This past year I smothered my beginner's mind with a handmade pillow. I quit the makerspace that I loved and abandoned all of my neglected projects. I feel better. Quitting things is easy and fun.
And NOW WHAT? Do you stare out the window, or are you being super extra productive? (I'm not being snarky, I'm truly asking. I don't spend that much time sewing -- and would do it more honestly if I could. Like one Saturday a month.)
Oh, I think non-writing, creative projects are great. I just took a hard look at everything I wanted to do and there was no way I could get to all of them. It was making me more anxious than relaxed. I am more productive and actually working on "someday" writing projects. Right now I'm procrastinating instead of working on my time management that book no one asked for.
I'm asking for it! I'd totally buy a Bob Shea time management book.
This is very interesting to me, mostly because I sometimes wonder if I'm procrastinating by doing all of these non-writing creative projects. I'd like to say I think about writing when I sew, but I don't. I need to think too hard about sewing. It is a good time for me to get into flow, even if it's not writing. But you've got me thinking, because I'd really like to work on all of these "someday" writing projects too.
It’s healthy to have interests outside writing. If anything, it makes you a better writer, I would guess. In my case it was too much. My plan is to clear away some “someday” projects then I can reintroduce a hobby. That is my reward. I was flailing around for years not getting anything done so I thought I’d try one thing at a time.
Bravo on the sewing successes! Both look very profesh. I abhor sewing. I want to make lovely things but it also makes me bananas. Honestly, writing is easier! (and writing is hard).
It's a little weird to me how much I like sewing. I wouldn't normally pick it as something I'd be into. Like, I tried embroidery once and hated it so much.
Hmm... Sewing is utilitarian but also a great way to express personal style. And structural (like writing, sort of). Embroidery is purely decorative and doesn't often leave the house. Sort of gels with what I know of you! Crochet is my jam because it has the better qualities of sewing but without the sensory attack of large slippery fabrics. Or bobbin winding.
I love bobbin winding! But only because my sewing machine does it automatically. And slippery fabrics are stressful. I suppose this is why I haven't yet sewn that satin ball gown.
I have, for a long time, used fix-it projects as a way to keep learning and solving (non-story or non-character-related) problems. It's like sewing with woodworking tools.
Love the jacket and skirt! And your post/video is making me open my novel- that I’m struggling with, to continue to move forward with it! As I want it to be a book, and the only way for that to happen is to actually write it and finish it! So thank you.
I love this video. (And congrats on the sewing successes!) Having a beginner's mindset and recognizing that learning a new thing is challenging and will take longer than you think is SO important. (As is realizing that the creating process isn't always a smooth experience.)
I have a million sewing projects I want to attempt, but I'm trying to stick with the new things I've just started, especially because some of those new things might become part of my creative practice. The pleasure and satisfaction of making something for yourself with your own hands is unmatched though, whether you're wearing it or just look at it.
So much to love here. I always want to sew my own clothes and have A LOT of half-seamed garments with the pins and pattern paper still in them. Or did, before we moved.
But that video stitch. And “the ghost of James Marshall.” Both made me cackle while everyone in my house is still sleeping.
The internet is also soooo accessible and “helpful for research” and if you happen to be writing about a specific type of flower, well, there are ENDLESS pages and videos of allll of the things about that flower and its Latin names and its name in England and its culinary uses etc and you can convince yourself you need to know these things to make your writing that much better.
Also, today (and everyday) while writing, I turned once again to thinking about how hard writing is, and then realized that one of the biggest issues is in fact the THINKING I am doing about/during writing. I feel like of course I have to think to write, but today I realized that maybe no—the thinking is what’s effing everything up. If I can just WRITE and not think about what is being written (until later anyway) then maybe the whole damn thing would be easier?
But then again, that’s also thinking. And maybe the reality is Writing Is Hard The End.
I like your jacket. Especially the pencil pocket.
This past year I smothered my beginner's mind with a handmade pillow. I quit the makerspace that I loved and abandoned all of my neglected projects. I feel better. Quitting things is easy and fun.
