Do you ever hit a creative wall? You know, the kind of moment when you really want to make, but you just can't seem to get motivated to start? I'm there, friends, in some ways. I have grand ideas, but I am second guessing myself at every turn. I know I can suffer from visual stimulation overload, where I can't get past all the looking and ooh-ing and ah-ing that happens on the internet. When that happens, I freeze. I am unable to keep moving forward with my plans, with my making.
I'm curious. How do you get your creative juices flowing? What does it take for you to be in a creative state of mind? How do you prioritize your making? Help a girl out.
An incentive: talk to me about your creative blocks and what you do to get around them. On Sunday night, I will choose one commenter at random to receive a custom bundle of goods from my stash. I had a ton of fun doing this for Gina, who won my last giveaway. That's her stack above. The winner's will be different, made just for them, by me.
I get this all the time. More often when I’ve got too much else going on in my life and just don’t have the energy to get sewing. However, once I start I always wonder why I was unmotivated before! I find browsing favourites on flickr on pinterest will often spark me wanting to get started making.
I usually try waiting, and that doesn’t work — the time just stretches on — and then eventually force myself to work on some less-interesting sewing project (like finishing the napkins I pulled fabrics for, or quilting the duvet-cover-turned-quilt that I really want done already. Something that’s been sitting on my sewing table forever, and doesn’t require creativity but diligence. And by the time I’ve fought through completing that task, the process of sewing has rekindled enthusiasm for all the fun projects that I could have been doing instead.
Good luck! And good luck to me — what a beautiful stash bundle that is! 😉
I nearly always suffer from inspiration overload at this time of year. Something about spring *finally* arriving, I think. There are so many great things to make that it’s utterly paralyzing!
I don’t know that I have any great advice. I tend to just ride it out, because sooner or later The Best Project Ever will pop up and spur me into immediate action.
I hope your overload doesn’t last too long!
i usually choose a small project that seems really manageable to get me going. especially if i haven’t sewed for a while, i’ll pick out something really easy to do before moving on to a harder project. i also stop looking at the internet, because i get all wanty for time to make everything (ahem, all the quilts…) and i just don’t have it, especially these days 🙂
I do something small, like really small. If I knit sweaters, I do a hat. Or a doll blanket, maybe. I let the projects ferment. If I am good with them after my mojo gets back, I finish them. If not, then so be it, I repurpose the yarn or the fabric.
After a particularly stressful period at work, I gave my mother to frog a half completed sweater and lace cardigan for me that I was knitting then. I never regretted the decision. Just looking at those projects made me sick with all the bad memories coming back. I am now considering ripping a whole lined pleated skirt I can’t make myself to put the waistband onto and doing something totally different – straight with a flounce. And it was sitting abandoned for about 9 months.
Leave those projects. Let go. I found that the right projects for the raw materials came after I stopped thinking that I should finish something even if I was unhappy how the project and let them fester.
I know what you mean. When that happens to me I pick up a project that I haven’t finished yet and work on it. If I don’t have any (which is never the case), I make something small. A mug rug or pot holder something you will always use just to get in the mood. I always rarely finish my project yet again and find inspiration to make something else. Another great thing would be to become a pattern tester. I really like doing that also.
usually I just have to start… as in force myself to quit thinking so much and just start cutting and stitching. that or I try working creatively in a different medium for a little bit.
As a person who suffers from depression, I have many creative ups and downs. When I’m down, I try not to force. I just give myself a break and let it come back to me when I’m ready. I also do a lot of what I call “nervous” crafts during these times. One of these is knitting dish rags. There’s not much too it, but I’m keeping my hands busy and doing something productive. Sometimes, just going through those motions helps you to get the creative mojo back.
I’ve lost my mojo!! I have not created anything for weeks almost like I have forgot how and also a depression suffer it is not helping!I will keep an eye on what everyone else does to get it back.
I have a list on my phone of projects – which I ignore and then start something else entirely and not finish and then start something else. I am not a good example!
I try working on a small, easy project to relax my mind. Recently, it was a knitted blanket. By the time I was finished I knew what my next quilted project would be (details to come on the blog!) and never in a million years would I have thought of it otherwise. Sometimes a girl just needs to slow down and stop worrying about the perfect project. Well, at least I do. LOL.
I go do something for me, take a nice walk, go out for coffee, catch up with some friends. I also cut out as many projects as I can. It’s the perfect kickstart when you have a few projects just waiting to be sewn!
Good luck
I tend to retreat into the woods near my home… Nature helps me remember who I am, my unique vision and what my gifts are. It is so easy to get swept away in all of the internet’s splendor! When that happens to me, I find myself losing the true essence of myself and my creations and creativity suffers. Thanks for the great giveaway…best wishes to you!
Happens ALL THE TIME!! My go to solution is to clean, reorganize and de clutter my studio space. I find that while doing that I tend to make fabric stacks for potential quilts. I find old patterns, and inspiration in the process. Sometimes I just change mediums– I often pick up a forgotten needlepoint project. The honest truth is, I come from a family of artistic people…. and no matter what, the creative wall is always just around the corner and sometimes you just have to ride it out! Best of luck….
