🥾🧵REBOOTING YOUR SEWING PRACTICE - FIND YOUR GROOVE AGAIN

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When was the last time you were in your sewing room? Do you remember what you were doing? Can you even find your project or is it buried. Life gets busy and can pulled us away from quilting and it takes time to ease back into it. Here are 5 steps that you can take to get you back to the hobby you love.
PLAYING WITH FABRICS
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Previously Recommended Tools
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Panasonic NI-WL 600 cordless iron geni.us/K8OvA (amazon)
M-Aimee Wool Pressing Mat geni.us/shw7seK (amazon)
Tractor Seat Adjustable Chair geni.us/YM4WV (amazon)
Ipad stand geni.us/7F7Z (amazon)
Sitting Pad shop.vigurus.c... (Virgus Technologies)
Laser Square geni.us/u2zDx4 (amazon)
Ultimate 3-In-1 Color Tool geni.us/8QezMZq (amazon)
Alarm Timer Cube geni.us/FHElloG (amazon)
LED Lighting Strip geni.us/FxOE (amazon)
Floor Lamp geni.us/CNx3RUB (amazon)
My Favourite Quilt Tools
LDH Scissors lddy.no/njem (LDH scissors)
OMNIGRID 6” x 24” Ruler geni.us/H9Fprrw (amazon)
Olfa 2.5” x 18” Ruler geni.us/Y00AO (amazon)
Add a quarter ruler geni.us/sffqxS (amazon)
Olfa 60MM rotary cutter geni.us/hbmq3 (amazon)
Olfa 45mm rotary cutter geni.us/eBvSBx (amazon)
Clover 28mm rotary cutter geni.us/CLeF (amazon)
Clover Stitch Ripper geni.us/gLL6A (amazon)
Violet Craft Seam Roller geni.us/Bk7YHo (amazon)
T-fal Iron geni.us/ANrABt (amazon)
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[@AuntieDeb71]

How did she know I'm in that exact place right now...

[@omisfavorites1054]

Same here😕

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Because it’s the end of the school year and everything is upside down…even if you don’t have kids

[@marye.williams6692]

Me, too!!!! So happy to know there are others in the same funk.p

[@AuntDi2]

Ditto!

[@miriamrempel422]

I think she’s just psychic 😋

[@lw3396]

I lost my sew jo. I have tried off and on to get it back this year, but my home is in chaos after my husbands death in Feb, along with my mind and my heart. This video just happened to catch me trying to reorganize my sewing room. I hope it works to get me going again, because I've found at least 7 or 8 quilt tops that need to be sandwiched and quilted. I just seem to have no energy, and I don't have any "sew sisters." You ladies are lucky and blessed if you do.

[@Maru-vs9kb]

I have never made a quilt, but I watch Karen`s pieces all the time. I sew smaller patchwork projects sometimes, which as close as I come to quilting, but whenever I watch one of her clips what amazes me is that everything she says applies to anything you do -- and feel, and experience, and learn, and long for... It reminds me of what Mary C. Richards, a potter, said: "All the arts we practice are apprenticeship. The big art is our life."

[@sarahl2481]

'logical left-side brain, creative bright-side'...this explains why i always end up with a headache on the left side dealing with work 😅 🤣

[@ShirleyDeeDesigns]

What helps me is having a hefty but realistic to do list. It helps me get my ufo’s done and lets me see what I need to get done next. I love crossing things off the list, and I try not to keep adding to the list until I get a few projects done first. You are right, Karen, it’s hard to keep working on a quilt you aren’t that crazy about.

[@evelynrv4539]

I have been without the sewing groove for 2 months now. Ready to move out of it. Thank you for the advice.

[@marykatecurtis9557]

Oh my I’ve been feeling overwhelmed with too many projects/groups that I’m doing this video came at the perfect time thank you so much😊

[@bitspiecesquilting]

Great advise Karen! Thanks

[@nancyburnett2512]

Thanks! That was exactly what I needed! Let’s see what happens.

[@mari-annstumblingbear174]

Amazing. I'm was thinking the same thing!

[@Kim-xg1vm]

thank you... as always your vids are great for us newbie quilters.. not sure if I like quilting or just playing with all the pretty fabric🤔😀

[@erinnewbrough3571]

I like ironing scraps when I’m having a hard time. There’s no goal- just the satisfaction of seeing crumpled messes flatten out ❤

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Ironing zen 😌

[@meacadwell]

I do the same thing! I wash all my fabric and fold it haphazardly, plopping it in a pile until it's time for 'ironing' - a way of being connected to sewing without doing sewing and without having to think.

