddaughter’s name on a beach towel, and now, for some reason, I can’t wait to bind and label my husband’s quilt and get onto the next project. So, thank you for the advice, it always helps.
I just ran across this. WOW ! Thank you so much. I have fibromyalgia and there is a whole lot going on in my life at this time I have been worried about live ones and my house is in such a state, taking care of loved ones, trying to do yard work , doing wound care and going to the hospital to sit with a loved one or even stay the whole time. This has been for the past 8 months. My mojo is all gone thanks to fibromyalgia. Yep this past week have been in bed at least 18- 20 hrs a day. And unable to do many thing when up. I am feeling better today and this will do to get my mojo back for what is needed in my home , yard and in helping with caring for loved ones. Oops I forgot I will care for myself too. I will also go to my happy place and give myself down time by playing with my material stash for 15 minutes a day. I greatly needed this to help me to get going again.
I buy novelty charm packs on sale every so often, and when I need a reboot project, I like to make a set of coasters with four overlapping folded triangles and give them to someone. No cutting, no scrap generation, and a lot of fun choosing the combinations.
Thank you so much for your videos. They've helped me immensely. Last November life gave me quite a knock. All last winter my husband had health issues--mini strokes, Covid, hospitalization, & rehab which made his dementia much worse & my caregiver role intensified. Last Nov I had 3 blocks remaining to sash to complete Kaffe's Target Log Cabin. I followed your advice & tidied my sewing area. I then realized there was no way I could achieve the accuracy required. So I started to sort Mt Scrapmore. Started making EPP hexies & used your advice for sewing on the go waiting for tests & therapy sessions. Instead of practice blocks, I embarked on a Trash Quilt. Took care to sew & press my seams carefully. Figured I could include abandoned blocks. Today I went on a hunt for blocks & found a stack of blocks for Kaffe's Wedding Quilt--his 1st or 2nd book. Started to cry. The blocks were so pretty. After 5 or 6 weeks, the dam broke. I know I can finish the Log Cabin. Over the next couple of days, I'll be taking the Trash Quilt to a natural stopping point. Then it's tidy up, again, & finish the Log Cabin. Your video on sewing in small spaces made me realize I needed a sewing annex--someplace I can sew & be readily available to my husband--someplace he can sit & visit while I sew. This entailed a new sewing machine & duplicate set of often used tools & notions. So thank you again! BTW That Wedding Quilt? Will resurrect it for my grand-daughter who loves girly, girly stuff. For the "annex", I have Kaffe's Stamps & Money quilt kitted--nearly all rectangles & squares so good for fidgetty sewing. Getting back to making quilts has been a great stress reliever!
I wanted you to know how thankful I am to you. When I'm stressed & anxious it's hard for me to focus on a "non-essential'. You gave me the tools I needed.
Haven't seen for almost 5 years and 3 moves. Now in my forever house and doing Reno's so excited to start sewing in a month or so 😃🎉it going to be like Christmas as I have forgot or ordered stuff and boxed it. So surprise to me. 😂
Your video has inspired me! This last year has been terrible; I became a widow. I lost all my desire and confidence in sewing and quilting. I just could not do anything. I just started in and cleaned my sewing area. I am now realistic and know that I cannot get all the projects done and I just don’t like the projects anymore. So that cleaning became a major overhaul and declutter. My local church sewing guild graciously accepted bags and boxes and more bags of fabric, ufos, patterns, books. Now I have a clean and organized, a bit spartan, area and have started a quilt for a niece who is getting married. I have a year to make it. I do feel a weight off my heart and shoulders and have set a goal of doing each project, start to finish, before starting another. Let’s see what I can accomplish. Thank you for giving me and others a “nudge” to getting creative again😋😋
Great video, Karen, and timely. The struggle is real! I have been in a creative slump for the last few years due to loss of beloved ones. I even bought a ridiculously expensive new sewing machine to motivate me, but I’m yet to make a quilt or any project on it. Thanks for your pointers. I will watch this video several times.
I'm 10 weeks into having sciatica and I managed 1/4 of an hour sewing this morning so I hope I'm on the way back. It wasn't just the pain I just couldn't face doing anything apart from sitting and reading. Much better now so I hope it won't be long till I'm back to my normal self.
My craft room is trashed and I dont want to even look at that area. So many UFOs. Thank you for this video. My first step might need to be actually purchasing some much needed storage so I dont just keep shuffling stuff.
I stopped quilting five years ago. Lost my sewjo. Just recently I started picking up some Pendleton wool I bought back then to make table runners. Finished them lickety split. I’m going through my Yoko Saito books and looking at my Japanese taupes for my next project. Taking it slow…
Karen, this video is just what I needed! I will stop chastising myself because I am lacking energy and "not just getting it done" - 'it' includes general activities as well as sewing. Instead, I am going to adapt the '5 steps that you can take to get you back to the hobby you love' so I can find my joy. Thanks for your tips!