Yes, I have to commiserate with you on this. The best way I have found to get unstuck is to wean myself away from the computer (and dreaming up new projects every couple of minutes) and to switch gears–usually to another creative pursuit. When I get stuck on my quilting, I take up needlework or knitting. Usually a few days to a week of something new is all I need to get re-inspired by my quilting WIPs and to start working on them again. If switching gears doesn’t work though (sometimes it doesn’t), I’ll make a promise to sew on whatever quilting project I have going for a few minutes everyday. Getting a little done and seeing some progress can be really encouraging and it helps me to eventually get back to the project since I’m still invested in it.
I like to work either a simple project I’ve done before, or something small but new that has detailed instructions! I find the block for me is often when I want to start something very creative/designy, that doesn’t have set instructions. Sometimes working a project with specific instructions (more craft than art, if that makes sense) helps get me in the spirit of making again and then I can move on to what I originally had in mind.
So interesting as I’m the same. I’m a list maker. When that doesn’t work, I choose a project that has no creativity that I need to give to it. So a granny square or a quilt kit. Just making blocks and giving myself a moment, usually let’s me get going again
I’ve been feeling the pressure to make things, but most of them are not for me. My incentive is that I am getting paid to make them, but that doesn’t always make it easy to start. However, any time I sit down to work, it does help me if the space is clean and tidy, as well as the rest of my house/life. I can’t be creative if I’m surrounded by chaos.
Love the ideas above about working on a small/easy project! I typically browse Flickr/Ravelry/Etsy for beautiful things that get me motivated!
I always find a change of craft gets me motivated again. If I can’t get motivated to sew, I’ll pick up some knitting, when I’m tired of the knitting I move on to crochet. It helps to keep things feeling interesting to me. Although if that fails I always find buying something new to be a big trigger, particularly with fabric. I always find having a new length of fabric very inspiring.
I make a challenge for myself to make a small quilt using a limited something….color palette, only polka dots, only stripes, two or three fabric, etc. that usually does it for me. After that I’m off and running again.
When i hit overload i will sew somrthing small, quick easy. Just to get me otivted. Then i stop looking at FB, pinterst and blogs until i get going.
It happens to me all.the.time. Especially after I’ve been going non stop with a craft list that is long. I usually stop and just watch a chick flick. . . give my mind a rest. Or, I work on some random quilt blocks that my sister passed on to me. Doing something basic like sewing 4 squares frees my mind.
When this happens to me I reorganize my entire craft room! I find things I had forgotten about and seeing all of MY supplies and fabrics really inspires me! This helps me much more than looking around online and seeing what other people are making and thinking I need to be making those things! Also, over time I have come to realize that the down times are just a necessary thing for me sometimes. And when the mood strikes to make again, that’s when some of my favorite projects are created!
Whenever I need to get inspired I just some time doing improve patchwork or log cabins. Sometimes if there is a project that never worked, one that makes me feel negative, I either tear it up and use the fabric for something else or I donate it.
I agree with so many answers already! Make something really small and easy, clean your craft room, maybe even go fabric shopping or browse through your patterns to see if anything “rises to the top”? And once you start, I’m sure it’ll all come flooding back! Good luck!
I usually start by reorganizing and making the space inviting, and then looking through the unfinished project bins for some quick finishing to get those muscles working again. Or, I’ll grab the scrap bins and just start piecing things together and see where they go. If none of that works, then I try something totally new – learn a new technique, or stretch my usual color schemes, etc. to break out of a rut.
When I get stuck because of being overwhelmed/overstimulated and not knowing what new project to start, I go back to my old tucked-away WIPs that have been abandoned for a long time. Knitting projects, sewing, embroidery, even mending….things that are already started and just need to be finished. It’s somewhat mindless–no decisions need to be made, just immediate action. I always get a boost from finishing something that’s languished untouched for months.
When I get stuck I tend to look ahead to the upcoming season, think about something I want to have (a wrap dress, a nice tunic out of double gauze, a thick sweater, a thin cardigan, etc) and then find a pattern and yarn for that. New purchases and being excited about something new for the upcoming season always gets me excited!
I have a really hard time online too. Of the ideas I like and respect distract me from forming my own. The fewer blogs I read, the more content and create I am. I do really find Pinterest helpful though. I use it brainstorm orale a basic list, but then that leaves more room for my ideas.
I’m not under any pressure to create, so I just move on to another activity and come back to quilting later. Sometimes another art like music or writing is helpful, and exercise is always a good idea for me. Gets me into a different frame of mind and helps me see things differently.
I allow myself to stop and do something else. Sometimes I get paralyzed thinking the minute one project is done, I should be ready to start the next one, the next day. And then, when I don’t know what to start the next day, I can get overwhelmed and discouraged. That’s when I tell myself it’s ok to NOT sew something for a while. Maybe spend my evenings reading a book that’s been on my night table for too long. Or spend time going out with friends, etc. I’ve had to accept that when the inspiration to MAKE comes, I should drop everything else and go with it. Because when it’s gone, it’s really hard to recapture.