[@ninaplastinina4390]

Just the same. And organizing shelves, refolding the fabric. Or making strips from scraps

[@debrastewart9194]

I agree, then I just myself, touch, sort, play and rediscover. I don't plan, I just wander through my treasure trove of fabric and supplies.

[@annierubyslipperz589]

I like to iron too, and ironing some scraps for a small (probably orphan block😊) quilt block =)

[@rebeccamayeaux131]

I needed this today. I have not sewed anything in over a year. I've been overwhelmed by life. You have helped me forgive myself. so tomorrow, I am making pillowcases for my friend's kiddos. Thank you Karen.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

nice to hear. But also maybe you can break it down into smaller steps. Maybe you are 1-organizing your materials then if you are able 2-cutting everything out and then if you are able 3-sewing it together. it's important not to work to the point of exhaustion.

[@rebeccamayeaux131]

@@JustGetitDoneQuilts Will do. Thank you again!

[@debracollins4102]

Thank you for this video. I haven’t seen anything since I don’t know when. Had some medical stuff get in the way. I need to start up again. You gave me some good ideas. Do you have a tutorial on how to make the foam board containers?

[@sarahkinsey5434]

@@JustGetitDoneQuilts I like doing it that way too, like an assembly line. I made almost 40 napkins for a big family Christmas party and I would iron everything, then cut out a bunch, pick out the tread, then sew them. I did that in a few batches

[@BEVERLYRANDOLPH-lx4qu]

Oh, Karen, I’ve said it before-I so appreciate how supportive your videos often are, and this is one of them. Last fall when I decided it was time to get back into my studio, I didn’t even bother to clean. I just picked up an unfinished project-a Christmas wall hanging-and sat down and decided what to do with it that would bring me joy. That meant that I had to step around stuff on the floor between my machine, my ironing station and design wall-which was frustrating and dangerous. But I knew I had to create something first. I finished the quilt top (not surprising, it was dramatically different from what I had planned), took it to the quilter, felt 1000% better-and THEN I cleaned. And my creativity took off again. It’s been such a joy. Two years, knee surgery, pandemic and retirement separated starting that quilt and finishing it. You have to (a) realize what you need, and (b) be ready to act on that realization. Your “one step at a time” plan is exactly right. Thank you, Karen, for another supportive video!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Well done you 👏👏👏

[@rebeccasorensen7925]

Much of what you said is familiar. I've gone thru shoulder surgery, hysterectomy, R knee surgery, both knees ripped again and much downtime and total discouragement. This video I needed to hear today. I felt connected to your comments. I wish you well. Hopefully we can take some baby steps forward and reignite the joy and creativity.😊

[@carolp1581]

Health and age have a lot to do with our creativity. It IS ok to take a break and rest and regroup. I enjoyed creating and making some hotpads. Small project! Yes! I learned some things about using different background fabrics to enhance or make the pattern pop. Now I am taking a break again. And it's ok! Thanks Karen!

[@keertimarathe1948]

Reboot, indeed!! It is surprising how your videos pop up at the exact moment when we need them😊 Thank you so much!!

[@carmenbailey1560]

When I first stared quilting I made three quilt tops and was overwhelmed. When I finally finished those three I made a promise to myself, one quilt at a time. This works for me, especially because I do my own top quilting on a domestic machine. Thanks Karen for all you do. ❤️👍😊

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

It’s important that you do what works for you

[@BEVERLYRANDOLPH-lx4qu]

Boy, Karen, you obviously touched many, many of us with this wonderfully supportive video! Thank you so much!!

[@Sybil_Detard]

When I've left my room in a mess, and/or I am in a mental state of blah, I sew crumbs. I don't clear, I don't put any barrier in front of sewing, I just sew crumbs with the thread that is on my machine until I feel "ready." It usually gets me doing the things that need to be done.

