Wednesday, August 19, 2009

A Quilting Whirlpool
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This is "X-Rated" by Miss Rosie's Quilt Co - one of the six flimsies to be quilted this month - done!
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I've been making great progress on my August goals but I seem to be in a quilting whirlpool - restless, bored, disenchanted, uninterested, disillusioned - Sigh!!!! I hate my stash - please come get it. I'm just not having fun! Bigger Sigh!!! I'm even bored with my blog!!! Bigger, bigger sigh!

Help!!!!! What would you do???? I need your thoughts, ideas, suggestions, etc.

I'll be waiting for your words of wisdom - thank you for stopping by!

In Friendship!

52 comments:

Jocelyn said...

Oh my, don't be bored with your blog!! Find other things to blog about. Get that ole camera cranking and find inspiration around you! Pioneer Woman always inspired me, and that was why I started blogging. And my goodness, she blogs about everything under the sun. Rub two sticks together, and get a spark going girl!

Unknown said...

Oh dear that's not a good way to feel. You could send me your stash and then go shopping for a new one. Seriously if your stash isn't interesting you, go shopping for something that does. Rather than being under the pressure of finishing flimsies because someone made a nasty comment about you not having finished quilt tops, do what you enjoy, make flimsies. Remind yourself of what brings you the most joy and like the Nike ad, "Just do it". Whatever it is, do what you want to do.

Unknown said...

Get some bright fabric you would never in a million years use. And use it. I get cranky with my stash, and stopped bloggin for a year, and then I decided to try applique. And I feel like I'm back to enjoying things.

Pokey said...

We out here in blogland are not bored by you or your projects, but I have heard this a few times this summer. I can say, I cannot find the time to invest running one, but I love to check in to these quilting blogs. Try Happy Cottage's suggestion (sorry, I looked for her name, she's another one of my favorites) and post more pictures. They are so inspiring, be it flowers, friends (your wabbit gang proves you have many), old quilts, a recent joke you heard, books that you enjoy, LIFE. A girl in my quilt class started a blog, and she posts every Friday, once a week. If that's too much, please just let us know you're on haitus, but keep the spot open for INSPIRATION, because that's what these places are to me and others. If saying "keep your blog" while I say I can't do one is hypocritical, I am sorry, but I just wanted to encourage you. Your blog does that for me, and others that may not be taking the time to tell you so.
Thank you, Darlene. In Friendship, pokey

Anonymous said...

It's called a SLUMP -- I used to get them all the time. They usually came when I was upset over something totally unrelated to quilting. Hope that's not your case, but look around . . . and I'm NOT recommending what worked for me (getting a divorce!) but if there's another underlying problem you can name and remedy, your stash just might start looking good again. Do what's fun for you, and the rest will follow. I suggest fabric shopping for starters . . . and don't quit blogging -- your posts don't all have to be about quilting . . .

Dresden Quilter said...

Sometimes, I just walk away. I leave the quilting for a while, and focus on some of my other interests that get less time because of quilting. The other thing I do is work on some of my UFO's. I have a couple that I have been working on for some time. I work on them for a few hours and it helps. They have no deadlines, no it is just nice peaceful quilting. If you are tired of your flimsies you could have some one else quilt them. For your blog you could show us pictures of your stash and talk about colour choices. I am always fascinated by how people choose fabrics. I hope this helps.

paulette said...

Everyone feels like this once in awhile, so that's normal. You need to try something new and different. Get out of the rut....maybe get more exercise or Shopping always does it for me....go and get some new fabric to spark-up that stash! Re-organize your sewing room and this will inspire you to start a new project-remember the before and after pictures because WE WANT TO SEE! Just remember that blogger from all over the world have their eyes on you..so jump back in the saddle and take us on a quilting journey!!! I am on stay tuned mode...Paulette

Ginny Worden said...

Oh my, I'm so sorry that you are feeling restless, with the stash and the blog. Reading your blog is one of the highlights of my day. I love your projects, and wish I was as productive, and was able to make such beautiful things with my stash. I think we all feel like that from time to time. Perhaps if you had a challenge, outside the box, it would help. Hope it is just temporary malaise.

Abby and Stephanie said...

First I suggest a little blog break. We'll miss you but be here when you get back. Second...my tastes have really changed. I started buying different fabrics and colors and gradually donated my stash to a lady who quilts for charity. I still give her what is no longer interesting to me. She's thrilled!

Carol said...

