I have felt more or less paralyzed with ennui the past couple of days. After seeing that the house is tidied, the dishes done, Grandpa fed, and Ozzie walked, I find myself feeling at loose ends and terribly tired. Maybe it is the let down of having my son and his fiance return to Ireland. I don't know. All I can say is that nothing seems very exciting or worth doing. Yesterday I mentioned heavy napping–that is still going on! Hoping I am not sick, and that this will pass.
One thing that will help me perk up big time is the arrival of the cabinetry for my quilting studio. Yes, the cabinets have been ordered! I got a message that they will be shipped on Feb. 16th. So, after maybe a week of travel time, and a week to arrange for their installation, I could be out there in the studio unpacking my boxes of fabric and quilting supplies.
Can you believe I packed up my passion last June? June. And it is still boxed up. Oh, I have rummaged a bit, and dug out some essentials, but for the most part, all my quilt related belongings (and the majority of my quilts) have been taped up in boxes, stacked in neat rows in my garage. For eight months. Most of a year. No wonder I am losing my mind.
I wandered down to the studio yesterday afternoon in hopes I would get that "feeling". You know, that feeling you get when you fondle your fabric, glance through some favorite quilting books, dream of future projects. It didn't happen. It made me realize how visual I am, and how so much of my inspiration comes from looking through my quilting magazines and special books. "Oh, yes!", I think, "I have always meant to make that pattern! Mustn't forget that one". I am craving a good browse through my Kim Diehl books. And the dictionary of quilt blocks by Judy Hopkins, with her measurements to make them in all sorts of different sizes. I miss sitting in my sewing room, quilt book in hand, stacks of fabric and bundles in plain view. "Oh, my gosh, how great would this pattern look with the new Blackbird Designs collection!" "I really must join this applique block of the month program". "How cute would that bag pattern be made up in that Fig Tree (Kate Spain, Bonnie and Camille, Sweetwater, etc, etc) group!"
That just hasn't been happening and I miss it so much. For the first time in my life I feel disconnected from my quilting. I know I will get the feeling back, especially once my space is sorted out. But right now I sure do have the blahs!
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74 responses to “Inspiration, Where Have You Gone?”
I just read on the Open Gate Quilts blog that Monique has a new book coming out – Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts. Looks like plenty of inspiration there!
Karen L.
I just read on the Open Gate Quilts blog that Monique has a new book coming out – Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts. Looks like plenty of inspiration there!
Karen L.
Hope you get your mojo back and soon! I have been there before and it is troublesome. I just browsed through my Kim Diehl books last weekend and once you do that, you’ll be ready to go! Oh, and I have a feeling the arrival of your cabinets will do the trick too. Have a good day Nicole!
Hope you get your mojo back and soon! I have been there before and it is troublesome. I just browsed through my Kim Diehl books last weekend and once you do that, you’ll be ready to go! Oh, and I have a feeling the arrival of your cabinets will do the trick too. Have a good day Nicole!
Hi Nicole.
I to am feeling a little sluggish I have things to do but it seems a bit of an effort at the moment.Perhaps we are waiting for spring and brighter days.I have been spending time with my sister clothes shopping for her trip to Buckingham Palace she will recieve the MBE from prince Charles so we have glammed her up good and proper!. We are then off to see Barry Manilow in concert can’nt wait for that, not everyones cup of tea but I love him.Might just go and have a tidy up in my sewing room and play some music see what happens.Hope you get with it soon.
Kath in England(the sun has just peeped out)
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Hi Nicole.
I to am feeling a little sluggish I have things to do but it seems a bit of an effort at the moment.Perhaps we are waiting for spring and brighter days.I have been spending time with my sister clothes shopping for her trip to Buckingham Palace she will recieve the MBE from prince Charles so we have glammed her up good and proper!. We are then off to see Barry Manilow in concert can’nt wait for that, not everyones cup of tea but I love him.Might just go and have a tidy up in my sewing room and play some music see what happens.Hope you get with it soon.
Kath in England(the sun has just peeped out)
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Not to worry dear friend, you’ve still “got it”. You made me laugh and always make my day. Thanks.
Not to worry dear friend, you’ve still “got it”. You made me laugh and always make my day. Thanks.
