Dear Brenda,

I can totally relate. I've made about 500 quilts and there are some of them that would scare wild cattle. Even tho I consider myself somewhat skilled, I still have days where I just want to scream. When that happens I unplug my iron and just back away from the machine. There's no better medicine for me.

Now if you're questioning your passion for quilting that may be another story. I think passionate quilters will often go to bed thinking about their next project and run over their stash in their heads a million times. They look at fabrics on line until their butts go numb. If you go to sleep thinking about quilting, wake up wanting to head for your sewing machine, and go nuts over all the wonderful fabrics out today, I would advise you to just take a little break and come back to it later.

My husband is also a quilter and he absolutely goes insane when he has trouble with a quilt. His method of shaking the cobwebs out is a little different than mine. This is what he does: When he decides that the project is no longer worth doing, he pulls out a kazoo, takes the project out in the garage, plays kazoo "taps" at the trashcan and gives the project a decent burial. Then he comes back in the house and says out loud "it never happened". From there he starts another project because he felt he brought closure to his last project in a respectful way and it's all behind him now. LOL!!!!

I guess the point is, we all have a different way of coping with a bad quilting experience.

Thanks for sharing your frustrations with us. I am glad to know I am in good company.

Mary

Hang in there, take pictures when your stuck and I'm sure someone on the board has a suggestion to help get you thru it. Set the hard one aside and go for a quick and easy, feel the satisfaction of getting something done, breath smile, it suppose to be fun!!

Just checking your blog and you have made some beautiful quilts. And so many in a short period of time. Like so many have said, take a break, don't sell your supplies and just relax a little ( I know you did in Hawaii) but I think a little break will bring you back into the fold. {{{HUGS)))

Brenda, just walk away from it for awhile. You have the stash and the machines and supplies. I can promise you that if you sell it all, you will probably regret it down the road. Try easier projects - think about starting off as a beginner. It just may get you back on track - and you are not alone - you have us!!

Hi Btiny. Sorry to hear of your aggravation..... if anyone has been quilting very long and is honest... we all have our moments of utter frustration!

I totally agree with the advice from charity-crafter. When I first began quilting, I could very easily jump into a project that was wayyyyyy over my head. At that time, I did not know anyone who lived close to me that quilted.... so I was on my own and on a one way path to major frustration.

Also, after reading your recent posts regarding the lady who is your inspiration...... perhaps you are being way too hard on yourself by setting your expectations to be equal to her level?? Just a thought.

Take some time off and step away for a few days and give yourself some time to just relax. If you love it, you will be drawn back to it with a renewed passion.

Best wishes!!!

I have never taken a class and I make "artistic" changes aka errors frequently but everyone loves the quilts I make. We are our own harshest critics! I quilt for the relaxing space it puts me in, I hate the basting - the spray makes it easier. I try to work on something with each quilt to try and "perfect" a technique and will repeat a quilt to try and get it right. Even a beautiful "persian" rug has a purposeful mistake because we are all human. Relax and give yourself a hug. Maybe it is being from Saskatchewan that makes us (I was born in Moose Jaw) want to do the best that we can.
Keep up the beautiful work!

I think you must be a 'contemporary' quilter - or have a look at the "Gee's Bend" quilts - not 'perfect' seams, but celebrating colour and loving the fabric.

Try some 'wonky' designs!

Is there a guild near you? You may find mentors with them - or at fellowship with quilters, and often - inspiration.

But I also find that even though I never lose the passion for quilting, there are lots of period where I just can't get myself to the machine.

Hang in there, Friend! I agree with everyone when they say it sounds like you need a little break. I've had many moments like this as well. My last one was with my quilting. I bought tons of stencils (at Joanns using coupons)with big dreams of the beautiful and innovative designs I would quilt. The first one was a disaster! So were many, many more. I spent more time ripping out stitches than I ever did doing the piecing.

I decided that I had enough and put them all in a bag to be sold. I did sell a couple to test if people would really want them. They did. Then winter came and I didn't do anymore sales

Then I had a short hiatus from quilting. When I came back I did some basic outline quilting and it went pretty well. I decided that I would try adesign in the border instead of just random squiggles. I bought another stencil (should have used something I already had but I wanted a little retail rush) and got to work. Night and day! I took my time and it came out great. Now I am so glad that I didn't get rid of my stencils. I can see so much more possiblity in them now. And I could never replace them for what I paid. Especially with money the way it is for us now.

Give yourself sometime to step away from everything. Especially now that Spring is trying to get here. I think you'll find yourself refreshed and renewed and so happy that you didn't give up your gear!

Peace!

Make something simple where seam and meeting points don't count. A string quilt fits the bill perfectly. Here's instructions for string blocks, you can use any color for the center you want. May in Jersey

http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/MKLBTeW...StringsRed.pdf

I totally cracked up over Mary's comment that some of her quilts would "scare wild cattle" hahahahahah

I love the idea of calling your ex's Mom.

And I also have been in your shoes. I've looked around at all my things related to quilting and thought of just giving it all up.

I hope you do what works for you. You're the only one who knows the answer ultimately. The answer for me was and still is to walk away sometimes or do something easy and brainless.

HUGS,
Sue