I recently spent two months in front of the computer writing and editing and drawing. I was overcome with creativity in the hours when I was not in front of the screen, but in those hours I needed to deal with family life and other commitments. I made lists of all the quilt and sewing project ideas I had during that time and it’s huge! Now that I have the freedom to spend time in my sewing room, I am a bit overwhelmed with starting the list. I think it’s because for my Type A brain I feel like if I start at item #1, I have to continue to item #15. So, instead, I began a completely unrelated selvage project sparked by a sew along on IG. I’m having a ball making something that I hadn’t even thought of, planned, or considered. How about searching “sewalong” and see what comes up? Maybe Anna’s Cargo Duffle that’s happening right now? Make something that you hadn’t planned on making just to get yourself in front of the machine. Something that only requires 3 or 4 different fabrics and not a day of planning. My other strategy to clear my mind is to get out onto the local mountains and spend a few hours in the fresh air, looking up at the sky through trees and listening the birds. For me, a hike is always good for the soul and to clear out a cluttered, creative mind. Good luck!!
I look at items I have made that I was excited about…by looking at what I’ve done I can often get inspiration for what I’m going to do!
I look to others for inspiration. Sometimes I go to the local bookstore and grab a few magazines, some quilting, some gardening, some art/design and grab a cup of coffee and just read through them. I always have a note pad to jot down ideas and buy the magazines that inspired me the most.
I also go to Pinterest and search topics unrelated to quilting/sewing, like color trends, or English gardening to gather new thoughts and design ideas!
It happens that’s for sure. At those times I usually start poking around my patterns and books making a stack of what I want to do. And I also just sit in my swivel chair and go back and forth looking at my stash. At some point I just have to make a mess,pulling out fabrics and petting them until I find a rotary cutter in my hand.
Coming from a spiritual background here: I get outside. There is so much beauty outside. Everything can be inspiring – from the color blends, to the veins on a leaf to the pattern of soils when I dig.
Nature is never complicated, really. It speaks it’s own best form. It wouldn’t waste precious resources on something that wasn’t functional. There is unparalleled beauty in its simplicity.
Creative blocks – sometimes my whole life feels like that. But then I start to feel the urge to make something or make something better. Often it’s not even a sewing project. Making a meal. Changing things up on a shelf. And then suddenly I am creating all over my life. Wish I felt that more often though. Hang in there.
ha it seems like I have been there lately too. I have found that if I just go in the sewing room and start the iron and pick stuff up. Maybe sew something simple it gets me going. I do agree that too much inspiration from the internet can make me just feel like I can’t create like everyone else, maybe mine won’t be as pretty, maybe I will do something I will regret with fabric I love, etc. all things that are in my mind. So starting with the iron and then fabric helps me.
I work on something totally different than what I’m stuck on. If I’m stuck with quilting, I pick up that sock that I put down a month ago and knit for a while. I just remind myself not to force it. It is supposed to be fun! 🙂
I’m not a super creative person, but I place a high value on originality* (I’ve used many tutorials but never an actual quilt pattern), so what I have to do is modify something someone else has done, or meld multiple existing ideas into a single, new project. Since I almost never make anything unless I can give it away (I only own two items I’ve made, and really, I’d like to give one of them away), I’m always working on deadline — a baby, a holiday, a birthday — which helps get things going. And since I’m not terrible creative, I like to give myself very limited inspiration. For example, I made a baby quilt using one, promotional charm pack I’d received in a giveaway. I have another baby quilt to make soon, so I think I will use the materials we’re receiving for the MQG Michael Miller challenge. Two birds with one stone kind of thing.
*There are exceptions: e.g., I have just collected every piece of KJR and I plan to make … wait for it … a Single Girl.
I am stuck (or procrastinating) right now. Some of my issues are fear- that it won’t be good enough or the recipient won’t like it. I turn to blogs a lot. There are also magazines and books for inspiration. They usually spark something. I try to then put them away and go from what is in my head. That way I get what I was inspired to do and not a direct copy. Deadlines are also helpful for me- and result in me being stressed so I’m working on that.
I just pushed through one of those moments. I have tried waiting until “it” felt right, but that got me no where. So what I do now is just start with one or two small cuts. Something that if it is the wrong decision, won’t waste a ton of fabric or ruin the project. While I am working on measuring, and fiddling with that piece of fabric and how it relates to the next, the mojo creeps in:) I also try to start this process earlier in the day so once the ball is rolling, it can keep rolling for a good block of time. There is nothing worse that the mojo reappearing late in the evening. For me, at this point in my life, sleep trumps all! Good luck.
I’m so easily overwhelmed/overstimulated/intimidated by so much online inspiration. I’ve tried a lot of remedies, but the most effective thing for me to do is step away from making for a few days. My creative ideas, plans, WIPs, etc. seem to filter themselves into their own little slips and I’m able to move forward again. I always start up with something that is pure fun though. No pressure or deadline. I hope your makers block clears up quickly.
