Joy in Sewing
It’s only appropriate that a blog titled “Confessions of a Craft Addict” have an actual confession every now and again, so here’s one for you:
Sometimes, sewing feels like a chore.
I hate admitting that but it’s true. The last thing I want to do is give the impression on my blog and in my life that everything is all shiny happy glossy because it’s not. Right now there’s a pile of socks on one living room chair, a basket full of laundry to fold, dishes piled up on the kitchen counter and so many domestic landmines on my side of the bed that I fear for my life every time I stumble into the bathroom in the middle of the night.
For me, sewing became my go-to hobby because it could be something different and exciting every time I started a project. The possibilities were endless. There’ve been times lately, though, when my work necessitated doing the same thing over and over again. And it makes my favorite hobby something tedious.
It’s such a unsettling feeling that it actually makes me want to clean my house instead of sewing. Seriously. Two days ago, I was on my hands and knees at 7 a.m., scrubbing the floor of my shower.
Fortunately, I’ve managed to clear off my to-do list enough that I can take a break from sewing the next day or two and recharge. Miss L and I are going to do a little holiday baking and I may even fold that laundry.
Or maybe bribe someone else to fold it so I can clean my studio, which looks like a fabric store exploded.
December 10th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Thanks for the sincere post. I was wondering if everyone just seemed blissfully happy all the time and I’m the only one who feels crazy at times.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:05 am
Mary, I understand where you are coming from. I have barely sewn in the past few months as I have been so busy. I have begun to view any sewing project in the same way as I view cleaning out the pantry or weeding the garden. I am waiting for my Christmas holidays before I venture back in the sewing room!
December 11th, 2009 at 9:12 am
It seems that most creative/crafty people have a sort of chaotic element to their personalities, I just said yesterday that my sewing room looks like the scrap bin exploded all over it!
I reach the same point as you seem to have, every now and then I can’t enjoy any hobbies until the house is neat and pretty again.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
I understand completely. I have a full time job and do alterations for others for extra money. Sewing for pure pleasure always is on the back burner because I feel I have to clean house, look over homework, do others alterations/sewing before I can do mine. Then when I can finally get to mine – I have to clean out a space for me to work and I just don’t enjoy it. I especially do not like to sew for others when they have crappy taste. But I always grin and bear it because I need the extra income. Another thing when I finally do sew for myself – I come out of the sewing room really happy – then see that the house has exploded into another mess…. it’s just a never ending chore … But I really love to sew – it’s my art and I day dream of ideas all day long and dream of things while I sleep… My mantra – Someday….
Thanks for letting me rant.
December 11th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Mary, I have been in exactly the same place lately. I had several customs due, mending (a favor owed), India’s Queen gown, several aprons and gifts, and writing a new pattern all in the same month. I was going crazy! I was starting to dread it all. After I got the last thing done, I actually took 4 days off sewing. When I started sewing again on Tuesday, it was with renewed energy.
It is important to take breaks so that you can enjoy your passion again. I am glad you are back to the joy of sewing.
December 13th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
I feel for you! Things must be really desperate if you would rather clean house. My ironing pile in threatening to burst open the closet door, yet the ironing board is always up and ready to go for pressing seams and finished products – just not our own clothes!
Christmas is fast approaching and I have been sewing for other people and have yet to make a single thing for anyone in my family. Eek!
December 15th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Mary,
Ditto, ditto, ditto, ditto.
Thanks for keeping it REAL! lol…
Anna
December 18th, 2009 at 1:37 am
I can relate totally to sewing becoming a chore – and even more so the “landmine” on my side of the bed. I don’t even try to get out that way – I just use the foot of the bed!
Thanks for sharing this. I always appreciate when bloggers paint a real picture versus a “Stepford” picture.
December 21st, 2009 at 12:59 am
I get so bummed when sewing starts to be a chore too. It’s tough because we love it so much that it seems thrilling to make it our “real work” and then it becomes a chore when the freedom is gone. I’m totally with you on the “something new” part. I really never want to do the same thing twice. I love learning new stuff so I love the limitless possibilities of sewing. But with certain “projects” it’s really going become boring. Blech.
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Everything I used to enjoy doing feels like a chore to me these days. I’m not sure what’s up with me, but can relate to the kinda-sorta dread you were talking about. Maybe in the coming year, you can rediscover your love of it, and I can rediscover my love for….well, anything.