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In a rut... Is it possible that I'm burnt out from sewing?
Mikgirl Member since 2/24/10 Posts: 299	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/23/12 2:48 PM I was on a role making few dresses... And now I had a couple of items that didn't turn out the way I wanted, I'm a little in a rut... I have few things I thought about sewing (clothes for my daughter or bathing suit) but I feel like I can't move on unless I fix and finish the last dress, or else it'll just sit on the pile and I'll never get to it. Since I am going through my fabric stash pretty fast, I started looking at more fabrics but nothing really catches my eyes. I normally sew after the kids sleep at night, but past few days I'd rather just sleep with them. Is it possible that I'm burnt out? Have anyone gone through this? I'm just reading the PR and trying to motivate myself...
LynnRowe   Advanced BC CANADA Member since 3/9/09 Posts: 6787	Login to reply to this post In reply to Mikgirl << Like this post Date: 6/23/12 3:00 PM We all get this at times. Keep in mind it's not the destination, its the journey! Enjoy the process, don't waste your time and emotion worrying over the ones that, at least for now, just don't work out. Toss them; put them away and do the Scarlet O'Hara ("I'll think about it tomorrow."); take a break, read pattern reviews, take kids to the park and treat yourself and them to an ice cream cone... The wanna-sew hormones will accumulate in you, and you'll know when you just gotta sew! Forcing it rarely works out well. And what I do during such times is to sew myself a little knit top from one of my TNT patterns. I know it will be successful, and sometimes that boost is all that's needed to get me going again. Sewing a TNT after a not-so-great project really helps bring back the enjoyment of sewing, IMO. ------ I heart Panzy, Pfaff Creative Performance, the sewing machine love of my life! And Rupert (Pfaff 2023), Baby (BL Enlighten), Victor (BLCS), Ash (Bernina 350SE), Pal (Bernina 530), Kee (Bernina 750) and the Featherteen Flock! Most of all, I heart Woo (HimmyCat). Until we meet again, my beautiful little boy. I love you.
clotheshorse   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 3/24/10 Posts: 632	Login to reply to this post In reply to Mikgirl << Like this post Date: 6/23/12 3:46 PM I've been feeling something like that lately. There were a few days in a row that I stared listlessly into my fabric cupboard and thought meh...Tried to pick out a pattern or two, meh.. I have been trying so hard to improve my garment sewing skills, I really badly want to be at that "advanced" level. I think I've gotten a bit burnt out too. So I've been learning to quilt and am really loving it! I always thought it would be dead boring but no, it's fun:) Maybe a change of pace now and then is a good thing. I think Lynn is correct, you can't force it. I hope you get your sewing mojo back soon. ------ Viking D1, 1+, Pfaff 7570, Singer 503 Rocketeer, 66, 15-91, Featherweight 5 Flock, Babylock Enlighten & Coverstitch and Pfaff Creative Performance
stirwatersblue Intermediate KS USA Member since 12/13/08 Posts: 2473	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/23/12 6:12 PM You're not in a rut (doing the same thing over and over)--you're in a slump, feeling kind of "meh" and disinclined to sew. It happens. To all of us. I'm in one now, but I have a big costuming event next month, so I have to shake myself out of it. I've found that once I actually sit down with the task at hand, after about 5 minutes or so, I'm humming along happily, glad I skipped that nap to sew instead. :) HOWEVER: This is your hobby, which you do for fun, and the Hobby Police won't stop by and make sure you're spending your 0.75 hours/day bent over your sewing machine like a good little seamstress. Spend time with your kiddos and read a book instead! Enjoy your time off! ------ ~Gem in the prairie
lareine   Intermediate NEW ZEALAND Member since 11/10/06 Posts: 1045	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/23/12 6:55 PM Yep, happens to all of us - the ebb and flow of the desire to sew and the excitement of finding fabrics. Don't worry about it. Just take a break if you want to, and before long you'll find yourself looking for ways to get back to sewing again.
Red Dragon Intermediate AUSTRALIA Member since 2/4/08 Posts: 336	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/23/12 7:44 PM I hear you! I've just come out of what I dubbed no mojo May. As others have said, its a hobby, you can take a break any time you like. When I get like this I go through books or magazines and have a proper look through rather than just going to the bits I need eg the Vogue Sewing Book, adjustments, couture techniques... or look into other sewing related stuff like soft toys/dolls, hand stitching or patchwork. Or just watching tv...I spent yesterday in my sewing room watching videos on patchwork and quilting techniques and hand stitched a pin cushion The pants and coat I meant to cut out can wait. Don't stress, it'll come back. ------ Tracy, Canberra Janome 7700QCP, Janome 4618QC, Husky S25 overlock/coverstitch
Mufffet   Intermediate VT USA Member since 8/14/05 Posts: 8925	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/23/12 9:28 PM You know how to sew now, and that's a skill you will have forever, and it doesn't mean you have to sew non-stop no matter what. In fact, why sew if you don't need to sew anything at the moment? Finish the dress, then try some fun quilting - yes, I know - I think small things like place mats etc. are fun, and then - well - get a ukulele...they don't cost much, and it will give you something else to do if you want to relac but not sew.... I meant reLAX...relax....oh my typos.... -- Edited on 6/23/12 9:28 PM -- ------ "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama I have sewing machines
tinflutterby   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/9/11 Posts: 205	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/24/12 0:40 AM Or don't finish the dress. Sometimes I get to a place on a project and it just isn't working, the creative rescue juices are not flowing. Depending on what it is I may just put it away or I may throw it away but this is my happy hobby no task master allowed even in my head. It's summer go out and smell the flowers, play with the kids. You will be sewing again soon enough.
Nonette Advanced HI USA Member since 3/11/09 Posts: 178	Login to reply to this post In reply to Mikgirl << Like this post Date: 6/24/12 3:06 AM It happens to me too especially during summertime . The best fix that works for me is to spend a lot of time at the beach. when my children were small, I pack up a full day supply of food, beach stuff and toys and spend the the whole day till sunset at the beach - at least 3x a week. watching the children and playing with them all day is very inspiring. Gives me a whole lot of time to plan and visualize my next sewing projects. Lucky we live Hawaii! Nonette
schmammy   Intermediate TX USA Member since 12/5/06 Posts: 468	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/24/12 4:28 PM I agree with LynneRowe. My solution is to make something for a child or doll or home dec (no fitting required). Sometimes I need a break from sewing, period. This is when I crochet something that I can finish pretty quickly. ------ Indecision may or may not be my problem. -Jimmy Buffet http://chihuahuaonmylap.blogspot.com/

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