I empathize so much! I too delay beginning projects because I’m afraid it won’t match my imagined ideals, and/or I get overwhelmed by my ambitious dreams. Thank you for sharing your plans to get going on those projects, Sarai.
I get this. I have had to completely re-evaluate my approach over the last 10 years (my body hasn't given me much choice in the matter) and 'what is the smallest thing I can do, that can contribute to getting me where I want to be' has become my daily mantra. As someone whose natural inclination is to obsess and go all in on things I have been pleasantly surprised at how far you can get by adding up those small wins (though I do still get grumpy at not being able to do all the things and do them right now)
I love your newsletters (and podcast) and this one has especially resonated with me. I too have so many (big) projects I want to do but the years go by and I only think about them and do nothing concrete to start. I’ve also made quilts for other people and I’ve been wanting to make one for my bed for years! I like this approach of little by little. Now I just need to dedicate a morning to deciding what exactly I want to sew, and then I’ll be off! Thank you so much for your posts, I enjoy them all and should comment more. xx
Well, thank you for commenting on this one! Sometimes it helps me to even think of something I can do that takes 30 seconds or less. It breaks the inertia somehow.
Struck a nerve with your post once again! <3 I too struggle with the all or nothing thinking, and it is happening with my sewing projects themselves. I get stressed if I can finish a project all in one setting (sewing or otherwise) because I worry that if I don't, I won't get back to it. I am self diagnosed with ADHD (the "inattentive" kind), and I recognize that I have troubles starting tasks, which is where the worry about not finishing comes in. If I stop a project before it is done, I may not get back to it because it feels too hard to get started again.
I also struggle with stopping tasks once I have started, which is why I often do finish sewing projects in a day while neglecting any other tasks I should be doing, like eating... or going tot he bathroom... LOL!
Thanks once again for reminding me of/highlighting another, more thoughtful, way to approach projects!
This is exactly me! And your idea of committing to the smallest chunks possible is genius. Thank you so much for this post I didn't even know I needed :-)
Beautiful prints and color scheme for you new quilt!
I have to agree with everything you say about working on projects with less anxiety.
Although sometimes my anxiety works in a positive way - when I have a deadline for completing a garment, I'm pretty good at finding the time to do it. For example, 30-45 minutes at three intervals daily.
How do you approach sewing projects when you have a deadline?
Funny you should ask. I just whipped out a dress Tuesday night because I was filming a video for it today. 😂 I mostly compartmentalize work-related sewing, I guess. That’s part of my job, and a part I really enjoy, but it does have some natural pressure and deadlines. I just try to balance it with pure hobby projects that do not feel like “work”, so to speak.
Thank you for posting this right now. It is just what I need right now. I have a hard time starting projects that are large as well. Your post may just set me on the right track and being in the throws of winter will help as well. Your post forced me to look at my reasons for not doing a large project. Your project will be beautiful. You have a great eye for color and pattern
Love this! Can’t wait to see your (slow) progress and join in on the fun! I’m learning cross stitch for a similar reason! And to do something with my hands while I enjoy a bit of TV! No rushing though, just enjoying the process. ✨
Quilts are very hard. If the light is off in the store all the fabric choices will be wrong. It truly takes longer than most people can imagine. Even the sewing skills are totally different from fashion sewing. I took a class through the local college. We cut and sewed on the machine but the quilted by hand. I finished a queen size quilt and this was in 1990 just the raw material was over ninety dollars. It took almost a year to quilt by hand. I have done others but not hand quilted them. Hand quilting is the most relaxing thing I have ever done.
I have been happier with either purchasing a kit or having a pattern and have the sells people help me choice the fabric.
I empathize so much! I too delay beginning projects because I’m afraid it won’t match my imagined ideals, and/or I get overwhelmed by my ambitious dreams. Thank you for sharing your plans to get going on those projects, Sarai.
I didn’t even realize how often I do it until recently. Not just delaying, but getting stressed because I don’t have the time IMMEDIATELY.
I get this. I have had to completely re-evaluate my approach over the last 10 years (my body hasn't given me much choice in the matter) and 'what is the smallest thing I can do, that can contribute to getting me where I want to be' has become my daily mantra. As someone whose natural inclination is to obsess and go all in on things I have been pleasantly surprised at how far you can get by adding up those small wins (though I do still get grumpy at not being able to do all the things and do them right now)
You popped up in my substack feed! Yay!
