How to Break Free from a Quilting Funk
Hey, it’s been a while.
If you pay close attention to me, you’ll notice that I’ve produced very few quilts or content in the past few months. We've all been there – that moment when the vibrant world of quilting suddenly loses its luster. The quilting funk, that state of being unmotivated and disconnected from a beloved craft, is a familiar roadblock for every quilter. But fear not, for within this slump lies the opportunity for a renaissance of creativity and passion. In this blog post, I’ll take you through the techniques I use to emerge from the shadows of a quilting funk and rediscover the joy of the craft. Divided into three distinct sections – "Reinspire," "Adjust Your Mindset," and "Prioritize" – I’ve compiled a list of practical strategies to reignite your quilting spark.
Reinspire
Remember your past creations: The aim is to rekindle the spark of motivation by revisiting the accomplishments that once fueled your passion for quilting. Take some time to immerse yourself in the visual journey of your past creations, flipping through photos or scrolling through your social feeds. As you delve into the memories of each piece, observe the emotions they evoke within you. These snapshots provide a tangible reminder of the satisfaction, joy, and fulfillment that quilting has brought you over time. By reconnecting with the motivations that drove you to create these masterpieces, you can gain insight into what might be currently missing in your quilting experience. For a hands-on and tactile experience, consider carefully refolding your collection of quilts that you may have stashed away in a closet. (You should be refolding stored quilts regularly.) This simple act not only helps you engage with your creations on a more personal level but also serves as a tangible testament to your capacity for artistic expression.
Take your project on an adventure: Embarking on a creative journey beyond the confines of your sewing space can be just the catalyst needed to rejuvenate your quilting spirit. Taking your quilting on the road offers a change of scenery that often translates to a change in mindset. Handwork and design work are usually easy to bring along. If you're seeking social interactions, consider settling into a vibrant park or cozy coffee shop where the curious might inquire about your endeavors. On the other hand, if solitude is your muse, a hushed library or a secluded spot in nature can provide the perfect setting for uninterrupted focus. You can also consider an adventure to your local quilt shop. Collaborating with an attentive shopkeep to select a new pattern and fabric can spark a sense of novelty and excitement. As you embark on this new project, you'll find the weight of any emotional baggage tied to previous endeavors lifting, clearing the way for a fresh start and a revitalized quilting journey.
Bundle your habits: Habit bundling is a nifty trick to get your quilting mojo back. It's simple: pair quilting with stuff you already enjoy, and you might find quilting enjoyable again. Listen to podcasts or audiobooks while quilting – the mix of entertainment and crafting can kick-start your quilting excitement. If you're into sports or movies, have them playing in the background as you quilt. And don't underestimate the power of sunshine – take your quilting outside for a change. Grab your favorite snacks and drinks, and make quilting time your treat time. Need some company? Call a friend and chat while quilting, using a headset to keep things hands-free. Habit bundling merges what you love with quilting, making it more fun and less of a drag.
Adjust your mindset
Go easy on yourself: Let's break it down: quilting is supposed to be fun. Acknowledge that you have the capacity to relish quilting; that's why you started in the first place. The thing is, if you're caught in thought loops that make you feel guilty or down for not enjoying it right now, hit pause on those. Beating yourself up won't lead to anything good. Sure, there might be a bit of resistance when you're trying to break out of your quilting funk – that's pretty normal. But if pushing through that resistance is just going to dig you deeper into the hole, it's okay to take a step back. Remember, especially for those who quilt for fun, you don't owe your quilting prowess to anyone. It's a creative journey you're on for yourself, and it's perfectly okay to hit the pause button when things aren't clicking.
Start small: It's natural to want to dive back into quilting, but if the only projects on your plate are mammoth queen-size quilts, that can be pretty daunting. That's where the "start small" mantra comes in. Picking up a smaller project can significantly dial down that resistance. The added bonus? You'll likely reach the finish line faster. There's an undeniable boost of pride that comes from wrapping up a project, and that little win has a knack for reigniting your passion. If you're gunning for an afternoon achievement, craft a zipper pouch, whip up a journal cover, or stitch together some potholders. Want something a bit meatier? A pillow, tote bag, tree skirt, or wall hanging might tickle your fancy. And if the hesitation stems from the overwhelming task of designing or choosing materials, toss that concern out the window. You can pick up a kit, or grab a handful of scraps and start winging it – improvisation can be freeing, and the decision-making pressure is nicely dialed down. Starting small is like hitting the refresh button, giving you the opportunity to reconnect with the thrill of quilting without getting bogged down.