[@barbblincow5303]

I had to take a break with 2 eye surgeries there was no sewing for 2 months. I refolded some fabrics during this time just to pet fabric! Finally back to it slowly and a little at a time allowing for healing. Thanks for your videos!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

🤗🤗🤗 get well soon

[@nancysharon931]

I am a fan of all your videos. I use the timer tip each time I work in my sewing room. I have so many UFOs that it is embarrassing. I did a project triage. Starting with the projects that just need borders. Then the ones that need rows sewn together. Finally, the ones that need blocks finished. I labeled the stacks with sticky notes. I am still on the borders stack. Lol. I hope this helps someone.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thanks for sharing! 🤗

[@bettywhittington9654]

That’s a great idea

[@jennifernelson9735]

This is such a beautiful video that shows care and and support of quilters. You have empathy and are so real about these times when we lose our energy for sewing. Sharing your personal experiences and then gentle ways to get back into the sewing room… perfectly done! We can all relate and feel inspired here. Thank you for taking care of this community…and yourself!

[@joannefreeman3573]

Great video Karen. 🎉🎉❤

[@gregconniepryor255]

I’m laid up right now after having a knee replacement. Each time I walk by my sewing room I see my current project not being completed. I needed to hear those words of wisdom regarding waiting and making sure I’m ready to jump back in. I can do small things like cleaning my sewing space and going thru fabric. I appreciate your insight. Keep it coming!

[@pooie0116]

"Post Quilt Blues" OMG, for the longest time I thought it was just me. At least until this past February right after I finished my last quilt. I've been so down ever since and I recalled how I'd felt like that right after completing the previous few quilts. I've never had kids, but I wondered if there was some kind of "Post Project Depression" (like postpartum, but with big labor-intensive, time-consuming projects). I looked it up and lo and behold, it's an actual thing that happens with all kinds of artists and creatives, for instance writers often experience it after sending their completed novels to publishers. The struggle is real.

[@marybull3715]

Thank you Karen, just what I need, after a close family bereavement last year knocked the stuffing out of me, I had not been in my craft room much, and side tracked my self with tidying, Having spent a few days on my own with the dogs I finally picked up a project to work on, a bag rather than quilting, The feeling of accomplishment after 3 days of working on it have sparked my enthusiasm again.

[@melindamckenry6368]

Needed to hear you today. Haven't sewed in a bit and can now see (with your help) why and how I need to fix it slowly. Straighten my space, find my machine, and go slowly.....find a simple happy project to help me remember why I loved creating. Thank you so much for sharing and making me realize I am not alone.

[@margotdrost2436]

Thank you Karen, this is so helpful. I’ve been sooooo busy the last few weeks, I had no energy for quilting. But,thanks to you, my rebooting will start tomorrow!

[@sararempel7956]

I loved this episode, Karen! Thankyou it's what I needed❤

[@bierjip1]

Very sensible all this, thank you! I am starting a Storm-at-Sea quilt and I indeed cleared space, organized all the templates etc. It helps to get an overview.👍

[@genealogydr]

Thank you for specifying the difference between Tidying Up and Decluttering. I need to move out of my sewing room and move my toddler into that room. My space is shrinking and nearly disappearing into parts of closets. I wanted to declutter, but can't handle it now. I know that I need to "dig the hole first" and clear out space in my closets to get things where they really need to be for this move to happen. It's stressful and I only get an hour or two a week at best at it when I don't have everything else piled on my shoulders. This helped my brain to regroup a bit and realize that it won't be perfect and won't be pretty, but getting it done should be worth it. #sewingroomgrief

[@lauriestewart1859]

It happens to all of us at some time or other. I am attempting to share the quilting bug with my 9 year old granddaughter. We sew until she is tired, or frustrated, or bored. My goal is to teach her to just lay it down and walk away when she needs to. It all doesn’t have to be done today. Same with us. Thanks for reminding us, Karen, that this happens to all of us.

[@lizduhame7238]

Karen I LOVE your videos!! They can fill my tank most days!! And I learn so much from every one!! I’m glad you gave yourself permission to rest❤️❤️ I notice you like to arrange and store your fabric in color/value boxes. I’m fairly new at this and I’m afraid to take them out of their fabric design group. I always use them in their group🤷‍♀️

[@jenerickjamesie]

This is just what I needed to hear today. My favorite thing to do when feeling overwhelmed is work on improv blocks made from my scrap bin. Thanks Karen. It's a good message to pay attention to your level of overwhelm. You are the best.

