Mojo's gone again

[Eileen K.]

Can't figure it out-how does this happen? I love quilting, I really do. However, right now I enjoy reading about instead of doing it. Any advice? Please don't come back with Just do it. That hasn't worked so far.
Thanks,

[Marion D.]

OK, just DON'T do it! Go read about it! Sounds like you need a break.

[Robin G.]

Hi Eileen, I agree. Don't push it. Just enjoy the reading. If what you read doesn't bring it back, at least you'll have lots of ideas to try when you all ready to quilt again. Or, you could try something very different -- you work on a long arm a lot, what about some hand applique or hand quilting? Perhaps while listening to some of Alex's podcasts? In any case, don't beat yourself up. Hugs, Robin

[Paula D.]

Easy to get lost "going down rabbit holes", as I call it. You are not alone! I just spent a good hour with Melody Johnson (she doesn't know it!) ops: ops:

[Mandella E.]

How about going to a quilt show? I normally find by the time I get home I'm itching to get going again.

[Mandella E.]

Just enjoy reading about it and chilling, you obviously need to recharge your creative batteries. Then, when you've had enough of reading, get some fabric out and stroke it, just enjoy the feel of it and see where it leads you. If it just leads you to an enjoyment of your fabric, then you're still recharging, just go with the flow. That's the joy of quilting as a hobby, you don't need to do it all the time to enjoy it

[Mandella E.]

I agree with the rest, don't fight it. There is more to our lives than quilting. (Did I say that? ) It's just time to enjoy other things for a while. I took a break last spring and got very interested in geneology, but now I'm back to quilting and feeling a little bit guilty for not finishing up the geneology project. I'm just trusting that it's time will come again. Our hobbies should not become work!
Cindy

[Eileen K.]

How about going to a quilt show? I normally find by the time I get home I'm itching to get going again.

My guild is having its show this coming Saturday/Sunday. I am looking forward to that!

[Eileen K.]

Easy to get lost "going down rabbit holes", as I call it. You are not alone! I just spent a good hour with Melody Johnson (she doesn't know it!) ops: ops:

I know what you mean :roll: I do the same with Elizabeth Barton.

I think part of the problem is that I have a couple of commission t-shirt quilts to do. It's very hard to work within the confines of another person's vision instead of your own. I do have a couple of hand projects that I'm trying to work on, one by Karen Kay Buckley and one by Kim McLean.
Please understand that I am not whining :| I am sitting here just wondering; it's a stream of thought kind of thing.

[Eileen K.]

I understand completely because I feel this way sometimes. What gets me back is having a deadline for a baby gift, a quilt challenge or a block exchange. Also, I sometimes find a quilt pattern that is so irresistible to me that I stop everything to make the quilt top which often sits for a long time before being quilted.

I enjoy reading and researching quilts just as much as quilting itself. I also enjoy music and fine art just as much, but I don't play any instruments and I do not paint. You can admire and appreciate the work of others, without wanting to do the work.

Don't worry, you'll get your mojo back.

[Betty J.]

I think just relaxing about it all, enjoying the reading and thinking will help you a lot. Quilting is not something you should have to make yourself do. Perhaps you just need time to feed your creative thoughts by reading about it all and looking at quilts and patterns and just making a few practice pieces (throw away, free form) to keep your techniques brushed off (which in themselves may inspire you)--or make a couple of dog quilts for the local dog shelter or something that doesn't matter if it isn't great but is about the right size for a practice piece. The desire to make a new quilt will grab you one day and you'll be off and running again...perhaps working on two or three quilts at once. Cheers, BJ

[Robin G.]

Eileen, I know exactly how you feel. I find periodically that I get lost in, of all places, The Quilt Show. There have been times when I have just used my free hours to read blogs, watch videos, post on the forum, look at quilts in the gallery, etc. - everything but quilting. Sometimes it drives me nuts and sometimes I just go with the flow. Because many of my quilts these days are done for specific competitions, I find that having the deadline helps me, but only if I have a good idea first!
Taking a break from quilting and reading about it instead is kind of like reading a new cookbook without rushing off to the kitchen. Lots of vicarious pleasure to be had. Just enjoy yourself whatever you do.

[Robin G.]

It sounds like you have gotten a lot of good advice. When I lose my mojo I usually find a good book and read. Not a quilting book. Usually one of Nora Roberts (My favorite auther.) By the time I'm finished one or sometimes two books I'm missing being at my machine and creating. Good luck. I'm sure you will find your mojo soon. Nan in sunny and cool upstate NY

[Barbara C.]

Nanquitls hit the nail on the head, so to speak! My advice exactly. Been there many times. One time it lasted 2 yrs. Go read something other than quilting articles. Quilt market in Houston is coming and out of that will be a lot of new stuff hitting the stores!

Barbara

[Barbara C.]

I found my mojo after a few month hiatus. I cleaned up my sewing room, and reorganized my fabrics. That did it for me!