I wouldn’t say I’m in a sewing funk, more so an “I want to sew things I want to sew, not things I need to sew” funk. I am very proud to say that I spent a whole Saturday doing fiddly little things that just needed to get done.
But rather than show you the mended slipcover or hemmed pants, I thought I’d share a little exercise that might help cure you if you’re in a real sewing funk.
Step 1: Gather everything you can find that you’ve ever made. Ever.
Step 2: Pile it all together.
Step 3: Photograph it.
That’s it. But let me tell you, the visual you’ll have of a huge pile of things you’ve accomplished just might be enough to get your sewing machine’s engine revving again. You’ll probably be inspired by yourself, or at least see something that you always meant to remake. If anything, it’ll be a big fat confirmation that you are indeed awesome.
Here’s a closet full of clothes that I’ve made from scratch.
I thought I’d only need a little space, but I ended up stuffing the whole closet full, and this doesn’t include stuff that I’ve just altered, stuff I’ve made for my home, stuff I’ve made for other people, or stuff I didn’t feel like pulling out of the laundry. Now that is self-affirming!
And of course, we can’t forget the #1 way to get past a sewing funk – start a new project!
I got a bunch of cute knit prints and I’ve been busy making things for my girls for this fall and winter. A lot of blogs are having sew-a-longs for this type of thing if you’re looking for inspiration and camaraderie. I recommend:
The Back-to-School Sew a long at Penny Carnival
The upcoming Kid’s Clothes Week with Elsie Marley
The Sewing 4 School clothing tutorials by Brown Paper Packages
Hope that gets your sewjo back, if it ever goes missing.
that is a GREAT idea! i always try to take a picture of things i’ve made before I give them away. just looking at the picture makes me feel like a superhero! that was one of my motivations for starting a blog – all of my pics in one place!
Wow! Thanks for the shout out. And Wow! That is an awesome closet full! I am totally impressed. Thanks for the inspiration!
Leisel
My problem is that I WANT to sew, but don’t have the sew-confidence. I used to sew some as a teenager, but I was never a superstar seamstress. I just got a sewing machine, and am afraid to get going. I have all sorts of ideas… i guess I just need to go for it. If I mess up, I mess up, right? How did you get started?
KrisKay,
How did I get started? Exactly like you said – I messed up! A LOT. I am totally ashamed to even think of the stuff that I made those first few years even though they’ve never seen the light of day. But I learned a ton. And I still mess up all the time, and I still keep on learning. That’s what it’s all about, right? So, go for it! Start making some mistakes! You’ll love it. (and the secret of success is to only take pictures of the winners :)
Ah-ha! That’s the secret… share only the successes!!! Thanks so much. It helps to know that superstars like you mess up too!! I really appreciate your response, you rock!
I am LOVING your little pile of knits… SO many CUTE ones!
My sewjo has been missing for a few weeks now. I’ve definitely been in a sewing funk. But I’m starting to feel myself coming out of it!! YAY!
Wow, A! that’s impressive!! My sewjo has gone the way of “child not sleeping through the night…jo” but now that I have a few nights to myself (and lots o’ babies being born) I need to find it! Love the knits… need to buy a ball point needle and get craking, myself! :)
I kinda did this as I was packing to move…. it was fun to realize all of the things I’d made and that I really like them! Look forward to seeing what you do with the knits!
love that closet full of clothes! and those knits are super cute-can’t wait to see what you do with them!
“Sewjo”… I love it!
Hello,
I have just received the “Blog with Substance” award and chose to pass it on to you. I hope you will swing by and take the time to grab yours and pass it on to fellow bloggers
Cheers!
Caroline
http://ateliercaroline.blogspot.com/
I can totally relate to this, I’ve been in a sewing funk too! Actually I just blogged about my cure for my sewing funk here: http://zaaberry.blogspot.com/2010/08/another-tote-bag.html
I made a cute tote bag (as if I need another one :) Wasn’t on my sewing list, didn’t use a pattern….and for some reason it got me out of my funk. Go figure!
Thanks for such a great blog! BTW, where did you get your cute knits?
Hi!!! I really like your blog, so I just gave you an award for having a blog with substance…
http://www.mrssassycrafter.com/2010/08/blog-with-substance.html
I feel like I’m just starting to climb out of my sewing funk. But man! it’s a slippery slope.
That IS impressive! I used to pin a swatch of the fabric I used to a calendar in my sewing space every time I finished a project. It was fun to see it fill up with colorful swatches.
I love your blog.
Well, I cleaned my sewing room yesterday so maybe that will help get my mojo back! LOL! I think I am overwhelmed with the things I *HAVE* to sew so I keep putting it off!!! LOL!