Help? Where's My SewJo...6 Strategies to Overcoming Sewing Burnout
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ย. 2024
- Have you ever lost your motivation to sew? Has your SewJo just got up and left? You have no desire to sew? I have. Today I am sharing 5 strategies to overcome burnout and get your SewJo back. So you can get back to your sewing machine and get your projects finished.
Affiliate Links:
Timer - geni.us/FHElloG (amazon)
COMPLIMENTARY VIDEOS:
SCRAP MANAGEMENT - CAN IT BE DONE? HOW TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR SCRAPS AND KEEP THEM ORGANIZED
• SCRAP MANAGEMENT - CAN...
CHOSE FABRICS LIKE A PRO
• 🐥🌺 CHOSE FABRICS LIKE ...
JUMPSTARTING AN OLD PROJECT
• 🚴♂️JUMPSTARTING AN OL...
✅ Subscribe for more FREE tips for better sewing, dealing with your stash and managing Mt ScrapMore / justgetitdonequilts
🎖️Want to become a member of Karen’s Quilting Crew? Sign Up Here:
/ @justgetitdonequilts
🙌🙌Want more Just Get It Done Quilts content?🙌🙌
Newsletter: www.justgetitd...
Facebook: / justgetitdonequilts
Instagram: / justgetitdonequilts
🛑🛑Recommended Video Series You Should Check Out! 🛑🛑
TIPS & TRICKS FOR BETTER RESULTS
• Tips & Tricks for Bett...
KQC/KAREN’S QUILT CIRCLE PLAYLIST
• Karen's Quilt Circle 🎙
COLOUR YOUR QUILT - The Colour Theory Series
• Colour Theory - How to...
Download my FREE Fast and Easy Stashbuster Patterns
www.justgetitd...
💕My Most Watched Videos💕
BUDGET SEWING- TOOLS & HACKS FROM THE DOLLAR STORE
• 🛍 BEGINNER SEWING - 10...
Fast and Easy Beginner Quilt - Quilt-in-a-day Stash Buster - Free Pattern
• Fast and Easy Beginner...
🛠Previously Recommended Tools🛠
Where indicated, the link will direct you to Amazon where I will receive a small commission on your purchase. There is no obligation to purchase from these links. These items may be available locally or you can use or modify something that you already own.
Panasonic NI-WL 600 cordless iron
geni.us/K8OvA (amazon)
M-Aimee Wool Pressing Mat
geni.us/shw7seK (amazon)
Tractor Seat Adjustable Chair
geni.us/YM4WV (amazon)
Ipad stand
geni.us/h6DXzm (amazon)
Sitting Pad
bit.ly/2Z2hKzR (Virgus Technologies)
Laser Square
geni.us/u2zDx4 (amazon)
Ultimate 3-In-1 Color Tool
geni.us/8QezMZq (amazon)
Alarm Timer Cube
geni.us/FHElloG (amazon)
LED Lighting Strip
geni.us/FxOE (amazon)
🧵My Favourite Quilt Tools🧵
LDH Scissors lddy.no/njem (LDH scissors)
OMNIGRID 6” x 24” Ruler geni.us/H9Fprrw (amazon)
Olfa 2.5” x 18” Ruler geni.us/Y00AO (amazon)
Add a quarter ruler geni.us/sffqxS (amazon)
Olfa 60MM rotary cutter geni.us/hbmq3 (amazon)
Olfa 45mm rotary cutter geni.us/eBvSBx (amazon)
Clover 28mm rotary cutter geni.us/CLeF (amazon)
Clover Stitch Ripper geni.us/gLL6A (amazon)
Violet Craft Seam Roller geni.us/Bk7YHo (amazon)
T-fal Iron geni.us/ANrABt (amazon)
📱💻You can find me hanging out most days on📱💻
Instagram: JustGetItDoneQuilts
Facebook: JustGetItDoneQuilts
✉️Feel free to email me: info@justgetitdonequilts.com
📬Or by snail-mail
Just Get It Done Quilts
3911 Chesswood Dr
North York, ON M3J 2R8
🎥Video Equipment I use🎥
Camera -geni.us/M2432XG (amazon)
Lighting - geni.us/mGNDv (amazon)
Microphone - geni.us/fast (amazon)
Camera memory card - geni.us/SBIXq2 (amazon)
Editing software - Premiere Pro
Hi everyone. It's been a while. April was a tough month for me. A medical emergency and a tragedy makes for some demanding days. I know we all have times like this. It sucks the creativity right out of you. So here are some strategies that I have used to help get it back. If you have any others, please leave them in the comments below. Thank you all for your good wishes.
I do not quilt, but sew other things, and crochet, and just a bunch of creative things in general. It has helped me through the darkest moments of my life. However, back to back pregnancies and two bouts of postpartum depression brought me out of it. I am now giddily making dresses for my daughters, and want to start making doll clothes for them.
Thanks for the video, and I am sorry April was bad for you. Sending some positive energy for a better May!
Thanks for sharing. I needed to hear your encouraging words.
Just Get it Done Quilts, oh my dear, I was wondering where you could be and I was patiently waiting for you. I also have had my gall bladder out and it takes some time for your body to heal afterwards. There is no doubt about it. But to have a tragedy in your life on top of surgery is a thumping you didn’t need in your life. No wonder April was a wash out for you. I live in Alberta and though my arm isn’t long enough i am offering you a big virtual hug and a hand squeeze. Take the time you need to heal as well as let your creativity flow...i am sure both will help with the healing. Take care of you, as you are the driver here. I can only hope that things are going in a more positive direction for you. Your friend, Terri
Just what I needed. Thank you so much!!!!❤
Best wishes and thank you for your videos. Allow yourself to grieve. I sewed my whole life minus the past three years because my baby bro died. Started sewing again recently. I love your videos. It is tough.