[@cherylbrown4058]

I so needed this today. I’ve spent the last six weeks in another state taking care of my sister after she had major surgery. I took my sewing machine with me and did various scrappy blocks. Got a lot done too. But now I’m home and have yet to even touch my projects. In fact, I think my machine and a couple project boxes are stilll in my car. I’ve been home five days. I think I will start with bringing them in and setting up my sewing table. Thanks for the pep talk and encouragement . 😊

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Use that timer. You’ll be surprised both with how long some tasks take and how short some take

[@MelanieClaire61]

Cheryl. Taking care of another human..esp rehab is exhausting. Almost 40 years as an RN......workers comp CaseManager...nuf said...take care of you for a bit....give urself permission to get a breath....and do not push urself too hard. Hugs. Good human u are.

[@paulafey6905]

One of the best ways for me to get the juices flowing again is to watch videos. Your videos are perfect to refresh the mojo. I also look for videos on new techniques, new patterns or ones I’ve always be interested in, small project ideas. Thanks for your willingness to share your expertise with us.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Awesome tip! Thank you!

[@Cassandra-..-]

I buy novelty charm packs on sale every so often, and when I need a reboot project, I like to make a set of coasters with four overlapping folded triangles and give them to someone. No cutting, no scrap generation, and a lot of fun choosing the combinations.

[@janerose1945]

OMG, Karen, this was perfect timing for ME. AND, all of the advice applies in several areas of life. Thank you greatly for this wonderful video. It hit the spot!

[@davinathompson5921]

Perfect timing, Karen! You are much loved and appreciated!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Wonderful!

[@suzannef3593]

Haven't seen for almost 5 years and 3 moves. Now in my forever house and doing Reno's so excited to start sewing in a month or so 😃🎉it going to be like Christmas as I have forgot or ordered stuff and boxed it. So surprise to me. 😂

[@suzannef3593]

Doing the same right now😊

[@mariejohns1387]

Karen this video is awesome! My mom recently passed away and I started quilting to keep myself sane while taking care of her. Now that she is gone….so is my sew-jo. I walk into my sewing room and my heart is not in it. If course it has been hectic for years but I always stole a few minutes here and there to do something. Your advice always puts me back on track. I am so thankful for you!! ❤ Pray that my heart finds what makes it happy once again

[@inspiringsimple]

I used to sew daily. I made quilts and enjoyed it so much and then we got stuck in never ending lockdowns (Melbourne, Australia). I don’t even know why I stopped but I did. Then we converted the hobby room into a storage room and no more sewing room. I hadn’t sewn for well over a year and finally I just picked up a quilt and started hand quilting it. My kids keep asking who the quilt is for or why I am making it. My secret thoughts are “to heal” or to recover from the trauma of the last few years.

[@pattweimer9268]

Thanks, Karen. Where I live there is 1 guild.. not friendly or welcoming. Oh well. 1 shop nearby, same vibe, unless you are buying. ETC. Same goes for my rughooking. I've had to accept & move on. I sew 2 -10 hours 30 days a year. Throws to kings. Abit OCD therefore the studio is rarely a big issue, but too many choices for the next project is another story. Way too much fabric (did a very large purge with you in January), all in potential pattern zip bags. Love every one. I found that a rule of only 2 ufo's, must be less than yr old, only 2/3 projects in various stages, & a clear timeline, keep my brain on straight. At least with my quiltmaking. The rest of life doesn't always work as well. You posts are always a cheerful, instructive part of my life. Thanks.

[@TalayaWustman]

I lost my fiance 3 months ago, and the night before he passed, we were in my sewing room sandwiching his quilt. I have been taking baby steps in just walking into my room again. Of course just dropping fabric I just bought on my table but I still have no Jo to sew.

[@barbblincow5303]

So sorry 😥

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

It will take time. You might try sewing in a classroom away from the memories but do not rush it 🤗🤗🤗

[@joyinstitches456]

Organizing small piles of fabric, and giving yourself grace are the ways i found myself happy in quilting again. I had made a QOV for my best friend's dad after he was diagnosed with a level 4 glioblastoma. It was very difficult to find happiness in sewing again. Giving myself grace was hard, but necessary.

[@emeraldgypsyheart]

Well I am on a reboot. Third guans. He’s never felt with this so I’m working on easing him in. We took the unusable bedroom space and we’re working on making it a craft space where I can quilt. We shall see how this goes!😊

[@michellecornum5856]

Wow, you totally nailed that -- how my room looks, and how and why it happened. And Excavating! That's exactly what I call it. I finally got my tables cleared off, and the last things I was working on are, kind of, contained. But it's been so long, I have no idea what I was doing when all of life happened, and I have just been avoiding even looking at those projects because - well, it's just been so long. Thanks for the suggestions!

