You've hit a wall, and that's pretty normal. Take a few days,
put everything down and walk away from it. You need an attitude adjustment. Maybe just lose yourself in a good book or paint something, or even bang a few nails. Nothing like some good hammer therapy to get out all the excess negative energy. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: After a few days off, begin fresh.

This sounds simplistic but a couple of basic questions: Do you have the appropriate 1/4 inch foot for your machine? Do you have a good clear plastic ruler for cutting? Do you have a good self-healing cutting board and finally do you have nice and sharp rotary cutting blades and the correct holder for them?

Go back to when you first learned to piece and quilt. Take your time, measure twice, cut once. Use the 1/4 inch foot while piecing. If your quilting is messy -make yourself some practice
sammies and play around with it. You have all the tools and I'm sure you have the talent. You just need to get the pressure out
and the fun back in. Most important, don't forget there are lots
of friends here on this board, who will offer helpful suggestions if you just ask. Take pictures of issues you're having. There are so many knowledgeable available who may be just the ones to
show you how to get past that challenge. I've been sewing and
making quilts for 20+ years (initially by the seat of my pants). I finally took my first lesson four years ago and it was an epiphany. I made nice things ( and gave everything away) but it
was always a struggle to have it go together correctly. Once
I learned a few basic techniques, it was like the sun coming out.
I'll be thinking of you and sending you lots of good, positive thoughts!

I used to make jewelry and got to the same point and then started quilting. I am starting to want to pull out the beads again. So take a break and consentrate on something else you like to do for a while. And, do not beat yourself up about it.

Great advice from everyone. Interesting - my mom is an accomplished sewer but when it came to quilting she was ready to let all of her equipment have a fatal accident. I asked her what was frustrating and she said that she ended up with wobbly seams, nothing lined up right, couldn't get intersecting seams to match - sound familiar? So I said - Step away for a while. Pick an easy pattern (she wouldn't though...)

Then I suggested 4 other things:
1. DON'T STEAM when you press.
2. Use sizing or spray starch on the fabric
3. Don't prewash the fabric
4. When sewing intersecting seams, pin on either side of the seam to keep it from moving.

She tried it all and eureka! Matching seams, no wobbles and much less frustration.

Sometimes its the little things that work best! Our hugs to you though even if you never quilt again!

I know the feeling! Maybe just not doing any sewing for awhile would be good for you. I recommend getting on the internet and finding some on-line tutorials, quilting shows, U Tube videos, etc. to try to find some tips to help you with your sewing problems. I think Quilt TV is still free. Hang in there!

Please don't give up! I remember wanting to sell all of my machines and fabric once upon a time as I was going through post partum depression. Just take a break and you will have a much better outlook! Maybe try some simple patterns that would be easier to do. I admire all the intricate, detailed quilts folks do but I have learned that my style is simple. Now I can appreciate all those other gorgeous quilts but not feel the pressure to compete!

Close the sewing room door and step away. Don't make any impulsive decisions. I will never be the creator of some of the beautiful quilts I view on this site. I love the crisp points and angles of the beautiful blocks I make, but rip and tear when they aren't in the rows when I put them together. Sometimes I close the door and walk away, but I always seem to return. Don't just give up without deep consideration after a time when you can make clear thoughts and determine what is right for you.

Don't give up! How many hundreds of friends do you have right here on the Quilting Forum? All are here to help with questions and words of encouragement.

Maybe you just need a rest from quilting. Find a friend to ennjoy the crat with you. Remeber every quilt with a ftlaw of some kind is special!!!. You have a extra bonus of owning a long arm. donate some quilts to charity and see how wonderful your quilt making is
Debbie

are you being too perfect? quilting isnt a dayjob, its a way to have a piece of your life where you can release your creative flow - maybe quilting isnt for you in this way, but most people need some way to get thru the day and "get out of themselves" . You should give yourself a chance and maybe go slower, just do the parts of quilting in half hr chunks, like cut pieces, or plan on paper, or pull stash for color. Thats why most quilters have rooms set aside to work in, you can just let everything sit where you laid it down and close the door, you can walk in for a few mins any time you get the whim or time and do a little more, you refesh you brain and soul this way.
also, dont beat yourself up if you make a "mistake" piecing, go w/ the flow and rework from there, sometimes some of the biggest mistakes turn into the most beautiful quilts, sharet

I know how you feel. My hubby is self employed, and I work from home ALL ALONE every day. You need to take a break, take a breath, and when you're quilting concentrate on the journey and not the destination. Don't see it as a chore, see it as just taking time for yourself, and don't put pressure on yourself for perfection. I choose very SIMPLE patterns in between the more complex ones so it is much easier to obtain a nice-looking project without much effort. It will build your confidence. Concentrate on colors if you think the pattern is 'too easy'. AND, you have many friendly people here to support you when you're feeling down and lonely. (((HUGS))) Hang in there. We all have our bad days. Mine were last week.

