Why am I losing my sewing mojo? Things seem more difficult now than when I was a beginner sewer!

Now that's a good idea petra thanks very much. Not the sheets for a toile, although that is also good, but the deconstructing a garment that is the style and fit I want. As it happens I have a top where I love the style but now hate the fabric, so I'll be on that as soon as I get time. And I shall scout the local charity shops with the realisation that colour and pattern don't matter one bit. 😊👏👏

Rosie51

My sewjo was destroyed by the last 3 garments I've sewed being total rubbish that didn't come close to fitting me, despite careful measuring etc 😥 I really don't want to make yet another tshirt type top from the pattern that always works.......

If you have a charity shop near you ask them if they have any sheets that are destined for the rag bag.
I’m lucky that I work in a charity shop where I can buy the sheets.
Probably about £1 a sheet. They will be making a small profit as the bottom has fallen out of the rag market.
Did I mention the sheet is to make a toile.
Or, if there’s a particular style of garment you want, look in the charity shops. Try it on for fit, unpick it. Job done.
I’ve bought 3 such garments this week. £1 per garment.

It’s a case of like most things, use it or lose it.

I'm very jealous Monica! May Martin is a particular hero of mine. Old school and down to earth, and so knowledgeable and skilled. I've just ordered a second-hand copy of her "Sewing Bible" and am looking forward to receiving it.

I've tried to find local courses and groups, but no success so far. The nearest one seems to be for secondary school age - not sure what they'd make of me joining in if it was allowed

I'll keep researching.

I agree with vegansrock. Do a course. When I got a new sewing machine, I did a weekend course called 'Know your sewing machine, our tutor was May Martin of Sewing Bee fame, she was excellent.

Look online to see if there are any short courses convenient for you

Well, I know why I lost mine - nowhere to leave the sewing machine out, too much of a faff to clear the dining table, get it out, and stow away again, except for the occasional project,

Knitting on the sofa is just that much less of a faff!

Last week in a weak moment I bought some bargain Liberty lookalike fabric in the market.
I bought six lots .
Why ?
I found a box of unmade fabric which I'd forgotten about .
It has sat there for about a decade !
In the back of my mind was a half baked idea to make some toy rabbits -inspired by a homemade dress in a Liberty print which doesn't fit.
We all do it!

Thank you all for your replies. I will have a look at some sewing classes/groups locally, that sounds like something I would enjoy. Rosie51 - that's exactly what has happened to me! It's very frustrating, isn't it?

Maybe investigate classes you could go to. There will be new ones starting in September. I did a lingerie making class, a couture class and a pattern making class over several years which I enjoyed and taught me lots of new skills, working with fine fabrics, using the overlocker, different seams and finishing techniques etc.

My sewjo was destroyed by the last 3 garments I've sewed being total rubbish that didn't come close to fitting me, despite careful measuring etc 😥 I really don't want to make yet another tshirt type top from the pattern that always works.......

Maybe try a sew-a-long project? Some fabric shops do these, or go along to a social sewing group or workshop? You may find you get your mojo back when you sew with other like-minded people.

Gwyllt, when I started sewing again I was using an old Jones machine that I bought in 1982. It seized up after a year or so, and I bought a new machine, Singer Confidence, which was so much more up to date. I felt a bit intimidated at first but by reading the manual from cover to cover and using YouTube I soon got the hang of it. I've managed to rescue the old Jones machine with some cleaning, oiling and TLC. I now have a Janome machine as well (I still use the Jones and the Confidence sometimes just for a change!) So I feel a bit guilty that I now have 3 sewing machines and am not sewing as much as I did a year or so ago.

But just give it a go. What have you got to lose? You've got the machine now and can't turn back time! Baby steps and then just have a bit of fun trying things out.

SewLily, yes I know what you mean about having a bit of a break. I'll try some simpler projects over the next few weeks. I have tried patchwork but find it a bit tedious. I do have some lovely fabrics in my stash, I just need to get myself into the mood again.

Personally patchwork or quilting doesn't do it for me; finding nice fabric motivates me.

Sometimes we just need a break from things, or like Sisie42 says try something simpler/smaller where you quickly get the 'its finished' happy feeling again.

I feel really guilty before we moved ten years ago I bought a replacement sewing machine to replace one I bought in about 1970 Made all sorts from curtains to clothes for myself and my two boys. I am ashamed to say all I have done is get it out of the box. It looks so much more complicated. My excuse is !!! I
Really must give it a go

I also recommend patchwork and quilting.

This happened to me so I decided to sew very simple items such as skirts, T-shirts, pyjamas. I also started patchwork and quilting. The sewing mojo returned.