What works for me is to clean or organize my sewing area. Feeling the fabrics and seeing the different pattern/color combinations never fails to spark my creative juices and the cleaner environment gives me room to think and work.
oy, if i can’t blame this long hard cold bitter winter, i dont know what!! but to get out of a brick wall funk, i usually plan nothing, simply sit in front of the machine with a scrap pile and sew fabric together. no plans for them, no idea where it will go, just sew.
no fun being in such a funk, hope you wiggle out soon.
I like to go through my scrap basket and just see what I can come up with. Usually I will end up making something small like a potholder, coaster, or bib. I put on upbeat music as I sew and that seems to help me get motivated.
You are so incredibly generous. It appears your answer to creative blocks is giving – do you see? Really a great and selfless solution. I have such limited time to create these days (first shift = data job, second shift = parenting two small toddlers), so prioritizing is somewhat easy. I’ve learned to lower my expectations about what I need to get done, and what really needs to get done over the past year. Basically, I try to only sew what I REALLY want to sew. You know that project that you must get out of your head and onto fabric right this minute (though I give myself a lot of extra time to actually finish). Another thing I have found when I am in overinspired mode is to limit time at the computer. I’ll only read blogs that feed my soul rather than make me feel like I’m not doing enough. I also go back to my flickr favorites page. I find it really cathartic to look through my favorite pictures (usually beautiful quilts) that I chose myself. Usually I find a theme amongst those carefully favorited items and I’ll have a “yes, that is what I want to make” moment. Good luck to you.
1. Easy wins. (Familiar, mindless patterns. Quick completes.)
2. Stop thinking, start doing. (Easier said than done, but I overthink. Always. Turning off the brain helps.)
3. Assume disaster, and third try’s a charm. Freeing, somehow, to know that I’m going to go through the motions, then toss the result. Were this writing, and were we talking Anne LaMott, and were this not a family blog, I would cite her so liberating notion of sh***y first drafts. But this is sewing. What’s sewing for “first drafts”?
4. Buy new fabric. Oops, did I say that?! Makes me all twitchy about using up what I’ve got, i.e., motivated 🙂
Good luck 🙂
M
When I can’t decide which new project to start (there is always a list) I force myself to go back to a UFO. That way I am busy being creative and finishing up something that I have left unfinished, usually because I got busy with some thing else. This always helps me to focus on what I do want to work on and not have the guilt of the UFO pile once I decide what to work on.
I have so many projects going at once, when I hit a road block I go into my sewing room and look at the different projects until I see one that I haven’t worked on in awhile and pick it back up. Or I try to look for a new pattern I haven’t seen before and start working on it. Sometimes it’s just nice to take a break, that way when you come back you get that creative feeling again! Good luck. Thanks for the giveaway.
I think everyone hits those creative road blocks sometimes. Even though it’s counterproductive to the finish up mania that seems to be epidemic in the bloggy world, when I’m stuck, I like to start something new. It doesn’t have to be big (though sometimes it is!)… I’ll often scan my Pinterest boards for something that inspires me. It usually works to get things going again!
When I have been away from creating for a while, I need practice to get started again. I usually don’t like to copy patterns, because it feels like painting by numbers. It looks nice, but not very satisfying. However, just as a musician plays the scales, I need to practice the basics before I can feel the inspiration flowing. So when I am stuck, I pull out a kit or a jelly roll pattern and crank out something until I get a kind of zen momentum going. Then I am ready to move onto something more inspirational.
When it happens to me I back away from everything. Last month I hit a wall and didn’t want to sew, didn’t want to look at the internet and was so tired of the never ending winter weather that I just didn’t have any desire to do anything creative. I decided to do something totally different so I grabbed some jigsaw puzzles (which I hadn’t done in years) and put together one after the other for a week. At the end of the week I was ready to get back to sewing and tore thru thirty yards of fabric in no time making charity pillowcases and lap quilts. Simple, easy sewing that got me back in the groove.
My advice is just step away for a week, forget about sewing and do something totally different. Take a couple of day trips, plan for your outdoor Spring to-do’s, deep clean something, read an entire series of books. Just do something totally unrelated to sewing and creating and don’t think about it at all. Let your mind and body refresh,relax a little and give yourself recharging time.
Oh yes, this happens to me! It’s usually one of two reasons. a)I’m overstimulated and can’t decide what I want it make, or b)I’m overthinking what other people want to see in my creations.
For myself, I sometimes have to step back and decide I’m just going to start making something that I love, that I’m excited to sew. I’m going to use all my favorite fabrics and make a design that I’d love to have in my home, regardlesss of whether it’s on trend or not!
This usually gets me thinking straight again. Often I don’t end up keeping what I made, but it’s a way for me to loosen up and lose the pressure!
I find that if my sewing space is messy or cluttered, I can’t really be creative until I clean it up and reorganize it. I’m not a neat freak by any means, but this always seems to help. Usually in the clean process I locate fabric and ideas start coming for how to use them again.
Second…I follow creative blogs daily and always find inpiration from the projects of others!
I find inspiration in the blogs I follow, including yours!! I pin the projects that inspire me and then look through my boards for inspiration.