I had just cleaned my sewing room last fall before your declutter challenge so didn't need it then but since then the room had gotten a mess! I've had several projects from classes as well as working on two quilts for home. Also about every 6 months I find something isn't working as well as I like and I need to move furniture around a little or decide a "hey, why have I never used this for storage?" and will finish those changes today. In time for another online class to start tomorrow and another in the store on Tuesday. If I'm not in here working it's because of silly things like work, house cleaning, cooking. You know, life.
Thank you! I’ve decided that I want to quilt my own so I purchased a quilting machine. Most of my quilts aren’t small and my machine isn’t a long arm machine so they don’t fit. Now I feel over-whelmed because I have quilt tops piled up that I should quilt because I paid a lot of money for my machine. It has caused me pressure…all self induced pressure. So I am working on the balance of what I will quilt and what I will send off to be quilted without feeling guilty. I’m trying to make peace with my decisions. Through this process, I’ve lost my sewing mojo. But, I think I’m seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you.
Thanks, Karen. Where I live there is 1 guild.. not friendly or welcoming. Oh well. 1 shop nearby, same vibe, unless you are buying. ETC. Same goes for my rughooking. I've had to accept & move on. I sew 2 -10 hours 30 days a year. Throws to kings. Abit OCD therefore the studio is rarely a big issue, but too many choices for the next project is another story. Way too much fabric (did a very large purge with you in January), all in potential pattern zip bags. Love every one. I found that a rule of only 2 ufo's, must be less than yr old, only 2/3 projects in various stages, & a clear timeline, keep my brain on straight. At least with my quiltmaking. The rest of life doesn't always work as well. You posts are always a cheerful, instructive part of my life. Thanks.
Taking those breaks is so important to me. This video came at perfect timing. I was on vacation them came home sick. So my sewing room became a dumping ground. Cant wait to get back i. There and clean up and get back to sewing.
Thank you for this video. I left a month ago with a mess in my sewing room. I had tried to complete a repair on an older quilt and was not quite finished. Got home and I’ve been overwhelmed by the task in my sewing room. Having to clean it wa way more than I could handle. Now you gave me the gentle hug to say yes you can. It’s a rainy day today so it’s the perfect day to go clean my room and start refreshed.
I even went and cleaned the surfaces around my machine and now I’m ready to quilt a baby quilt! So thank you 🙏 so very much. It was the perfect kick in the pants I needed
I seem to be in this place in a couple of places in my life. I am going to try to apply this strategy to all of them. Thank you for this timely tutorial.
Thank you for all the great ways to help us reboot! Organizing, sorting, rearranging fabric is so fulfilling - just touching it again helps me remember why I fell in love with it to begin with. I often find I need a purpose to drive my motivation to create a quilt - a new baby, a wedding, or other gifting opportunity. I want to make a quilt just for the satisfaction of making it, but that doesn't always keep me motivated. Thanks again for the inspiring content!
Last time I was in my sewing room and didn't know what to do so I looked at my big scraps and cut out pieces for scrunchies (4x18), bookmarks (3x6) or squares for four patches (3.5x3.5)
I have a job for 3 1/2 to 4 months each with at which I am allowed to "bring a hobby". Well, I do! My sewing machine, cutting mat, iron and homemade ironing surface and tools, and I make quilta all winter long. I hate to admit that by the end of the job, I am really not much interested in doing much sewing. I basically just push through until I am humming along. Havi g deadlines helpa get me going, like the graduation quilt for my vrand nephew. I also will atart a new quilt-that's always fun and exciting. Getting those UFOs done is motivating, too. Thanks for another inspiring video, Karen!
Thank you for specifying the difference between Tidying Up and Decluttering. I need to move out of my sewing room and move my toddler into that room. My space is shrinking and nearly disappearing into parts of closets. I wanted to declutter, but can't handle it now. I know that I need to "dig the hole first" and clear out space in my closets to get things where they really need to be for this move to happen. It's stressful and I only get an hour or two a week at best at it when I don't have everything else piled on my shoulders. This helped my brain to regroup a bit and realize that it won't be perfect and won't be pretty, but getting it done should be worth it. #sewingroomgrief
Thank you Karen, this is so helpful. I’ve been sooooo busy the last few weeks, I had no energy for quilting. But,thanks to you, my rebooting will start tomorrow!
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
I like ironing scraps when I’m having a hard time. There’s no goal- just the satisfaction of seeing crumpled messes flatten out ❤
Ironing zen 😌
I do the same thing! I wash all my fabric and fold it haphazardly, plopping it in a pile until it's time for 'ironing' - a way of being connected to sewing without doing sewing and without having to think.
Just the same. And organizing shelves, refolding the fabric. Or making strips from scraps
I agree, then I just myself, touch, sort, play and rediscover. I don't plan, I just wander through my treasure trove of fabric and supplies.
I like to iron too, and ironing some scraps for a small (probably orphan block😊) quilt block =)
How did she know I'm in that exact place right now...