[@sdlepal]

I love this. I get the sewing blues (didn’t know it was a thing!) after I get a quit done. It is hard to get started again.

[@juliemorrison4348]

Great advice Karen. Trying to clear my must-do pile today before prepping for the start of Maple and Eucalyptus next weekend. I had to quilt a friends hand stitched applique hexie quilt. So challenging with all the anomalies of finishing someone else's work that was not flat or square. Urggh!!!!!. Time to walk away🤣🇦🇺

[@marilynanderson7792]

Thank you, this was just what I needed to hear, I've been in a quilting slump for several months. I won't list all the reasons, but you have helped me feel that it was alright, and you have given me a lot of good ideas as to how to slowly get back into it. Love your videos, so glad you are willing to share your incites.

[@vanathornton9027]

Great video, Karen, and timely. The struggle is real! I have been in a creative slump for the last few years due to loss of beloved ones. I even bought a ridiculously expensive new sewing machine to motivate me, but I’m yet to make a quilt or any project on it. Thanks for your pointers. I will watch this video several times.

[@dianagrant9479]

I'm sorry for your loss. Start slow, grieve, let the material soak up the tears.

[@karenheath3987]

I seem to be in this place in a couple of places in my life. I am going to try to apply this strategy to all of them. Thank you for this timely tutorial.

[@marshawhite6652]

Perfect timing for this video. Thanks!

[@edithmonteith9557]

I'm 10 weeks into having sciatica and I managed 1/4 of an hour sewing this morning so I hope I'm on the way back. It wasn't just the pain I just couldn't face doing anything apart from sitting and reading. Much better now so I hope it won't be long till I'm back to my normal self.

[@olliesuearnott1533]

I am there. My mother a master quilter was teaching me how to quilt when I would come to stay with her for help with daily things cause she is 83. And her health started failing and she needed to move to my sister's home 4 hours away. Now I am struggling to even want to set up my new crafting/sewing room, much less work on projects she helped me start. I go in the room and stare at the brand new shiny pfaff sewing machine she had helped me pick out before she got sick and I just go back out and shut the door. Thank you for helping me realize I will be ok. This beginner sure needed this advice. 😊😊

[@maryannecadd796]

Such great information! We have been going through home remodeling for the past year and my sewing room has been packed up several times so my mind really shut down since I couldn't quilt. Now things are slowly quieting down, I can use some of the ideas you've shared to get my mojo back! 🙃

[@margaritawarrens2510]

I finished a quilt for my daughter 1.5 years in the making. I finally had to push myself her birthday is in 2 weeks :) it is not perfect but it is done.😃 So many times at different stages of my quilt I almost scrapped my project but I am so glad I did not. It turned out beautiful.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

That is awesome! 👏👏👏

[@amadeus4313]

After cancer treatments I didn’t have the energy for anything. But the 15 minute trick got me through. I still use it

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

🤗🤗🤗

[@lisagalloway6667]

Hi Karen. I so much enjoy your videos! I'm struggling because I have had major surgery on my dominant hand with a long recovery (six months). Any suggestions for someone who can only use one hand?

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Try something different. Maybe drawing, maybe working with play-doh.

[@rlrieger7871]

Thanks so much for all of your common sense suggestions. Knowing a professional quilter like you has to do the "little" things too, is inspiring!!!

[@dadams512]

Thank you for all the great ways to help us reboot! Organizing, sorting, rearranging fabric is so fulfilling - just touching it again helps me remember why I fell in love with it to begin with. I often find I need a purpose to drive my motivation to create a quilt - a new baby, a wedding, or other gifting opportunity. I want to make a quilt just for the satisfaction of making it, but that doesn't always keep me motivated. Thanks again for the inspiring content!

[@JAXIE500]

Surgery has me blocked. My brain is foggy and I am tired. I really enjoyed this video. I feel much better about my lack of desire to do any of my projects right now. Thanks.

