I've been sewing since I was five years old, on and off of course, but it has always been a huge part of my life. Recently, I've been thinking a lot about how my sewing has evolved and changed and I've realised that at this point in my life, I am enjoying sewing more than ever before. And I think I've realised why. There have been three big changes in the way I go about my sewing and those three things have increased my enjoyment so much. So I thought I'd share these changes with you because maybe it will give you some ideas for getting more enjoyment out of your hobby. 1. Let go of Perfectionism I used to undo my stitches all of the time when I wasn't happy with them. I used to feel frustrated that they didn't look perfect and get annoyed at myself when I felt I couldn't produce something how I thought it should look. But somehow, I've let go and realised I am human so I will never be perfect. I now see my embroidery stitches like handwriting, I am making my mark on the fabric and if it's not perfect that's ok because it is an extension of me. We don't constantly use tip-ex to correct our writing when it is a bit shaky and uneven, so why keep undoing stitches? Also, the same principle applies to choosing fabrics for a project. I used to overthink it all of the time. I'd go back and forth over choosing colours and fabrics, changing my mind and ending up frustrated. My early quilts were very calculated in terms of pattern and colour placement. I didn't think I could do random patchwork. But last year when I started doing tiny patchwork, I let go of that and started just going for it. Choosing fabrics without thinking and just putting together what feels right to me. The colours and patterns and how they are placed in what I make are an extension of me and represent my point of view. Once I started working in this way, sewing from the heart rather than the head, I started to love and enjoy what I was doing more. 2. Slowing Down In the past, I would rush to finish a project because I was fixated on the end product. I was desperate to have a new quilt, cushion, dress, whatever it might be. I let the end goal overshadow the process and I would rush to get there. I don't work well in a hurry and rushing in this way caused mistakes which led to frustration. Last year, for some reason, I began to slow down. I think doing more EPP projects led me to this slow state but I now approach all projects, even those on machine, in a slow, methodical manner. Slowing down allows me to immerse myself in what I am doing, to notice every tiny detail in the fabric and to enjoy each and every stitch. It's taught me that although I love the end product, it is the process that I enjoy most of all. 3. Allowing myself to make what I want, when I want Sewing is my hobby and therefore should always be enjoyable. It is also an important part of my wellbeing and intrinsic to my positive mental health. It's my creative output and my relaxation. So I decided a while back to let go of the guilt when it comes to how many half done projects I have because this was stopping me from starting new things. Now, If I want to start something new, I will. If I want to switch between projects, I will. And if somebody asks me to hem their trousers or fix a hole, I won't! Just kidding, I will of course. But first and foremost, I have thrown out the rule book of obligation. If I don't feel like making something that day, I won't force myself because that will take away the joy. I've found that by going with what I feel like doing, my enjoyment has increased and I am also finishing more projects than I usually would. So what about you? Do you have any little rules or mantras when it comes to sewing? What do you do to ensure you are enjoying your stitching and not becoming frustrated? I'd love to know so please leave me a comment.
Take care and stay safe, Happy sewing x
20 Comments
21/4/2020 10:15:11 am
If I was to write a blog post with the same title I would write exactly the same as you! I have entered all of those phases and have come out the other end as a better sewer. Thanks for writing your thoughts. Jo x
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Emma
21/4/2020 11:35:55 am
Thank you so much for reading my post Jo. I always get nervous sharing my personal thoughts, I don’t know why! I’m so glad you share the same thoughts and feelings as I do. Sewing is such a rewarding hobby in so many ways isn’t it. Have a lovely day x x
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Gwawr
21/4/2020 12:20:15 pm
I agree so much with what you have written Emma. I used to be in a hurry to reach the end of a project too and feel guilty for not being able to keep up with certain projects (for instance different block of the months). Now I try to enjoy things more instead of being in a rush or feeling guilty. The old way of thinking creeps back in every now and then but on the whole I try to think that it is my sewing, my time, my enjoyment and if it takes three years to complete a project then it doesn’t really matter.
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Emma
21/4/2020 02:03:22 pm
Thank you for taking the time to read my post Gwawr. Slowing down really is a revelation isn’t it. It feels so freeing to just let go and do whichever project takes your fancy, it’s what having a hobby should be all out, just pure enjoyment x x
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Oh Emma, you’ve expressed your thoughts beautifully. I too have experienced similar shifts in my stitching journey as well. I’ve reflected on them before, but I realized a few afresh as I read yours. Like letting go of perfectionism! I didn’t even realize I had until you pointed out the ways you realized you have. Thanks so much for sharing, and please keep sharing. We all need what you have to offer. 💕 Hugs from Africa!