If I am still feeling uninspired I switch mediums. I am a quilter, embroiderer, crocheter, knitter…. I usually have a project for each of these areas. Right now quilting is my main activity but pretty soon I will switch to a different kind of project (probably crochet) and that keeps things fresh!
I would suggest putting the quilting aside for awhile and focusing on another type of creative outlet. When you go back to quilting you will have new ideas 🙂
I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s suggestions and have to agree it happens to me too. Recently to get out of the january/february funk I pulled all of my solids and cut some 2″ strips and started sewing them into courthouse blocks or log cabin blocks. It was so easy and fun. Didn’t have to measure much, had fun putting colors together and it did brighten the days. Plus I now have 36 colorful blocks to make into a quilt.
Ooh yikes, this happens to me all the time. I feel like I have to get all the stars alligned in order to get a project to it’s end!
– All the fabric and notions in the house
– My house CLEANED from top to bottom. Who wants crumbs and lint on their new fabric?
– My kids away, for a number of hours
– All my email checked and answered
– All tutorials and examples of other people who have done the same project checked, incase they have a better idea….
My latest fix was to have my husband and kids watch a video, close the door on them, turn on a great radio podcast, and I cut out 4 pairs of pjama bottoms in one go for different members of the family. They’re all pinned, folded, and waiting to be sewn. Now I’ve been sewing them one at a time when I have a half an hour, and I’m getting loads of satisfaction! Aaah… Nothing so inspiring as seeing finished projects in a pile.
Also, washcloths. Kniting washcloths is easy, quick to do during a church service or while watching netflix with my hubby, and there you go – friends LOVE getting a little bundle of washcloths as a gift.
Those moments of satisfaction are what keep me inspired to keep going. Then I feel like going for the huge projects again!
Hgus.
Sarah
I recently had a bad sewing stoppage! One issue was being so tired by the time I got my small people to bed that I did not have it in me to pull out all the sewing stuff I have to put out of reach during the day. So I would just knit instead, which is delightful but I was still really missing sewing. The other was the fear of not doing my precious fabrics justice and not having a huge fabric budget to buy more. I got over the night issue by doing some prep work like cutting during the day when I could and then being primed and ready to go the instant my kids are down for the night. As for the fabric hoarding/fear of using – I just got over it and am loving using my favorite stuff. That is why I bought it right?!
I usually look in books and magazines or on Flickr and Pinterest for inspiration. Going through my favorite blogs on Feedly sometimes helps unblock me, too. Just seeing all the cool work out there by everyone else usually gets the juices flowing. But sometimes I’m just stuck and I have to let the block work its way free.
This is going to sound funny but my greatest bursts of creativity come right before I need to travel or receive guests into my home. I suddenly then realize there are things I want to make for the trip. Having company usually involves some cleaning and organizing too which I think contributes to my drive to craft. I just finished a huge project and afterwards I spent time putting away all the supplies. Having that clean space also felt nurturing and added to my desire to create.
I enjoyed all the comments so far. I hope you find your mojo. Likely it is right where you left it…inside of you.
It seems counter-intuitive, but sometimes when I am creatively “blocked” I try to make something using an old “tried and true” pattern, just something quick like a little skirt or a small zippered pouch. Here’s why. 1) it’s not intimidating, so I’m not afraid to start. 2) I know I will finish it quickly. 3) I get to use *a little bit* of creativity in choosing the fabric/trims but not so much that I’m overwhelmed with choices.
Almost always, once I’m sitting at my machine and have my fabric out, I start thinking, ‘oh, I should use this to make that thing….” and then I’m good! Great question-it’s been fun to read the answers!
If I’m really stuck, I’ll do what Julia Cameron suggests in The Artist’s Way: write “morning pages”, which is just a random brain dump to clear the clutter in your head. You write about three pages’ worth, and it really works. She says you should do this every day, but I find that tedious (and time consuming). It’s a good way to jump start a stalled mind, though!
I have certain pieces of music that I find really helpful to create to, so I crank them up really loud and that helps me get going on something. I usually start on a UFO, or something I know that I can complete pretty quickly, but it’s the music that definitely gets me back into the creative process. Some of my faves: Cocteau Twins, soundtrack to Wicked, or anything by Philip Glass.
For me, it’s all about the fabrics. When I get blocked, usually what I do is try picking a pattern that I’ve already got earmarked in my sewing room (either a magazine or a pattern in my drawer) and then pulling fabrics. They are my creative juices. Sometimes I’ll just pull a fabric selection without a pattern and see what inspires me. Or a long walk helps too. 😉
For me it’s all about the fabric. That’s what inspires me. So I’ll start pulling fabrics and see where it leads me. I usually have a pile of projects already pulled aside, I’ll dig through that and see if anything inspires. Sometimes, even just cleaning my sewing space and being clutter free can be the change I need to get my creative juices going! 😉
I wish I had a good suggestion, but I am in the same spot at the moment! There is so much I want to make and get excited finding even more ideas on the web, but just can’t sit down and focus on a project. What I will do is read through the other comments to see if there are some helpful ideas from others.
Hmm, this is a tough one and I am often in this same place! I work in a creative and hectic job, so many days I have nothing left to pour into at crafting at home (which makes me really sad, because as much as I love my job, it’s just not the same). Making things at home is what makes me happy.