Because it seems that you are not enjoying quilting activities now, maybe you are feeling a bit guilty for having so much invested in this activity?

If you have the space to store your stuff - I also suggest just closing the door on it for a while and not even think about quilting or any related activities for a while.

It takes a lot to replace that stuff.

However, if you truly truly dislike quilting (which is very different from being temporarily frustrated). then I see no point in hanging on to everything.

But please do try a "temporary separation" before going to "divorce" mode.

You have all of our support. It sounds like you need to just walk away for a while... take a break from sewing. You will eventually get the itch to go back to your fabrics...leading you to trying to work on that "stinker" again. You just need a break. Hugs and best wishes.

Please don't give it up. If you are that frustrated, just put it aside, don't touch, look, etc. Just let it be. Do other things you like to do, relax, maybe read some qood quilting magazines and see what you are doing wrong. If you are like me, I get too rushed to finish and that is where I make my mistakes. I sometimes predict what I am suppose to do and do it, just to find out that was not on the instructions. I implore you don't sell anything yet, give yourself time to REALLY think it over. I'll be praying that you won't be giving it up. Relax.

I wish I were there to give you a big hug. Don't give up. I too have had days when I've looked at my quilts and felt like I should just give up quilting. As some of the others have said, we all have times when we get frustrated. You may think we are all just being "nice" but we are telling the truth. You didn't mention if there is a quilt guild in your area. Try to find one. Guild sisters can be a great source of encouragement to each other. Go to a quilt shop and pet fabric even if you have to drive a ways to get to one-it's so worth it! And yes try to take some workshops or classes. But also do remember that quilting is supposed to be fun, so relax and let yourself enjoy the journey and don't look too hard at the "not so perfect" places. Don't compare yourself to anyone else.

If cutting is your biggest struggle, there are several board members on the classified section that use their accuquilt to cut fabrics and sell, maybe that could be a temporary (or permanant) solution for you

Maybe there is a weird virus going around. LOl
I am not having problems just don't seem to care about doing it anymore. I have also considered selling everything and doing something else with the money. Just don't know what. I haven't been watching The Quilt Show and I pay for that. Haven't been interested. Haven't even gotten on the board everyday like I use to. Don't even want to shop for fabric.
Ok so after reading what I wrote maybe I died and no one told me. LOL Don't want to shop??????

Ya know, maybe you could re-direct your energy towards learning more about your machines. I know when I take a break, I typically go back to my old vintage machines and spending some 'quality time' with them. A good cleaning and tune up may be in order, and you could learn so much on-line about the different capabilities of the machines. Then, maybe you'll come back to the feeling of having the need to go and 'pet some fabric'. OR, re-do your quilting space and make it more fun of a space. It's still quilt-related, but just a bit different of a focus. ;)

I haven't read all the responses, so this may be a repeat, but it doesn't hurt to take a vacation once in a while. This quilt may be the final straw, but if you walk away from it for a week or two, you will come back with fresh eyes. Next quilt you do, pick a simple FUN pattern like pinwheels, in brigh colors.

Of course, if you don't love it any more, then find something that you do love. Life's too short to be miserable.

Good luck!

Brenda, don't give up ! We all have moments of self doubt, even the most experienced quilters. All of a sudden there will be an "AH-HA" moment.

Oh, I see I have a twin out there. There is nothing more frustrating than sewing away and later realize that you put someting on backwards or its not postioned right. I made a baby quilt and when I got done I seen something I did wrong and had to redo it. I was litterally crying, I was so upset, but then I fixed it, got it done on time and it looked great! In the end, everything always turns out right. So don't do something wrong like selling all your stuff.

Oh Dear Quilter Sister....
We all have felt like this before. I have been quilting for over 45 years, and I cannot compare my quilts with anyone elses. Even if I use a pattern, which is extremely rare, I don't sew it or cut it or create it in the same way the pattern says. I DO NOT CARE if my seams are perfect, or if anything matches, or if it turns out the way I had expected in the first place. It is just a process to be creative.
Imagine a canvas with paints and brushes. Now just let the first strokes begin the picture, and see where all the strokes lead you. Sometimes you can throw in a few unexpected lines in just to get a new look to your painting. I see quilting as a life of its own. Allow yourself to let go and just slash that paint onto your 'canvas' or fabric. Hope you know what I'm trying to say here. Don't be afraid of doing anything wrong, because it is yours and it can't be wrong~~~ Being perfect is not the goal for atleast 98% of us trying to have fun~

Don't give up! I find that making quilts for donation Project Linus, shelters, etc really gives one a sense of accomplishment and a warm, fuzzy feling.
These quilts I don't have to be so fussy about. I also like to make crumb and scrap quilts because then I don't have to be so particular. Take a break and then give it a go again. Good Luck and remember to have fun and enjoy the process.

