I admit I am in the doldrums with staying home and social distancing. I haven't sewn anything since February! I just don't "feel like it." So, I decided that since quilting is my favorite sewing activiy, I'd buy fabric on line to start a quilt. Fabric came and is sitting on the table upstairs. I visit the fabric every now and then and look at it, but cut it up? Nope.

No like you I just cannot get into embroidery, even tried to do repairs, managed one and then I put the rest to one side. I even tried to gee myself up by buying a new set of designs usually it gets me going but not this time. I had a chat to my machines and explained my lack of attention, now if they could only talk!!!! I keep promising them I will get to and make something anything Oh dear I have just told fibs to my beloved machines, will they ever believe me again. LOL Energy what is that, had lots once but I just cannot find it lately. Perhaps there is a tonic for this problem, or is it called state of mind.

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by pennyhal2 14 Oct 2020

I've been spending money on line and have a lot of new designs...but do I stitch them out? Nope. I can identify with you!

The ironic thing about all this is.......... we have all the time in the world, since socializing is not happening, families are not visiting and so on. I used to get a whole lot more done when I was busy with meetings, bible studies, having family come over for dinner etc.
Ha, ha the only one that is getting socialized is my puppy. Once a week she goes to doggie day care for the day and then she does not want to leave the place when I come to pick her up. 😊

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by pennyhal2 14 Oct 2020

I did get a puppy and when all this virus thing came up. all the puppy play groups/doggy day care places canceled everything or went out of business!

I know how you feel. I make plans to do sewing and embroidery, but " something always comes up" and I never make it to the sewing room. What I have found that works for me, is to make a list of small projects that I can do in 15 or 20 minutes. I find, I have to start the day off in the sewing room. If I don't, there is no guarantee that I will not come up with an excuse for not sewing. Not only is it nice to cross things off the list, but once I am actually working on something, I end of spending more time than allotted for the project(s) The more time I spend in the sewing room, the easier it has gotten to not procrastinate! Hope you find your happy place!

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by pennyhal2 14 Oct 2020

Sounds just like me!

Penny, I hope this makes you feel better. I still have material I bought to make a quilt about 18 years ago. I am gradually using up the batting and lining on other projects. Some years ago I made my granddaughter a dress with some of it. I have even made some masks with other bits.
I love quilts but have realised that making them just is not me.
I look forward to seeing your quilting efforts.

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by pennyhal2 14 Oct 2020

Good to know I'm not alone when saving fabric for years!

Can you print some pics of the quilt you have in mind? Hang them around so you see them all the time and maybe that will help motivate you. And one "free" day, just make your self go start cutting. That has helped me. Once I get started, I just seem to get more oomph! Still not back to my old self, but better than early on in this pandemic. Good luck. Hugs. Nan

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by pennyhal2 11 Oct 2020

Yep. Toogie's quilt that she just posted. Bought the fabric for it...and there it sits!

I pulled out some paints for a couple weeks and every now and then I work clay. Mix it up a bit. I always have to clean before I do anything which is the bummer for me now. Lol!

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by pennyhal2 11 Oct 2020

Gosh, I break all the rules I make. I guess I lack self discipline.

Come on over to Canada We will whip it up in no time :):)lol

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by pennyhal2 11 Oct 2020

Sounds like a good idea to me!

Commit to cutting and stitching one block - even if you only make a potholder. You’ll love it so much you keep going or you may want to add another color or change pattern or size of block to keep going.

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by pennyhal2 11 Oct 2020

I can't seem to "commit" to anything!

I tell myseif life is to short to waste time on small things. The kids tell me all the time to use what I have. If you love quilting start cutting that material and start sewing. I will be starting my winter sewing next week ( still in the 60,s for outside work, but next week the machines start and don't slow down till after Christmas. Enjoy all your fabrics, Have fun Sandy






in the 60's outside so working outside for now, but next we the machines start and slow down after Christmas. Enjoy what you have and what makes you happy!! Best of luck Sandy

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by lilylady 10 Oct 2020

sorry don't now how i doubled up!!!!

by pennyhal2 11 Oct 2020

I always think I'll use what I have, but buying new fabric used to motivate me to do the project. Didn't work now.

No tricks because I have been feeling the same way. I need to make better use of my time. I haven't been to a fabric store since January. But, I have to say, we have saved money all these many months! Hugs to you, and don't worry, your creative genes will start kicking in! Laura

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by pennyhal2 11 Oct 2020

Oh! I buy fabric...online. It comes in the mail...and I just look at it. The last fabric I bought has sat on the table for a month now...and all I have to do is take it to my upstairs sewing room. Haven't gone up there to care for my orchids either.

I am so glad I am not the only one. I have been sewing, I had a new sewingmachine delivered the first days of the lockdown, but only finished seven or eight projects on it. And I have been knitting - only a dozen or so items. I did not do more than thinking up projects I'd like to make, some day, but not now :(. I felt quite guilty to be so lazy but did not start anything new.
My trusted Ruby has been hibernating till Tuesday when I got an embroidery order, followed to my surprise by a second one the next day. That got me going!!
So today I got my sewing machine out and made 3 blank bibs, just in case.
Setting myself a deadline did the trick for me.

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by pennyhal2 11 Oct 2020

I set Sept. for when i do the September challenge. Got the computer work all done, but did not stitch it out.

Just keep looking and touching your fabric. I have to say my creativity is currently awol. One of our grandsons asked were we all
Going back in lockdown. His other grandparents have. We decided that if it had to be it would be. I keep saying I am still alive but yes I am missing the general socialising of life. Don’t worry about your fabric it’s taken me a month to unpack and make the space for my new embroidery machine. Today I bought some anti slip stuff ( made to go under rugs) and got the machine into the sewing room and on the table. Sewing tomorrow I hope.

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by pennyhal2 11 Oct 2020

Ok. I put a piece of the fabric I want to use on a table downstairs. I see it every day. Who knows when I actually go upstairs.

Now that is a good question. I think we are all tired of staying at home and trying to fill our time when we really just want to live as we did before March happened. Do you Facetime or use another way to connect by internet? Set a time and date to connect with a friend to show off your 1st completed block. That might get the creativity juices flowing. I also just split the project I happen to be working on into small sections of time. For instance I did a large bunch of FSL bookmarks and napkin rings. I told myself I would just do 1 hooping. And I did! I managed to refill my little goodie bag that I keep filled to give out little things to people I meet. I hope you manage to find a tip that works for you. I'll be interested in seeing what tips others have for us all.

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by pennyhal2 11 Oct 2020

Would love to see your bookmarks and rings!