Monday, October 18, 2010

What A Slump!!!

Have you ever been in a real stitching slump - no mojo, nothing interests you?  Well, that's about what's happened to me the past few months.  I looked at my blog this weekend and realized that I haven't really had anything stitching related to say or show in the past few months.  I haven't been reading blogs either.  Just in a huge slump!  Well, I think I finally got out of it.  I guess they call it "Life Gets In the Way".  It happens - we all go through it - one thing after another - some good, some bad, but enough to just throw you off your mark.  When I get like that I retreat and just be.  I also tend to pull things apart - organize, throw out - it's calming.  While I'm throwing out the unnecessary items in my cleaning, I also seem to deal better with what's going on at the time.   Anyway, one day after weeks of purging both material and mental things, I decided to completely tear apart my stash and catalogue it.  What a process!!!  But the spark came back and I finally got the itch to stitch again!  It was like finding an old friend.

I started with Mary's Best Handwork that I began in Utah:

I still wasn't ready to start stitching again when I picked this up, but it seemed like the path of least resistance.  I had to stitch on something at the SB retreat get-together.  Ya just can't go to a stitching retreat and not stitch!  But my heart wasn't in it.  I didn't even put her on scroll rods - my favorite way to stitch.  But I worked on her for a while and now she'll get attention when DD dances on Wednesday.  So then I started Angel's Song with Loraine:

Not a lot of progress, but some - this is one night's worth.

In all my sorting and cataloging, I realized that I am a sufferer from startitis.  Going through all my things made me want to start something new, but I decided that I needed to get rid of some WIPs  I thought about going back to an HRH piece because I'm so lame I have three going and have the perfect wall for them:

But instead, I went back to Elizabeth Clayton:

I stopped working on her originally because I got bored after I finished the left side and the house.  I didn't feel like stitching the trees, etc., on the right side.  Lame!!!

Then one thing leads to another.  I start putting my craft room back together, which has laid in a state of upheaval since my sister left in August!!!  Once everything was back in the closet and things rearranged (pictures another time), I started getting more of an itch to create - do something.  Which made me look at all the quilting goodness laying around in there.  So I picked up the rotary cutter and had at it - I caught myself up on cutting out my Farmer's Wife blocks - all three months of them:


Cut off the selvages - still don't know what I'll do with these.


Cut out the blocks (all 18 or so of them - and a huge process because a lot have to be template cut).

And put them between the pages of the book.  This only took me three days of work because if you notice, the fabric is marked for template piecing - not my favorite thing to do. And I better remember to be careful when I pick up the book.  Last time my mind went blank, forgot all the pieces were in the book and they flew all over the craft room.  Took me hours to get all the pieces together again.

Then before I know it, I'm on to another quilt - Sheer Bliss!

I could not resist getting started on this quilt when I saw it on Cluck, Cluck, Sew.  I know it's springy, but a little spring never hurts in the fall.  And since I had this Jelly Roll of Bliss fabric, it was a no brainer.  I cut out my sister's quilt too in the hopes of having it finished by the time I go visit her next month - finger's crossed (but don't hold your breath Cin!! :o)

So my mojo is back and I have a ton of catching up to do on blogs.  I know that I've missed so much.  I had some comments last time about stash that I picked up in Utah.  I didn't pick up that much.  Common sense was probably telling me that I didn't need anything (and if you saw my Excel spreadsheet of stash you would have to agree with me), but I picked up a little:

Not too much actually, although now that I look at the picture, there may be more things around here.  The fabric at the top I picked up because SB made the cutest pillows out of Ewe Eye & Friends Petite Examplaries that I've had in my stash forever, and I thought they were adorable:

So another thing to add to my to do list!

So that's what's been going on with me.  It feels good to crawl out of that dark hole I've been living in for the past couple of months!!!  Thank you for all your comments and emails that you left on my last post.  It always gives me a smile to see them, and I will catch up on everyone's blogs soon.  I know that I've missed tons!!!

51 comments:

Chris said...

Glad to hear your mojo is back! Usually it helps me if I visit my stash. You have many wonderful wips. I am looking forward to seeing some finishes.


Have a great stitching week!

BrendaS said...

Deb --
I'm so glad to know that you got your stitching/quilting mojo back. I do the same thing when life gets in the way my stitching stops and then when I finally feel like stitching I want a clean slate. You just have to do what feels right and if starting something new is right then go for it:))) Life is too short to not enjoy the things we love to do.

Love your "spring" like quilt and some stitching progress is better than none.

Glad you're back:)

Julie Phillips, aka Julieloveslucy SCS said...

Yes I have slumps! Whenever I'm stressed or the house/crafting area is too messy. Think about whats going on in your life right now and as soon as you get that in order again, your mojo will return! It may even return like a tidal wave!
Good Luck
Hugs
Julie

WoolenSails said...

I find when I have too many things to finish, I get nothing done, so I start something new, lol. I am slowly doing a few things at a time, but it is christmas season, so I will concentrate on that for now and getting gifts made, then my pile will get finished after the holidays.

Debbie

Unknown said...