I tend to leap from one interest to another and often take a time out from one or the other of them. Perhaps that's what you should do for a while. Don't sell your supplies though, just move to something else for a while. Amazing what a time out can do. :)

Don't give up! I find that making quilts for donation Project Linus, shelters, etc really gives one a sense of accomplishment and a warm, fuzzy feling.
These quilts I don't have to be so fussy about. I also like to make crumb and scrap quilts because then I don't have to be so particular. Take a break and then give it a go again. Good Luck and remember to have fun and enjoy the process.

When you don't have the support around you who is further ahead than you...it is harder. But you must have a dream, passion for quilting...something must be there in you to have made this much of an investment. Because of the frustration level and lack of support nearby, take out a learning to quilt book and pick an easy pattern. Go back and revisit the basic skills.

For the longarm, make your investment count. There are teaching sessions. Stay in a hotel for the duration. You have the desire or you wouldn't have made the investment. Push yourself to get over this disappointment.

I have a sort of longarm and the 10' frame but with moves and not having someone in my house showing me how to load and what to do, I'm such a visual learner and no confidence in this new area...the whole thing is sitting in a box. There are some quilting stores that rent time of use on their longarm. Maybe you could find that kind of store and ask for a one-on-one teaching time.

Please don't give up. A lot of gals have given you some good advice here. Give it another try...keep posting here for support. Maybe one of the gals on this board lives near you and would come and help. Wouldn't that be fun?

Hope all of these replies come through to you as encouagement. I want you to know it brings me to tears that you feel so isolated and disappointed in yourself because I am there so often. I wish I had a quilting buddy that clicked. I have experienced mentoring relationships and they are wonderful.

Recently, it was reported that the Emperor of Japan was visiting an evacuation center and stopped to talk to a young man. The young man has Down's Syndrome and he couldn't get his words to talk so he wrote down what he was trying to say to the Emperor: "I'm going to keep on striving."

I don't know if this young man lost his parents, caregivers, but he did lose everything and has a life disability but he isn't going to give up. I was over-the-top inspired by his never give up attitude.

Your disappointment is a hump. You are almost there.

I might not get another chance to say this so just one more thing. I learned this about myself in a quilting book. ABCs of Longarm Quilting by Patricia C. Barry, publisher's website is www.krausebooks.com

She recognized that quilters are wired either as a technician (a learned skill) or as an artisian. Some of us have a bit of both. And she wrote the book with lots of pictures for both types of learners. Once I realized how I was wired I became more comfortable with my skill level.

Keep striving...

Lots of good advice here. I'll repeat: find a simple pattern, use fabrics you love, research each step by book or the web, work slowly and savor correctness in each step. Remember, no beautiful quilt was ever done in a day. And, if you would go get a job, there would be days of frustration and things going wrong there too. That is life. Most of us here would love to have two new machines and a longarm to indulge in a hobby... Also, leave it for a time. Do something by hand, plant a plant, read up on quilting, take a different tack. Good Luck!

Natalie, I'm just curious...how were you wired? Debbie

What Wolf Song pattern are you using? I made one a year or so ago for my son. It was the one featured in Quilters World December 2009.If you are still working on it, don't give up. Maybe just take a break from it. If I can be of any help, PM me. Sometimes we all feel the frustration with a project, but give it time and you'll surprise yourself on what you can accomplish.

I am a technician. I can't even draw a stick figure.

I upgraded math for university which was my biggest fear. I was sure I was dumb. My only hope was that I'm an adult now so I'm going to bug the teacher, do whatever it took. Once I learned the basics of math and advanced in skill, I realized math is a building block of skills...from the foundation up. Once I got that in my head I learned to love math.

Sometimes our quilters who are artistic or have the fiberarts degree, I can get overwhelmed with their natural ability. But I love everything about working with fabric and thread and am willing to keep building.

Learning that I was a technician is one thing...following instructions and building accuracy are things I can do and find great personal achievement and pleasure.

Please DO NOT, I repeat, NOT sell everything until after a reasonable "waiting period". Once it's gone, it's gone, and you may change your mind later and not have it.