When I am stumped, I try to stay off the usual internet sources that send my mind into a frenzy (a break from pinterest and website hopping). I go back to the select few blogs that I find really simple, happy and grounding, or I take a complete break for a few days to clear my mind.
Next, I give myself a little break- we all need a vacation from making too, I think. And I try not to feel guilty about it.
If I am still stumped or blocked, I pull out my sketchbook. I doodle, scratch down notes and ideas, draw and just play with colours. That will often lead to some other idea. My sketchbook really saves me at times like this.
I keep thinking of more, I think I could write an essay on this topic. 🙂
I know the feeling all to well. I usually make a cup of tea and put on the radio and start organizing my scraps. Slowly I start sewing, just for the sake of sewing. No project in mind, I just sew. This takes all the pressure off and allows me to enjoy the process.
When I am on overload I tend to make lists and work on at least one WIP. Getting even one thing off my mental radar helps clear up so much stuff!
I set things aside and wait to get inspired to finish them. Forcing the inspiration never works for me and just makes me hate the project.
Well… personally I did have this happen a short time ago, and I stepped back and tried something different. Totally different. Just to clean out the cobwebs. It happened again in January when hubby was diagnosed with cancer, so I started English Paper Piecing Hexies. Never did it before. Very cathartic. Works for me!
I read blogs and don’t have to time to do all I want to.Things I see them make are so beautiful
Well, I know sitting there and staring at it doesn’t help me. I have to step away. Usually, start doing something else until finally something clicks! Good luck getting your mojo going.
p.s.: And wouldn’t you know, I found myself stuck in my very own house, in my very own basement, this very day, not long after commenting. And faced with my own recent words, made myself (think: stern words + forced march + eyes squeezed all but shut) piece together (a first!) three scraps for two wee quilted potholders. Talk about terror. (I don’t do quilts. Even 4×4″ quilts.) Thanks for the indirect kick in the pants!
xo,
M
I like to look through magazines, wander the internet, or sit and sort through my stash. Typically any of those will help me out of a creative slump. Sorting will perk up a bad mood, too.
I’m a lot older then you and it still happens to me so I just stop. Take a break, go for a walk, read a book, write a letter, send some cards, watch a movie, talk to friends, bake some bread, clean house, especially drawers or closets. In a day or so you will feel the spirit return. There is something about fresh air, a clean house, bread baking and music playing that does it for me. Good friends help too.
I want to create and make pretty things quilts hot pad’s this and that just relax and sew RLH
I usually stop for a while and look through my favourite crafty books, not only the sewing ones. I also check out blogs and IG and think of great colour combinations to try out:)
When I am stuck I turn to Pinterest and blogs for ideas. My prom elm is too many ideas and trying to narrow them down! Taking a break and doing something different often helps as well
Oh, I know that feeling! Here it can last for months, and that is really very disturbing! In the meantime I read a lot of blogs, like yours f.i., craving for inspiration. It will come back to me, eventually. But it is hard to be in that in-between-time!
there are a few things which work for me, take out an old project and just keep going, often it takes me to a very different place as originally intended and from there creativity is most often taking over again. or then i change something in my daily routine, like a different kind of music, a different rout for my morning run, a different type of material to work with.
Hi Miss Erin,
This stall in creativity often plagues me as well…. I have tried to force my hand but that usually has poor results and actually sets me back creatively .. My solution is to just wait it out…. Nothing sexy about it…just patience. And… It always works..it also gives me opportunity to focus on the other side of my heart.. Connect with friends, read or just sit outside for my vitamin D dose… Either way, the energy comes back to me and I always feel new inspiration ,,
Thanks so much for your work!
When I hit that wall, I just ignore all of my quilting stuff. I make myself leave it all alone for 1 or 2 days. I don’t allow myself to look at anything to do with quilting either. My mind gradually clears and I come up with the inspiration that I was lacking.
I was in a sewing stump and I told a friend I couldn’t make something because I didn’t have the right fabric (it got lost in the mail) and so I hit a dead wall I couldn’t get over the fact I didn’t have this fabric so I couldn’t make what I wanted to make, well my friend said why don’t you just make something else, I know this seems simple, but it was like a DUH, moment for me, DUH, and now I am making a very easy quilt that I got the pattern from a magazine. SO my suggestions talk to your friends, what’s on your mind? Tell us.
Creative block. I hate it. I’m there now! Ugh. My response to creative block is to work on something thats still creative but is different to what you usually do or are trying to do. If you’re trying to make a quilt try making a purse or a pouch for example. Try painting, maybe some fabric (that you can fit into a project at a future point). Even getting some pencils out and doing some colouring in works for me. Keep the creative juices flowing, if they don’t flow one way encourage them to flow in a different course. (if you see what I mean)
I make a “want-to-do” list and it moves from kitchen to dining table to living room to sewing area for about a week. I add and cross off item a few times. After about a week of “playing” with the list, bouncing ideas off my husband (it’s always nice to have sometime to share with who encourages) and deciding what I realistically have time for and then I am ready to actually dive in. Usually a project for one of my girls. I love a good audio book while I’m ironing, tracing and cutting fabric. During the actual sewing I listen to some music to get me in the grove and I’m all set to go. Oh yes and a cup of hot coffee helps too!