That quilt is such a find, I love the color combo. And your quilt plan for the year sounds very doable.
Isn’t it cool? I’ve had some incredible luck with finding vintage quilts. Something about this one really drew me to it, though. I wonder who made it.
Yay for YOU!!!
I so appreciate your sharing your mental strategies !!
To help make our February better we are getting a new little girl collie puppy !!!
We just lost our older girl dog to old age. Time for a new baby. ❤️
Oh I’m so sorry for your loss. Lovely that you’re inviting a new little one into your life! And I adore collies, such amazing dogs.
I love your newsletters (and podcast) and this one has especially resonated with me. I too have so many (big) projects I want to do but the years go by and I only think about them and do nothing concrete to start. I’ve also made quilts for other people and I’ve been wanting to make one for my bed for years! I like this approach of little by little. Now I just need to dedicate a morning to deciding what exactly I want to sew, and then I’ll be off! Thank you so much for your posts, I enjoy them all and should comment more. xx
Well, thank you for commenting on this one! Sometimes it helps me to even think of something I can do that takes 30 seconds or less. It breaks the inertia somehow.
Struck a nerve with your post once again! <3 I too struggle with the all or nothing thinking, and it is happening with my sewing projects themselves. I get stressed if I can finish a project all in one setting (sewing or otherwise) because I worry that if I don't, I won't get back to it. I am self diagnosed with ADHD (the "inattentive" kind), and I recognize that I have troubles starting tasks, which is where the worry about not finishing comes in. If I stop a project before it is done, I may not get back to it because it feels too hard to get started again.
I also struggle with stopping tasks once I have started, which is why I often do finish sewing projects in a day while neglecting any other tasks I should be doing, like eating... or going tot he bathroom... LOL!
Thanks once again for reminding me of/highlighting another, more thoughtful, way to approach projects!
I do the same, especially being unwilling to stop a project once I really get into it.
Yes! How is it I work in time for other people but for myself, nothing! This is definitely the way to do it. Thank you for the nudge.
Glad it helped!
This is exactly me! And your idea of committing to the smallest chunks possible is genius. Thank you so much for this post I didn't even know I needed :-)
Beautiful prints and color scheme for you new quilt!
I have to agree with everything you say about working on projects with less anxiety.
Although sometimes my anxiety works in a positive way - when I have a deadline for completing a garment, I'm pretty good at finding the time to do it. For example, 30-45 minutes at three intervals daily.
How do you approach sewing projects when you have a deadline?
Funny you should ask. I just whipped out a dress Tuesday night because I was filming a video for it today. 😂 I mostly compartmentalize work-related sewing, I guess. That’s part of my job, and a part I really enjoy, but it does have some natural pressure and deadlines. I just try to balance it with pure hobby projects that do not feel like “work”, so to speak.
Thank you for posting this right now. It is just what I need right now. I have a hard time starting projects that are large as well. Your post may just set me on the right track and being in the throws of winter will help as well. Your post forced me to look at my reasons for not doing a large project. Your project will be beautiful. You have a great eye for color and pattern
Aww, thanks. I knew I was keeping these scraps for a reason.
Great practice and I love the colors!
Thanks! I’m excited to see what comes out of it.
“What’s the smallest piece I can do right now?” - this kind of question to ourselves!… powerful! Can I restack this?
Of course!
Love this! Can’t wait to see your (slow) progress and join in on the fun! I’m learning cross stitch for a similar reason! And to do something with my hands while I enjoy a bit of TV! No rushing though, just enjoying the process. ✨
Honey, the most beautiful quilt I ever saw was ragged and faded and glorious!
Quilts are very hard. If the light is off in the store all the fabric choices will be wrong. It truly takes longer than most people can imagine. Even the sewing skills are totally different from fashion sewing. I took a class through the local college. We cut and sewed on the machine but the quilted by hand. I finished a queen size quilt and this was in 1990 just the raw material was over ninety dollars. It took almost a year to quilt by hand. I have done others but not hand quilted them. Hand quilting is the most relaxing thing I have ever done.
I have been happier with either purchasing a kit or having a pattern and have the sells people help me choice the fabric.
I think I just really like quilts that feel imperfect! Hence the scarp quilting.