Same here😕
Because it’s the end of the school year and everything is upside down…even if you don’t have kids
Me, too!!!! So happy to know there are others in the same funk.p
Ditto!
I think she’s just psychic 😋
When I've left my room in a mess, and/or I am in a mental state of blah, I sew crumbs. I don't clear, I don't put any barrier in front of sewing, I just sew crumbs with the thread that is on my machine until I feel "ready." It usually gets me doing the things that need to be done.
It's been over two years, sigh! I had Covid, was in the hospital for two months, during this time my husband passed. It has taken me over a year to get my energy back(I'm 74, so this was not easy.) I am wanting to make me a quilt, first time for everything, haha. That little creative fire I have nurtured by crochet, I have run out of yarn and projects for the kids and grands, so now I want a beautiful little quilt for my twin bed. Getting started, yes well you hit the nail on the head. I went and looked at material today, none spoke to me. You said to take little steps, sounds good. Maybe a little pillow cover for my bed.
That sounds doable
I needed this today. I have not sewed anything in over a year. I've been overwhelmed by life. You have helped me forgive myself. so tomorrow, I am making pillowcases for my friend's kiddos. Thank you Karen.
nice to hear. But also maybe you can break it down into smaller steps. Maybe you are 1-organizing your materials then if you are able 2-cutting everything out and then if you are able 3-sewing it together. it's important not to work to the point of exhaustion.
@@JustGetitDoneQuilts Will do. Thank you again!
Thank you for this video. I haven’t seen anything since I don’t know when. Had some medical stuff get in the way. I need to start up again. You gave me some good ideas. Do you have a tutorial on how to make the foam board containers?
@@JustGetitDoneQuilts I like doing it that way too, like an assembly line. I made almost 40 napkins for a big family Christmas party and I would iron everything, then cut out a bunch, pick out the tread, then sew them. I did that in a few batches
I was on the hospital for five months came home two weeks ago and cleaned my machine, went thru all my fabric and neatened up, and now I’m going to finish 3 quilts I started and didn’t finish One at a time slowly. I’ve rebooted too! My health is better than ever too! Look out quilt world! 😎
Glad to hear you’re feeling better
I lost my sew jo. I have tried off and on to get it back this year, but my home is in chaos after my husbands death in Feb, along with my mind and my heart. This video just happened to catch me trying to reorganize my sewing room. I hope it works to get me going again, because I've found at least 7 or 8 quilt tops that need to be sandwiched and quilted. I just seem to have no energy, and I don't have any "sew sisters." You ladies are lucky and blessed if you do.
Oh, Karen, I’ve said it before-I so appreciate how supportive your videos often are, and this is one of them. Last fall when I decided it was time to get back into my studio, I didn’t even bother to clean. I just picked up an unfinished project-a Christmas wall hanging-and sat down and decided what to do with it that would bring me joy. That meant that I had to step around stuff on the floor between my machine, my ironing station and design wall-which was frustrating and dangerous. But I knew I had to create something first. I finished the quilt top (not surprising, it was dramatically different from what I had planned), took it to the quilter, felt 1000% better-and THEN I cleaned. And my creativity took off again. It’s been such a joy. Two years, knee surgery, pandemic and retirement separated starting that quilt and finishing it. You have to (a) realize what you need, and (b) be ready to act on that realization. Your “one step at a time” plan is exactly right. Thank you, Karen, for another supportive video!
Well done you 👏👏👏
Much of what you said is familiar. I've gone thru shoulder surgery, hysterectomy, R knee surgery, both knees ripped again and much downtime and total discouragement. This video I needed to hear today. I felt connected to your comments. I wish you well. Hopefully we can take some baby steps forward and reignite the joy and creativity.😊
After cancer treatments I didn’t have the energy for anything. But the 15 minute trick got me through. I still use it
🤗🤗🤗
Boy, Karen, you obviously touched many, many of us with this wonderfully supportive video! Thank you so much!!
I have never made a quilt, but I watch Karen`s pieces all the time. I sew smaller patchwork projects sometimes, which as close as I come to quilting, but whenever I watch one of her clips what amazes me is that everything she says applies to anything you do -- and feel, and experience, and learn, and long for... It reminds me of what Mary C. Richards, a potter, said: "All the arts we practice are apprenticeship. The big art is our life."
I am needing a reboot! Life has just been crazy busy lately!
"Post Quilt Blues" OMG, for the longest time I thought it was just me. At least until this past February right after I finished my last quilt. I've been so down ever since and I recalled how I'd felt like that right after completing the previous few quilts. I've never had kids, but I wondered if there was some kind of "Post Project Depression" (like postpartum, but with big labor-intensive, time-consuming projects). I looked it up and lo and behold, it's an actual thing that happens with all kinds of artists and creatives, for instance writers often experience it after sending their completed novels to publishers. The struggle is real.