Thank you for this beautiful video. I have suffered from clinical depression for 25+ years. In 2013, I lost my husband, my father, my brother-in-law, and two dear friends. I felt like I lost so much of myself and my identity.
But I have moved into an apartment and am finding myself and my love for sewing again. I made a quilt for my great-grandson and now have requests from my two granddaughters for t-shirt quilts. Yay! I’m needed again. I’m talented again. I’m looking forward to things again. Mental health, or lack thereof, is a booger! It messes with everything you thought you were and wanted to be. Thankfully there are good physicians, medications, and therapists who are there to help us.
Thank you for all of your honesty and warm sense of humor that I often turn to when I want to learn a new skill. You’re a blessing! Thank you for posting this video!!!
I've just found this video. I lost my sewjo 30 years ago and just found it again. I am so glad. And I discovered TH-cam.😊❤🎉
You are quilting’s Mary Poppins. Love love love all your advice. Thank you. 👍👍👍😘🙋🏻
Oh an Outlander person. I love Outlander. Books, TV Show, you tube , interviews, reviews ,etc.
. I laugh with them and cry with them, talk to them. It gives me somewhere to go and people to share my life.
I lost my sewjo for ten years after a traumatic event and now am getting back into it and so glad to be doing so. Loving your videos Karen and finding them so helpful.
It was sewing and quilting that saved my life following the death of my son, my only child. My sewing room continues to keep my mind busy, keep focused, and allow my mind to think about what I am ready to put in perspective. I am healing, slowly, but healing none the less.
There are no words for this. I have you in my thoughts. 🙏
((((((((((( Yvonne ))))))))))))
Prayers and thoughts to you, Sister!
I am so sorry, i can only imagine your pain.
@@kathleennotaro9935 ❤
I love you. I have watched quilting videos before but I have never been inspired to binge watch a channel of them, until I found yours. I laugh, cry, learn and get stuff done. You remind me a lot of my mother-in-law (whom I adore) and are so genuine and helpful. Thanks so much for all your hard work on this channel.
Thank you for watching
Karen I love your videos. I'm a 67 yr old newbie. Your videos are so informative. And I want to thank you for addressing Mental Health. I dealt with depression yrs ago due to an abusive relationship. It is so hard for people to feel comfortable telling anyone they struggle with it and to seek help, You are correct.....if we had a gash in our leg we wouldn't hesitate to seek medical attention. For those that need it....don't be afraid to get help.
Being the adult in the room when my grandkids are online schooling, means that I can't just check out and sleep in a chair, or go down to my basement (my quarters--we all live in the same house) and putter or clean or veg out. So, I've been watching youtube videos and found yours. They have been SO informative, entertaining and appropriate for my skill level and my tolerance level (with all things COVID). I watch them with the closed captioning on (sometimes the transcriptions are hilarious), taking notes and sitting next to my grandson. This particular video hit all the right notes for me. I have been very depressed for about 3 and 3/4 years (yes, I can pinpoint the exact moment in January 2017), have reduced my area to an imitation of the Hoarding shows, including the path between the canyons of stuff-not-put-away. Your video has inspired me to eat the frog, in 15 minute bites, with fun breaks in between. I expect that I will emerge one day ready to tackle my desire to start quilting, relearn my sewing machine and "just get it done". Thank you!
You are THE MOST authentic and wonderful person. God bless you. ❤️
I have lost my sewjo and am so thankful that I stumbled upon your channel! I started watching your videos (binging really) and realized part of the reason I have lost my sewjo is that my sewing room is a mess. It's overwhelming so before I even venture into quilting again, my goal is to get that room in order so that I can once again sit behind my machine and find the joy of quilting. I LOVE your videos, your style is warm and inviting and so down to earth. THANK YOU!
I got my sew Jo back after finding your channel last month! Thank you a million times for sharing all your informative videos. ❤️
I lost my SewJo for many years, thank you for helping me get it back!
Well, strategy 1 is impossible for me. I have narcolepsy. Until they figure out a way to replace hypocretin/orexin, I will forever be tired. Haha.
Strategy 2 is really important for me, and the alternating work/rest works for anything around the house! :-)
And I love the simple projects idea!
Carrissa Keith I can relate as I have severe idiopathic hypersomnia that is “ on the edge of it being narcolepsy “ and I can’t take stimulants so that daytime sleepiness is crushing! For me it’s a bit at a time but so many times that ability to stay awake losses! Wishing you a good path to enjoy each day.
Hi Karen,
T.S. Eliot said, "April is the cruelest month" and he was right. What month is more cruel than the one which gave me my husband and my son, but took my father and father-in-law? Being depressed is a real challenge.
I just saw this video and am one of your newer viewers (sorry for the rhyme). My life has been a roller coaster for the last 3 years. My husband died in 2017, my daughter's boyfriend proposed in 2018 and they were married in 2019, then in 2020 my daughter had back surgery and I had 3 surgeries myself. These last 2 months have been hard with 40 years since a fire at my family home and 50 years since my grandfather's passing and the fact that I'm the only one who seems to remember.
I have had a certain web design project on the back burner for the last 3 years, so now I am trying to get started. Your tips will be a BIG help.
Thank you for showing us that is is okay to be human and vulnerable, that we don't have to be perfect. and "on" all the time and to listen to our bodies, and that there are ebbs and flows to our energy. It is temporary and part of life.