[@Beagles42]

This has been SO encouraging. I’ve had hand surgery and won’t be sewing for months. In my free time, I stare at my fabric and hope!😊

[@Smacsek]

I had lost my sewjo for a few years. Mainly due to so much overtime at work. At that point I realized the best thing for me was to pack up all my sewing things and tuck them away, the not having energy or time to work on things was bringing me even more down. As overtime slowed I realized I wanted my sewjo back but had no idea where to start. I had no patterns or ideas floating around in my head, my fabric wasn't saying I need to be used next, nothing. So I pulled out an old (years in the making) leader ender project. 6" jacob's ladder blocks. The four patches came first. The only rule I had created for this project was light and dark for half square triangles and that the same fabric couldn't touch itself. What was 24 completed blocks became a full sized quilt in a few weeks. Next thing I know, I made 3 more lap quilts in a few months. Now I know, sometimes you just need to sew the scraps into four patches or nine patches or whatever little units with no plan and somehow a quilt is born

[@debbiewood2675]

So in this mind frame right now. Lost 2 siblings in May 1 week apart. So sad and mentally not here. Hoping to start sewing again. Love your tutorials

[@zonawilson6245]

I'm so sorry for your loss, Debbie. 🙁

[@bettywhittington9654]

I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve had to many times like that. I just try to keep on keeping on until I can really concentrate on a particular project.

[@dko3623]

I’m sorry for your devastating losses. I hope you will give yourself lots of time and space to grieve and heal. The fabric on the joy will be there whenever you are ready.

[@linsleysrygley643]

I cannot tell you how many times I use my timer! I love staying focus for that time and getting some many things done! Love this channel! Thanks again.

[@sarahkinsey5434]

Last time I was in my sewing room and didn't know what to do so I looked at my big scraps and cut out pieces for scrunchies (4x18), bookmarks (3x6) or squares for four patches (3.5x3.5)

[@Jean2235177]

I stopped quilting five years ago. Lost my sewjo. Just recently I started picking up some Pendleton wool I bought back then to make table runners. Finished them lickety split. I’m going through my Yoko Saito books and looking at my Japanese taupes for my next project. Taking it slow…

[@dianemacisaac4633]

Thank you for addressing this unspoken feeling we all go through and ways to cope. I’m in a slump right now myself with a project that’s just a little outside of my ability. I’ve put it aside for now-I will come back to it soon. But my focus is currently in easier, doable projects. BTW I just love the scrappy quilt on the wall behind you. Is that your pattern?

[@krystynatestudine-ze3md]

So very calming to hear you talk about taking care of self in the creative process! I will definitely have to rewatch this video for when i struggle with motivation and the creative process.

[@danakelly6247]

Absolutely loved your video. I needed this advice so much. Dont know how to thank you. ❤❤❤❤.

[@lindabowser7451]

Just what I need right now. I so want to get back to my tidy sewing corner. My dh died in Jan after many years of illness. My sewing space is dusty and untidy. Maybe sewing will help my spirits

[@kathyann7153]

Life is busy and I really messed up a graduation quote but I went ahead and gave it to him . His girlfriend's in fashion design and I was more worried about what she would think then what he would think. He loves it. It was a modern quilt and triangles and it was nothing beyond what I could do. I just did not Re measure my triangles before I start Sewing my triangles together. My points do not match but he doesn't even notice it ,he was just happy that it was long enough for his 6-6 frame.

[@gwenrowe2721]

I just ran across this. WOW ! Thank you so much. I have fibromyalgia and there is a whole lot going on in my life at this time I have been worried about live ones and my house is in such a state, taking care of loved ones, trying to do yard work , doing wound care and going to the hospital to sit with a loved one or even stay the whole time. This has been for the past 8 months. My mojo is all gone thanks to fibromyalgia. Yep this past week have been in bed at least 18- 20 hrs a day. And unable to do many thing when up. I am feeling better today and this will do to get my mojo back for what is needed in my home , yard and in helping with caring for loved ones. Oops I forgot I will care for myself too. I will also go to my happy place and give myself down time by playing with my material stash for 15 minutes a day. I greatly needed this to help me to get going again.

[@lucilegubbins4433]

I really like that this gives steps to go slow. This is going to help me a lot, especially when I am overwhelmed.

[@sunflowerbaby1853]

I miss having a quilt guild to go to. Zoom calls are just not the same. I need to hug my quilty friends, fondle their quilts, take inspiring classes from teachers and be immersed in everything. Without a local quilt store or physical guild to go to I have lost my mojo. I want it back❗

[@sofiasomerstein5452]

You are sooooooo inspiring!!!! And, I don’t even quilt!!! Thank you🦋

[@staciebell1532]

Karen, how do you deal with directional fabrics and matching prints on your backer or if you need to splice a big block to match print... I have a directional print and the salvage doesn't repeat evenly and I wanted to know your tips to help

[@BalconyFish]

Using the strategies you suggest to reboot has been wonderful for me. Now a question, in using the mirror to play with the kaleidoscope effect, how do I translate that to cutting it for a quilt? Help??