Reboot, indeed!! It is surprising how your videos pop up at the exact moment when we need them😊 Thank you so much!!
I miss having a quilt guild to go to. Zoom calls are just not the same. I need to hug my quilty friends, fondle their quilts, take inspiring classes from teachers and be immersed in everything. Without a local quilt store or physical guild to go to I have lost my mojo. I want it back❗
I’ve been in the hospital all week. I can’t wait to get sewing and crafting
I totally lost my sew-jo for months after breast cancer surgery. (I'm fine). Just lost it, and I loved to sew. Thankfully Christmas came along and I made pillow cases to go with books for the littles in the family. Your videos on scrap sewing helped immensely, also...just going in that room and putting two pieces together lit a spark. This video also helped and am actually doing the 2024 Declutter, which is also sparking joy. Also, finishing up small WIPs is helping move my meter, too. Thanks for all you do and share. Love your down to earth approach. I'm at the stage where it doesn't have to be perfect, just done.
I am also doing a lot of small projects this year. I seem to collect them but never have the time to make them
I am a fan of all your videos. I use the timer tip each time I work in my sewing room. I have so many UFOs that it is embarrassing. I did a project triage. Starting with the projects that just need borders. Then the ones that need rows sewn together. Finally, the ones that need blocks finished. I labeled the stacks with sticky notes. I am still on the borders stack. Lol. I hope this helps someone.
Thanks for sharing! 🤗
That’s a great idea
I am so glad that I found this video. On July 6th I had a heart attack, then on the 11th I had a stroke that affected my vision. Plus my sugar was over 500. After spending 3 weeks in the hospital, after I got home I couldn't imagine sewing again. I have so much fabric but I couldn't see colors correctly. It is gradually improving. I finally started makinf cuddle blankets out of flannel. Can't make too many mistakes !!!!! They were my flying geese ! Plus the timer idea was great. I end up sewing too long and can hardly walk when I get up Thank you so much Karen for being on RUclips.
Karen this video is awesome! My mom recently passed away and I started quilting to keep myself sane while taking care of her. Now that she is gone….so is my sew-jo. I walk into my sewing room and my heart is not in it. If course it has been hectic for years but I always stole a few minutes here and there to do something. Your advice always puts me back on track. I am so thankful for you!! ❤ Pray that my heart finds what makes it happy once again
I so needed this today. I’ve spent the last six weeks in another state taking care of my sister after she had major surgery. I took my sewing machine with me and did various scrappy blocks. Got a lot done too. But now I’m home and have yet to even touch my projects. In fact, I think my machine and a couple project boxes are stilll in my car. I’ve been home five days. I think I will start with bringing them in and setting up my sewing table. Thanks for the pep talk and encouragement . 😊
Use that timer. You’ll be surprised both with how long some tasks take and how short some take
Cheryl. Taking care of another human..esp rehab is exhausting. Almost 40 years as an RN......workers comp CaseManager...nuf said...take care of you for a bit....give urself permission to get a breath....and do not push urself too hard. Hugs. Good human u are.
This video is so very helpful. Excellent advice for recharging my dying sew battery. Every year since your organizational videos were posted I have watched those several times. You have encouraged me, organized me and helped me to improved my bindings. Thank you.
So glad to help
Health and age have a lot to do with our creativity. It IS ok to take a break and rest and regroup. I enjoyed creating and making some hotpads. Small project! Yes! I learned some things about using different background fabrics to enhance or make the pattern pop. Now I am taking a break again. And it's ok! Thanks Karen!
Perfect timing, Karen! You are much loved and appreciated!
Wonderful!
This has been SO encouraging. I’ve had hand surgery and won’t be sewing for months. In my free time, I stare at my fabric and hope!😊
I'm pleasantly surprised how much I can get done in a 30 minute block of time...much progress can be made.
Well I am on a reboot. Third guans. He’s never felt with this so I’m working on easing him in.
We took the unusable bedroom space and we’re working on making it a craft space where I can quilt.
We shall see how this goes!😊
I just finished a quilt for my daughter's friend. They both suffer from sleep paralysis. My daughter said hers stopped after i made a quilt for her. Apparently I have momma mojo. So, I had to find the right pattern, and match with the right layer cake. Anyway, sent my daughter to a local quilt shop and they had fallen in love with my quilt, and my sewing! I was invited to join a guild. Got my backing and finished the quilt. She's gotten relief from her sleep disorder already. Me... very excited about a quilt guild, that has a free long armer for finished tops 😮😊❤
I lost my fiance 3 months ago, and the night before he passed, we were in my sewing room sandwiching his quilt. I have been taking baby steps in just walking into my room again. Of course just dropping fabric I just bought on my table but I still have no Jo to sew.
So sorry 😥
It will take time. You might try sewing in a classroom away from the memories but do not rush it 🤗🤗🤗
Thank you, thank you, I .... thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you
I used to sew daily. I made quilts and enjoyed it so much and then we got stuck in never ending lockdowns (Melbourne, Australia).