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Emma
21/4/2020 02:04:53 pm
Thank you so much for reading my post Lisa. Letting go of perfectionism is liberating and it feels wonderful to not be judging myself anymore, and to just allow myself to be me with what I make. I’m so glad you’ve found that feeling too. X x
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Lori
21/4/2020 05:48:07 pm
OMG! Giving yourself permission! #wow Thanks for this. I want to finish projects but feel like there are shiny things all over!!! The new shiny things seem to get completed quicker than the WIP. Recognize and make a list!!! I LOVE you slow stitching pieces. I need a trouble shooting post for EPP. Example...I can see between my stitches or my fabric comes loose as I’m stitching. Can you help?
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Emma
24/4/2020 08:15:41 am
A trouble shooting post is a good idea, I will definitely do one at some point. I never stitch in the ditch for epp projects, I hand quilt or if using a machine I would quilt on top of the fabric rather than the ditch. I hope that helps and thank you for reading my post and leaving a comment 😊
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Raquel
22/4/2020 08:37:01 am
Oh, Emma, one of the reasons I started quilting was to practice working on the very things you listed. Somehow, I have lost sight of that lately, and I thank you for the beautiful reminders. We aren’t perfect, we never will be, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make beautiful things. I don’t know if it’s world situations or personal struggles, but overthinking seems to have taken control again. Your reminder that it’s a hobby and supposed to be enjoyable is so appreciated. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. 💗
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Emma
24/4/2020 08:17:50 am
Thank you for taking the time to read my post Raquel, I’m so glad it was a useful reminder. Overthinking is a battle for me too but letting go and just making from the heart rather than the head is so freeing. Take care and enjoy your crafty time 😊
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Sarah Costello
22/4/2020 11:16:23 am
Your post is so apt. I have never been a perfectionist...I think years of doing crafts with Brownies and Guides teaches you to just enjoy creating and having fun! I like a mix of slow projects and ones that are a quick finish...a satisfying mix! And of course I can always be tempted by the new things I see on Instagram!!
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Emma
24/4/2020 08:19:45 am
We can learn so much from working with children can’t we. I love that children of a young age don’t have the self doubt that creeps in as you get older and they can just create without anything holding them back. A mix of quick and slow projects is the perfect balance 😊
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Sally Hughes
22/4/2020 01:45:49 pm
After obsessing over various projects including crochet, hand quilting and knitting, I read your blog last night and it has really made me look at things differently. As you can no doubt tell, I like to have several projects on the go at once and I love what you wrote about that! I feel so much better now and not at all guilty. Who says we can only work on one or two things at once. Variety keeps it interesting and keeps us engaged!
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Emma
24/4/2020 08:22:31 am
Oh Sally! I’m so glad this post has helped you. I like lots of crafts as you do. Lately I’ve only been focusing on patchwork but I think I will definitely dive back into crochet at some point. Letting go of guilt is the best thing you can do. I just keep telling myself it’s a hobby so I need to follow my heart and make what a feel like and that’s working for me. Take care, stay safe and thank you for reading my post and leaving a lovely comment 😊
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Tracy Thompson
24/4/2020 04:12:09 am
Hello Jo
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Emma
24/4/2020 08:25:03 am
Thank you for your lovely comment Tracy, I really appreciate you taking the time to read my post. I’m on Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube but they are the only social media sites I’m on, it’s hard to keep up with it all! Take care and stay safe x x
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Karen
25/4/2020 04:08:10 pm
What a lovely piece Emma, thank you. I have just started sewing again after a long time when I did not give myself "permission" to do so as there were so many things that I thought I SHOULD be doing instead.
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Emma
2/5/2020 08:16:53 am
Oh Karen, it sounds like you making incredibly special things, so thoughtful. That will mean so much to the people who receive them. But yes, definitely make that quilt when this is all over, you deserve to. Take care x
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Faith Nichols
30/12/2020 11:22:41 pm
Emma,
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Emma
18/1/2021 12:37:32 am
Hi Faith, thanks so much for reading my blog and watching my videos. Yes I have the pattern for the sewing case for sale. If you click the shop tab of the website you will see a link there. Many thanks
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My name is Emma and I love all things sewing, especially EPP. My little blog is the place where I document what I'm making. I hope you enjoy reading what I'm up to! All opinions are my own and I only share things that I think you will love. Thank you for taking the time to stop by. Archives
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