Separate prep from play: Ever been in that place where the idea of quilting resistance is closely tied to the mental checklist of tasks that stand between you and actually quilting? It's not just the design decisions – there's also cleaning the workspace, winding bobbins, threading the machine, printing patterns, swapping out the rotary blade, gathering materials, etc. It can feel pretty overwhelming. Here's where a little hack comes in: split your prep time from your quilting time. Even if you transition directly from prep to quilting, knowing that those nitty-gritty tasks are out of the way can be a game-changer. Personally, I'm a fan of inserting a buffer between the two phases. Picture this: you carve out 15 minutes before dinner to set everything up. And then, after you've enjoyed your meal, you're primed and ready to dive right into quilting. It's like creating a runway for your creativity to take off. By uncoupling the preparation phase from the actual quilting, you clear the mental clutter and give yourself the green light to immerse in what you love without the hassle.
Prioritize
Set a timer: Imagine if I asked you to quilt nonstop for 8 hours straight. Yep, that probably triggered a little internal panic. Now, what if I suggested just a single minute? Suddenly, that anxiety might have eased up, even if you're thinking it's not enough time to make a dent. But guess what? That's alright. The goal isn't to conquer the quilting world in that timeframe; it's about easing the friction that sometimes comes with the territory. Enter the timer. It's not just a countdown; it's a commitment you've made to yourself, one that hushes the siren call of distractions. Set the timer for a chunk of time that doesn't summon resistance vibes. For me, 20 minutes does the trick, but hey, if that's too much for you, no biggie. Try 10 minutes, or even 5. When that timer chimes, give yourself a breather. If you're riding a wave of momentum and itching to continue, reset that timer. If not, it's all good – relish the satisfaction of honoring your commitment to yourself. Tomorrow is another day to pick up where you left off. It's about the journey, not just the destination.
Make sewing the first thing: If you're like me, the morning is when your enthusiasm and productivity shine brightest. It's a quiet haven in your home, free from the usual hustle and bustle, making it the perfect canvas for your quilting inspiration. Make this your quilting time! The key is to minimize the gap between waking up and diving into your creative zone. Prep your sewing space the night before – set up the scene, prep your coffee pot, have a snack ready. Reduce any friction that could stall your momentum. The magic lies in starting before your fully-awakened brain starts asking questions. Savor those initial moments of tranquility as the sun rises and the world awakens around you. Now, if mornings don’t give you the warm and fuzzies, no worries. Identify the time when your motivation, energy, and focus peak, and lock it into your schedule. Block that window off for yourself if needed. If reigniting your passion for quilting is a priority, then carving out your prime hours is a small investment. Remember, this is your time, so safeguard it for the love and joy it brings.
Find your friends: Everything is more fun with friends, and quilting is no exception. Consider joining a sewing group, guild, or bee. There's something special about knowing you have a designated quilting time and a group of people expecting you. Being part of this community has perks beyond accountability – you get a sneak peek into others' projects, sparking inspiration or revealing clever techniques you might not have stumbled upon alone. It's a two-way street; sharing your work can lead to a wonderful sense of accomplishment when others appreciate what you're creating. Their compliments can fuel your creative fire, and answering their questions about your process might just reignite your own excitement. Teaching, in a way, mirrors this. If mingling in groups isn't your thing, no worries – invite a close friend to sew alongside you. If they're crafty, too, it's a win-win collaboration. And if they're not, don't hesitate to offer them a chance to learn. Teach them the ropes by working on a small project together – their enthusiasm for picking up a new skill might just rub off on you. The beauty of companionship can make the quilting journey even richer, be it in a group setting or one-on-one.
A creative funk happens to everyone, and it’s not something to panic about! Give yourself the mental space to find your fire again. I have employed most of these techniques in recent weeks as I’ve gotten my quilting back up and running. There’s not one magic technique, just keep mixing and matching until you find what works! You’re not in this alone. My enthusiasm waxes and wanes all the time. If you want to reach out and share your experience or techniques, drop me a note in the contact form.