Hi Karen. I don't believe in coincidence! Your email today included this video and the timing was impeccable. We are in a horrible lockdown in Melbourne with curfews and so many restrictions. I have lost my sewjo and this video made me feel better about it. Fingers crossed - I'll be back to sewing soon. Thanks so much!
Thank you, Karen, for forwarding this video to me in response to my question about how to resume sewing after a long bout with COVID. Every day is a battle, just walking down the stairs to my quilting room. I’ve tried working with my new machine, which has helped. But I haven’t tried to clear away the mess. I do need to be with people after being alone for so long, and even walking around the yard with my 8 yr old Brittany has been a game changer. Being patient with my body and it’s slow recovery has been a challenge; but I realize that if I fall asleep reading my sewing machine manual then I must have needed the nap! Thank you for the work you do. You have a calling as well as a following.
I have my sewjo back after a 13 year hiatus. After my mom passed away, that was it. I have my first grandchild due in September and finished a ufo and started another quilt. Before, I had my own mini fabric shop lol (you know all the stash building we do!) I have been “shopping for fabric” in my own stash. I am enjoying myself so much!!
Stopping your stash is the best
Incredibly insightful video. I have Adrenal Fatigue so I am a practitioner of all of the helps that you shared. I’m a Registered Nurse who has practiced in my field for 52 years. And 6 of those years was in a Family Practice about 35 years into my career. I never had heard of this diagnosis until I hit the proverbial wall myself. Too many years of rotating shifts in nursing, losing our house in a fire, and 2 other significant events as large as the house fire. I ended up having to track down the cause myself as the physicians just kept telling me that there was nothing wrong with me except that I needed counseling. I didn’t give up as I knew my home life was great but there was something “wrong” causing this unbelievable crushing fatigue that I was having. Even when I was participating in a quilting retreat, etc. Meaning the most fun thing I wanted to do. The adrenal glands actually “run” the rest of the systems in our bodies. Therefore, when they are exhausted, the result is one that millions have experienced. The correct medical terminology terminology is, “I hit the wall”. It is the time when one can’t reach down into their selves and grab their bootstraps to help pull themselves back up. It is also accompanied with mental “fuzz”. Too often its written off as depression, but in reality one’s body has experienced too many dramatic onslaughts and just becomes unable to keep up. So there is the rub. Yes, it is in our minds, but the root cause is the adrenal gland. I have included a link to Dr. Wilson who was a pioneer in this area. For me, it was before we had our computer and way before the internet. As I said, I wasn’t giving up trying to find the root cause for my state of being. I finally found a book he had written and it led me to recovery. All the approaches you mentioned are correct. But for adrenal fatigue, the body is so depleted of essential mineral and vitamins that replacement of these elements was and is a critical component to recovery. I have added a link to Dr. Wilson’s web site if anyone is interested. By the way, i have never seen the diagnosis of adrenal fatigue in my entire career but i and assure you that it is real! (One reason is that there is no diagnostic code for it. Probably linked to the fact that there isn’t any “drug” for it therefore, no pharmaceutical company can manufacture it for a profit). The web site gives so much information about adrenal fatigue. There is also a questionnaire to take to see if one falls into the area of adrenal..... low; moderately; severe.
My personal story is that this information saved my life. I still struggle with adrenal fatigue at times. A month ago our 4 year old dog had severe pancreatitis requiring hospitalization. Over the years I have gone for periods without the supplements and other times have been anywhere from the maintenance dose to the moderate and as in the case of Cora, even the severe level.
One more thought. I have found it also helpful to take stinging nettle tea. Also when my symptoms are severe, acupuncture helped a lot. Lol, even one more thought. ABSOLUTELY NO CAFFEINE. That is because of the cortisol that has been released in your body for those who are experiencing adrenal burnout. I am such a great fan of your videos and always learn something from them. It’s always so pleasant and refreshing to hear your voice with each and every video you make. Your presence kinda of jumps out of the screen as if you are next to those of us listening. I think i remember one where you are walking in the woods/field and there was a feeling of being a part as opposed to just an onlooker.
The first link is to Amazon for the book, Adrenal Fatigue: The 21ST Century Stress Syndrome. Fantastic book with many real stories and how Dr Wilson came to his conclusions.
images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51V6GMpBmSL._SX333_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
This link is to Dr. Wilson’s web site.
adrenalfatigue.org/what-is-adrenal-fatigue/.
Quilt Gram you’re story is so familiar. I was a nurse for many years. Left to start a soap company 22 years ago. Nine years ago I had a post op infection caused by a hernia mesh. I kept telling doctors, “I’m sick”. They ran tests, nothing. One morning 3 weeks in, I woke with 104 degree fever. It was Fourth of July weekend. they decided to sit on me to not inconvenience the docs. My surgical doc was in a different hospital, he wanted me back there.. Finally one morning my numbers were crashing and they threw me in an ambulance and sent me to my surgeon. He saved my life by hours. I was close to septicemia. With all the antibiotics the “considerate” hospital had given me, I ended up with C Diff for two years until I found a transplant GI doc. I’m better but will never be great again. I’d forgotten I’d read about adrenal fatigue back when i was so sick.
Thank you for your very informative post. I will buy the book and scour his site and maybe there is info to take me back to great. I miss so much life. I rarely leave my house, I’m exhausted all the time.
This community of quilters is like family. I’m always enlightened by what I read and learn here. Thank you again, everyone!!