I love your swirls on your X Marks the Spot! They look like they're moving. I'm with Linda...do what makes you happy! If you don't want to do those flimsies right now...don't...this is what we do for fun! Do what's fun!

Shakerwood said...

I don't know why but I always feel that way near the end of the summer. It's like I am waiting for something but it's not here yet. Even if you don't have kids at home anymore, the whole schedule you had when the kids were home never seems to leave. I have a feeling when the weather cools, you will see a difference. But if you really want to have someone take your fabrics, I'll sacrifice and take them. I love your colors.

Millie said...

Darlene, I love the swirls on the X marks quilt...good luck with getting all the other quilts done.
I so agree with Linda. Go shopping for one piece of fabric that you just have to have...one that you love and just piece it in your quilt. Good luck, my friend!

Pam said...

Life is too short to worry about finishing flimsies. If you aren't in the mood to finish flimsies, don't. They will always be there waiting until you are "in the mood". I love your blog but again life is too short. If you don't feel like blogging, then DON'T. We'll all be disappointed but so what! We can assume that you have found something you enjoy at this moment in time. We will be happy when you return to blog world. Enjoy life! Go see a movie!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear you are getting burnt out. I love your blog and would hate not to see it! Wow, my suggestion and that is all it is... maybe don't pressure yourself to do so many things and just have some fun. Finishing isn't as important as having fun. I would love to see you write your pattern and sell it. Get happy! enjoy life and relax.

PiecefulChaos said...

Two words - "GO SHOPPING" LOL! Seriously, try something different whether its a different style fabric, different technique, different "craft" just something new and interesting. Earlier this year I took an online journal making class and also ventured back into making rag dolls and it really got the creative juices flowing again! If that doesn't work, take a break from it and catch up on your reading!

loulee said...

I'd have a massive giveaway on my blog and share my stash out between all my readers. Joke! LOL
How many of your WIP/UFOs did you get finished? Maybe it's time for a little something new and exciting. Not a big project, a wall hanging or a table runner in some pretty new fabrics which you purchased especially. These kinds of challenges are great, but they can be tedious.

Stina Blomgren said...

Ohhh.. this sounds very complex!!!! Hmmm...
Hope you find out whatever is bothering you.. but I think you need to do some really good shopping.. ;o)))
Send me the stash...:o) and then you are rid of that one...lol.. sorry just kidding.. it would cost you a fortune.. and spend that on NEW fabrics instead!! :o))
ANd I love your blog.. but I know what you mean... we all get bored from time to time... and just blog when you feel for it..not because you have to!!! Promise we will still be here!! :o)) I wish you all the luck!!! BTW.. love the quilting on your flimsie!!! :o) HUGS!!

Thimbleanna said...

Well, I'M not bored with your blog! I know what you mean though -- I'm sick of my stash too. I can't bring myself to cut into new fabrics so I keep them so long I hate them. Yack!

Salem Stitcher said...

I know that feeling well - the one where I look around and wonder why I do this quilt thing and why I have all this stuff. Usually going to a quilt show and getting inspired by other people's quilts snaps me out of it.

Good luck and hang in there! Remember it's all about the journey (and other cliches like that).

Anonymous said...

The X quilt is beautiful!!
I can only offer a few suggestions, take a little break. Instead of pushing yourself to finish things you may not love anymore, take care of yourself. Go get your hair done, go to lunch with a friend, i would recommend shopping but sometimes spending wont help and makes things worse. If you really hate your stash give some away, or sell some on your blog, or trade some fat quarters with your readers,or just get rid of those pratially finished projects and start something new. I know when i see what all i have to do it gets overwhelming, just take a week break from blogging and sewing, clean out your sewing stuff, and then see how you feel.
Hugs!

Carol said...

I think you have great fabric, at least what I've seen of it in your quilts. Don't stop blogging, I enjoy seeing your quilts and such. What's your secret for this swirly quilt stitch?

Carrie P. said...

Hey Darlene,
Don't put pressure on yourself to get your tops quilted. I know some ladies that call themselves "toppers" They just make tops and they are fine with it. Do what you enjoy, take a break from your blog and quilting if you think you need do. Do something different, even blog about something a little different like the Happy Cottage Quilter recommended. Life is to short not to enjoy it.

Micki said...

Your fabric and quilts are just lovely! There's lots of fabric out there if you are not satisfied with your stash.
Micki

Anonymous said...