It must be something going around because I’ve been exactly the same way for several months now. I’ve been quilting since 1999, devoted/addicted, not sure what to call it, but in the past I would quilt rather than clean, cook, or pretty much anything else. Been in a slump for several months now…can’t get inspired. Doesn’t matter if I look at new fabric lines, magazines, patterns, etc. it’s just not there. Not sure if I got overwhelmed because I was working on 5 BOM projects all at the same time and I got behind, or if it’s something else….wishing those old feelings would return.
It must be something going around because I’ve been exactly the same way for several months now. I’ve been quilting since 1999, devoted/addicted, not sure what to call it, but in the past I would quilt rather than clean, cook, or pretty much anything else. Been in a slump for several months now…can’t get inspired. Doesn’t matter if I look at new fabric lines, magazines, patterns, etc. it’s just not there. Not sure if I got overwhelmed because I was working on 5 BOM projects all at the same time and I got behind, or if it’s something else….wishing those old feelings would return.
Ah Nicole, I feel for you because I went through exactly the same thing last year. All my stuff packed up from May to December. Hubby and I both losing our moms within 6 months…it was hard to get enthused about anything let alone sewing and quilting. I just know once you get your “space” back that your mind will be spinning and you won’t know what to make first. In the mean time, spend some time on Pinterest or blogs to keep the inspiration…make a “bucket list” of things you want to do…and don’t forget to blog. You keep me inspired!
Ah Nicole, I feel for you because I went through exactly the same thing last year. All my stuff packed up from May to December. Hubby and I both losing our moms within 6 months…it was hard to get enthused about anything let alone sewing and quilting. I just know once you get your “space” back that your mind will be spinning and you won’t know what to make first. In the mean time, spend some time on Pinterest or blogs to keep the inspiration…make a “bucket list” of things you want to do…and don’t forget to blog. You keep me inspired!
I have a suggestion: Pinterest! Do a search on quilts or quilt blocks. If you really want to torture yourself, search on “brownies” or “cupcakes” – LOL. Warning though, it can be a real time suck. So do it now, before the cabinets arrive and the unpacking and organizing begins.
I have a suggestion: Pinterest! Do a search on quilts or quilt blocks. If you really want to torture yourself, search on “brownies” or “cupcakes” – LOL. Warning though, it can be a real time suck. So do it now, before the cabinets arrive and the unpacking and organizing begins.
Nichole I think that you’ve had so much on your plate in the last year and changes as well that it’s understandable that you are feeling like you are…
I don’t know what it’s like there but here many people suffer with SAD..which is basically people who can become depressed due to the lack of day light. Make sure that you are taking care of yourself..get out in the sunshine for a walk and spend time with positive people and let yourself get the rest your body is telling you it needs!
It sounds like you will soon be back in your quilting groove with a new studio to boot! One day at a time.. try to find something great in the journey 🙂
Nichole I think that you’ve had so much on your plate in the last year and changes as well that it’s understandable that you are feeling like you are…
I don’t know what it’s like there but here many people suffer with SAD..which is basically people who can become depressed due to the lack of day light. Make sure that you are taking care of yourself..get out in the sunshine for a walk and spend time with positive people and let yourself get the rest your body is telling you it needs!
It sounds like you will soon be back in your quilting groove with a new studio to boot! One day at a time.. try to find something great in the journey 🙂
Oh I know what you are going through! I have just started this process of moving and will not be finished with it until next year at this time (maybe longer). All my fabric – in 16 boxes, in a storage unit. I did take all my scraps along with me however (3 large totes) and plan to make many scrap quilts in the coming year. Finding room to spread out in our very small apartment will be the issue. 🙁 Hang in there Nichole – you are almost home!
Marsha S.
Oh I know what you are going through! I have just started this process of moving and will not be finished with it until next year at this time (maybe longer). All my fabric – in 16 boxes, in a storage unit. I did take all my scraps along with me however (3 large totes) and plan to make many scrap quilts in the coming year. Finding room to spread out in our very small apartment will be the issue. 🙁 Hang in there Nichole – you are almost home!
Marsha S.
Not to worry your quilting groove will come back as soon as you are surround by all your quilting goodness
Not to worry your quilting groove will come back as soon as you are surround by all your quilting goodness
I can sympathize with what you are going through. Sending you happy creative vibes to get you out of your funk. Those new cabinets will work wonders! Can’t wait to see pics!
I can sympathize with what you are going through. Sending you happy creative vibes to get you out of your funk. Those new cabinets will work wonders! Can’t wait to see pics!
I think part of your trouble is also this time of year, I get a little down in January and February myself. Listen to some music, maybe that will perk you up until March and your cabinets come!
