Last night, I read through all of your comments about breaking out of a creative slump for the second time. I so appreciate you sharing what works for you. Thank you! And because I know you are wondering, the winner of the giveaway, Jenny, has been contacted and I'm in the midst of pulling some goodies from my stash for her.
I took one suggestion that was repeated again and again to heart and set about sewing something familiar and easy. I started with piecing a bunch of half square triangles. I got in a groove, but still felt a little creatively stilted when I finished. Then, on Saturday, I spent the day at Quilter's Day Out, with some other members of the Louisville Modern Quilt Guild. I had volunteered to demonstrate improvisational piecing. This was the kick in the pants I needed! Play! No thinking, just doing! I left at the end of the day with 13 blocks. Although I will need more to make a quilt top, this is a good start.
Did that do the trick? Yes and no. It felt great in the moment, when I was sitting at the machine, pulling fabrics and sewing them together. However, it did not ignite some great creative urge to go and make more things. Truth be told, I am still not feeling entirely like myself at the moment. I'm trying to be gentle, lower my expectations and go with whatever making urges I have. I have a feeling that once it begins to look a little more like spring outside, I will be inspired by warmer temperatures, blooming flowers and sunny days. Here's hoping.
Hi Erin, sometimes we all need a little break. I’m sure Spring will bring a burst of creative energy and I can’t wait to see what else you have coming up.
Also, with all the posts you’ve had recently with things you’ve made, you really should be easy on yourself. 😉
Sandy
I also just sent you an email, Erin. 🙂
I just broke my block by making a twirly skirt for Elodie, my 19 month old. So, thank you!
Well, that just put a smile on my face!
Well, sometimes we just need to ride it out until it passes…and it will pass. Hang in there!
Don’t force it… when it feels right, it’ll be right! Maybe you need some Fabric-Based Retail Therapy 🙂
There is nothing like a beautiful pile of new fabric to get you excited. When in doubt, try shopping.
Just think how sweet it will be when you creative muse stops by again. Take it easy on yourself and take care, Byrd
I totally missed this conversation, but have definitely felt that creative slump so I thought I’d weigh in here. My usual response is to walk away from everything craft related and try to clear my head. Or I go back to basics and just start playing with fabrics. Mixing and matching fabric is always fun for me so that seems to help me start to formulate plans for something new. I love the idea of just sewing improv blocks! I hope you have been able to get your groove back! 🙂