Ladybug,
I think all stitchers have had times where we just need to "walk away from it" for a bit. You said you lost the "urge" to stitch after you did a LARGE project? That's probably what did it...it's happened to me on some occasions. Sometimes I get the urge and then lose it...but after I'm gone from it for awhile, the urge comes back...a suggestion is to try a SMALL Christmas pattern, something that can get completed in a weekend and see how you feel. I have MULTIPLE number of cross stitch patterns that are works in progress, some large (HAED) and some small (Little House Needleworks)....

Hello Ladybug. It is okay to take a break from stitching. Listen to Bermuda. Try a small project. There are some really cute ladybugs @cyberstitchers.com that might help perk you up. (ECS -- please forgive for recommending another site.

Give it at least six months. If you are still unmotivated find an organization that you can donate to. Don't give to the Goodwill or other thrift shops. They will sell your stuff for very low prices. Someone will buy them and sell on eBay or ETSY.

I recently rescued a large collection of needlework from a woman who had given up stitching. I have been sharing cross stitch patterns with members of this site. There were a lot of quilting patterns and books. I donated them to the local chapter of a Quilters Society.

If you live near St. Louis, I will come rescue them. I have become an expert at sorting and organizing unwanted craft patterns.

Hope you feel motivated soon.

Ladybug, I understand how you feel. I loved to crochet and have started about 5 different afghans and haven't finished them. Then I got caught up in cross stitching and love it. I started having problems seeing the stitches and my eyes were bothering me. I bought magnifiers, etc. and nothing helped. I finally went to the eye doctor and he told me that it was time to have the cataracts removed. He did a wonderful job and my eyes feel so much better and I'm back to stitching. Just take a rest for awhile and work on a small project when you feel like it. We are all rooting for you!

Several years ago, my life changed in many ways over the course of three years. I gave away all my patterns, fabric and threads - I do hope they all went to people who loved them. A few months ago, I realized I missed stitching and have started re-building my supplies, and I stitch only when I want to with an occasional deadline for a gift.

Once again, I have too many patterns, but not the excess I had. I have purchased a few patterns I always loved but didn't stitch. I've had a few email conversations with the designers, and they have told me what they would change if designed with today's threads and colors!

So please don't worry about taking a rest, and think about a fresh start when YOU want to do that.

And now, I'm off to frog. One tiny area, sooo aggravating (I remember why I don't like Aida, blessings on those who do).

Hi Ladybug. I know how you feel. In 1990, my husband left me and my daughters. I was very depressed, couldn't even stitch. I finally decided to try stitching again about a year later. It was kind of a recovery for me, and I've been going strong ever since. Both my daughters stitch and my 13 year old granddaughter is getting the bug. Recently my 4 (almost 5) year old grandson has decided he wants to learn. He sat beside me and pulled the thread. Then he watched the holes I put the needle in and said he wanted to do it himself. He had it figured out. We were working on perforated paper, but he got it. So I made him a kit and told him to practice by making any design he wanted. He loves water fountains, so he made water fountain with a bubble. It was long stitch, but it had one cross stitch, that was the bubble. He calls it "crocheting", but at least he is stitching. Hope things work out for you.

What got me started again was the discovery of the "new" cover-all projects, which led to the hand-dyed fabrics and specialty fibers/flosses. So many possibilities! I would not get rid of things, yet, or even worry about the lack of interest...unless you have no interest or enthusiasm for anything...can't even imagine wanting to look for something new. That's depression to a "T"....saps energy, self-worth...dims your light. If nothing changes soon, I urge you to seek some form of help. Stay in touch with us, we don't care if you stitch, or not. The attraction is your participation. Stick with us, Kid! :) And completely ignore my comments if I completely misread you...I often do. :)

Ladybug, I can only second VCESS's comments. Explore, try something new, hold on to your stash. Sound off about your daily issues like I do. We understand and commiserate.
I go through long dry spells also. Then I look at my project and ask myself why I am even wasting my time. I get so dissatisfied with my work. A month or so later, I'm back in love with it and admire my accomplishments. Go figure. Sometimes we do tire of hobbies permanently. I was a huge knitter but somehow that one is over. I had to take a long break when my granddaughter came along and I can't turn out consistent work/appearance when I can only knit a few rows. Besides it's too hot in TX to work with yarn. I have the AC at 74 and still my hands get sticky. I'd like it at 72 but DH complains constantly. It's probably just as well, at 72 it would never shut off.
You could also try a small seasonal motif. Maybe on linen with overdyed floss. Or a Christmas motif, x-stitcher does cards for friends. It's okay to take a break. I do the same with reading. I just ordered a book and realized that it is non-fiction - boring! That's why I'm on the computer actually to order a book from Amazon.
Please continue to chat with us. I've noticed that going out or just sitting in the sun for awhile helps me. Sometimes I feel like a shut in because for whatever reason I have to stay home. Well the extreme heat for one. Keep us posted and good luck.

Thank you all for such great support . I got let go fr om my job Monday night. Very sad BUT I have gone through my stash in what i call my cocoon a bedroon transformed into my craft room just my kitty Zoe and me maybe soon
Again thank you all. Ladybugtrisha

Ladybug, so sorry to hear about the loss of your job. That's probably the cause. I am sure that you knew well in advance or at least had a gut feeling of what was about to happen. Take a few deep breaths and focus on finding a new job, if that is your plan, everything else will fall into place.
The best of luck and keep us posted.
Remember when God closes a door, he opens a window.

Ladybug, do you need a break or are you feeling like you're done forever? If you're taking a break then great! Every once in a while check out a site or walk around a craft store and browse. Maybe you will find a new something to be excited with for a while!