I
Quilt Gram : Thank you for your links. I will share them with family & friends. My niece was told about adrenal fatigue, but not by a physician. He indicated that once they are exhausted or depleted there is no recovery - no way to build them back up - like your body has a finite supply when born and once it's gone, it's gone. She was in her late 20s at the time and he said her adrenal system was more that of an 80 year old. But maybe there is a way to do some supportive health practices. Thanks again.
Holly Waddell
Hi Holly. Well I have good news. With the correct supplements and some additional changes one can certainly recover from adrenal fatigue. Dr. Wilson is a great start. I will add: NO CAFFEINE. I has to change to decaf tea. During periods of an exacerbation, a daily nap is a must. Sometimes I only need 20 minutes and sometime an hour. The fact is that the body needs to be flat instead of a sitting “rest”. Acupuncture around the adrenal glands is very helpful if used in conjunction with the supplements. The supplements are because with the adrenals working overtime to help fight the invading stress, the body cannot replace them by itself. This video does a great job of hitting the other important approaches.. The cause of the fatigue is that the body produces way too much cortisol. Let your niece know that this will be ongoing. Not the symptoms, but the fact that she may experience flare ups every so often when life throws one curves. At those times I have learned to increase my supplements to the max level right away before i actually crash. I also will now cancel some obligations instead of pushing myself during times of increased stress. For instance. Our 4 year old dog was just seriously ill. Due to the fact it coincided with our federal taxes and property taxes, her 5 day hospitalization was an extra burden. Two days after her discharge my vehicle required almost $1,000.00 in repairs. Life happens. Thankfully at the start I had increased from the maintenance level to the max level right away. That helped me get through with only a few days of fatigue. I originally had symptoms at least 25 years ago. I have also learned that one of the clues that i have is if i start to have nightmares at night. I had read Dr. Wilson’s book. Looking back, i wish that I had used a yellow marker every time I read of one of this patients symptoms. And then kept a list. I now know that i could have saved myself from burning out as often as i used to. In all honesty there are times that I don’t even need to be on the maintenance dose. Two years ago I had a partial herniated disc. The constant pain activated the adrenals again. Since then i have needed to follow the maintenance, or the moderate and short periods of the max dosage. Lol, i was about to stop when the last event happened. I am about to taper down again. Just sharing this so you can pass it on that it is an ongoing situation but one that is completely manageable. I have gone years at a time without any problems without taking supplements. Back 8-9 years ago I experienced times when i was very dizzy. Ended up that my blood sugar was too LOW. This wasn’t caused from diabetes but from the adrenal fatigue. I reread the book again and made some changes again. What worked for me was to make up deviled eggs. I would eat one when i got up at night and one first thing in the morning. Most of all, I made sure to have protein before going to bed at night. (Not so funny, my primary care provider missed that one too. Sure was glad that I’m a nurse so i could help myself out!!). And yes, i actually have a good primary.. its just like my previous post. The doctors are not taught about adrenal fatigue. Would cut into the pockets of big pharma too much. Best to your niece and any others out there struggling with extreme fatigue. The good news is that it can be managed and most of the time one can continue with out any symptoms. Happy quilting.
Karen,
Thank you SOOO much for this video. My SewJo totally disappeared for about 6+ months. I tried most of the things you recommended, but it just would not come back. I would sit at my machine and get almost physically sick trying to sew one small square to another square. I just could not force myself to do it for even 10 minutes. Many changes have happened in my life over the last 18 months. I lost my husband unexpectedly in January 2021. He was still running his construction business so I had to deal with that. He left me in a HUGE financial mess, and I’m still dealing with that. I had to close down his business, sell some property, have an auction, and keep on with my life. My quilting was always my therapy. But it no longer brought any joy to me. I seriously considered getting rid of every single piece of fabric and quilting tool I had in my possession. Glad I didn’t follow through on that impulse, though. My life was in chaos, and my brain was in chaos, too. I retreated into myself. I stayed home way too much, but it was the middle of the Pandemic, after all. That was justified until the vaccine was available to me. Just getting out in the world to get my vaccines was therapeutic to me!! My dogs were the biggest help, actually. I had to get up every day to take care of them. And they gave me so much comfort. Just petting them and stoking them was so soothing to me.
I READ voraciously. I watched quilting videos, I read quilting articles. I pored through my quilting magazine. I devoired all my quilting books but I just could not sew. I tried to figure out what was keeping me from sewing. It wasn’t the clutter and mess in my studio. It wasn’t the grief. It wasn’t the financial worry. I discovered it was all the PAPER things, like bills, receipts, envelopes, junk mail, etc!!! Holy moly. I started attacking the paper mess a little bit at a time. It would have been overwhelming trying to attack it all at once. Little by little, things got sorted, recycled, filed. I am not caught up on it, but it is getting better. It was my ELEPHANT!! And how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time, one bite at a time. Once I had a plan for the paper “stuff,” I started with short bursts of dealing with my cutting table. And then I would just sew mindlessly for 15 minutes or so. Then I would go read some more. And I did this day after day. Finally, FINALLY, I am enjoying being in my studio. I’m catching up on some partially finished projects. Working on a few things I stopped for whatever reason. Working on block of the month kits I’ve had for YEARS. And went on a 4-day quilting retreat early in May. I knew I was going to do that, so I made my decision to pre-cut many, MANY things ahead of time so I could just SEW while I was there. I think I brought 12 projects, and left several in the car, just in case something went wrong with what I REALLY wanted to work on. Did I finish anything? No, not at all. Did I enjoy myself? ABSOLUTELY!!! I was able to sew, not have to deal with preparing meals, visit with my closest friends, enjoy the beautiful setting where we’ve gone for over 20 years, and just RELAX. It was heaven for me. And my SewJo has mostly returned. Some days I don’t get out to my studio until later in the day, but that’s OK. Some days I only sew for 30 minutes, some days I sew for 5 hours. It’s all good. I clean and sort a little, and I sew a little. Or I deal with decluttering in my house, and then I deck utter in my studio with breaks in between to sew a bit. It’s what worked for me.