You go girl!! Sounds like you are back in the stitchy swing of things...glad to hear it.

Love the fabrics you are working with for oyur quilts...beautiful!

HAPPY STITCHIN'
Terri

Kathy said...

Yeah! Glad to hear your back to stitching and quilting too! You have some great projects and ppicked up some fabulous stash.

Nothing like organizing stash to help bring the mojo back. Hmmmmmm I want to stitch this and this and, oh I forgot that one............ That's what I do. Works every time. :)

Berit said...

Lol! I totally think I'm dwelling in the Hole of Retreat that you've crawled out of! *sigh* Wonder if I'll get out soon--though I do think I see some light at the end of the tunnel!

For some reason your selvage pic caught my eye more than any other in this post--but what to use them for...They do look great, however.

Katrina said...

Hope your mojo returns soon!!!! I got all the stuff for those little EEF pillows too :-).

Katrina said...

Then I reread, I should have said glad your mojo is back, LOL.

Siobhán said...

Yeay!! I am so glad that you're comiing out of your slump! I know how hard that is, believe me!! I am still remembering different things I started before my slump--it's like I suffered amnesia while in my slump. LOL I love all of your projects and I love love love that Bliss!! I think that's one of my all time favorite collections. I will e-mail you soon!! xoxoxo

Bekca said...

You pulled yourself out of the slump with a bang! I love Mary's Best and those HRH look tempting to me. I'm glad you've got your stitchy mojo back and I can't wait to see what you've been crafting. Best wishes.

basketsnprims said...

Wow, you have alot of stash! Glad you are feeling more like yourself. When I get in a slump my favorite thing to do is blog hop, it always gets me moving. Have a great week and happy stitching.
Pam

Hazel said...

Awww I love your catching up post! I know what it's like to be in a slump. Glad to hear your mojo is back! x

Teresa S. said...

Deb-glad you are back! I don't think startitis is such a bad disease, but it is very contagious!

Rugs and Pugs said...

Deb ~
It's so good to hear from you and I'm glad you've gotten your stitching mojo back. Now you need to work on your hooking mojo :)
Your stash is on a spreadsheet??? I am SO IMPRESSED.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

valerie said...

Glad to see you're back and coming out of your slump! We all have slumps...mine are when I am too sad or too stressed. Hence, my stitching taking a total dive this year.

Great progress on your wips!! I like the colors in the spring quilt fabby!

Andrea said...

Good to see you back! Sometimes we just need a break...a little time to clear out the cobwebs! I love your WIPS and the way those EEF's were done up at SB..too cute!
xoxo

Alice said...

Deb, we have both been going through the same slump clearly. I have also had startitis for months and seemed to have taken to preparing projects and then simply not starting them. I have completed a project a week ago and have still not taken photos of it. : ( The blog world seems to escape me and I cannot fix down on anything. Somehow with the cold weather starting, things will get back to "normal". Love everything you are working on or just starting. ; )
Alice

Blu said...

Good to see you back Deb!

Love the colours of Sheer Bliss.

Faye said...

Welcome back and out of your slump...Dont worry, happens to the best of us~~~

Maggie said...

Welcom back, glad you have found you mojo!
Looks like your going to be busy and have plenty to choose from :-)

Theres nothing like a good clean out to lift the spirits, if i feel down or out of sorts i tend to attack the housework better and feel all the better when its done!

Margaret said...

I'm glad you're getting your mojo back. I love all your projects! Wow!! Just beautiful! Startitis is a hard thing to resist, isn't it? Hope your mojo keeps going!

Annie said...

So glad to here you've perked up! These slumps happen to everyone from time to time. Just part of life. It appears you are definitely rejuvenated! Lots of great projects to pick from.

Anonymous said...

I have been where you have been. It happens some times. Looks like you made lots of progress though. Can't wait to see what you work on next.

Kathy said...

I'm glad your mojo is back. I was in a major slump most of last winter. Stress usually causes my slumps. Stash diving helps me sometimes.Your Xstitch starts are lovely as are your quilting fabrics. Hope your mojo sticks around.

Lainey said...

Good to see you back blogging Debbie and glad your mojo is back. I think we all go through these slumps at one time or another.
Looks like your right back in there at the deep end, so many wonderful projects on the go. Happy Stitching & Quilting. Hugs!

woolwoman said...

This happens to almost everyone Deb - I have not posted much this summer - just felt like I had nothing exciting to share and very little finishes but that is quite normal for me - oh queen of starting new projects LOL - I was hoping I'd read that you had gotten back on your rug hooking but I know that is a new endeavor for you and I think you wanted to return to familiar and comfortable - not explore new and uncharted territory. Your hooking friends hope you'll get back there one day - in the meantime - you need to do what is best for YOU! If it's starting new or revisiting old UFO's/WIP's - that is what you should do- you answer to no one! What you do with your precious free time should be pleasing only to you. We all understand and hope you can put the things that have stressed you beneath and behind you and the fresh fall breezes will clear the cobwebs. Hugs Mel

Roberta said...