I think part of your trouble is also this time of year, I get a little down in January and February myself. Listen to some music, maybe that will perk you up until March and your cabinets come!
Do you do Pinterest? Go out there and there is no lack of inspiration! Hang in there – think of the fun you will have opening your treasueres. And I’ll bet you find some you forgot that you had. It will be like Christmas all over again.
Do you do Pinterest? Go out there and there is no lack of inspiration! Hang in there – think of the fun you will have opening your treasueres. And I’ll bet you find some you forgot that you had. It will be like Christmas all over again.
You’ve had a lot of changes in your life in the past year. Give yourself a break and time. Once those boxes are busted open, things will click and you’ll be feeling a lot better – I promise!
Best Wishes,
Mary
You’ve had a lot of changes in your life in the past year. Give yourself a break and time. Once those boxes are busted open, things will click and you’ll be feeling a lot better – I promise!
Best Wishes,
Mary
I think we all have our uninspired moments from time to time. I absolutely love making my own soap, and made quite a lot of it, but haven’t made any in about 5 years. Can’t tell you why, but it just hasn’t happened. I’m just now starting to get back into it again and it feels pretty good.
I hope you’ll take some time and get some rest and be able to relax and ‘catch your breath’. I know your inspiration will come back, all fresh and new!
Take care. 🙂
I think we all have our uninspired moments from time to time. I absolutely love making my own soap, and made quite a lot of it, but haven’t made any in about 5 years. Can’t tell you why, but it just hasn’t happened. I’m just now starting to get back into it again and it feels pretty good.
I hope you’ll take some time and get some rest and be able to relax and ‘catch your breath’. I know your inspiration will come back, all fresh and new!
Take care. 🙂
Sounds like you have a mild depression. I get that once in a while. This time of year is especially hard for that – weather, post-holiday let-downs, etc. Perhaps some fun books until your studio is done? Take care.
Sounds like you have a mild depression. I get that once in a while. This time of year is especially hard for that – weather, post-holiday let-downs, etc. Perhaps some fun books until your studio is done? Take care.
If you are this close to having your studio up and running, now might be a good time to pick up a new book or magazine and begin to plan your first “new studio quilt.” You don’t want to be without a new idea when you are all set up, do you?
If you are this close to having your studio up and running, now might be a good time to pick up a new book or magazine and begin to plan your first “new studio quilt.” You don’t want to be without a new idea when you are all set up, do you?
Bless your heart, my friend! I do imagine your doldrums are like the letdown that follows Christmas excitement. In fact, when you think of it you had the delirious joy of the kids coming from Ireland, coupled with Christmas Pt. Deux with them, followed all too soon by their departure. Mix in with that all of the meals, laughs, fun, photos, conversations, and hugs that are now over and done. That unwelcome blah feeling with some fatigue is completely normal. Not fun, but normal, and it won’t last long either.
The joy that is ahead in getting your sewing studio installed and unpacked will certainly get your motor running!
Meanwhile, do you have the Nancy J. Martin books “Make Room for Quilts” or “Make Room for Christmas Quilts” or “Decorate with Quilts and Collections”? If you don’t, perhaps they’re at the library. Those are my go-to books for inspiration. Heck, perhaps you should unpack ONE box of quilting books that are already your friends?
Hang in there! You’ll soon be knee deep in fabric, cranking out incredibly wonderful quilts at your usual lightening speed.
Hugs!
Bless your heart, my friend! I do imagine your doldrums are like the letdown that follows Christmas excitement. In fact, when you think of it you had the delirious joy of the kids coming from Ireland, coupled with Christmas Pt. Deux with them, followed all too soon by their departure. Mix in with that all of the meals, laughs, fun, photos, conversations, and hugs that are now over and done. That unwelcome blah feeling with some fatigue is completely normal. Not fun, but normal, and it won’t last long either.
The joy that is ahead in getting your sewing studio installed and unpacked will certainly get your motor running!
Meanwhile, do you have the Nancy J. Martin books “Make Room for Quilts” or “Make Room for Christmas Quilts” or “Decorate with Quilts and Collections”? If you don’t, perhaps they’re at the library. Those are my go-to books for inspiration. Heck, perhaps you should unpack ONE box of quilting books that are already your friends?
Hang in there! You’ll soon be knee deep in fabric, cranking out incredibly wonderful quilts at your usual lightening speed.
Hugs!
