Here's the little sis' holding the quilt requested from the older sis'
So here are my thoughts:
1. I thought about my blog and what I REALLY want from it.
2. Then I thought about my style and how I approach quilting.
3. Then I OVER analyzed my abilities and came up with a list of shortcomings.
4. Then I felt inadequate and subsequently unsure of myself.
5. Then came the loss of my desire to sew. It was painful to even think about sewing.
I'm not the only one who faces these "quilt mind demons," right? Why do we let this happen to ourselves? We need to be critical of our work to improve, right? Why do we let comparison or critics be the thief of our joy?
When you feel burnt out and unconfident, what do you do to rise above the quilting blues?
I took a break from sewing and from my quilt blog reading (I really do love you all, but I needed a complete separation). Who could concentrate on finding peace when you have all of those wonderful pictures and projects to see and read about? You all continue to amaze me!
I'm slowly getting back into sewing. The request from my sister came at a good time and a simple quilt project is what I needed. I also joined a Friday Night Sew Along group on Instagram (#fridaynightsewalong) and the support from my fellow quilters boosted my sewing confidence. Thanks Sarah of Sarah Quilts!
Seriously, who doesn't love all the quilters? We have such a wonderful community and I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to get to know everyone.
Yes, it is easy to compare and begin the self-doubt thoughts...what I tell myself is that I will do and blog about what I love and if I want to just zone one day or night...then I do so...take as long as u need!
ReplyDeleteOne day, I realized that it doesnt matter how good I am, someone will always be "better" or "think of something before me". So, I quit thinking about me vs them and started thinking about me vs me and me with them. This community is amazing because we all bring something different to the table. "Better" is sometimes subjective. Is my work "better" than my last attempt? Yes? Check, my mission is complete. Did Sally make something I really love? Can I find what I'm responding to in her work and incorporate into my own journey? Yes. Check, my mission is complete.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you just need a break too. It's just part of the creative process. :)
Looks like she liked the Wee Wander quilt! You got it done in time, yay!
ReplyDeleteSomething that has helped me feel better about my stuff is spending less time reading what other people are doing and just creating what I want and joining in the community on my terms, when I want to. I don't read blogs unless I have some downtime like laying in bed with my youngest waiting for her to drift off to sleep. When Google Reader went away, I stopped subscribing to a ton of blogs. I'm also not on instagram or twitter because I get really unhappy when I have lots of commitments to be connected all the time. It is a drain on my happiness. So I check in when I get the chance and leave it at that. Did you feel better after your hiatus?
Are you starting a new sewing project?
Shucks Kate, I can really relate. I'm glad to hear you're getting out of your rut. Keep on quilting, you do beautiful work and I love watching you grow! I often find spending less time reading blogs and more time quilting can help keep me on track with what works for me :) p.s. Love that wee wander quilt!
ReplyDeleteI know the feeling! Sometimes I am so overwhelmed by all the gorgeous things I see in my blog feed, that I can't find the right kind of inspiration for myself. It's like my thoughts are muddled by everything else. Taking time to unplug for a little while really helps get me back on track.
ReplyDeleteI miss that cute girl!
ReplyDelete