I have so many crafty friends! Sharing ideas or hearing their latest projects get me motivated to finish or do some of my own. Sometimes it takes just a refreshing time away from life to sit and drink coffee and I feel that my greatest ideas come then. Above all, I have found that just being intentional about doing some, planning a time etc. helps me accomplish those unfinished projects that have been sitting around for awhile. Sewing is therapeutic for me. 🙂
I like to clean up my space and maybe start with something small like a pin cushion or coaster using scraps to get me going.
I pull out my bundles of fabric and then browse blogs to see if their projects, homes, etc spark something I can make with a particular fabric bundle. Thanks for the chance to win.
I agree with Kim — finishing a UO can be refreshing. Or I like to start and complete a short, instant gratification project. To remind myself I still can 😉 I also agree with Stephanie — although there is an unlimited amount of inspiration on the internet, sitting at the computer inevitably turns into a time and energy drain for me. So instead of creating myself, I burn up all my time and energy on seeing what others have done. Jumping in on something little is the best kick-start for me. Ladie’s craft nights are also a good place to start too ….
I do what Kim ^^ does — pull out a UFO to get things going. It helps me get my confidence back and gets my mind off other things.
i agree with a lot of the comments above. Just do something, start. It can be anything. And don’t be afraid to mess it up, or that it doesn’t turn out like you’d hoped. I’m trying to take my own advice here.
Yes! This happens to me all the time. What usually works for me is to just keep going, but allow myself to not think about it. This is the time to pick up an easy project – a kit or something – that doesn’t require much thought on my part. Usually while I’m in the process of making that, my own ideas will start to flow. I know that not doing anything at all doesn’t work for me. I think it’s the whole “object at rest will remain at rest” notion, or at least that’s how I work.
Hang in there, Erin, I’m sure the ideas will begin flowing in no time!!
Hello,everyone has felt like this! When I need motivation I make a quilt project for someone else; sometimes a Charity quilt>helps me!
Thanks for sharing!
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I guess I don’t consider it a “wall” at all. I see an ebb and flow to my creative life. Sometimes I am gathering inspiration. Sometimes I am thinking and planning. Sometimes I am just giving the whole process a rest. Then I have a burst and make a bunch of things. It kind of follows what is going on in the rest of my life. When life is challenging there is nothing left for making. That’s OK. I know that season will end and I will be back to creating soon.
I make lists and tell myself I have to do what’s on them. If I get really stuck I give myself a choice between two things that I really want to do, but can’t get going. I tell myself it’s one or the other-that I have to choose one and do it. It sounds silly, but it does work for me most of the time.
I think we all have periods of low productivity. When it happens to me I switch to another activity or craft for a few days and maybe even sort through my stash and reorganize it. Usually doing this triggers a new idea or two which may take me in a more interesting direction.
When I get into a slump about sewing, etc….I too, try doing a small project. the finishing it, seems to kick start my sloooow mode. But, it that doesn’t work…I get with my daughter or BFF…and WE work on something together. Definitely works every time! 🙂
Oh yes, I know the feeling well. I find going on a long walk usually offers some perspective and energizes me – the more beautiful the surroundings, the better. Best of luck to you!
I just get up off my duff and either work on UFOs or start cutting a new project and once I get started I find it hard to quit, I often find my self working on more than one project.
When its winter time and I need inspiration I usually take a visit to the local art museum or history museum.. It always is relaxing and gives me ideas. If I cannot get “out” I have some tea or cocoa and go to the library or bookstore for some art books to look through!
When I’m not blocked, I list all the patterns, designs I want to make with any other information like who for, suggested colors, etc. When I’m struggling I pull out that list and see if anything Looks good. I also put myself on a online diet. There is just too much out there, I can’t do it all and the next picture is always better. So I just stop looking until my brain clears out. If my sewing room needs tidying, I tidy. Then I tidy the rest of the house, make shopping lists, catch up on emails, visit neighbors, get out and garden. Anything to let my mind relax and enjoy something besides quilting. I also make sure I exercise. I have a walking companion and the talking with her does more to clear my head and give me perspective than anything else I do.
First of all this happens to me a lot more in good weather than bad weather…wonder why that is? I have found that the neater I keep my sewing room the more I get done.
When I’m having trouble getting started, I like to go make an old tried an true pattern that doesn’t take too long. Just seeing one completed project usually makes me excited to keep trucking and get back to work! mosthotbutter at gmail dot com.
So funny, the reason I came to your blog today was for inspiration for a new project. There you have it, when I hit a wall I go read your blog. Truly.
I’ve always got a few projects in motion, it tends to help me avoid crafters block. When I run out of ideas I commit to completing something I’ve got in the works, by the time I’m done I generally know where I’m going next.