It’s OK to feel this way. I’m sure you’ll find inspiration and when you are ready you’ll be a machine!!
It’s OK to feel this way. I’m sure you’ll find inspiration and when you are ready you’ll be a machine!!
Hang in there and just let it be. You have been through a great deal in recent months both good and bad and it all takes a toll. Some times all you can do is “recharge”. You have a plan in place for moving forward with the studio and for now that is what you can do. The wheels are in motion and before you know it you will be back to creating those masterpieces we all love to see!
Hang in there and just let it be. You have been through a great deal in recent months both good and bad and it all takes a toll. Some times all you can do is “recharge”. You have a plan in place for moving forward with the studio and for now that is what you can do. The wheels are in motion and before you know it you will be back to creating those masterpieces we all love to see!
The comments above pretty much say it all! You’ve had a chaotic year with so many emotions bumping into one another! That new studio will inspire you and you’ll be off and sewing once again! Be good to yourself!
The comments above pretty much say it all! You’ve had a chaotic year with so many emotions bumping into one another! That new studio will inspire you and you’ll be off and sewing once again! Be good to yourself!
I agree with Jan, that the above comments pretty much say it all! I just want to add my own encouragement and cheer-leader chants. Rah Rah Rah, Sis Boom Bah! You can make it through this too! 🙂 Once your cabinets arrive and you can set up your studio you will have your old Mojo back!
I agree with Jan, that the above comments pretty much say it all! I just want to add my own encouragement and cheer-leader chants. Rah Rah Rah, Sis Boom Bah! You can make it through this too! 🙂 Once your cabinets arrive and you can set up your studio you will have your old Mojo back!
It’s hard to get inspired when you have to constantly dig for stuff. And your life isn’t your own.. but things will work out. xo
It’s hard to get inspired when you have to constantly dig for stuff. And your life isn’t your own.. but things will work out. xo
Gosh Nicole, I would say with all the major life changes you’ve had in the past 8 months, you deserve to feel the way you do! How about a good walk every day – I know from personal experience that walking (or any kind of exercise) releases endorphins into your brain and peps you up! I’m also pretty sure that once your cabinets arrive you’ll forget all about how you’re feeling and have an urge to open the boxes and put everything into it’s new studio! You can always count on those of us out in blog land to try to cheer you up!
Take Care!
Gosh Nicole, I would say with all the major life changes you’ve had in the past 8 months, you deserve to feel the way you do! How about a good walk every day – I know from personal experience that walking (or any kind of exercise) releases endorphins into your brain and peps you up! I’m also pretty sure that once your cabinets arrive you’ll forget all about how you’re feeling and have an urge to open the boxes and put everything into it’s new studio! You can always count on those of us out in blog land to try to cheer you up!
Take Care!
Oh…I know you will get your creative mojo back…you are too amazing of a quilter for it not to come back. The arrival of the studio cabinetry will surely help…and unpacking everything will as well. I’ll be you don’t even get everything unpacked before you are sewing again!
Oh…I know you will get your creative mojo back…you are too amazing of a quilter for it not to come back. The arrival of the studio cabinetry will surely help…and unpacking everything will as well. I’ll be you don’t even get everything unpacked before you are sewing again!
You will get your “mojo” back as soon as you get in the studio and start sewing. Also, it’s been winter so don’t forget to take some Vitamin D since we haven’t had the daylight hours. Works for me.
You will get your “mojo” back as soon as you get in the studio and start sewing. Also, it’s been winter so don’t forget to take some Vitamin D since we haven’t had the daylight hours. Works for me.
Once you get your sewing room all fixed up, you will be itching to be stitchin’! So take a nap and dream about all the projects waiting for your special touch. Everyone deserves to be lazy some days!
Once you get your sewing room all fixed up, you will be itching to be stitchin’! So take a nap and dream about all the projects waiting for your special touch. Everyone deserves to be lazy some days!