I don’t even know why I stopped but I did.
Then we converted the hobby room into a storage room and no more sewing room.
I hadn’t sewn for well over a year and finally I just picked up a quilt and started hand quilting it.
My kids keep asking who the quilt is for or why I am making it.
My secret thoughts are “to heal” or to recover from the trauma of the last few years.
I finished a quilt for my daughter 1.5 years in the making. I finally had to push myself her birthday is in 2 weeks :) it is not perfect but it is done.😃 So many times at different stages of my quilt I almost scrapped my project but I am so glad I did not. It turned out beautiful.
That is awesome! 👏👏👏
Just what I need right now. I so want to get back to my tidy sewing corner. My dh died in Jan after many years of illness. My sewing space is dusty and untidy. Maybe sewing will help my spirits
This is just what the Fabric doctor ordered lol thank you so much Karen.
You are one of Life’s really worthwhile people - I love how kind you are and how empathic. The gently encouraging tips in this video are so well conceived that it’s very obvious you genuinely love helping others enjoy their creative process and that’s so nice ❤
I’m laid up right now after having a knee replacement. Each time I walk by my sewing room I see my current project not being completed. I needed to hear those words of wisdom regarding waiting and making sure I’m ready to jump back in. I can do small things like cleaning my sewing space and going thru fabric. I appreciate your insight. Keep it coming!
I had to take a break with 2 eye surgeries there was no sewing for 2 months. I refolded some fabrics during this time just to pet fabric! Finally back to it slowly and a little at a time allowing for healing. Thanks for your videos!
🤗🤗🤗 get well soon
One of the best ways for me to get the juices flowing again is to watch videos. Your videos are perfect to refresh the mojo. I also look for videos on new techniques, new patterns or ones I’ve always be interested in, small project ideas. Thanks for your willingness to share your expertise with us.
Awesome tip! Thank you!
You are always on target. It is a pleasure to see your creativity over these last years.
Loved this video, and love the saying "just because it's easy doesn't mean it's effortless", full of wise words, thank you Karen ❤
When I first stared quilting I made three quilt tops and was overwhelmed. When I finally finished those three I made a promise to myself, one quilt at a time. This works for me, especially because I do my own top quilting on a domestic machine. Thanks Karen for all you do. ❤️👍😊
It’s important that you do what works for you
Yes, thank you for reminding us we aren’t alone
I am there. My mother a master quilter was teaching me how to quilt when I would come to stay with her for help with daily things cause she is 83. And her health started failing and she needed to move to my sister's home 4 hours away. Now I am struggling to even want to set up my new crafting/sewing room, much less work on projects she helped me start. I go in the room and stare at the brand new shiny pfaff sewing machine she had helped me pick out before she got sick and I just go back out and shut the door. Thank you for helping me realize I will be ok. This beginner sure needed this advice. 😊😊
Since I first watched this 3 months ago, I'd hurt my back so spent a few days watching all kinds of quilting videos I've made playlists for. They reminded me how to do things, the astonishing variety of patterns from HSTs and hourglass blocks, and building skill sets. As one person said, sew an hour one day and the next day you are ahead that hour and can build on it. Being a visual learner, they made me think twice about how frustrated I can get when all it is, is starting small and not being in a huge hurry. This isn't a race. So now I've been organizing as you said here, sorting, putting things in order and getting ready to work on a small project. Nothing like making a little 'thank you' tote for a friend who drove me to the doctor for cataract surgery to make you realize how disorganized you are.. I've not been able to see well and now the difference is amazing; I don't need near as many LED lights on my machine LOL. Thanks again for the way you encourage us all and for sharing your knowledge.
Thank you for this! I have to nurture my self since I don't have anyone close enough to spend time with enjoying life or hobbies or just chatting. That's ok, I'm an introvert/hermit lol. I support my local quilt shop and they have charity sewing I sometimes join....this week it's preemie pillows. I haven't watch you for awhile and for some reason I started to this evening and this video is resuscitating my sewjo. Thank you !😀
Thank you Karen, just what I need, after a close family bereavement last year knocked the stuffing out of me, I had not been in my craft room much, and side tracked my self with tidying, Having spent a few days on my own with the dogs I finally picked up a project to work on, a bag rather than quilting, The feeling of accomplishment after 3 days of working on it have sparked my enthusiasm again.
Surgery has me blocked. My brain is foggy and I am tired. I really enjoyed this video. I feel much better about my lack of desire to do any of my projects right now. Thanks.
Thank you so much! I watched half of the video, stopped it and went into my sewing room and designed my next quilt! Thanks for the inspiration to do 'something' 😊
It happens to all of us at some time or other. I am attempting to share the quilting bug with my 9 year old granddaughter. We sew until she is tired, or frustrated, or bored. My goal is to teach her to just lay it down and walk away when she needs to. It all doesn’t have to be done today. Same with us. Thanks for reminding us, Karen, that this happens to all of us.