I have a list of my projects: those that I’ve started and haven’t finished, ideas I’ve sketched out but haven’t started, etc. If I’m stalling on what to do next, I figure I can work on something old and finish it until I come up with some new inspiration. My problem is that I like starting things more than finishing them. I love the start up mode of design. My “to finish” list keeps growing. I try to keep my projects organized as well. I have a basket for all those I’ve started that need to be finished. Good luck! And often I get inspiration from other people’s blog, like yours. Thanks!
I’ll attempt twice, and if the creative juices aren’t yet flowing, I’ll take a short hike along the AT. All mobile devices are left behind, so I won’t become distracted. For me, the sounds, smells, and crisp colors help re-energize my creativity.
This happens to me all the time!!
I find sleeping on it or going for a long walk with our two dogs helps!!
Sometimes totally taking myself away from the road block helps such as a walk, blog hopping, and even household chores that need to get done. I am also one to go back to an unfinished project and finish it. I will also admit to buying some new supplies for the project winch really helps me get moving. Best of luck to you:)
I try hard to commit to one project and not move on to the next shiny object, but it is really hard! I think for sometimes treating a project as an obligation (if that’s not too strong a word) sometimes helps — e.g., I will finish the gift for someone else because I feel like I need to get it done.
I spend time on Pinterest to get jumped start when I lost my creative juices.
I keep a notebook of inspiration and look through it and other quilt books.
When this happens to me I invite a friend over to make some quick craft with her or we knit together and talk or cook or clean together, all depending on what kind of block I am having. Some examples of quick crafts might be making a small change purse or some sachets. I might grab a cookbook and we might make some new food for ourselves and our families, something new or really tried and true. If it is visual distraction we clean while the tea is brewing, just one space or a drawer, something to cleanse the air. Good luck!! Oh, and my husband suggests unplugging the internet when I get stuck but then I won’t have a phone either — oh, maybe that is good too?!?
I’ve found that if I’m extremely stressed or life is in a disorder, I can’t craft. Crafting comes from within a peaceful place inside of me. So in those situations, I always just wait it out, and clean house or organize instead (a different feeling of fulfillment, and I can get so much done when I’m burning off stress!)
If its truly just a creative lull, I either try to finish a UFO, or switch to an entirely different type of craft from whatever I’ve been working on.
I like to have numerous projects going on at once that I can bounce back and forth between. It helps keep me from getting blocks on any of them because I am constantly changing things up.
Thanks for the really generous giveaway!
Dear girl, the world is filled to the brim with creative souls yet only one you. As Dr,Seuss would say, no one is youer than you. Your contribution is so needed. Your cleverness and charm and talent are not diminished by the collective and countless others. Just follow your passion. Create what gives you joy. I think what you are experiencing is somewhat like sensory overload. It makes sense that you would feel stunned into inactivity. I think somehow, we realize that if we focus on something, we will amaze even ourselves but we just don’t know what to focus on and are flustered to see others somehow seizing the moment and accomplishing what we know we ourselves could do….Just keep doing SOMETHING. Just keep creating. You will keep bumping into what you are passionate about and the will speak to others as well. Passion is pretty irresistible. You are doing the right things. Just keep on.
Oh I do agree with you Sarah. Creating leads on to creating. Doing leads on to doing.
I have to vacuum and tidy my sewing space – it is like clearing my brain. I start again with a fresh canvas (clean floor and cutting space) and I step away to have less stimulation. Usually 9pm I get an idea that hits me like a ton of bricks so I have to start it. By the time I am in full-flow it is past my bedtime for me to be a functioning human at work the next day but the overload is tamed 🙂
I know just how you feel, I really do. I see so much on the internet, in magazines, my head is spinning with all the things I would like to make. I keep buying fabric, fabric and more fabric for all these projects and there is really no time to get started sewing, because I’m still seeing things I want to make and if I have the required materials in the house I will get started. The best thing for me to do is chose one, get going with it, loving just about every second of working on this appointed quilt, pillow, bib, knitting project,etc. I usually work on it ’til it’s done (I did say usually).
At this point I wonder why I didn’t just start sooner without all the fuss, it’s not rocket science and you don’t really have to prepare, except have the time and the materials at hand. Why wait to be doing something so relaxing, ofcourse I have my seam ripper at the ready, that’s not the relaxing part.
So, go ahead get going with one of those projects you’ve been thinking about. It’s really fun!
Happens all the time to me!! I either dive into something that I’ve got going already or look through my quilting books for some inspiration. Sometime it works and sometimes it doesn’t! I trip to the fabric store is always fun too!
Cindy
It depends what type of block. If I have too many ideas I usually do something else and try not to think about it. The next day I try again. If I want to make something but can’t decide what, I look on the internet for inspiration. For either case I try to think of the person/occasion/use the project is for. If I can’t decide between two options, it’s usually because neither of them are the right one.
Hope you didn’t choose the winner yet!
I feel the same way! Sometimes looking at so much leaves me stymied too.. I will either sleep on it for a night or two and then I usually end up dreaming about fabric and projects. If that doesn’t get me going, I will sometimes start by organizing parts of my craft room. I often find fabric or other items i forgot about and they can inspire my next project.
Good Luck!