I know I was depressed, and I was on meds for that. But this was just a different kind of SOMETHING for me. I just felt BLAH for way too long. I had zero interest in actually doing ANYTHING. Other than reading. I didn’t care about watering my house plants. I didn’t care about cleaning the house. I didn’t care about doing any of the things I used to enjoy doing. It was truly horrible. But, I have pulled myself back to the living again. I watched your video to see if there were any other things I could have tried to get my SewJo back. I will watch it again if I find my SewJo disappearing in the future.
You probably know more about me than you want or need to know. I shared all of this to let other people know that there is hope to return to “normal” after losing your SewJo for an extended period of time for whatever reason. I have lost my SewJo in the past, but only for shorter periods of time. This time it was LONG gone for over 6 months. That’s the longest I’ve gone not sewing since the 1990s!!
Pease keep making your videos. I SO enjoy watching and listening to your no nonsense approach to everything. I’ve learned so much from you. And picked up many good “hacks” and better techniques along the way. Looking forward to more in the future
🤗🤗🤗 thank you for sharing
The wisdom in this video is spot on..timely in my life.
What an extremely helpful video. Your wisdom can be applied to many situations. Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you Karen for being who you are! It helps so many of us. I have watched this video before and I always find it very encouraging! Keep it up! I think I have a number of frogs in my life, however not as bad as they used to be, thankfully! I try to get through each day and every once in a while the PTSD rears its ugly head. Thank goodness for my love of sewing and wonderful people who are around me to support me. Glad you are not having to deal with the gall bladder thingy!!! All the best, as always!
My prayer is you will be abundantly blessed for sharing your real self, your sweet soul. Thank you! Praying for you and your friend to have comfort and grace.
I know this is a two year video but I stumbled over it today. I have to say it was perfect timing. This is one of the most valuable helpful videos I have seen and needed to see. Everything you said resonated with me. It gave me a clear perspective and guidance in my anxiety since I tend to take on way too much. Staying up late sewing, preparing my projects for my fist craft fair, not sleeping well for ever so long. Last night I not only used my sleep mask, but I used my earplugs. I had a much better restful sleep. Today I have more ambition and stamina. But my biggest issue is sleep. Thank you so much for your advice and sewing videos. You are an inspiration.
Thank you for this video. I could feel your emotions and your passion throughout. I pray for your strength, healing and peace as you travel what sounds like a tough road right now. You are a blessing to many of us and we are thankful for you.
I watch your videos and keep thinking i want to meet her..lol.. your videos helped me in a lot of ways. You call it "Eat the frog" but call it "Work before play" . I do my house work or shopping etc.. then i spend my time im my sewing room. I've been where you were wondering what the hell em i going to do? I had an accident that took away my job. I loved that job, I've worked all my life , then i was told i couldn't work anymore. After 2 surgeries now quilting is my Peace. I love it. I just put together what i like. Before i go on in my life i want everyone that i love to have something i made and enjoyed. Other then my grandkids my Quilting will be my legacy. Thank you for your videos. Ill be honest i pretty much just watch you and Missoni star. Tally Wustman of Kingman Arizona
I hope that things are moving in a positive direction for you. I lost a spouse in March and couldn’t even look in my sewing/knitting room. It has always been my place to find peace but not this time and I was worried that I wouldn’t find my peace again. Just today I went in and straightened up a little and finished a very small ufo. Your video is very timely and helpful for me. I hope that you are feeling better soon. Thank you.
A Madison I lost my husband last July and I understand where you are coming from. I will always ache with thoughts of him. You sound like you’re on the road to healing. I make silly mistakes and can’t sleep more than 4 hours a night, but I will soon. I send you good thoughts and wishes that you keep feeling peace.
Thank you Alice. Hugs and love to you, Ann
Sorry to hear that April was so rough for you and glad your are on the road to healing.
The first quilter I knew, an older lady lost her will to quilt after her husband died. She eventually signed up to take a quilt class in a store. It forced her to get and and start a project.
Have been putting off reorganizing my sewing room for too long and absolutely hate the frustration of everything so jumbled up. Thank you for your honesty and helpful tips. Hope all things improve for you! Cloudy days make you appreciate the sunny days!
Great video! I lost my sewjo back at the beginning of the pandemic when I spent hours and hours every day making masks, and my back was killing me as a result. I put the sewing machine away and gave up on being creative (except for painting rocks) until a friend gave me a gift certificate to a local quilting store, and that’s all it took! That plus the realization that I need to give my back a rest every few hours. I was amazed at how rusty my skills had become in that three years, but I’m getting it back!
I am sorry you've had an awful April, and I wish you a marvelous May! My tip is more than one tip, though they all go together. Tidy the sewing area or room when you're done for the day. Something as simple as placing tools in a neat matter (ruler straight on the cutting mat), throw away trash or scraps and neaten the area around your machine.
After every project, no matter how small, dust, vacuum and take out the trash. You'll be surprised how much happier you feel starting a new project in a clean space!
Thank you for your honesty and openness. Blessings on your recovery. You are not alone. We've all hit rough spots.
Great advice, not just for retrieving sewjo, but applicable to living well generally. You have a beautiful caring presentation style. Thank you.