This is just what I needed to hear today. My favorite thing to do when feeling overwhelmed is work on improv blocks made from my scrap bin. Thanks Karen. It's a good message to pay attention to your level of overwhelm. You are the best.
This is such a beautiful video that shows care and and support of quilters. You have empathy and are so real about these times when we lose our energy for sewing. Sharing your personal experiences and then gentle ways to get back into the sewing room… perfectly done! We can all relate and feel inspired here. Thank you for taking care of this community…and yourself!
Great video Karen. 🎉🎉❤
That mirror trick, omg. Makes me feel like an idiot for not doing that myself
“You might have a bit of excavation to do”
😂😂 lmao that’s my whole house right now!!
Good tips though, first time viewer and I enjoyed this a lot ❤
Last year I worked doggedly to make a quilt for everybody in my family and two of my friends. (Two king, two queen size among the other throws and twin size.) It brought on severe burnout to the point that when I attempted to finish a top for myself and had trouble with the longarm I was renting, I got so discouraged that I haven't sewn since and that has been since January. This was going to be the year that all I sewed was for the charity arm of my local guild and I'm woefully behind my own hoped for schedule. All your tips and tricks in this video are perfect for me and I'm sure I'll watch this multiple times to let it all sink in and work on me. Thank you so much, Karen.
Needed to hear you today. Haven't sewed in a bit and can now see (with your help) why and how I need to fix it slowly. Straighten my space, find my machine, and go slowly.....find a simple happy project to help me remember why I loved creating. Thank you so much for sharing and making me realize I am not alone.
Thank you I also have been away for over a year due to health and other life issues. I needed your reboot so much to help me get off dead center
Thank you for being You ! You are my favorite quilter to watch and learn from ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Excellent advice. I am a retired hospice nurse and had to care for my own mom at home during the lock down. I have just started to get my knitting group together and they can only manage one night a month. But what a blessing. Your information is good for anyone in transition
This video really struck a cord with me! It motivated me to play with my fabric and do a little cleaning. After I played a bit, I found the motivation to start working on a UFO from last year. I am pleased to say I finished it and now am working on another UFO! Thank you for helping me reboot!
That is awesome!
'logical left-side brain, creative bright-side'...this explains why i always end up with a headache on the left side dealing with work
😅 🤣
Just what i needed to hear. MoJo is gone never thought it could happen to me. Thank you.
So in this mind frame right now. Lost 2 siblings in May 1 week apart. So sad and mentally not here. Hoping to start sewing again. Love your tutorials
I'm so sorry for your loss, Debbie. 🙁
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve had to many times like that. I just try to keep on keeping on until I can really concentrate on a particular project.
I’m sorry for your devastating losses. I hope you will give yourself lots of time and space to grieve and heal. The fabric on the joy will be there whenever you are ready.
You are sooooooo inspiring!!!! And, I don’t even quilt!!! Thank you🦋
When I need to reboot, I sit and sew crumbs blocks. This help decompress from a large project.
Thanks so much for all of your common sense suggestions. Knowing a professional quilter like you has to do the "little" things too, is inspiring!!!
that mirror trick could be useful in clothing design as well, nice idea
I get my reboots by watching your videos, and the spark reignites again!
So very true!
😊 Great video! A good reminder also 😊
I had lost my sewjo for a few years. Mainly due to so much overtime at work. At that point I realized the best thing for me was to pack up all my sewing things and tuck them away, the not having energy or time to work on things was bringing me even more down. As overtime slowed I realized I wanted my sewjo back but had no idea where to start. I had no patterns or ideas floating around in my head, my fabric wasn't saying I need to be used next, nothing. So I pulled out an old (years in the making) leader ender project. 6" jacob's ladder blocks. The four patches came first. The only rule I had created for this project was light and dark for half square triangles and that the same fabric couldn't touch itself. What was 24 completed blocks became a full sized quilt in a few weeks. Next thing I know, I made 3 more lap quilts in a few months. Now I know, sometimes you just need to sew the scraps into four patches or nine patches or whatever little units with no plan and somehow a quilt is born
So very calming to hear you talk about taking care of self in the creative process! I will definitely have to rewatch this video for when i struggle with motivation and the creative process.
It has taken me over 9 months to finish a quilt for my husband that should have taken about 6 weeks. Things kept getting in the way, and I was just uninspired annd tired, even though I really like the quilt. I appliquéd my granddaughter’s name on a beach towel, and now, for some reason, I can’t wait to bind and label my husband’s quilt and get onto the next project. So, thank you for the advice, it always helps.
