Lost Your Mojo?

May 27, 2025

We've probably all been there at one time or another, and usually, if given time it passes on it's own and you get back into the swing of things. But what can we do if it's dragging on for a while and getting us down? Chances are you've invested in tools, notions, a fabric stash not to mention machines. It doesn't make sense to have your investment sit there idle. Some of these suggestions will seem like common sense, but when we are in a slump we might have to make a conscience effort to make ourselves try one or two of these ideas.

1) Let's start with one we've all heard: clean and organize your stash. Maybe you've been imagining a more efficient space with a better work flow, well now might be the time to move things around. Making a couple of small changes could make a big difference in how much easier it is to work in your space, saving time and energy. Is your stash getting out of hand? Do you have fabric that you keep passing over because your taste has changed or evolved? Sort through your stash, take some of that fabric you won't use and donate it to a quilt guild, or church group that makes donation quilts.

If locating fabric, tools and patterns in your messy sewing room is a chore then you certainly won't be chomping at the bit to wade through the mess to find things. Clear the chaos!!!

Figure out a system that works for you. If I buy certain fabrics/precuts and have a particular project in mind, I find it easier to tuck the pattern in with that fabric grouping.

If the pattern is in a book and I don't want to store the book with my fabric then I make a note to tuck in with it that tells me what I had planned.

2) Try joining a guild or setting up specific sewing dates with a friend. It's always easier to tackle something that's been hanging over our head like a dark cloud when we aren't alone. If you don't have a guild in nearby proximity, you might be able to set up a small sewing circle of close friends in a community hall or church basement.

Don't forget retreats! These can be a great place to have fun while you sew. A new setting, new friends and new ideas are sure to inspire you.

The ladies had so much fun making barn star signs at the last retreat!

3) If a certain project has you down, or you didn't enjoy it, then remember, it's ok to set it aside. And shocker.........it's even ok to call it quits on that particular project. Donate the project to another quilter and don't feel guilty about it. If it is stripping the joy from the experience then it's not worth it.

4) Sometimes you may be struggling with a particular part of a project and that causes you to avoid your sewing room. There might be a tool or specialty ruler that will make it easier and more enjoyable, for instance, if you struggle with flying geese, try using one of the many specialty rulers that help with that, or specialty foundation papers. You could also reach out to another quilter and ask for some tips. And don't forget there are even online classes or tutorials that may help you overcome the hurdle.

These foundation papers from It's Sew Emma help to make accurate flying geese blocks, but there are many different companies offering similar items.

5) Start small........maybe try a new technique/project that you've always wanted to do, a king size quilt might be a bit much when you are trying to get back into the swing of things. Make a pillow, or a table runner, or a small Christmas gift. Accomplishing a small project will encourage you, and if in the process you add a new technique or skill you will feel even more encouraged!

I tried a new template to make this little pillow out of scraps.

And then I made my first zippered back for the same pillow.

6) Once you get a small project under your belt go treat yourself to something special that speaks to you or inspires you. A new notion that isn't "necessary" but would be "nice", or a beautiful fabric bundle or layer cake that makes you smile.

Was this rotating mat a necessity? No.......but it sure has made easy work of squaring up blocks. So glad I splurged on this!

7) When you do move on to a larger project, tackle the hardest part of the project first, leave the simpler parts to later. That way the difficult parts aren't hanging over your head causing you to drag your feet.

8) And above all, allow yourself to freely step away for a while without any guilt. Try something totally unrelated for a bit (join a book club, take a baking class, take an online course). Give yourself permission to take a break and not feel guilty about it. Time away might be the change you need to come back with a fresh perspective!

Hopefully some of these tips may help you get your groove back!!!!!!!

Twila

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