[@joannegraves3179]

Love this I have topped that is small and I'm look Pretty simple But it didn't turn out to be that way I think I'm going to put together a quilt A lap quilt And just get it done.

[@viviannefraser5974]

I have always found it hard to get my position while sewing right. In no time my posture at the machine causes my body to ache! Any ideas???

[@gwynnsocolich7271]

This totally happened to me, I broke my ring finger and could not quilt with one hand. Now I sew until my left hand gets tired and starts to ache.

[@marylawrence8470]

It looks like you are hunched a bit over the machine.. is it comfortable at that height? Also, do you know anything about standing sewing? I think I might need that.

[@DianeSilverman-gp3wg]

Thank you so much! I watched half of the video, stopped it and went into my sewing room and designed my next quilt! Thanks for the inspiration to do 'something' 😊

[@helenedesmarais8697]

Thank you, thank you, I .... thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you

[@terrig2298]

Thank you, I needed this.

[@mtnjhutch]

I made a mistake in a quilt that made me mad and I am disappointed with myself. I need to get in the room, finish the block I am on and then fix the mistake. Almost ready to reboot!

[@nancynorman6221]

Karen, this was a fantastic lesson! I'm not necessarily in a slump but I do tend to take on more than than I should and it just kills the joy sometimes! I finished a big project yesterday so I will take time to breathe, tidy up, play with my fabric and plan a quilting day/lunch with a couple friends. And I'm NOT going to feel guilty about the number of UFO's I have! :-) Thanks!

[@elizabethamis9376]

Such excellent timing! Following your advice, perhaps I'll get my machine out again. Thank you. ❤ 👍from Somerset, UK

[@courtnez]

My craft room is trashed and I dont want to even look at that area. So many UFOs. Thank you for this video. My first step might need to be actually purchasing some much needed storage so I dont just keep shuffling stuff.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Or just taking one UFO and breaking it down into manageable steps

[@courtnez]

@@JustGetitDoneQuilts Yes. The visual clutter is stressful for me.

[@GloriaHasberry]

Karen, this video is just what I needed! I will stop chastising myself because I am lacking energy and "not just getting it done" - 'it' includes general activities as well as sewing. Instead, I am going to adapt the '5 steps that you can take to get you back to the hobby you love' so I can find my joy. Thanks for your tips!

[@mariec9675]

Thank you so much for bringing me the exact info I needed ❤

[@angiemcdermid4845]

Excellent advice. I am a retired hospice nurse and had to care for my own mom at home during the lock down. I have just started to get my knitting group together and they can only manage one night a month. But what a blessing. Your information is good for anyone in transition

[@maryl9601]

Yes, thank you for reminding us we aren’t alone

[@annamaxflair]

that mirror trick could be useful in clothing design as well, nice idea

[@suebennett3715]

Your videos are so easy to understand, perfect sound, graphics, so apt for my quilting world, yes I needed ideas to reboot. Many thanks!

[@PhillipPresswood]

That mirror trick, omg. Makes me feel like an idiot for not doing that myself

[@chanacohen3668]

You are always on target. It is a pleasure to see your creativity over these last years.

[@janetpingrey7155]

I totally lost my sew-jo for months after breast cancer surgery. (I'm fine). Just lost it, and I loved to sew. Thankfully Christmas came along and I made pillow cases to go with books for the littles in the family. Your videos on scrap sewing helped immensely, also...just going in that room and putting two pieces together lit a spark. This video also helped and am actually doing the 2024 Declutter, which is also sparking joy. Also, finishing up small WIPs is helping move my meter, too. Thanks for all you do and share. Love your down to earth approach. I'm at the stage where it doesn't have to be perfect, just done.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I am also doing a lot of small projects this year. I seem to collect them but never have the time to make them

[@suzannef3593]

So very true! 😊 Great video! A good reminder also 😊

[@pamahlvers4790]

Just finished 3 quilts for graduations. I am so looking forward to just sitting in my sewing room and resting for awhile!! Thanks for the video.