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

Жыл бұрын

Ironing zen 😌

@meacadwell

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

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

@debrastewart9194

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

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

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

@omisfavorites1054

Жыл бұрын

Same here😕

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

Жыл бұрын

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

@marye.williams6692

Жыл бұрын

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

@AuntDi2

Жыл бұрын

Ditto!

@miriamrempel422

Жыл бұрын

I think she’s just psychic 😋

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

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

@@JustGetitDoneQuilts Will do. Thank you again!

@debracollins4102

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

@@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

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

Жыл бұрын

Well done you 👏👏👏

@rebeccasorensen7925

Жыл бұрын

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.😊

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."

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

Жыл бұрын

It’s important that you do what works for you

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.

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!

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

"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.

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

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! 🤗

@bettywhittington9654

Жыл бұрын

That’s a great idea

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

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

Жыл бұрын

Wonderful!

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

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

Жыл бұрын

🤗🤗🤗

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

Жыл бұрын

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

@MelanieClaire61

Жыл бұрын

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.

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❗

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!😊

I was on the hospital for five months came home two weeks ago and cleaned my machine, went thru all my fabric and neatened up, and now I’m going to finish 3 quilts I started and didn’t finish One at a time slowly. I’ve rebooted too! My health is better than ever too! Look out quilt world! 😎

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

Жыл бұрын

Glad to hear you’re feeling better

This is just what the Fabric doctor ordered lol thank you so much Karen.

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.

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. 😊😊

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

Жыл бұрын

So sorry 😥

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

Жыл бұрын

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

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.

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!

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.

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

Жыл бұрын

Awesome tip! Thank you!

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.

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.

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.

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

Жыл бұрын

Great video Karen. 🎉🎉❤

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

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

Жыл бұрын

🤗🤗🤗 get well soon

It's been over two years, sigh! I had Covid, was in the hospital for two months, during this time my husband passed. It has taken me over a year to get my energy back(I'm 74, so this was not easy.) I am wanting to make me a quilt, first time for everything, haha. That little creative fire I have nurtured by crochet, I have run out of yarn and projects for the kids and grands, so now I want a beautiful little quilt for my twin bed. Getting started, yes well you hit the nail on the head. I went and looked at material today, none spoke to me. You said to take little steps, sounds good. Maybe a little pillow cover for my bed.

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

11 ай бұрын

That sounds doable

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

6 ай бұрын

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

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

You are one of Life’s really worthwhile people - I love how kind you are and how empathic. The gently encouraging tips in this video are so well conceived that it’s very obvious you genuinely love helping others enjoy their creative process and that’s so nice ❤

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

11 ай бұрын

That is awesome! 👏👏👏

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

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.

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!!!

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

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

11 ай бұрын

Doing the same right now😊

Your video has inspired me! This last year has been terrible; I became a widow. I lost all my desire and confidence in sewing and quilting. I just could not do anything. I just started in and cleaned my sewing area. I am now realistic and know that I cannot get all the projects done and I just don’t like the projects anymore. So that cleaning became a major overhaul and declutter. My local church sewing guild graciously accepted bags and boxes and more bags of fabric, ufos, patterns, books. Now I have a clean and organized, a bit spartan, area and have started a quilt for a niece who is getting married. I have a year to make it. I do feel a weight off my heart and shoulders and have set a goal of doing each project, start to finish, before starting another. Let’s see what I can accomplish. Thank you for giving me and others a “nudge” to getting creative again😋😋

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' 😊

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

Just what i needed to hear. MoJo is gone never thought it could happen to me. Thank you.

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

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

I am so glad that I found this video. On July 6th I had a heart attack, then on the 11th I had a stroke that affected my vision. Plus my sugar was over 500. After spending 3 weeks in the hospital, after I got home I couldn't imagine sewing again. I have so much fabric but I couldn't see colors correctly. It is gradually improving. I finally started makinf cuddle blankets out of flannel. Can't make too many mistakes !!!!! They were my flying geese ! Plus the timer idea was great. I end up sewing too long and can hardly walk when I get up Thank you so much Karen for being on KZread.

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.

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

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!

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

Жыл бұрын

I'm so sorry for your loss, Debbie. 🙁

@bettywhittington9654

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

Thank you I also have been away for over a year due to health and other life issues. I needed your reboot so much to help me get off dead center

I just finished a quilt for my daughter's friend. They both suffer from sleep paralysis. My daughter said hers stopped after i made a quilt for her. Apparently I have momma mojo. So, I had to find the right pattern, and match with the right layer cake. Anyway, sent my daughter to a local quilt shop and they had fallen in love with my quilt, and my sewing! I was invited to join a guild. Got my backing and finished the quilt. She's gotten relief from her sleep disorder already. Me... very excited about a quilt guild, that has a free long armer for finished tops 😮😊❤

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!😊

Taking those breaks is so important to me. This video came at perfect timing. I was on vacation them came home sick. So my sewing room became a dumping ground. Cant wait to get back i. There and clean up and get back to sewing.

Have you been peeking in my room. 😂 I was making two quilts for the grandkids and overwhelmed myself. I couldn’t get back to them. So I finally went into my sewing room and made some quick pillow covers and did some machine embroidery. Then I got back and finished the quilts!!! I cleaned up the mess the next day. Wasn’t going down another rabbit hole!

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!

