because it would appear that I’m not the only one! Thanks, all, for the commiseration and advice.
Maybe it’s September? But I’m feeling considerably less stuck today. Could be the changing weather. Yesterday we took Lucy to the playground wearing shorts and short sleeves, and had to leave 45 minutes later because Momma was cold. (Don’t be too jealous. It’s supposed to be in the 90s on Wednesday.)
Or, the renewal of my creative energy could be due to any combination of the below:
1) Selfish sewing
In July I bought the printed Staple Dress pattern by April Rhodes from Pink Castle Fabrics. It was worth whatever extra couple of bucks it cost me not to have to fuss with taping printer paper together.
Then I waffled about fabric. I wanted Liberty Tana Lawn. I couldn’t justify spending that much money on a dress when I didn’t even know that the pattern was flattering. Then I wanted Anna Maria rayon. Not sure why I didn’t make that happen. Lazies? I considered everything, and then Rashida Coleman Hale’s Koi voile was put on presale at Stash Modern Fabric and I was all, YES.
Two months later, I put Lucy down for a nap, trimmed the pattern, cut the dress, sewed the dress, took the bathroom mirror selfie above, and then got the kid out of the crib. It was that quick, and that easy. And it’s a super-flattering dress, in beautiful fabric. What a joy.
2) Let yourself get behind.
I was super-caught-up on Penny Sampler blocks and practice projects (see, my dogwood pillow, above) about a week ago. I totally let it all slide last week.
Instead, I took time to:
pick the last container of blueberries out of the field
bake the first apple pie of the season
spend the whole day Saturday going to the Seacoast Modern Quilt Guild’s first meeting in Portland Maine, at A Gathering of Stitches (a making-learning-doing space recently opened by one of our members)
and go fabric shopping in a big way (I’ll fess up about all the fabric buying in a post soon).
I have nine or ten Penny Sampler blocks to make this week, but I’m so energized from a week of not doing them that they’ll be no problem.
3) Figure out what’s making you feel guilty, and tackle it.
I have two main projects making me feel “obligated.” The spiderweb lottery blocks were a biggie. I want my guild members to see them made into a beautiful quilt, because I want them to know how much I value them and their work. The other night I just…sewed them together and started working on a plan.
The second is the twin quilts project. It isn’t due until early November, and I have all my fabrics and a general plan. But what makes me nervous is that I’m trying out my own block design, and I’m not sure how well the block WORKS, especially as a quilt. I also had a guild lottery “star” block to make. Two birds, one stone:
Finally, it goes without saying, I let my camera mostly sit on the shelf and just took iPhone snaps as I went. It’s wonderful to Instagram things when you don’t feel like blogging!
If you were in a funk are you out of it yet?! (How much fabric have YOU bought to get yourself out of it, ha!)
Laura, I think our day Saturday did a wonderful job of helping you get out of your funk!! Our shopping trip was magnificent , don’t you think ?? My red minkie purchase for quilt backs was the best deal. I am excited to work on some more projects this week! I have a friend coming to visit Wednesday, we are going to make a hat and bag for our sons’ advisor at school. She runs a club that they are both involved in…..it has to do with pirates!! You are never too old for fun. I’ll be looking forward to seeing your progress on the Penny Sampler!! Have a great week!!
Soooo glad to see you getting those hands busy again. Love love the dress and the advice! have fun
xo jan
great post, Laura! Quilting and sewing should bring joy to you, not stress. So when you need a break, take it and get a fresh outlook. Awesome advice!
π Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation
I’ve been having the same week. I felt pretty guilty though about not ‘getting enough done’ so I blocked my cowl last night (hurray for a nagging WiP) and I decided I needed a break from mandatory sewing to wip up some selfish sewing this weekend too (staple dress and two project pouches)! I love that we are totally on the same page. I’m glad you had a great week, can’t wait to see how those quilts turned out π
I am so glad you got out of the funk! Gorgeous dress and happy sewing!
Hi Laura,
I’m glad you’re over your ‘block’ so to speak. I’ve slowed down a bit the past few weeks to regroup and after I got over the initial guilt of fewer blog posts I think it’s been a great thing! Thanks to Saturday’s shopping extravaganza (and a pile of fabric that arrived in the mail on the same day) I now have fabric and color combinations on the brain. It was so nice to meet you; I’m feeling lucky to have found such a lovely group!
Karin
Wow – you made that dress in one nap time??? And I love the block you designed. I’m looking forward to seeing more of the quilt.
So glad to hear that you’re out of your funk!… and that dress, perfect on you!
Nice! I’m so glad you’re feeling yourself again. I let myself get behind on my PS too and now I’m trying to get caught up!
There’s so much beautiful stuff going on in this post that I don’t know which one to point to. But, I will say that WHO could stay stuck with so much beauty around them? clearly not you! So glad you’re feeling better. Everything is looking great!
Lovely things happening now! I too feel a little stuck when I am not sure of something and then just don’t want to sew. Happened last week, had time and really didn’t make the most of it. Oh well, hopefully, this week will be better. Love what you have been working on.
That is the same fabric and pattern I want to use on a dress. Glad to see that the combination will work well together! Glad your feeling a little more motivated!
Your dress is beautiful! I am in the funk to but I bought some inspiring books and fabric is on the way! It is nice to not be alone! Glad it is better!
Why did you have to show me that?! Very envious of the staple dress, it looks fab on you. I keep seeing the pattern but am worried that I might look a bit dumpy in it!! Glad you are out of the slump with lots of lovely things to show for it and don’t even get me started on that fabric haul …. π
You’ve been busy!! Love it all – that pie looks amazing!!
Congrats on getting out of your slump-you’ve made a fantastic recovery. I love that Star lottery block. You’re definitely making me want to sew some clothing -your Staple dress looks great.
Looks like an awesome Marden’s haul. I need to get up there soon. love the Staple dress- I may not be able to resist Koi.
Wow I have been a bad blog reader and writer lately! First off I love your pillow so much! Your dress is awesome. I really want to try her date night dress. Baking a pie makes the world a better place. And just wow on all the quilty goodness happening there! Glad things perked up π