Thank you
I missed you and though you may feel very alone when bad things happen, remind yourself this is part of the human experience. Welcome back, I have been there, too. Had my gall bladder out as an emergency 4 years ago. One day at a time, breathing exercises.
About a year ago my brother died from aortic aneurysm no one knew about, I still have trouble saying it. Sewing has helped me through: ditty bags, a Denver Broncos blanket for my nephew’s son, little dresses quilts for his 2 sisters, duffle bags, free motion quilting project, doll clothes, fantasy grandchildren receiving blankets, mending, knitting, etc. Lots of TH-cam videos. My 32 yr old sewing machine quit and I made the big decision to buy a new (6 yr old fancy machine), change can be good when you choose. Got the old one fixed, I don’t want to be without a back-up machine again.
Sewing has been helpful, creative, healing.
Hugs, I love your videos, please continue.
Thank you for the tips. I haven't felt like sewing much. I want to make charity quilts for kids, but I just cant' seem to get back to them. My husband has health issues and is home alone all day while I'm at work. When I'm at home, I always think I should be doing something else instead of sewing. Lately I've been feeling down. Sewing is my therapy.
I have been binge watching your videos, learning and looking for motivation to ‘get things done’. Thank you for sharing your struggles and your empathy, and I hope you are completely recovered. I know how debilitating illness and depression can be. I starting sewing again ( finally retired with time to spare) to make face masks🦠 to give away and taught my daughter how to use her dusty sewing machine ( a gift from her husband she had never taken out of the box) and now she keeps her children’s school supplied with masks by selling some and using the money to buy fabric to make more for the school. My favorite advice for people that are depressed or feeling worthless is to do something for someone else. It is a gift you give yourself. Again thanks for the videos and now I need to stop watching them and ‘just get it done’. ❤️☮️
Thank you for sharing your personal story and very practical, realistic tips to tackle every day problems that can make us stuck in a less sunny, creative mood. I always get something personal to me from your videos.
This comment is not mine. It appears in the comments as Dorothy Fu. I do not have a grandson. I do not see my comment under any other name. Just an honest mistake. Can you remove it?
I do wish you the best on your recovery. Take time to heal. I really appreciate this video.
One of my methods to get through a rough spot or road block is to search for instructional videos to help me grasp and tackle the problem in front of me. Frozen in fear of failure or not being sure how to proceed or achieve what I am trying to accomplish are sewjo busters.
NO. I didn’t like your video. I LOVED IT! You hit the nail on the head in so many ways. I believe we all go through this and reaching out is so very important. Thank you Barbara from the bottom of my heart. ❤️❤️
You are sew RIGHT....having a simple project at hand is ESSENTIAL! I have found this with my knitting...sometimes you just need a no think pattern! For my sewing, that’s when I start just sewing SCRAPS together, whether block sizes or a “new” fabric piece to be cut up later. Let the rhythm of your machine soothe your soul...and figure the rest out LATER! I too had emergency gallbladder surgery...it throws you! Diet has to allow for new “system”. Thank you for sharing. I hope this Summer refreshes you!
I am years late viewing and responding to this video. I have recently subscribed to your channel, and it is wonderful! I have been bingeing your content!
I have suffered life-changing traumatic events over the last three years which have involved those closest to me, including myself---acute illness, dementia, Covid, surgery, and displacement. It's been a terrible ride, but we are all still here, thank God. I heard so much wisdom in your words this Christmas Day, and I take it as a blessing. Thank you.
🤗🤗🤗
After 3 surgeries to fuse my entire spine over 3 years, depression hit and the sewjo left. Right this minute I am purging my sewing room. When we moved in this house it was awesome and I need to get back to that calm feeling. I let other interests invade the room and they are on their way out. Its taken days, but I'm getting there! Lots of therapy is so very helpful too!
I am grateful for you putting it out there that there are times that are tough. When it's, tough tough, I am plummeted to the bottom by all the cheery, self-promotion/how to have it all/ permanent sunshine on social media. But it is refreshing to see a wise woman just tell it like it is. No varnish and simple, practical avenues to get back on track, by increments in necessary, and to be gentle with ourselves. I had a major loss two years ago. I spent a year mostly in bed. I apologize to no one. The second year was better and now I feel whole again. I have good friends who supported me wherever I was with no judgement and understanding health professionals. I'm mostly drawing and painting now, but quilting is on the table in the future. I'll keep dipping in to your videos. I'm sorry about your difficult time this year. Keep posting. Thank you.
I know this video was 2 years, but I found today and timing is right on. Karen, thank you so much for being real and sharing what you've learned. I'm so inspired by you. Love your videos. Thanks bunches. Dorey
I want to tell you why I enjoy listening to you . You sound like a real LOVING caring person. With real life going on. Yet you seem to make a point to care about others. And I commend you for your positive out looks.
These steps are terrific. My sewing room was left to the gnomes that come out at night and destroy an otherwise great neat room. Because of a tragedy I said to hell with it and didn’t care for anything. I let my yard die and wondered why I didn’t. The room sat there a moldering for believe me years. Finally I began to come out of it and had a room to fight and clean and straighten. God those gnomes are vicious. I’m ok now and I’ve started to sew again. I feel good now and it’s great. Donna
When I lost my "SewJo" once a friend of mine told me to go into my sewing room and just "touch your work". You don't have to create anything but just touching base with your sewing fabric and tools will hopefully help you get back to your old self. It DEFINITELY HAS BEEN a minute but I'm back in full swing. Thanks for the this video. I thought I was the only one feeling this way. 💖💖💖💖💖
Thank you for this video and for your transparency. I am just getting my sew-jo back after losing my husband of 58 years in October. For some reason it was difficult for me to sew knowing he wasn’t sitting in his chair in the living room watching sports. Weird!
