Quilt-y Q&A: how to get your “sewjo” back
Many of us have experienced a lack of interest in quilting or sewing at some point. Nothing looks appealing and you just don’t have the spark it takes to move forward. Although it’s been a while, I’ve struggled with this in the past. This month’s Quilt-y question is how to get your “sewjo” back. Kim writes:
I feel like I’ve lost my quilting/sewing mojo! I haven’t been in my sewing room for over a month…except to put something in it. I have a quilt top all ready to quilt and it’s been on my sewing table for over a month. There are also lots of other WIPs that need finishing but…. How do I get back into the saddle, as they say?
Kim
The good news is there are lots of ways to activate that creative switch inside of you. I have 15 ideas that will help you get back to quilting in no time!
15 ways to get your “sewjo” back
1. Take a quilting or sewing class
Scheduling a class and putting it on your calendar will give you something to look forward to and creates accountability. If you sign up with a friend, you’ll be less likely to cancel and more likely to have fun!
2. Read a favorite (or new) quilting magazine or book
Thumbing through a magazine or book can awaken those creative inklings and be a launching pad for a new project. Just looking through old quilting books that I’ve had for a while brings me joy. Another option would be to purchase a new book that you’ve had your eye on.
3. Join a local quilting group or guild
Many people enjoy the social aspect of quilting and it’s a great way to meet new friends. Plus it’s another way to stay engaged in a favorite hobby.
4. Join an online quilting group or membership
This is a great alternative for those who aren’t mobile or don’t have access to in-person groups. Facebook is a great place to look for quilting groups and you’ll find a variety of specific interests such as applique or free motion quilting.
Online memberships have become very popular. These require a monthly or yearly membership fee and often include access to a pattern library, how-to videos, community forums and monthly challenges. A few memberships that I’m aware of are listed below.
- Quilter’s Candy
- Quilting Rebel
- Seasoned Makers
- The Quilt Show
- The Art of Home Club
- The Sewing Squad
- The Clover & Violet Sewing Club
- Interwoven
5. Purchase a kit
Sometimes you don’t know where to begin when it comes to starting a new project. This can stop you dead in your tracks. Quilt kits are the perfect answer for this! It takes a lot of the burden out of picking out fabric and rounding up all of the supplies. Just grab and go! Your local quilt shop is a great place to look for kits. Fat Quarter Shop also has a great selection of kits to choose from.
6. Teach someone else to quilt
Sharing your love for quilting by teaching someone else to quilt could be a great way to renew your interest. It will remind you how exciting it is to start a new hobby and it also creates accountability.
My dream came true of teaching my 9-year-old granddaughter some basic sewing skills last weekend. This was one of the things on her birthday wish list. We made a simple wallet together and started on a banner for her bedroom.
My 6-year-old granddaughter (her sister) saw what was going on and wanted to make something for grandpa. She looked through my scraps for the perfect fabric, and we made an easy coaster. I think I was having just as much fun as they were!
7. Organize your fabric and sewing supplies
Sometimes just going through your supplies can be the first step in getting back to business. Starting with a clean space (or drawer, table, etc.) not only clears the physical clutter, but the mental clutter, too.
Start by taking inventory and get rid of anything you don’t need or like anymore. But, don’t get overwhelmed with the process. This can have the opposite effect!
You can read about how I organize quilt projects here and how I store my thread here.
8. Go shopping
Need I say more? (No, but I will.) Once you’ve organized and purged your supplies, you have a great excuse to go shopping! Visit your local quilt shop for inspiration and reward yourself with something new.
9. Try a new technique
It might be time to try a new technique, especially if you’ve been bored with the same old thing. If you’ve never tried applique or paper piecing, now’s the time. Even learning a completely new craft such as cross stitch or embroidery can get you back into the swing of things. Learning something new can be exciting and fun!
10. Make a gift for someone
It’s nice to have handmade gifts ready to go. I love making mug rugs and they’re quick projects that won’t be overwhelming. Don’t forget, the holidays will be here soon. It’s the perfect time to start working on gifts. Plus, it adds a deadline that is attainable.
11. Finish a WIP or UFO
Sometimes getting something finished is a great way to jump back into the sewing room. If you’re like me, you’ll find plenty of unfinished projects to choose from. You might have a quilt top that just needs a border or a quilt that needs the binding attached. Whatever it is, you’ll be glad to make a little progress on it.
