Yeah, but were you quilting when you were twenty?

I spend all my energy outside and only come in when I wilt. I don't find quilts to be psychologically appealing when it's burning hot. I'm chugging Gatorade and turning the hose over my head, and it doesn't lead to "Hey, I wanna make a quilt."

Rita, when I have motivation problems is usually because I just need a break from a particular project or need to do something I really want to do. Feeling like I HAVE to do something is a real motivation killer!

Maybe a quick, fun project for yourself like a table runner or placemats would pick you up.

Donna

You're probably right. DH is playing golf tomorrow, and he is taking my car, that will give me an excuse to play around with something small. And I will refuse to work in the yard for one day! I have been trying to come up with a small, simple project to take to the community center where I volunteer. It serves adults with developmental disabilities. I have been trying to figure out what they could do that is simple, safe, fun, and doesn't require sewing. Maybe book markers? Or little clutch purses? Of course that wouldn't interest the men, (but maybe it would.) I bought some fusible basting tape, some rounded scissors. I have plenty of fabric. I also have fusible web to make appliques. I wish I could find a small sewing machine with a finger guard on it. I wonder if the kid's machines that are sold now are any good?

Although I don't know your age, it could be "age" related. It is a well known fact that tiredness and having less energy is associated with the passage through menopause. I'm through with that, but blame my tiredness on getting up at 5:30 a.m. and working all day at my job. Most days I crash about 5:30 p.m. after taking the dog out, and I usually don't have much desire to cook dinner. Add to that the summer heat in the south and it's no wonder I don't get much quilting done. It's supposed to be up to 101'F today!

I seem to go through this lack of interest in quilting right after the holidays. The main thing is to not let the lethargy drag on and on. Sew a little something - anything! until your interest perks up.

What about place mats for the disabled to make? They could hand sew squares of fabric together and you could turn under the edges by machine or your could just sew on a backing, turn right side out and let them hand sew the open seam closed.

Teresa

I just happened to think about some hand-embroidered squares that my mom had done (all flowers) and I had stashed away for all these years. So I took them out and am making myself a quilt with them. I'm adding material from my stash. They are only 6-inch blocks - 16 of them. It's time they were put to use. I'm glad something has stirred me back to the sewing room.

Rita, that sounds so nice! I can't wait to see pictures!

Donna

My husband and I went on a dental mission trip to Romania (actually, he went on three). A group of church ladies made all different colors of drawstring bags out of scraps. The bags were about 4" x 6" and were filled with things like toothbrushes and lots of other small items. But, guess what... it was the bags themselves that were the big hit. The kids just loved being able to pick out a color or print they liked. I made one for my grandson to hold his "stones" collection. I used a permanent ink pen and wrote "Caleb's Stones" on it. Big hit. Kids of all ages find things they like to put away "inside" something. Especially if it can be personalized, even with just a pen & ink.

I am new on this forum but I feel the same way. I just got my Bow Tucks tote bag pattern and can't get with it to figure out what fabric to use for it. I have been in a lot of swaps this year and I just burned out for now. I do have some more coming up so maybe I can get going soon
'Darlene