Were you reading my mind? I was thinking the exact same thing Sunday evening. EVERY TIME I try to any quilt exactly something doesn't match. I have come to the conclusion that I am the world's worst cutter, have doubts about my reading comprehension (patterns), and forget piecing tops. Pretty much got that 1/4" seam thing right though. What really helps is this quilting board. In addition to learning techniques, etc. I also I learned that there are no quilt police. The best thing is when I finish a quilt for my family and friends. OMG, they think I am so creative and talented. Ha, Ha - they don't see the mistakes and nor do they care. All of this is to just tell you DON'T stop. Even though quilting can be frustrating, I find it to be so relaxing. Doesn't make sense but yet it does. EVERYONE on this board will tell you that. By the way, when I first started, I did sell my supplies,stash, etc. because I couldn't get it right. WELL, found out that I missed it and had to go buy everything else again. Don't walk in my footsteps cuz it is an expensive trip. Take care - you will be fine.

Oh Brenda, don't give up. It is not a contest to see who can do the most the fastest. If you truly enjoy the process try this. Really concentrate on accuracy. If you do a sampler and 1 block a week that is ok. Starch your fabric before you cut it and it will cut and sew easier. Take your time and quit when you are tired. Measure after every segment and see what is happening. I have been in your shoes many times. I always go back to basics and slow down. Good luck and remember this is supposed to be fun.

Maybe it is spring fever. It should be spring and it is still dreary here. Can't even plant yet. Frost night before last. If I don't see the sun for at least three days in a row I think I will scream!

Brenda,
when you feel so discouraged look at these...

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-100416-1.htm

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-100830-1.htm

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-102416-1.htm

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-103215-1.htm

Breathe in, breathe out. Let some of the stress go. Don't be so hard on yourself. We all go through this phase although some have it more difficult than others. Just let everything sit for a spell. If you are in the quilt slump maybe it's a good time to relax and read about quilting. There are several good books about quilting - Like Marie Bostwicks books. Sit for awhile and admire your fabrics, pet them occasionally. Maybe making simpler quilts like stacked bricks or the coin quilts where matching seams is not an issue. When it comes to cutting --I often have issues like I see one measurement and then somehow my hand cuts something different. Like I need a 2 1/2" strip and I cut a 2". Don't give up. Re-purpose those wrong cuts into something else. After all the years I've been quilting I still look at each quilt as a new adventure. You never know what new masterpiece (and I say that term loosely) might come to you. Whatever you do -- DON'T give up. Don't sell or give away anything because just as soon as you've done all that you'll find your mojo again. So if you have to, close the door for awhile--just don't lock it. Good luck and remember you always have friends here on the board to vent to.

Ok, first of all you are somewhat new at this and so I will tell you one of the things that are the most important when it comes to quilting or anything. Most are not happy no matter what they make. We always let others tell us what is good and not. So take your time and start over but limit yourself to a hour or two at a time and then, you will start to see the difference. If it is classes you want then go for the beginners and if there are places around you to visit then go look and enjoy. In the meantime, know that some way around the time we started to where we are now is time.........Enjoy...

Ok, just wrote to you but here is an idea, the strips you cut wrong, make a strip quilt. Always works there. Enjoy.

don't give up, sorry to hear this is so frustrating, do you have a friend that you could ask to help, or maybe take some basic quilting classes, I have been quilting for 30 years and I still get frustrated, I have never taken a class that I did not learn something new, also there are lots of great tutorials on this site. never feel bad about asking a quilter to help you out or give you suggestions, we love to help, and never want to see a fellow quilter give up. We all have problems, I think you must b too hard on yourself

Relax, rest, breathe deeply. Don't give up. When you are ready to quilt again, when you see something to inspire a desire to do so ... pick something that looks FUN and easy, not challenging and frustrating.

Maybe check out Gwen Marston's Liberated Quilting books at your local library. She likes to quilt 'wonky' in shapes, styles, design and colors. FUN fun fun.

I'm frustrated myself with actual finishing and quilting my projects BUT I am having fun making lots of different blocks, pinwheels, stars, 4 patches etc. Putting them aside to use in a quilt when I want to get back to making tops out of them. I just want to have a good time with my fabrics and piecing.

I hope that you will have a refreshed attitude toward your creative juices and quilting.

my best ... good luck ...

Noooo....don't give up. Take a break. This happened to me once and I backed away and didn't even go into my sewing room for around 4 months. Then I walked in and it was like everything was new again and I was excited! I chose a simple pattern and began the process of quilting again..and loving it again.