Tag: quilt

I have been experiencing a creative block that I have found challenging to overcome. Typically, I have countless ideas swirling in my mind, eager to be expressed through various creative outlets like writing or art. Over the last few years, my interest has been primarily with the fiber arts, like knitting, crochet and the latest, sewing.

I love watching videos, doing deep dives in research, understanding the history of fabrics and fashion, etc. I get a thrill shopping for different fabrics and patterns. I have stocked my sewing room (a.k.a. dining room) with the supplies I need and have enough different items that I can make quite a few projects. Yet, I have a hard time starting! Is it fear? If so, what is the fear? Am I worried I’ll make a mistake? Am I afraid I won’t like the end results? Do I think I won’t be able to do the project at all? Can I finish?

I think I am paralyzed by my own lack of confidence and perhaps a bit of a need to be perfect. Yikes! Perfection was never part of my vocabulary, but the more I look back at previous craft endeavors, I always wanted things to be “just right.”

I remember last year I was going to make a tote bag for my mom for Mother’s Day. I bought an easy pattern, shopped with mom for the fabrics of her choice and all I needed to do is cut up the pattern pieces and sew! It wasn’t my first time ever sewing, either. Yet, when it came to actually sewing the pieces together, I froze. It wasn’t until I admitted I had a fear of failure, that I made myself go ahead and start. I carried on and finished it! The best part was my mom liked it!

I am my own anomaly. I am creative, but I am not always productive. I can come up with lots of ideas, but I have difficulty moving onto the next step. I love trying new creative things yet lose interest quickly if it becomes mundane or routine. I love learning and applying new techniques, yet I second guess what I just learned because I think I’ll still do something wrong.

I went to a quilt show recently sponsored by American Quilters Society with my friend, Kate. It was quite a fun day. One of the highlights was viewing the numerous quilts that were on exhibit. There were so many different kinds, too! We were in such awe. We kept saying these quilters were so patient and creative. They made true works of art! I know I left the show feeling inspired.

Perhaps that is what I needed to finally tackle the unfinished projects sitting in sewing purgatory. In fact, I finished a tote bag I started almost 3 months ago.

I need to remind myself that being creative doesn’t mean getting perfect results, but it is the actual process of creating that brings the most joy! Not to mention looking at the final project and having a sense of pride knowing that I made it with my own two hands!

Here are a few things that might help with those creative blocks:

1. Step away from whatever you are working on and take a break. The project will still be there and maybe you need to just give yourself time to recharge those creative waves.
2. Visit a museum. Attend an art show. Expose yourself to different creative venues. Maybe you need to joggle those blocks by seeing something new.
3. Go outside and smell the fresh air! There is something about nature that can also rejuvenate and destress our minds.
4. Remind yourself that mistakes are ok to make. It’s how we learn and improve.
5. Pivot/Change Direction. Realize that it might be time to move on to something new that will spark that creativity again.

Do you ever struggle with executing your ideas into tangible results? What are your tips to jump start your creativity?

I’d love to hear from you!