To everything (turn,turn,turn) there is a season (turn,turn,turn)…it will come back; it is your passion to create; sometimes you just need a little rest in between. As you would say,”ask me how I know.” Enjoy resting for now; you have been through a lot. You just need to recharge your batteries. 🙂
To everything (turn,turn,turn) there is a season (turn,turn,turn)…it will come back; it is your passion to create; sometimes you just need a little rest in between. As you would say,”ask me how I know.” Enjoy resting for now; you have been through a lot. You just need to recharge your batteries. 🙂
I think maybe sew up a cute little spring dress for Baby E. That will perk you up! And yes, you have had alot going on. Sleep and rest are needed! I am glad you are getting your cabinets in…organizing will get those juices going. AND remember it’s alot colder where you are now…take care! Pam
I think maybe sew up a cute little spring dress for Baby E. That will perk you up! And yes, you have had alot going on. Sleep and rest are needed! I am glad you are getting your cabinets in…organizing will get those juices going. AND remember it’s alot colder where you are now…take care! Pam
You’ve had so much going on this past year that has required a lot of care giving for loved ones… go easy on yourself. It will all come back! I promise, once you get your studio back and can unpack, the inspiration will pop out at you from every box you unpack and every shelf you fill up! Seasons like the one you’ve been through and are still in can be really exhausting and it is good to just nap when needed. This will pass and you will be revving up the sewing machine in no time! Hope you take a nap today, too! Hugs to you! :O)
You’ve had so much going on this past year that has required a lot of care giving for loved ones… go easy on yourself. It will all come back! I promise, once you get your studio back and can unpack, the inspiration will pop out at you from every box you unpack and every shelf you fill up! Seasons like the one you’ve been through and are still in can be really exhausting and it is good to just nap when needed. This will pass and you will be revving up the sewing machine in no time! Hope you take a nap today, too! Hugs to you! :O)
Don’t worry Nicole! Your brain is just taking a break! You do know there is no real cure for quiltitis – it just keeps coming around!
K.
Don’t worry Nicole! Your brain is just taking a break! You do know there is no real cure for quiltitis – it just keeps coming around!
K.
I’m sure you will get your quilting mojo back soon. Our weather here, gloomy days not much sun gets me to feeling humdrum & my quilting things are not boxed up! Happy for you that you got your cabinets ordered & they are on their way. That will surely help. Hang in there Nicole! 🙂
I’m sure you will get your quilting mojo back soon. Our weather here, gloomy days not much sun gets me to feeling humdrum & my quilting things are not boxed up! Happy for you that you got your cabinets ordered & they are on their way. That will surely help. Hang in there Nicole! 🙂
Hang in there Nicole! Your creative juices will start flowing again. After the year you just had it’s no surprise that you’ve got the blahs. The new studio will help pick you back up again and before you know it you’ll be back in the quilting groove again and showing us tons of quilty pictures :o)
Hang in there Nicole! Your creative juices will start flowing again. After the year you just had it’s no surprise that you’ve got the blahs. The new studio will help pick you back up again and before you know it you’ll be back in the quilting groove again and showing us tons of quilty pictures :o)
I think that everyone goes through periods of “Blah-ness”. Rainy, dark days sure don’t help. Perhaps your body needs some rest after the busy holiday season and having your son’s visit. Take some time to recharge and your inspiration and energy will come back…just in time for your cabinetry to arrive!
I think that everyone goes through periods of “Blah-ness”. Rainy, dark days sure don’t help. Perhaps your body needs some rest after the busy holiday season and having your son’s visit. Take some time to recharge and your inspiration and energy will come back…just in time for your cabinetry to arrive!
Nicole: You’ve had a long, hard year, but you WILL be inspired again. I’m sure that when the cabinets arrive and are installed, and you start unpacking and are surrounded by all your fabric and books (much of which you will have actually forgotten about) you will be brimming with ideas and energy. In the meantime, rest, relax, take walks, commune with your granddaughter, read a good book, cook, eat chocolate, nap… And keep on blogging! Your friends are there for you, and they need you, too.
Nicole: You’ve had a long, hard year, but you WILL be inspired again. I’m sure that when the cabinets arrive and are installed, and you start unpacking and are surrounded by all your fabric and books (much of which you will have actually forgotten about) you will be brimming with ideas and energy. In the meantime, rest, relax, take walks, commune with your granddaughter, read a good book, cook, eat chocolate, nap… And keep on blogging! Your friends are there for you, and they need you, too.
I’m just SURE Nicole that when you start unpacking those boxes you won’t sleep for a week because you’ll sew around the clock.
I’m just SURE Nicole that when you start unpacking those boxes you won’t sleep for a week because you’ll sew around the clock.
I feel your pain, Nicole. It will return. How’s the embroidery going? Remember that beautiful Crabapple pattern you started?
You’ll get your mojo back. You will. ;p
I feel your pain, Nicole. It will return. How’s the embroidery going? Remember that beautiful Crabapple pattern you started?
You’ll get your mojo back. You will. ;p