Getting My SewJo Back

Nineteen months ago was the last time I felt like working on anything. My quilting came to a stand still. The last thing I did was load the back of a quilt on the long arm. The top just needed pressed. Then life happened. Actually work happened. My job became more stressful, I was working very long hours and everything else fell by the wayside.

How bad was it? After a while I didn't even want to buy fabric. What quilter doesn't want to buy fabric?  I had dropped my morning routine because I was having to go into work so early. So I wasn't even doing any mindless stitching (chain piecing 2 inch squares into 4 patches) It was not good. Without my morning routine of stitching or cutting scraps and spiritual broadcasts, things spiraled.

I was overly stressed but didn't realize it. I was depressed but not recognizing it. I was exhausted but pushing myself to keep going. I was sick but minimized it and didn't get the rest I needed. I was not taking time off and my weekends were filled with errands and chores that were left undone during the week.  A lot of those were done by my kids because I was too exhausted or sick to do anything.

Now I did do some other creative things during this time. I played with UV resin and made some jewelry. I made lip balm and hand cream. I even did some candles. All of these were done to teach at Relief Society. I can thank my calling for at least making me do a little creative activity every month.

What finally broke the drought? I quit my job. I finally recognized that I wasn't valued or appreciated. My career was stalled and I wasn't going to break through the glass ceiling. It was time to move on. And I did.

While on a much needed vacation in Hawaii, I realized that I wanted to buy fabric. I wanted to find a quilt shop and see what they had. We were buying souvenirs at the little boutiques, when we found Quilt Passions in Kailua Kona.  I bought 3 kits, 3 more patterns, a couple of gadgets, and some yardage. I felt excited about quilting for the first time in a long time.

When we got home, it took forever to get over the jet lag. But I needed to get somethings together for my trip to California with my husband. I knew I couldn't bring a sewing machine so that meant slow stitching. I decided to grab my scrap box and start cutting up some 2 inch squares for my EPP project. 

my work station in the hotel room

I started cutting and boy did it feel wonderful. I love cutting fabric. I have a bin and a half of fabric scraps I need to process. When I get back from California I really should get that bin processed since I need it for yardage.

I am currently in California. I spend the day in the hotel room while my husband is at work. I am spending my time reading, working on blogs, listening to broadcasts, and doing EPP. I am totally relaxed and excited about getting my studio in shape. I will be reviewing the video on servicing my long arm. I just need to come up with some space solutions but that is doable.

It is amazing what removing negative energy can do for your creative spirit.