I just ran across this. WOW ! Thank you so much. I have fibromyalgia and there is a whole lot going on in my life at this time I have been worried about live ones and my house is in such a state, taking care of loved ones, trying to do yard work , doing wound care and going to the hospital to sit with a loved one or even stay the whole time. This has been for the past 8 months. My mojo is all gone thanks to fibromyalgia. Yep this past week have been in bed at least 18- 20 hrs a day. And unable to do many thing when up. I am feeling better today and this will do to get my mojo back for what is needed in my home , yard and in helping with caring for loved ones. Oops I forgot I will care for myself too. I will also go to my happy place and give myself down time by playing with my material stash for 15 minutes a day. I greatly needed this to help me to get going again.
I buy novelty charm packs on sale every so often, and when I need a reboot project, I like to make a set of coasters with four overlapping folded triangles and give them to someone. No cutting, no scrap generation, and a lot of fun choosing the combinations.
Thank you so much for your videos. They've helped me immensely. Last November life gave me quite a knock. All last winter my husband had health issues--mini strokes, Covid, hospitalization, & rehab which made his dementia much worse & my caregiver role intensified. Last Nov I had 3 blocks remaining to sash to complete Kaffe's Target Log Cabin. I followed your advice & tidied my sewing area. I then realized there was no way I could achieve the accuracy required. So I started to sort Mt Scrapmore. Started making EPP hexies & used your advice for sewing on the go waiting for tests & therapy sessions. Instead of practice blocks, I embarked on a Trash Quilt. Took care to sew & press my seams carefully. Figured I could include abandoned blocks. Today I went on a hunt for blocks & found a stack of blocks for Kaffe's Wedding Quilt--his 1st or 2nd book. Started to cry. The blocks were so pretty. After 5 or 6 weeks, the dam broke. I know I can finish the Log Cabin. Over the next couple of days, I'll be taking the Trash Quilt to a natural stopping point. Then it's tidy up, again, & finish the Log Cabin. Your video on sewing in small spaces made me realize I needed a sewing annex--someplace I can sew & be readily available to my husband--someplace he can sit & visit while I sew. This entailed a new sewing machine & duplicate set of often used tools & notions. So thank you again! BTW That Wedding Quilt? Will resurrect it for my grand-daughter who loves girly, girly stuff. For the "annex", I have Kaffe's Stamps & Money quilt kitted--nearly all rectangles & squares so good for fidgetty sewing. Getting back to making quilts has been a great stress reliever!
I am so impressed that you found a way to make it work. 🤗👏🤗👏🤗
I wanted you to know how thankful I am to you. When I'm stressed & anxious it's hard for me to focus on a "non-essential'. You gave me the tools I needed.
Haven't seen for almost 5 years and 3 moves. Now in my forever house and doing Reno's so excited to start sewing in a month or so 😃🎉it going to be like Christmas as I have forgot or ordered stuff and boxed it. So surprise to me. 😂
Doing the same right now😊
Your video has inspired me! This last year has been terrible; I became a widow. I lost all my desire and confidence in sewing and quilting. I just could not do anything. I just started in and cleaned my sewing area. I am now realistic and know that I cannot get all the projects done and I just don’t like the projects anymore. So that cleaning became a major overhaul and declutter. My local church sewing guild graciously accepted bags and boxes and more bags of fabric, ufos, patterns, books. Now I have a clean and organized, a bit spartan, area and have started a quilt for a niece who is getting married. I have a year to make it. I do feel a weight off my heart and shoulders and have set a goal of doing each project, start to finish, before starting another. Let’s see what I can accomplish. Thank you for giving me and others a “nudge” to getting creative again😋😋
I really like that this gives steps to go slow. This is going to help me a lot, especially when I am overwhelmed.
"Excavation"! - YES! Love this one. Thanks so much.
Best, Liz
👷♀️🤗
Great video, Karen, and timely. The struggle is real! I have been in a creative slump for the last few years due to loss of beloved ones. I even bought a ridiculously expensive new sewing machine to motivate me, but I’m yet to make a quilt or any project on it. Thanks for your pointers. I will watch this video several times.
I'm sorry for your loss. Start slow, grieve, let the material soak up the tears.
I'm 10 weeks into having sciatica and I managed 1/4 of an hour sewing this morning so I hope I'm on the way back. It wasn't just the pain I just couldn't face doing anything apart from sitting and reading. Much better now so I hope it won't be long till I'm back to my normal self.
Thank you for this video. Its nice to know Im not alone. Since watching this twice I'm actually finishing a quilt that was on my UFO pile.
My craft room is trashed and I dont want to even look at that area. So many UFOs. Thank you for this video. My first step might need to be actually purchasing some much needed storage so I dont just keep shuffling stuff.
Or just taking one UFO and breaking it down into manageable steps
@@JustGetitDoneQuilts Yes. The visual clutter is stressful for me.
I stopped quilting five years ago. Lost my sewjo. Just recently I started picking up some Pendleton wool I bought back then to make table runners. Finished them lickety split. I’m going through my Yoko Saito books and looking at my Japanese taupes for my next project. Taking it slow…
Take great care of you 👍🇬🇧
Karen, this video is just what I needed! I will stop chastising myself because I am lacking energy and "not just getting it done" - 'it' includes general activities as well as sewing. Instead, I am going to adapt the '5 steps that you can take to get you back to the hobby you love' so I can find my joy. Thanks for your tips!