🤗🤗🤗
Another Outlander fan! I knew I liked you! :) I'm glad you're doing better!
Having to deal with a Health crisis or tragedy during this Pandemic has been beyond difficult. All the familiar routines and procedures disappeared and too often it took time to replace them with safer alternatives. I recognize this is an entirely new circumstance in our World and as data & knowledge are gathered so do the rules of personal daily life change. It is imperative we take care of ourselves & take the time to recharge our batteries so we can eat there for our family and friends. Thank you for reminding me of this, especially in these early days of loss.
Thank you for this video. This weekend is the first time in months when I have actually had time to be able to go into my sewing room, and I just didn't want to today. I wasted a good portion of the day. Tomorrow, I am going to try some of these strategies--spend 15 minutes cleaning/organizing in my sewing room, wind some bobbins, list some UFOs...
Great advice. Sometimes our brains do need a rest. We are hard on ourselves. And having a mindless sewing task really helps me. Sometimes just the repetion helps. Community helps too! Sending an e hug!
I just love your channel. Thank you from Virginia,USA!
Wow! I lost my mother in early April. She died in my home and I'd been taking care of her, with the help of Hospice and part time caregivers for a couple of months. I sewed the entire time but since coming home after the funeral, I've just looked blankly at my machine with not desire to use it and wondering What the Heck? Then today, I watched your video. You really nailed it. So, I spent some time cleaning my work space, reorganized the project I'd been working on and ate the frog that was also getting in my way. Hope these steps will get me closer to getting my sewjo back! Thank you soooo much.
Heal yourself. Don’t rush. We’ll take your videos whenever you’re able to produce them. // Often mending will get me back into sewing, as I have to think about construction - always good to think - and then I have the pleasure of fixing something that was broken.
Amazing - so honest and heartfelt. So much truth in this. Thank you.
First off, so sorry for your tough times. I hope you recover from all your troubles. Second, great video as always. Just needed to share my sew jo. Whenever I start to lose my sew jo, I schedule a sew date with my 7yo grandson (who inspires me greatly). He loves it and helps me to see through his eyes.💗💗💗
Thank you . Not as fun as playing with fabric. More like maintaining your tools. Precious advice.
So true!
This video helped me more than I can say. You are incredibly honest, incredibly authentic and so genuine. Thank you so much. I appreciate all your words of wisdom.
Thank you SO VERY MUCH!!! I T WAS LIKE YOU WERE GIVING ME PERMISSION. TO SEE MY DR. ABOUT DEPRESSION! I WAS ASHAMMED... MY husband of 51 years died in July and all I was doing was sitting and crying. I didn't know what to do!!! You stepped up yo the plate and gave me permission to keep writing. She put me on antidepressants. Without your nudge I would never have gone. .. Bless you and your wonderful family!!!❤🙏❤🤗
🤗❤️🤗
Just subscribed to your channel and I love it. I do so recognise what you say. I wish you lots of inspiration and good health. May the sewjo always be with you. Ellen
Karen, thank you for this video. I have watched it a number of times because it speaks to where I have been and where I am. When I see your videos it feels like I am chatting with a long lost friend rediscovered. I send my sympathy for your loss, and my hopes for your grief to ease. BB
Thank you. The year has been full of surprises...both good and bad.
Great video, so glad to hear you're on the up. I run a pub with my husband and I have lost my SewJo a few times over the last five years. However, like yourself I had the inclination to get going again. You have a very calm nature and come across as a caring person and that's helpful to us all - thank you for sharing. Just tried the 15 mins of clearing up - great idea. My husband will be pleased he can enter my craft room, which is also the office, without the risk of being swallowed up in sewing stuff!
I would love to see the simple baby quilts you make and how you make them. What a lovely idea.
Thank you for your transparency and encouragement. You’re wonderful. 💕
Health and wealth to you and yours. You continue to enrich my life and I am grateful.
Wow! Just discovered your videos last night and this one is amazing. I thought I was the only one that lost my "sew jo". I felt guilty about it even..
I have a nice sewing space, a beautiful machine... why can't I do this? Of course stress, fatigue, burnout in my work life... none of that helps! Thank you so much for validating my feelings. You are wonderful!
Not only did I like this video by giving it a thumbs up, I want to say to you, I Like This Video!
Thank you lovely lady. I get those days too. Not with sowing but with beads if no one buys my jewellery I just don't feel like making any.
You just helped my life! Thank you.... and bless your sweet heart over the tragedy you have endured 💚
I wish I could give this video multiple thumbs up! So helpful and not often talked about. I can find lots of advice on how to sew a seam but not about when I’m weighed down with decision making, second guessing, and discouragement. Thank you for this video!
Thank you for being vulnerable in sharing your life with us. Some good tips and also great advice on seeking help.
Good morning, beautiful thank you so much for your kind words this morning they were so needed for me. Peace and blessings to you from the lone star state "TEXAS "
Sending you ❤️❤️❤️ from Toronto
Thanks beautiful, I'm going try and do a small quilt . Your energy is very calm and peaceful thank you .I'm wanting to try some of the different stitches on my machine but scared I'll mess up 😢😏😇
Thank you for this video. Sometimes we dont remember to nurture and care for our own creativity and well being.
We all have good days and bad! Wishing you well. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing
We all need help sometimes
Wishing everyone love n peace
I so needed this video. After listening to you, I’m finishing many projects done. I’ve sewed to 4-5 Am many times because mornings are so hard for me with severe osteoarthritis especially in my spine. I’ve had to have 7 spine surgeries in the last23 years, so there are days & there are a few worse days. Thank you. I truly needed this.
