MollieSue

I've been back to work for almost two years now, after being on unemployment for almost two years - when I really got back into quilting. It's almost impossible for me to sew and work both, I pretty much veg out after work, so have not made but a pillow this whole time.
Today is Day 1 of 3 (not counting the weekend) that I have off, using up some PT time. Last Saturday I just got my new Brother PQ 1500S sewing machine delivered from AllBrands, have only taken it out of the box so far, haven't even hooked up the foot pedal to it! I have all this really cute flannel to make a co-worker's new grandbaby a quilt - who is already 3 months old - and need to do it while I'm off work.
How do you all get yourself motivated again - if like me you've drifted away? I really want to just get in there and get quilting up a storm, but it bums me out that I can't do it almost full-time again, like I used to! So I do nothing. Grrrrr.

gramajo

Try setting yourself a goal of cutting/sewing/quilting for 15 min. every night after work. That may be enough to get your juices flowing again.

In the meantime, get that foot pedal hooked up to the new machine, start reading through your instruction manual. I'll bet seem some of the stitches available will inspire you to start playing around....just to see what it can do. That should get you inspired. After all, you have 4 uninterrupted by work days to SEW.

Let us see that baby quilt you make

redquilter

I frequently get like that and then I just force myself to sit down at the machine and next thing you know - I'm in the groove again!

my-ty

It's hard to find time to quilt. You sound like you are focused too heavily on time, and are not thinking about why you quilt. Do you quilt because it is fun? Creative? I bet your reasons for quilting have nothing to do with time.

Sewing with a deadline is not fun and if we feel the deadline is impossible then it's harder to get started. Here are some ideas that might help you get back to quilting:
- set aside 1/2 hour in a day to quilt. Many people find a "date" with quilting works for them.
- find a project that doesn't have a deadline. It is easier to make time, when it is a fun activity and not a chore. If necessary buy something for the 3 month old and you will be rid of that project which might be what is holding you back.
- take a class or meet other quilters. This is great motivation, you will meet new people and have new challenges. A class with homework will force you to get back into quilting. It is great to "work with others" and see yours and their progress.
- don't look at any completed projects/photos on the website -although they are beautiful, the photos will frustrate you because you aren't making progress. It is like trying to diet and everyone around you is bikini-sized!
- find an old completed project, and admire your work, remember the fun you had making it.

Hope these suggestions help you.

Tartan

Start with a small project like a table runner from the videos from Missouri Star Quilt Co. I have an ongoing scrap quilt that I keep by my one machine. I don't always have time to work on a big project but I can turn out a couple of blocks for my Spiderweb quilt even if I have only a few minutes.

Grandma Peg

Sew when you have time and don't expect too much. Work full time also and sometimes a person only has a few minutes or hour and we need to take advantage when the time is there.

MollieSue

You all are awesome! Thanks so much!! When hubby goes to work in the morning, I'm going into my sewing room.... ~ hopefully!

barny

Boy, when you work, it takes ALL of your time. And ALL of your energy. I don't know how these folks work full time and sew too. I couldn't do it.

Prism99

Find a kitchen timer and set it for 10 minutes. Promise yourself to work on sewing until the timer goes off. This works for me when I just can't seem to get started. Usually I end up setting the timer for another 10 minutes, and often after a few timings I am off and running on a project. The 10 minutes seems to help me focus.

Jingle

I cleaned a cabinet last night. I usually sew at least a couple of hours an evening after work. I'm 67 and don't have as much energy as I use to have. I am working on my 17th quilt for this year. I'm trying to use up some of my huge stash and I figure if I don't keep going I won't accomplish it. I have lots more quilts and patterns I want to make.