I was thinking about this the other day, why we might not be motivated to sew. What causes that for us?
I just spent 20 minutes today looking for something.. The bonus is that I now know what's in all my bins.... all.. of them.
Sadly, i didn't find what i was looking for which was frustrating. So.....
Then I spent other 20 minutes and I found it! Geezzzzz that took while! That search was a definite de-motivator. Had I need/wanted to sew on that project, I lost my interest by the time I found it.
This is my work table. I only have ONE work table.
ONE, so when there is too much stuff piled on it... that makes it hard to do what I need to do. It also makes it so I am not interested in sewing because I have to move too much stuff.
Over the last few days I've been thinking about why we might not sew, and what we can do. I am a problem solver to the core, I think many makers are. We see an issue, we need to fix it. ok.. I know a group of you won't relate to this.. it's ok, I still love you.
Shall we proceed?
Here is what I think we might be running into.... and how I would fix that problem for myself
- Lack of Space and Disorganization
- Clutter that is not useful
- Perceived Lack of Time
Let me tell you how I fix these things and how it makes it easier for me to do what I sew enjoy, sew!
- Lack of Space and Disorganization
- This creeps up on me. I store an item in a prime location that I rarely use. A few set of fabrics or a new tool, book comes in for review, and I don't put it where it should go, because that OTHER thing is in it's spot.. and then the avalanche happens.. project stacks start where they should not be.. etc.. etc..
- MY SOLUTION is to STOP and reorganize. Get the things out of prime spots, like Batting sitting where a current project bin should be. I'm not using batting everyday, move it to long term storage. My ultimate solution is to remove everything from the room and put it back, like Kathy Brown and I talked about on my podcast. But when I can't do the ultimate, small changes help me get by.
- Clutter that is not useful
- I do love THINGS. That cute pincushion I was given. The adorable notepad. The stack of fabric scraps that needs cut it 2.5" squares. Maybe an article I want to read.. someday. Or an advertisement.
- MY SOLUTION is to gather all of it up and find it's rightful home. This is similar to the lack of space and disorganization, but different. My clutter is generally not related to projects. I have a very small work space, so I have spot to keep adorable things, and a folder for what I want to read next.. My clutter is put where it belongs.
- Perceived Lack of Time
- I don't have time to sew, I don't have time to clear the clutter because I have a project deadline, etc..etc..etc..
- MY SOLUTION Even with having my business as one that involves making things, I still can fall into the deadly trap of saying 'I don't have time'. But really we do. We all do. It's all about how we decided to spend the time we do have. For me, I'm getting some projects ready that I can either hand stitch or sewing on for 10 minutes at a time. For you, maybe your sewing machine is covered with projects (see above) so you can't just sit down for 10 minutes. Or you have a lot of time at your office, with your children's activities, your other organizations. Can you take handwork for down times? Can you sew 10 min before you leave the house the in morning? pick an EASY project to make, then no thinking has to happen.. that is what kits are great for!
Just some thoughts swirling through my head today that I wanted to share with you
Because my life is not much different than your life. We all find times when we create our own obstacles to doing what we want to do.
What is the ONE THING you want to change up so you can
do more sewing? I'd love to know!
... you'll find me doing some organizing tonight
and then making some fabric bins from the Splendid Sampler™ Designers
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