Wonderful to see you back!
Thank you. It's been a long month.
You are so easy to listen to. What a pleasure. This video has popped up for me at a difficult time in my life and now I can’t stop listening and watching! Keep up the good work and thank you!
I love all your videos, and I have no idea why I haven't seen this one before - but right now, it could not feel more important. Thank you so much for this honest, kind, compassionate and helpful content.
Thank you Karen for your transparency. You have blessed me and helped to inspire me by your words. Love and blessings to you. Laurie
This is so helpful it's so wierd that we always think we r the only one who goes through these things
I know. And no matter how unique and awful you think the situation is, once you reach out you find comfort in others who are on the same path.
Good advice! It's Spring! And tornado season where we live. We were hit hard in our area 3 years ago and some precious children were killed in the elementary school where our children attended. Can't go out the door without looking toward the direction of the now rebuilt school and my heart breaking all over again. Our neighborhood is still rebuilding. So it helps some to go outside and plant some beautiful flowers. Breathe some fresh air. Let my precious Lord soothe my spirit. Things seem to fall back into perspective and then I can tackle life as things fall back into place again. (I've also moved my sewing machine into a place where I can see out through some large windows.)😊
Karen, you are like my Quilting Godmother! (Even more fun that we are both in Toronto). So glad to have discovered your channel, and often feel like you are speaking directly to me. I am deeply grateful you promoted mental health resources as well - when I'm in a depressive episode, all my creative hobbies collect dust for months. So glad to see you on the road to recovery, and thank you for the great tips!
Thanks for reminding us all we struggle with many things. Get well and get back to things you love
This is a very nice video. You're so caring and kind.
Thank you for being so open. This is excellent life advise.
I realized from day one when I started quilting that it was not just about quilting, but also about friendships and the support they bring. The original quilting bees were about house bound women coming together for social interaction and supporting each other. Today sometimes that community support happens through TH-cam.
Thank you
You made me cry. Not much to say. Thank you. You're the best. ❤
You have touched so many people with this video. Honest, sincere, and full of help that is what people need. Don't know if this happened to you, but when I had my gall bladder out afterwards I felt like someone put a short rubber band from my incision to my boobs. Each day I got to walk a bit further the rubber band got longer and I was able to stand up straighter.
You mention making kits from your scraps (around 3:30 minutes in the video) for charity quilts. Please go into more detail, perhaps in another video. What patterns do you use? How do you make your own kit? Do you do all the cutting and pack it into baggies? I love the idea!
Okay I’ll work on it
Great words of wisdom and it helped. I would be in my sewing room for days then a divorce came out of the blue shaking my world. Years later... yes years i was going thru boxes of my fabric and the touching, refolding and just seeing all the gorgeous pieces i had got my “ Sewjo” back. So sometimes stepping back really helps. I hope May will be better for you.
As one who suffers chronic mental illness you frankness and open heartedness was inclusive and motivating. this one is going on the replay often list. off to set the 15 minute timer.
a little add here I find I get bogged down by wanting it all perfect and when I can release my self from that silliness i am more accomplished.
Thank you for these strategies and for sharing your personal struggles. We all have something, right? I so appreciate you!
Thank you Karen. I’m sure this video will resonate with a LOT of people. I just brought out my sewing machine after two years and a quick little clothesline basket might have broken the log jam. Yeah! I’m not the only one!
Thank you so much for this video. I'm new at quilting and am only doing small quilts for charity. But because I'm learning so much at this point, my brain frequently short circuits! I'm also teaching myself to FMQ and am doing pretty good in that area. I spend hours at night in my sewing room hunched over my machine, squinting to see white thread on a white border... then wonder why my brain keeps on going when I go to bed. Then I'm surprised when I walk in my room, look at all my lovely fabric.... and draw a blank. I'm tired. My creative juices are overwhelming me... and most the time, I feel like I'm just winging it. Thank you. It's nice to know a even seasoned pro goes through the same thing. I'm glad you came through your surgery good, and I'm sorry for your loss. I hope all settles down for you soon and you're able to get back to what you love to do!
I’m here right now! Right knee replacement surgery 8 weeks ago and I’m starring at a wedding gown, bridesmaids and 2 mother of the bride dresses to hem & alter before I can quilt. That’s my FROG! I’m going to set my timer and tidy up my space this morning. I’m sure it will help.
Hi Karen. I’m so sorry you had such a stressful month. I just found your channel yesterday and subscribed right away! Yay! You’re from Toronto, AND you’re a fan of Outlander!! In keeping with this video, I began reading the Outlander series when my mom passed away. There were so many things I had to be responsible for after her passing , that any free moment I had , I buried my head in those huge books. Like you said, Sometimes we just need an escape so our mind/brain can heal. When I think back to that time in my life, I don’t know how I made it through.....I love to sew, but mostly I’ve made window coverings, etc for myself and my daughters. I think I’d really like quilting and I love how you teach. When I finish my current project of making patio cushions for my daughter’s friend, ( Lord, please help me say “no”!), I will get serious about quilting. Of course, there is no reason that I can’t watch your videos until then 😜😊Hugs love, and Healing, Lola
À great way to get back any mojoe ... good advice ... Thanks so much
Have lost most of my sewjo since my dad passed away. I had such great conversations about showing him what I was working on. Then work and other things got in the way. Now I am unemployed and could really buckle down and finish some quilts. I come back around to this video every year or so and it really helps me reset me. Keep doing what you do Karen.
🤗🤗🤗