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

You totally inspired me and I have made two quilt tops in 3 days. I don't think I slept because I was having so much fun. Part of the problem was not sleeping meant I wasn't sewing my pieces together correctly. Thanks a whole bunch of time with this stitch ripper. I am super happy with my results and thank you for inspiring me

"Excavation"! - YES! Love this one. Thanks so much. Best, Liz

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

Жыл бұрын

👷‍♀️🤗

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.

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

Жыл бұрын

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

I love your new glasses. They look great on you.

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.👍

Thank you so much for your videos. They've helped me immensely. Last November life gave me quite a knock. All last winter my husband had health issues--mini strokes, Covid, hospitalization, & rehab which made his dementia much worse & my caregiver role intensified. Last Nov I had 3 blocks remaining to sash to complete Kaffe's Target Log Cabin. I followed your advice & tidied my sewing area. I then realized there was no way I could achieve the accuracy required. So I started to sort Mt Scrapmore. Started making EPP hexies & used your advice for sewing on the go waiting for tests & therapy sessions. Instead of practice blocks, I embarked on a Trash Quilt. Took care to sew & press my seams carefully. Figured I could include abandoned blocks. Today I went on a hunt for blocks & found a stack of blocks for Kaffe's Wedding Quilt--his 1st or 2nd book. Started to cry. The blocks were so pretty. After 5 or 6 weeks, the dam broke. I know I can finish the Log Cabin. Over the next couple of days, I'll be taking the Trash Quilt to a natural stopping point. Then it's tidy up, again, & finish the Log Cabin. Your video on sewing in small spaces made me realize I needed a sewing annex--someplace I can sew & be readily available to my husband--someplace he can sit & visit while I sew. This entailed a new sewing machine & duplicate set of often used tools & notions. So thank you again! BTW That Wedding Quilt? Will resurrect it for my grand-daughter who loves girly, girly stuff. For the "annex", I have Kaffe's Stamps & Money quilt kitted--nearly all rectangles & squares so good for fidgetty sewing. Getting back to making quilts has been a great stress reliever!

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

9 ай бұрын

I am so impressed that you found a way to make it work. 🤗👏🤗👏🤗

@yarnexpress

9 ай бұрын

I wanted you to know how thankful I am to you. When I'm stressed & anxious it's hard for me to focus on a "non-essential'. You gave me the tools I needed.

I get my reboots by watching your videos, and the spark reignites again!

Thank you for this video. Its nice to know Im not alone. Since watching this twice I'm actually finishing a quilt that was on my UFO pile.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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!

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.

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…

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!

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.

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🤷‍♀️

Twice a year I have to ease my expectations for my sewing room: the fall/winter holiday season and summer. There is simply too much extracurricular activity going on, especially having a very large extended family that live nearby and because I have started planting bigger gardens and huge food preservation. During these times I focus more on cleaning/organizing a couple of things at a time in my sewing room and working on small projects. It still gives me a sense of accomplishment, joy of time spent there and I know I'm still connected to what I love. I used to get so uptight if I wasn't constantly doing something that made me feel prolific pertaining to that. God showed me I needed to rethink some of this. Sometimes this time away from my sewing room might include focusing on other aspects of it, such as stocking up on supplies I constantly use, (threads, needles, rotary blades, etc), maintaining my machines or getting necessary repairs done, assessing things such as mending and minor alterations that are waiting to be done and what I need, etc. A few times a year I make sure I get rid of catalogs and other things that I realistically am not perusing, and organizing fabric, patterns and all areas where I work. It may not be sewing, but it has to get done just like we do with other areas of our daily lives. It may not always feel fruitful but once it's done it feels good.

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

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.

Thank you for this video. I left a month ago with a mess in my sewing room. I had tried to complete a repair on an older quilt and was not quite finished. Got home and I’ve been overwhelmed by the task in my sewing room. Having to clean it wa way more than I could handle. Now you gave me the gentle hug to say yes you can. It’s a rainy day today so it’s the perfect day to go clean my room and start refreshed.

@angelerobichaud2586

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I even went and cleaned the surfaces around my machine and now I’m ready to quilt a baby quilt! So thank you 🙏 so very much. It was the perfect kick in the pants I needed

I had just cleaned my sewing room last fall before your declutter challenge so didn't need it then but since then the room had gotten a mess! I've had several projects from classes as well as working on two quilts for home. Also about every 6 months I find something isn't working as well as I like and I need to move furniture around a little or decide a "hey, why have I never used this for storage?" and will finish those changes today. In time for another online class to start tomorrow and another in the store on Tuesday. If I'm not in here working it's because of silly things like work, house cleaning, cooking. You know, life.

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

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Yep, life 😎

I so need to find my sewjo again. I do love this channel, loved it when it was much smaller too. Lol

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)

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.

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

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

@courtnez

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

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🤣🇦🇺

I have a job for 3 1/2 to 4 months each with at which I am allowed to "bring a hobby". Well, I do! My sewing machine, cutting mat, iron and homemade ironing surface and tools, and I make quilta all winter long. I hate to admit that by the end of the job, I am really not much interested in doing much sewing. I basically just push through until I am humming along. Havi g deadlines helpa get me going, like the graduation quilt for my vrand nephew. I also will atart a new quilt-that's always fun and exciting. Getting those UFOs done is motivating, too. Thanks for another inspiring video, Karen!

I am needing a reboot! Life has just been crazy busy lately!