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Are you afraid of ruining the quilt with your quilting? That's my problem. I don't want to take a perfectly nice pieced top and wreck it with my mediocre . I recently had to put up a sign in my sewing room that says, "Finished Is Better Than Perfect." Not that my quilt tops are perfect by any means, but you get the idea.
I have been in a quilting funk lately also. The other day I was finally in the mood and decided I was going to do some quilting only to discover that the light ring is half burned out on my sweet 16 and the lights that aren't burned out are flickering. I found out that this is a common problem. A new light ring is in the mail. Hopefully once it arrives and my hubby installs it, I will be in the mood again.
I make a lot of runners as I have no need and no one to give full quilts to since all that want have them already . So I find a pattern I like and make it shorter each way and use them for foot quilts and table runners and dresser toppers.
I definitely have to be in the mood to quilt, or sew for that matter. If I am not really into it, I usually make a mistake. I have several tops in need of final borders before they can be quilted. I also have four rag quilts to finish, but ever since I broke two needles on one of them, I put them away and have not looked at them since. I keep thinking I don't need them finished until Christmas so I have plenty of time. I should know after last year that something always happens to change the plans, so guess I better get back at them so they are FINISHED!
I'm thinking after the 4th of July weekend I will get back to all of my UFOs. I really need to be cleaning the house, planting some flowers and pitching stuff for the next two weeks anyway. Always something to do, right?
I think we all have that mood sometimes. I really don't like the setting up and basting part. It means crawling around on the floor (and sometimes the floor isn't big enuff!) Then when I get that done, I have to figure out what pattern I'm going to do .The...when I'm finally at the machine I have to take a deep breath before I make that first stitch (sorta like jumping into cold water!). Right now I have 10 of 30 applique squares done and I got bored so I started another top. I'm leaving them on my table so I can't ignore them too long. Just jump in..the water's fine!!!
Well, I don't allow myself this privilege because if I did I would have to move out of my house and use it just to store quilt tops. LOL Really though, I just don't start another until the first is finished. It is the way I know I have to do it because I know myself so well. I do also use the quilt as you go method at this point so doing the sandwiching and quilting really is part of the process.
If you are an experienced quilter I would pick the one that I want finished first and start. If you are not an experience quilter I would do some practicing on scrap and then pick one that would be a simple quilt. Maybe one that you want to simply do stitch in the ditch and use a decorative stitch. You do need a good walking foot fort SID though.
I am with most everyone else, the planning, buying the perfect fabric or vice versa then getting the top made is what is exciting to me. I really don't mind sandwiching either since I have a decent place to do it but moving on to the quilting part slows me down and I sometimes lose interest.
Do not feel alone, I have a friend that has about 50 tops pieced and not quilted. She also has a long arm but she does do quilting for others and that probably takes up most of her time.
I did manage to get a quilt finished today, it is in the washer and when it is on the bed [ours, yeah!] I will take a picture.
I'm sorry you are in a funk with finishing your quilts. Do you have someone who can help you sandwich them? I know with a friend it all goes better and you are more apt to get it done.
I usually always finish one before starting the next, but the past little bit I have one done and started on others. My problem is I don't want to piece the back, and now I'm not even sure where I put the fabric for the binding, and it's for me so I always think there is no rush.
Maybe just take a break from sewing. Whatever you do, best wishes!! :)
Sorry, Darling, not gonna be able to say a solitary word about this habit of yours.....as I am exactly the same way!
Can't kick you or I would have to kick myself too! I have a pile of 12 tops.
Just no desire to quilt them... no urgency.
so, I am pacing myself, I dropped 3 off at a LAQ, so I could get a little sticker shock to push myself to get moving!