Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
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From: Raevenflyte
Date: 02-26-2006, 12:33 AM (1 of 8)
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Heard of writer's block? For some reason I can't figure out, I can't bring myself to start another project. I'm a beginning sewer, started last year and went great guns until a few months ago. I've sewn two or three things in the past three months--wheelchair totes (http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/ec_wheelchair.html) and adult bibs (http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/ec_bibs.html), which have been satisfying, but I just can't bring myself to start something bigger than that. The last time I did any major sewing was Halloween, when I put together a genie costume and this vampire cape (http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M4092.htm?tab=costumes&page=5), and the cape was a big learning opportunity/disaster. Maybe I acquired some sort of phobia from that. I don't know. I don't know if there are tips to break this other than just shut up and do it, which I'm going to do with something simple, a little pillowcase from either here (http://www.supereggplant.com/archives/000315.html) or this site. (http://www.kidsdomain.com/craft/pillowcases1.html) Maybe send some good thoughts my way? 
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User: Raevenflyte
Member since: 03-16-2005 Total posts: 32 
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From: GreenDragonLady
Date: 02-26-2006, 08:05 AM (2 of 8)
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I get blockages all the time! I think for me it's a fear of failure though. Especially if it's a new technique or fabric that I haven't tried. One of those pillowcases in a fun fabric should be good. I do embroidery on the bands of mine, and sometimes I add piping between the main fabric and the band. Just adds a little "zing"!
photos.yahoo.com/greendragondesigns
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User: GreenDragonLady
Member since: 07-29-2004 Total posts: 495 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 02-26-2006, 09:26 AM (3 of 8)
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Buying Fabric and magazines helps me. And sewing ahead for the new season helps. Some nice spring thing is especially fun in winter. Or forget it and read a good book. Take a look in the most expensive shops, see something you like and make it for less. I like a challenge to get me going. Try something new. If nothing works I get a bottle of wine and forget about it. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: debsews
Date: 02-26-2006, 09:29 AM (4 of 8)
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Do you sew for yourself or others? I sew for my grandkids and usually looking at cute little patterns does it for me. There are so many easy things to do for kids. Maybe getting a good home dec pattern and playing with some of that stuff will get you fired up again. Good luck. If nothing else works take a break and come back later when you're rejuvenated. |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: Raevenflyte
Date: 02-26-2006, 10:23 PM (5 of 8)
| GreenDragonLady--I think you're right! It's the fear of failure's that's got me! Since that disastrous cape in October...that's when it really started. It's weird. For some reason I've got it in my mind that...I can't make a mistake? Or something. Which is weird, because it's just a piece of fabric; I can rip out seams if I have to...so what's the problem? Anyway, thanks to all for the suggestions--I have been doing a lot of wandering in fabric stores and reading and all to try to keep my hand in or something. |
User: Raevenflyte
Member since: 03-16-2005 Total posts: 32
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From: bridesmom
Date: 02-27-2006, 12:45 AM (6 of 8)
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I've had those moments, when I never want to look at the machine again. I've done a couple of things. Sat down and really cleaned out my sewing room, I then usuallly find a pattern that I loved or the fabric, and then I am starting up again. Or I go garden for a couple of days. If I have a huge pile of UFO's I get major blockage!! But I also find that if I go into a fabric store and find some fantastic fabric for my granddaughter, I can make a little outfit in an evening and then I get going again. After a major item, I go back to something simple for a bit. But if all else fails, join Dorothy and me in that bottle (glass?) of wine!! and a good fiction novel!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: patti2
Date: 02-27-2006, 08:48 AM (7 of 8)
| I don't know why we are so hard on ourselves. I make something and someone compliments it and I reply by pointing out all the errors! When I get sewer's block, I clean out my stash boxes and get rid of stuff I know I will never use (too small, too oddly shaped...). Or I will take a UFO and say "Am I ever going to wear this? Am I ever going to use this?" If I answer no, I -gasp- throw it away!!! Very liberating and it energizes me to get going again. |
User: patti2
Member since: 05-28-2005 Total posts: 78 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 02-27-2006, 09:01 AM (8 of 8)
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I don't know why we are so hard on ourselves. I make something and someone compliments it and I reply by pointing out all the errors! I do that too. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
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