This happens to me each and every year at this time. I work crazy, crazy hours from Christmas until the end of February and sewing becomes a far-off dream. This year I have really been looking forward to getting back to my sewing more than usual as I’ve lost about 25 pounds since Thanksgiving and my clothes look a little ridiculous on me. I want to show off my new svelte shape, for heaven’s sake! I’ve managed to buy a few pairs of jeans and stitched up a dress and a top but I need more CLOTHES and lots of them! I want to SEW! I have FABRIC! I have PATTERNS! I have every NOTION I could possibly need! Why can’t I get started? Is it the fact that I can’t pull out a tried-and-true pattern and just whip something up? Maybe that’s my trouble this year as that is where I usually begin to ease myself back into it. Now I have to retrace and alter my patterns all over again, sigh. Maybe I will just trace one pattern first thing tomorrow morning and pick out some fabric so that I’ll be ready to go the next time I have a few hours free. Honestly, I’m really annoying myself here.
Tell me, what do YOU do when you get stuck?
congratulations on the weight loss! when i lost about the same amount, i started with cute skirts. easy, fast, they look way better than shorts, and no bust to fit. even with the weight loss, the girls did not change much, so FBAs and such were (and still are) needed.
Gigi, your weight was not lost – it migrated to Northern California. I can account for it! What to do when stuck? For me, I tackle something small but that satisfies a goal – stash reduction, practicing a new technique from Threads or a tutorial, finishing a UFO – it’s got to be small so that I have success – QUICK!
If you’re posting you’re not that far from unstuck! Just a skirt with a chiffon overlay will get you going, I’d say. Or altering a knit top by taking a larger seam allowance along the sides and upper sleeves might make you just die to do a new one. hehehehe, any port in a storm!
Instead of trying to redo an previously TNT pattern, go ahead and try something new and fabulous! If you have to alter something anyway, start from scratch … buy a new pattern and go for it! A new shape requires a new pattern to go along with that new fabric you posted about earlier. When I can’t get excited about what is on the table, I go look for something new to inspire me and go from there.
I agree with Lorna. I get overwhelmed when I think I have to sew staples & practical, useful things. There’s just not enough time to make all the things I “need” & I see all the marvelous things I want just slipping further and further away. So I just buy what I need and make what I couldn’t possibly buy, don’t necessarily “need,” but truly, truly want. Too bad I can’t make Louboutin shoes.
Go snoop shopping:) (With me!)
Shannon G
I agree with Lorna and LMH – make yourself something you’d look fabulous in. You have a great new figure now, go for it!
Thirding the new and fab motion. I did the same thing recently. I reached into the fabric stash and pulled out some heathered jersey (you know which one, you were there with me when I bought it). Then I rifled through the pattern stash and found a Simplicity wrap top. And off I went! It was fast, it was easy, and Carolyn and Mardel both exclaimed over it at lunch in NYC yesterday! Go for it girlfriend!
Congratulations on your weight loss. About your mental block–my opinion would be to go pattern shopping for something new. Forget altering at this point. Find something quck and easy with some interesting detail and go for it. Usually my “blocks” are from fear of things like will I like it, shoudl I “waste” my fabric on something I’m not sure about, etc., etc., etc. I think if you focus on just one garment and when it’s a success, your motivation will return. This is, of course, just mho. Sally
Gigi ~ its great to see you back…even better that you have lost the weight…I am confident that you will work this out especially with the wonderful suggestions you have already been offered! I just want to cheerlead you on! You can do it! I know you can! I will be waiting to see what you come up with!
Congratulations on the weight loss! I usually find something simple (skirt, knittop) and make several with small design changes. It makes me feel like I have accomplished alot in minimal time!
When I get stuck, it’s usually b/c I’m overwhelmed from whatever. Where do I start? Which project to choose? So I start writing out a schedule of small tasks & just focus on the next thing, not the big picture.
Gigi – glad to see you back! Nice to know that even the pros like you get stuck sometimes too.
That Simplicity pattern is a good one to get started on (the one shown on Ann’s site.)
When I’m stuck, I putz around my sewing room and make non-essential things. Like doggie clothes or what not. Even just reorganizing my fabric collection and patterns helps get me motivated again.
Can’t wait to see what you turn out. It will be FAB, no doubt.
Glad to see your post. I usually read others blogs to see what they are up to. I thumb through magazines and such. I go into the sewing room and start touching things and then land on one idea. This may take me a week or more. But it helps get me started. Congrats on the weight loss!
Keep telling yourself it could be worse: you could be re-tracing patterns because you GAINED weight. Trust me on this one…. You are the Queen of making up a pattern multiple times for multiple looks. Use a favorite old reliable first – preferably something that will alter and sew up quickly. (Ask yourself what you are least likely to find in suitable RTW – tops? pants? skirts? dresses?) The immediate gratification will get you moving again. So nice to see back.
Gigi, I agree with the make-something-new idea. This always works for me, because it’s far more exciting than making a TNT pattern. Congrats on your weight loss; and it’s very nice to see you posting again
I vote for the “new and fabulous” idea – you have a quorum and you can now act on this idea
) by whipping up something you’d never wear when you had that bit of extra weight.
Gigi… You didn’t lose the weight, you set it free. I agree with the new and fabulous yet easy and satisfying sewing project. It doesn’t have to be complicated, just sassy. Good luck and realize that we all hit this brick wall every so often. Your talent will eventually overcome the doldrums! I have faith.
How about altering one outfit like Mary Beth suggested that would require mostly just side seams etc. and also go for a new look that you wouldn’t have thought you could wear before–we will all be waiting to see it. Good luck!
Gigi, I agree with Sue- You set it free! Go for something simple and elegant to show off your sleek new figure. I always find your sewing inspirational, so hop to it!
I’VE ALSO HIT A “SEWER’S BLOCK” I CAN’T SEEM TO REMOVE MYSELF FROM THIS RUTT! I’M CONSIDERING STARTING MY OWN STITCH N’BITCH CREATIVE CLUB WHERE SEWING DIVA’S CAN MEET AND GAIN INSPIRATION FROM EACH OTHER!
Gigi, I’m just thrilled to see you posting again. Do something to celebrate your new figure! Like others, when I have a block I just hang out in my studio area, cleaning up. Before I know it, I’m into a project. Hope to see something new by you soon.
Hey, BWOF has a great April issue with a wrap top and empire waist, also seen as a dress. New you, new patterns. It’s not hard to trace and alter, you are a pro. I’m going to time myself for tracing and altering as my motivation. The next time I’m sew-stuck, I’ll think back: gee, it only took 30 minutes to trace and alter that top… Do I have 30 minutes?
Or the KS A-line skirt, if you could bear to make another. Two pattern pieces plus a grosgrain ribbon waist and you are set!
Is there something new in you that needs to be expressed? Perhaps this is your sticking point.
3 weeks since you told us that you’re stuck. Long enough. Get unstuck and show us what you’re up to.