Well, I'm not bored with your blog does that count for something?!! Nor am I bored with your fabric choice and pattern choice! I remember this X-Rated top and how much I loved it...and now it just pops! Fantastic and a finish!! I have to tell you that there are several times in the year that I can get in a real funk and think to myself...why do I have all this...do I really want to quilt my life away? I need to get rid of some of this crap. But then I snap back in a few days and enjoy it all so much that I just can't stop dreaming up my next project. Do what makes you happy...if needing to stop blogging for a bit is it great...stop quilting for a bit that is fine too....maybe a change will recharge you. Ultimately...you must please number one and that is yourself.

Janet said...

Could it be that you've been so productive on finishing the flimsies that you're bored? I had a big cull of some really old fabrics from my stash and they were sold to other quilters. the money went to charity. Have a break if you need to, it would give you time to step back and not feel pressured. Still love your blog btw.

Kaaren said...

I'm booking the next flight out and then as soon as I get to your place, I'm renting a U-Haul to load it up with your stash and then we'll take a slow drive back to Canada.

On the way, we'll stop at every quilt shop that we can find and load you up with some new stuff.

By the time we get to my place, we'll both be very thirsty so I'll put on a pot of tea and we can sip, chat and admire all your new purchases.

You can stay as long as you like. I have an extra sewing machine that you can use when the mood strikes and we can continue to sip tea, chat and eat bon bons all day. And when and if we get bored, we'll think of something else to do.

Seriously though, Darlene...maybe you need a little break. You've been going at breakneck speed which I know many of us couldn't match. I think you're almost at the burnout stage and you need a break. Put EVERYTHING away. This is not a race and you only have yourself to account to. The desire will return...just give it time.

Love and hugs to you my friend.

Elaine Adair said...

Find another person and trade some - we alway like what the OTHER person has and it's fresh, and more exciting.

The other suggestion is to quick sew it up and get it GONE! 8-))

or ... dig deep and try new fabric combinations, different techniques, unexpected designs and FORCE yourself to enjoy some new journey.

Elaine Adair said...

... or, take a break.

Karen said...

X-Rated. You got my attention! What a cute pattern.
I think everyone goes through a short period of not being satisfied with their stash or what they are making. Time to go to the fabric shop and try something brand new. Maybe step out of the box. How about a Halloween quilt for the grandkids? A nice happy one.

dotti white said...

I love your quilt....you are doing a great job! Take a break from what's bugging you for a day or two and then you'll feel better! You are amazing!

Betty said...

I'm not thrilled with my quilting either right now. I'm working on a quilt that is less than beautiful. I think I'm going to work on a little project before tackling the harder stuff. And, the pieces of my stash that don't excite me might get listed on ebay. My jelly roll of Urban Couture is frowning.

Jackie's Stitches said...

I love the swirls on your quilt! Very cute!

Take a break! Do something different. Shake it up! There is nothing that says you have to sew every day, every week!

And while you *think* you're bored with your stash, it would be harder than you imagine to get rid of it! :)

Wendy said...

I think you need some shopping therapy right now. Get out and buy something that makes you sing. Everything else will just fall into place. Summer is coming to a end I think the fall will recharge your batteries.

Nancy in WI said...

I can't offer any wisdom because I feel the same way! I hate it when I get like this but this, too, shall pass. Nancy in WI

Allie said...

I love the quilting on that!!!

I'm in a bit of a slump myself - but it's because my machine has been gone almost 3 weeks now and seems to be enjoying her stay at the spa. Get outside - go for a walk - take the camera.
Sep. 25 is our Sewing Expo. For some reason that always jumpstarts my sewing mojo. I'm really looking forward to it.

Find a good book and give yourself permission to lose yourself in it. I just checked out The Lost Quilter from Jennifer Chiaverini, haven't started it yet, but I will soon. It's hard to let yourself do something else when you feel you HAVE to work on something, but do it anyway. Your motivation will thank you.
I hope inspiration strikes soon for you!

Darlene B said...

Hey, Darlene....we've all been there. Sometimes I look in my sewing room and wonder, "Do I really enjoy quilting?" I know deep down that I do, but there are seasons of life that just change our perspective on things. Right now I have some big things on my plate....sometimes I handle that by retreating into my sewing room, and sometimes I just can't make myself work on anything. I think we just have to be true to ourselves and take a break when we need one. I agree with another reader who said that sometimes after attending a quilt show, I come home feeling inspired and ready to get started on something again. Take care of yourself - you're worth it!

Lori said...

Regardless of how you are feeling, we'd miss your blog if it wasn't here. How about a new technique or color combo to get you going?
Love the X's quilt!!!