Glad to see you are back Deb. It always feels good to get things cleaned out and organized. I truly think it helps clean out the cobwebs in our brain.

Enjoy the projects that you have selected to work on and keep that MOJO going.

BeckySC said...

I have MISSED you Deb!! Your stitching looks great-you have osme really lovely projects on the go :) Thanks for taking time to share with us :)
((hugs))

Sampler Lover said...

Hi Deb, yes losing your MoJo can be a bit of a problems sometimes lol. I have it with blogging as you know. Ahh one day.
Love your progress on Mary Best. That's a nice sampler and you have done so much on her.
You picked up some lovely things when you went to Utah. Did you do the crochet with the buttons on it or did you buy it that way. I quite like that look and it will look lovely on a pin cushion or whatever you use it on. - Sandra.

Cari said...

I haven't felt much like blogging either... I've been stitching on about a hundred pieces and not even close to finishing one. I've been knitting a bit too. Anyway, I suppose when the weather gets cooler I may be a bit more motivated. Until then...whatever. Love ya tons and look forward to seeing your quilt progress!! HUGS

Glenna said...

I haven't felt as much like blogging, and I keep picking up and putting down my stitching. I'm glad I've led you astray with M. Western. And because of you, I've gone to Cluck, Cluck Sew. And am eying the little E&E&F pillows. I think my problem is my stitching/sewing/knitting area is messy and I have so many projects that I can't focus.

Jackie's Stitches said...

I'm glad to hear our mojo is slowly returning. It is what it is and there is nothing that says we have to be busy with our interests all the time.

You can't feel bad about your WIPs. You'll get back to them one day. If in the meantime you want to start something new, start something new!!!

Melissa said...

Welcome Back, Deb! I know of where you've been! Sometimes life just takes you somewhere other than stitching and no matter how hard you try, it just takes time to get back to it!

Glad to see you're in full gear as I see lots of lovely things in the works! ;-)

Anonymous said...

Good to see you coming out of the slump. I've been slumping too. Don't know what it is...maybe the change of seasons??

Love your stash from SB. Dontcha just love the way they make little fabric stashes and tie them with ribbon? So cute and hard to resist!

Unknown said...

So glad to see you stitching - and so many wonderful starts! I finished classes yesterday (Sunday) and can't wait to start some stitching of my own - it's been too long!

mbroider said...

Debra,

Hug your mojo, hug it... Hoping to see many more posts from you:)

Annemarie said...

It seems that every stitcher/crafter I know goes through these phases. My motto is: when in slump, rest. That's what you did, and I'nm glad you feel better now.
The fabbies for that psring quilt are just adorable. Can't wait to see what it will look like in the end!

Joy said...

Love your WIPs...could you pass on some of that mojo. Happy Stitching!

Lois said...

So glad to hear that you are coming out of your slump and the mojo is starting to return. Love all the quilt preparations you've been getting too and look forward to seeing progress pics. Don't push it, gradually you'll find that you can't wait to stitch or quilt and you'll wonder how you ever were in a slump!

Michelle said...

Yay for stitching!! I'm beginning to think I am a serial starter too. I'm wondering if maybe I'll focus on finishing some of these WIPs in 2011, rather than a bunch of new starts. Hmm...what do you think? Want to join me?

Carol said...

Hope your mojo sticks around for a long while, Deb--we missed seeing your creations :)

Colleen said...

After reading your post,you have given me some mojo, that I sorely need. I have been in a rut also; I think I will be like Michelle and finish up some of the WIPs, in 2011. Thanks for the kick in the 'stitching' backside.

Pauline said...

I've been in a stitching funk all year- quilting is all I felt like doing. However, I'm now working through stitching christmas ornaments, and will be happy to finish them! I see lots of lovely stitching on blogs, but the actual 'doing' part is missing...I think in my case, it has a lot to do with the time it takes to finish something- quilting is much quicker!

Are you joining in the Layer Cake Quilt A Long?

COUSON said...

What beautifull & great projects!Love.couson

Sally said...

Glad you got your mojo back. I think we all go through it at one time or another. Everything looks gorgeous too:)

Nicky said...

Glad to hear you're on the way out of that slump. I have gone for almost a year soemtimes without stitching and then when I get out of it I can't understand why I wasn't interested for so long! I think blogging and reading other's blogs has helped keep me motivated. Plus there's the thrill of a new start - much more exciting than a finish. LOL. Perhaps thats why I start so much and finish so little. tehe.

It is lovely to see you back, I always enjoy reading a new post from you. Happy stitching Deb.

D. Leigh said...

Like you, I, too, just recently ended the dreaded slump ..... Sounds like we are on the right trach together! Love you counted cross stitch Samper! The reproductions types are my absolute favorites. Glad you are back to doing what you onvious love!

Mel said...

Glad to hear you got the stitching bug back. I sometimes loose mine too.
Great projects you have on the go!

Karoline said...

Glad to hear you've got your mojo back. You have some gorgeous projects on the go.

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Not only is your slump over, but you're enabling, too. Are those tiny pillow patterns on the charts? Just love 'em!!