My goodness your channel has exploded. Congratulations🎉🎉
I had just cleaned my sewing room last fall before your declutter challenge so didn't need it then but since then the room had gotten a mess! I've had several projects from classes as well as working on two quilts for home. Also about every 6 months I find something isn't working as well as I like and I need to move furniture around a little or decide a "hey, why have I never used this for storage?" and will finish those changes today. In time for another online class to start tomorrow and another in the store on Tuesday. If I'm not in here working it's because of silly things like work, house cleaning, cooking. You know, life.
Yep, life 😎
I love your new glasses. They look great on you.
I love this. I get the sewing blues (didn’t know it was a thing!) after I get a quit done. It is hard to get started again.
Thank you! I’ve decided that I want to quilt my own so I purchased a quilting machine. Most of my quilts aren’t small and my machine isn’t a long arm machine so they don’t fit. Now I feel over-whelmed because I have quilt tops piled up that I should quilt because I paid a lot of money for my machine. It has caused me pressure…all self induced pressure. So I am working on the balance of what I will quilt and what I will send off to be quilted without feeling guilty. I’m trying to make peace with my decisions. Through this process, I’ve lost my sewing mojo. But, I think I’m seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you.
Definitely envious if the thread haul! 😊
I bought it second hand off of an online marketplace
I so need to find my sewjo again. I do love this channel, loved it when it was much smaller too. Lol
Thanks, Karen. Where I live there is 1 guild.. not friendly or welcoming. Oh well. 1 shop nearby, same vibe, unless you are buying. ETC. Same goes for my rughooking. I've had to accept & move on. I sew 2 -10 hours 30 days a year. Throws to kings. Abit OCD therefore the studio is rarely a big issue, but too many choices for the next project is another story. Way too much fabric (did a very large purge with you in January), all in potential pattern zip bags. Love every one. I found that a rule of only 2 ufo's, must be less than yr old, only 2/3 projects in various stages, & a clear timeline, keep my brain on straight. At least with my quiltmaking. The rest of life doesn't always work as well. You posts are always a cheerful, instructive part of my life. Thanks.
Taking those breaks is so important to me. This video came at perfect timing. I was on vacation them came home sick. So my sewing room became a dumping ground. Cant wait to get back i. There and clean up and get back to sewing.
Thank you for this video. I left a month ago with a mess in my sewing room. I had tried to complete a repair on an older quilt and was not quite finished. Got home and I’ve been overwhelmed by the task in my sewing room. Having to clean it wa way more than I could handle. Now you gave me the gentle hug to say yes you can. It’s a rainy day today so it’s the perfect day to go clean my room and start refreshed.
I even went and cleaned the surfaces around my machine and now I’m ready to quilt a baby quilt! So thank you 🙏 so very much. It was the perfect kick in the pants I needed
I seem to be in this place in a couple of places in my life. I am going to try to apply this strategy to all of them. Thank you for this timely tutorial.
Thank you for all the great ways to help us reboot! Organizing, sorting, rearranging fabric is so fulfilling - just touching it again helps me remember why I fell in love with it to begin with. I often find I need a purpose to drive my motivation to create a quilt - a new baby, a wedding, or other gifting opportunity. I want to make a quilt just for the satisfaction of making it, but that doesn't always keep me motivated. Thanks again for the inspiring content!
Last time I was in my sewing room and didn't know what to do so I looked at my big scraps and cut out pieces for scrunchies (4x18), bookmarks (3x6) or squares for four patches (3.5x3.5)
I have a job for 3 1/2 to 4 months each with at which I am allowed to "bring a hobby". Well, I do! My sewing machine, cutting mat, iron and homemade ironing surface and tools, and I make quilta all winter long. I hate to admit that by the end of the job, I am really not much interested in doing much sewing. I basically just push through until I am humming along. Havi g deadlines helpa get me going, like the graduation quilt for my vrand nephew. I also will atart a new quilt-that's always fun and exciting. Getting those UFOs done is motivating, too.
Thanks for another inspiring video, Karen!
Thank you for specifying the difference between Tidying Up and Decluttering. I need to move out of my sewing room and move my toddler into that room. My space is shrinking and nearly disappearing into parts of closets. I wanted to declutter, but can't handle it now. I know that I need to "dig the hole first" and clear out space in my closets to get things where they really need to be for this move to happen. It's stressful and I only get an hour or two a week at best at it when I don't have everything else piled on my shoulders. This helped my brain to regroup a bit and realize that it won't be perfect and won't be pretty, but getting it done should be worth it. #sewingroomgrief
Thank you Karen, this is so helpful. I’ve been sooooo busy the last few weeks, I had no energy for quilting. But,thanks to you, my rebooting will start tomorrow!