Tamara said...

Oh please don't stop blogging. I have gotten so many great quilting inspirations from you. If your stash is not calling to you then I suggest going SHOPPING for something that calls your name to make.

Sew Much More said...

I think we all get into a quilting slump. Maybe adding new fabrics to your stash will get your creative juices flowing. If you're interested in a fabric swap or finding a good home for your stash, let me know.

Nanette Merrill said...

Sometimes I have to take a break. I mean a real break from sewing. And it scares me. I start thinking what if I don't want to go back to it? What if I decide I don't like making quilts?? It has happened about 3 times in the past 12 years. Just stopping until something really grabs me and makes me scream to make it helps me. I get burned out on my blog, too. It is hard to keep going with the same excitement in life sometimes.

Sherri said...

I know exactly what you're going through. It happened once...and worried me a lot. But then I spent some time just browsing books and patterns and my fabrics, and soon I had a whole list of new things I wanted to do! Sometimes the LQShops aren't so fun anymore because I'm used to seeing the latest releases on-line!

Rose Marie said...

I took a month long break from blogging and it was good for the soul. Before my break, I was contemplating deleting my blog but now have my mojo back and I'm happy posting again.

Anonymous said...

Darlene, sweetie, please get out of that mood. You're such an enthusiastic, gentle person, and I'm absolutely sure you've got sooo much to show & tell, and so much to TEACH us ! (quilty, or not)...
Don't worry, my friend, you know we all go through such states of mind, sooner or later.
Read a good book,
eat 1Kg (Belgian) chocolate, change your hairstyle,
go for loooong walks,
watch your favourite videos,
go and picnic with your grands,
plant something,
write the story of your life,
.... ANYTHING for a change !
I'm sure this is just temporary, because you're a creator in your soul, and you're so much talented to share your joys with others!
Come on, sweetie, these wonderful quilt tops are not fencing you in, they're your own creations, and every single one contains a part of your life and hopes.
Maybe they might not all get quilted, so what ??? Do painters frame all their paintings ?
Relaaaaaaax, sweetie, take it easy!
Luv ya' ;>)
XOXOXOXO + a BIG, heartful ((HUG))
NADINE

Anonymous said...

Poor girl! I know how you feel. I started quilting about 11 years ago. Did it for about 2 years, then really didn't get into it for a long time again until one day I met WOOL and the whole quilting world opened up again. But all of a sudden in comes stitcheries in quilting, and here I am again, enjoying a new path and road. When I hit the wall, I will walk away, close up the cabinets, and wait until the mojo comes back. It always does, maybe a month maybe two, or maybe 2 years, but someday, it comes back :o) Hope you find the answers you are looking for.

Quilter Kathy said...

This happens sometimes to me too.
Here are some of my ideas...
*take a quilting class
*go on a quilt retreat
*go to an art show/museum
*spend a day painting fabric
*start a really different, challenging project
*let someone else buy the fabric for your next project in colours you don't usually work with
*go on a walk around the neighbour with your camera and take a photo of the most interesting thing you see of each colour
*and if all else fails, take a break from any stitching until you can't resist anymore!

Anonymous said...

This type of work always inspired me, thanks for posting this. Keep it up.

RITA

Cash Online Get Easy cash at your door step

antique quilter said...

soemtimes we all need a break
take a blogging break, do not allow yourself to post for a month
find a project that YOU want to work on
or start a new one if that interests more
maybe you just need a break from sewing
read a few books
watch a few movies....
do what makes YOU happy
Kathie

Ginger Patches said...

Well pack it up and mail it to me of course lol!! Your stash that is :) If your bored take a break and do something that appeals to you...that's what I do. Only blog when it's fun otherwise what's the point? Of course I say this in all selflessness cuz you're my big sis. It will be boring without you...I think you need fresh new fabric. Go to a new store or a quilt show. Eat chocolate chip icecream...

Ginger Patches said...

Oh and Japanese quilting books! Those always inspire me! I just got a nice pile from Superbuzzy..sooo cute. You should go look. Look at the "little patchwork" series.

Litamora's Quilt & Design said...

Oh! I just love your X-rated! How do you pice it??? I would love to get your advice for the pattern, it looks soooo great!

Julie Fisher said...

i love your blog! but you are entitled to a break. take a break. do something else for a while then come back!

Julie Fisher said...

i love your blog! but you are entitled to a break. take a break. do something else for a while then come back!

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