Getting Started in a New Year
After a big holiday like Christmas I always find it hard to get started again in the studio. Maybe it’s the anticipation of it all and a bit of a letdown that it’s over, or maybe it’s just being tired, or because it’s the dead of winter (-3º here) or something else. I have a few tricks I’ve learned over the years—ways to prime the creative pump. Maybe they’ll work for you, too!
Clean Up the Sewing Space
My creative space gets to be a real disaster when I’m working, and even more so when I’m working under a deadline, as I do before Christmas.
After a big project, my cutting area and the floor around it are disastrous. Every fabric used gets thrown into a basket on the floor until it overflows, and then I fold it all and put it away at the very end.
A cleanup helps put not only the workspace in order, but my mind and heart as well.
During a busy sewing season, my desktop (and even my chair) is piled with things I must sort and file or deal with.
It’s amazing what an hour of putting-stuff-away will do for my creativity.
Making scrappy blocks creates this kind of havoc around my sewing machine. Once the project is over, everything gets folded and put away so I can start all over again.
Make a List
Every so often, I make a list of quilt projects I need or want to work on. I post the list where I can see it and I cross things off as they’re completed.
I’m free to work on other projects too, but having the foremost things written down seems to lift them from my shoulders a bit. And it never hurts to have some fun by creating the list with colored pens and stickers and stuff. Yes, I’m 57 going on 11.
Tackle One Specific Task
Instead of staring at the design wall thinking, “I should design something” and drawing a blank, I find one specific task that needs to be done on one specific project.
I’m exchanging wonky star blocks with a group on Instagram around mid-January 2018.
I make a block to be exchanged.
One of my quilt labels.
I create a label or prepare a backing—any task that is small and specific. This gets the wheels turning again.
Pet Some of the Fabric
Non-quilters think we’re joking when we talk about petting the fabric, but insiders know it’s a real thing.
When I’m stuck, I pull out a beautiful stack of something—anything—and enjoy looking at each piece, refolding and smoothing and pretty soon, dreaming and conjuring and so on. Works every time.
What tricks do you have for getting unstuck? I’d love to know!
You can always see what I’m working on by following my Instagram feed: @stashbanditquilting. See you there!
Does your quilt guild need a speaker? I give entertaining trunk shows for quilters and I’d love to come to your city! Call today and Let’s Talk Quilts!
Tags: getting stuck, getting unstuck, new year, stash, studio cleanup
Sandi Griepenstroh
| #
Nothing better than cleaning and organizing my sewing space to get me recharged and ready to go!
Reply
Sherri Swoboda
| #
Diane, I enjoy reading your posts and seeing the blocks you have made! I love the colors and fabrics you pick! They always turn out great!
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
Hi Sherri, thank you! It’s so nice to see another Fightin’ River girl here! My best to you~
Liz A.
| #
Ohh, so glad to see I’m not the only “messy” quilter. But I’m afraid my sewing room would need far more than just an hour to put it back in order…..and then there’s this darn cold…..
Reply
Pam Carlson
| #
I really needed to read your post today! Sometimes I get what I call “analysis paralysis”. It can happen with just about anything for me including organizing/cleaning etc… my sewing/quilting room. If I would just take a few minutes each day to work towards my main goal then I wouldn’t allow myself to get into the “analysis paralysis” state of mind and be more productive overall! I know that this is definitely going to be one of my New Year’s resolutions! Thank you for your posts, I love them! <3
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
Thank you for your kind words, Pam! I really appreciate the feedback. Happy New Year!
Geri
| #
Thanks for the encouragement. I take New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day completely off, watching movies, football and doing nothing. Hopefully will be ready to go to the. Sewing room in the morning, clean up last year’s mess and make a new list!
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
You go, Geri! Sounds like a great plan!
Vicki Bartels
| #
I couldn’t stand even walking in my sewing room NewYears Day. After my company left I picked up for 2 hours. Last night I got a whole quilt put up on the design wall. Nothing like decluttering.
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
Oh Vicki, you are absolutely right! It makes a huge difference! Happy sewing to you~