12. Attend a quilt show or festival
Many guilds put on local quilt shows that include vendors and classes. It’s inspiring to see so many beautiful quilts in one place. Not sure if there are any shows in your area? Contact your local quilt shop and they’ll point you in the right direction.
13. Work on something small
If you start a small project, you’re more likely to finish it. Small wins make it easier to move forward. Plus, you won’t be overwhelmed and stressed out. My Folded Corner Pincushion tutorial would be a great place to start.
14. Join a sew along or quilt along
Being part of a sew along or quilt along can be so much fun and provides a schedule that you’ll want to keep up with. Many QAL’s are free, but you may need to purchase a pattern or book. There are usually prizes offered along the way as well as tips to guide you through the steps.
Check out The Jolly Jabber (Fat Quarter Shop’s blog) for a range of QAL’s and SAL’s currently taking place. I’m participating in their Piece & Quilt Sampler QAL and I post my progress here and on Instagram.
15. Just do it
Seriously, just do it! Sometimes it just takes that first step of cutting some fabric or sewing some scraps together. Maybe you just need to bring out your sewing machine and put it where it’s accessible. Once you take that first step, the rest will follow.
Conclusion
Whether you’re stuck in a rut, misplaced your “sewjo” or you’ve lost the will to create, there is a way to get it back. Be patient with yourself and take a breath. Hopefully something on this list will spark that creative fire inside!
If you have any suggestions for how to get your “sewjo” back, let us know by leaving a comment. Make sure to Pin the image below for future reference (just in case).
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After finally finishing Urban Owl by Wendy Williams and displaying it as a group project at The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, I too am in a slump! It was such a fun quilt to make and really stretched my skills but it was exhausting! I have other projects to work on but just lack the enthusiasm! Your article came at just the right time- it’s good to know that this is not uncommon! Thank you Julie- I so love your articles and encouragement! N
Fabulous ideas….I also sometimes find putting on my favorite music can get me groovin’ to a task I just don’t want to do!
All of these are right on! I would add that sometimes you have to give yourself permission to box up and put away a project that is overwhelming or taking your joy of sewing away! Just because you started it doesn’t mean you have to finish it. Especially if it’s causing you to be stuck.
This was perfect, this is where I am today and I appreciate all the tips. I went to the IPQF last week and found a shop I went to in Carmel for years. they had tin work from Haiti and saw a wall hanging made with quilt blocks and small tin animals and shapes. This inspired me to pick up a few and will be making a long narrow quilt wall hanging for my hallway. It sometimes takes just a small thing to get back to it. Thank you Julie.
I needed this today. I hit a wall this summer. I sew for work, and I sew for pleasure. I have lots to work on, and no shortage of new things to try. I even have quilts to do for customers because I need the extra cash. But I think the pressure of “needing” to work on things just hit me. I definitely need to clean and organize my room, and I bought some cute notebooks to start keeping track of what needs doing and what I’d like to be doing. Fingers crossed I’ll be able to jumpstart my “Sew-Jo” this weekend so I can get back on track:). As always, I appreciate your posts. Thankyou for the encouragement you didn’t know I needed.
I have found when I lose my “sewjo” it’s because I have “too many or too much”. I will have too many things I want to make, too many patterns to choose from, too many books to look at, too much fabric (yes that does happen sometimes), too many UFO’s and so on. When that happens, I give myself permission to take a break from sewing and use the time to “simplify”. I go through my stuff and organize and prioritize and set some goals. I get things more manageable and through the process I start feeling like I want to sew again. Your post has some great ideas. Thanks for sharing.
I really like all your suggestions. Thank you , Julie! Sometimes I start a brand new project (developed from my stash of fabric and patterns) to get the “spark” back. I have to tell myself to just relax about UFOs. They’re always there 😉
Thanks for the pep talk Julie. I’ve discovered Pickleball of late and many of my mornings are spent having fun with friends on the courts! Sewing has taken a backseat but I’m determined now to get back in gear. You’ve given lots of great suggestions. Thanks!
PS your granddaughters are adorable!
Love your letters with your thoughts and ideas that you are willing to share with us. I was in a slump but now I feel I can get it going again!! Thank you for being there.
Spot on for all of these! I’ve been known to clean (dust and vacuum) my sewing room and just being in there helps.
Thank you for this post and suggestions. I moved cross country in mid May. Your suggestions are so encouraging.