And NOW WHAT? Do you stare out the window, or are you being super extra productive? (I'm not being snarky, I'm truly asking. I don't spend that much time sewing -- and would do it more honestly if I could. Like one Saturday a month.)
Oh, I think non-writing, creative projects are great. I just took a hard look at everything I wanted to do and there was no way I could get to all of them. It was making me more anxious than relaxed. I am more productive and actually working on "someday" writing projects. Right now I'm procrastinating instead of working on my time management that book no one asked for.
I'm asking for it! I'd totally buy a Bob Shea time management book.
This is very interesting to me, mostly because I sometimes wonder if I'm procrastinating by doing all of these non-writing creative projects. I'd like to say I think about writing when I sew, but I don't. I need to think too hard about sewing. It is a good time for me to get into flow, even if it's not writing. But you've got me thinking, because I'd really like to work on all of these "someday" writing projects too.
It’s healthy to have interests outside writing. If anything, it makes you a better writer, I would guess. In my case it was too much. My plan is to clear away some “someday” projects then I can reintroduce a hobby. That is my reward. I was flailing around for years not getting anything done so I thought I’d try one thing at a time.
Very wise advice! And I liked the bit about the ghost of James Marshall helping...if only!
I know, seriously. I am thinking if I type it up and send it into the ether, maybe he'll receive the message and come on down to help me.
I missed the James Marshall bit...was that the ostrich? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Bravo on the sewing successes! Both look very profesh. I abhor sewing. I want to make lovely things but it also makes me bananas. Honestly, writing is easier! (and writing is hard).
It's a little weird to me how much I like sewing. I wouldn't normally pick it as something I'd be into. Like, I tried embroidery once and hated it so much.
Hmm... Sewing is utilitarian but also a great way to express personal style. And structural (like writing, sort of). Embroidery is purely decorative and doesn't often leave the house. Sort of gels with what I know of you! Crochet is my jam because it has the better qualities of sewing but without the sensory attack of large slippery fabrics. Or bobbin winding.
I love bobbin winding! But only because my sewing machine does it automatically. And slippery fabrics are stressful. I suppose this is why I haven't yet sewn that satin ball gown.
I have, for a long time, used fix-it projects as a way to keep learning and solving (non-story or non-character-related) problems. It's like sewing with woodworking tools.
Love the jacket and skirt! And your post/video is making me open my novel- that I’m struggling with, to continue to move forward with it! As I want it to be a book, and the only way for that to happen is to actually write it and finish it! So thank you.
YES, do it, good luck!
As always your insights really resonate Julie. You have such a way with words and expression.
Thank you, Kaye!
I love this video. (And congrats on the sewing successes!) Having a beginner's mindset and recognizing that learning a new thing is challenging and will take longer than you think is SO important. (As is realizing that the creating process isn't always a smooth experience.)
I have a million sewing projects I want to attempt, but I'm trying to stick with the new things I've just started, especially because some of those new things might become part of my creative practice. The pleasure and satisfaction of making something for yourself with your own hands is unmatched though, whether you're wearing it or just look at it.
So much to love here. I always want to sew my own clothes and have A LOT of half-seamed garments with the pins and pattern paper still in them. Or did, before we moved.
But that video stitch. And “the ghost of James Marshall.” Both made me cackle while everyone in my house is still sleeping.
The internet is also soooo accessible and “helpful for research” and if you happen to be writing about a specific type of flower, well, there are ENDLESS pages and videos of allll of the things about that flower and its Latin names and its name in England and its culinary uses etc and you can convince yourself you need to know these things to make your writing that much better.
Also, today (and everyday) while writing, I turned once again to thinking about how hard writing is, and then realized that one of the biggest issues is in fact the THINKING I am doing about/during writing. I feel like of course I have to think to write, but today I realized that maybe no—the thinking is what’s effing everything up. If I can just WRITE and not think about what is being written (until later anyway) then maybe the whole damn thing would be easier?
But then again, that’s also thinking. And maybe the reality is Writing Is Hard The End.