I retired and had a great schedule set up where on M-F I would go into my room and quilt. Then my husband got hurt on the job, Feb. 20 this year. He has has his surgery (shoulder, 2 in 1)but is still not back to work. My entire world was turned upside down. So now, I tell him if he needs something to let me know but otherwise I do not want to be bothered. Besides it's funny how much he can actually do for himself now. So now I am up do about 2 days a week, but I plan to make it three this coming week. We just have to make time for ourselves. It's time for the caregivers to care for themselves. If we don't we won't be good to anyone!

Sometimes I don't realize how much I miss sewing, and then I go to my room, and it feels so great I lose track of time. And I always feel so much better when I get to sew.

i've been depressed for the last few years. mostly the last two. I got laid off and finally found a new job, worked there 1 1/2 yrs and got laid off again. my house is a mess, too embarrassing to invite anyone over. i could go on. sewing is good when i do it, which isn't often. i mostly sit and read books!

I feel that way too. Some weekends I plan so I have nothing to do but sew and other things just get in the way. I also cross stitch and get up so I can stitch about 1/2 every morning before I leave for work. Just having that needle in my hand is calming.

You can get alot done in segments, too. Don't think of it as needing hours to sew. Think of it in sections. Right now I'm working on potholders to better my machine quilting skills. I pieced them last weekend, one night cut the backing, batting, and insul-bright, and now they are waiting to be stitched. Even though I would have liked to get them done in one afternoon (the plan) if I had waited until I had the time to finish them I wouldn't have even started them!

I can be hard sometimes. I finally learned to say "This Saturday is mine. I will be sewing." My kids have learned to respect that and find I'm a much happier mom when I have a little time to sew.

yes, why don't you set a time every day for your sew time!

I am there too. The last two months, because I have pain in my left elbow, I have been limitd to sewing. So I have been reading old quilt mags and loving it. Even pull our a pattern book and browse. It's impossible to make a time to do it everyday, between dr appts, etc. So my favorite time to sew when I do is from 9 at night till 3 or 4. Then I still get up no later than 9 and start over.
Native texan. I understand, and most people who do not deal with depression won't, but I was thinking you could maybe put your mind to it to get up tomrrow nad set up an easel and just piddle and paint. It will come back. Same with quilting, get a project out and do a little at a time. Surely the joy you once felt while you did this will come back. Maybe if we don't give in to the depression, we can start to enjoy what we like again. I wish you luck. Let us know.(((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))

pvquilter...maybe you will get into the santa blcok and renew your interest in quilting. I know how busy one can get and sometimes I get overwhelmed and "crash" then I read a few books, watch some old movies, and pick up the needle again. Scedule around your quilting, it will work out slowly but surely. Instead of coordinating a swap, join in head first. I wish you happy quilting moments again.((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))0

Thanks everyone for all your advise. This week I plan on taking some time for myself. I have a Dr. appt one day, plan on cleaning my house, doing some sewing and then go to the Minnesota Quilters show on the weekend. I hope this will help.

I am trying to get a tote bag done before my straps break clean through, lol...so yes...I know what it's like to sew for everyone else and just dream of your own projects waiting for you!
My grandbaby is 6, and just got a new bedroom and I'm dying to finish her princess quilt, and "frame" the castle I have on fabric.
I really want to help her with it sooo badly. I did get to buy her some of those wall stickers that are moveable and she loved them, but mom and dad said she can't put them up till they move some furniture in :hunf:
Geesh!...they are moveable!
So, I told her to call me when she does get them up, and Nana will come over and look at her decorating.
I kind of hop around on projects unless one needs more attention...gives me a little bit of something to keep me going! hugs...take some time for you. ppl won't fall out, and the sky will still be there. :thumbup: