I was listening to a podcast today that was talking about how to break out of a creative stalemate. Everyone gets into a funk now and then where they just can't seem to get motivate to create. This podcast was talking specifically about not being able to sew/quilt.
I found it interesting that the first thing that was suggested was to clean your work space. Basically remove the clutter to free up your mind. I find that works for me, but only to a certain extent. Probably because I thrive in a little clutter.
Another suggestion was to do a different creative hobby. Basically take a break from what you normally do. So instead of sewing or quilting, try decorative painting, or jewelry making. I was in a very long funk that lasted about 2 years. When I started making the jewelry and flowers for my daughters wedding, that funk lifted. I got back to sewing/quilting. and have kept at it.
I have been in a bit of a funk lately. Partly because of the holiday let down. Partly because of outside commitments. But mostly, I have decided, it is because I have been trying to get all these UFO's done and what I really want to do is start on something new. We have to be careful not to stifle our creative instincts by holding ourselves back. Sometimes we need the excitement of a new project to keep juices flowing.
I may start a new project this month. just as soon as I finish up a quilt. I have been made Queen of UFOs and have 2 weeks to get a finish done. Fortunately I just have to bind a quilt to make that happen.
Another reason for the funk is not having enough time to get done everything I want to do. I need to ease up on myself. I have been working every morning on something. At first it was EPP stuff. Then is was cutting up scraps and taming that mountainous pile. I should mention that I love cutting up scraps. I like to cut fabric. I know some people see that as a chore or a necessary evil. But it is something I really honestly enjoy.
There is also the limited space, I don't have the space to set up my studio like I want it. Storage is at a premium. I needed to set up my big board ironing board to press some seams and some fabric. It isn't that hard to set up, I just didn't want it in my way. I need to figure out a better placement for it. But it is set up now and I am ready to stitch some rows together.
How do you break out of a funk?
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