Replies

1. 
   sewelegant | May 01, 2008 05:37am | #1

   I just had one of them yesterday!  And the day before that!  Darn, I said to myself, this isn't going to fit the way I want it to, darn.  I was making a top out of some old knit fabric I had and I thought because it was knit there would be plenty of room.  Well, it just doesn't stretch like a knit should and you would think by now I would have known that!!!  On the bright side... I did make a dress from a Hawaiian print that fits great and makes a nice "muu muu"  I guess I have to call it a patio dress, but when it gets hot outside and everyone is dressing cool I don't suppose I will feel so out of place wearing it.  But, I need a wardrobe for this fall when we plan on taking a fall colors cruise.  The knit top is supposed to go with several other items and now it is questionable whether or not it will be around.  Living in Southern California is not conducive to building a cold climate wardrobe so I need to get busy.    I am approaching seventy and have been sewing like this - without much of a plan - since I was 14 or so.  In fact I did not let 4 kids get in the way of my sewing!  I had my machine set up in their play area and they just ignored me.  In all my old pictures everyone is wearing something I made and I rarely bought any thing for myself because I would look at the price and think, I can make that, but alas that is how my stash got started.  One does have to figure into it just how much time you need to sew up a garment properly and I think I miscalculated a lot!  Because of my stash I didn't save any money on clothing but on the other hand, I was happy with my hobby and happiness is worth a lot and it also keeps you sane.  My biggest pleasure is being able to look at anything in the pattern catalogs and know that I can sew it up if I want to.  (Yes, but will it fit!??)

   My suggestion?  Try making something you are not planning on wearing.  That almost always boosts my feelings of creativity and worth and enthusiasm for returning to the pattern drawer again and eyeing my stash.

1. 
   denise | May 01, 2008 06:25am | #3

   Great Idea  i have been doing this for our new Grandaughter first girl in this generation.

   I just loved sewing for her. I know what you mean.  But the day will come when she will want to be model perfect.  O well till then

2. 
   damascusannie | May 01, 2008 05:47am | #2

   This can be a real problem for me because I sew as a business. I usually take a couple of weeks off after Christmas, sometimes I sew, sometimes I don't, but it's always on an "only if I feel like it" basis. If I don't do this, the burn-out just gets too bad and I'm actually less productive than if I take the break. I try to make sure that I leave time for other things l like to do as well: quilt guild, walks, working in the garden, etc, so that it doesn't completely dominate my entire existence. I'm coordinating a quilt show this weekend and that's taken up way too much of my time for the past month, so I'm really looking forward to having time to just sew again.

1. 
   denise | May 01, 2008 06:30am | #4

   love the quilts yes i need to get back to my quilting  very very soon.

   In Australia it is winter very soon so looking forward to cold days to keep me inside and think about quilting.

    

3. 
   tsuya | May 01, 2008 07:57pm | #5

   I totally know what you mean. I sew for my classes and for myself so I have to keep up the pace. Usually if I get burnt out on a garment I'll make something that I really enjoy makeing, BAGS! Usually I just grab whatever fabric I have near and cut it up in an odd shape and make a bag out if. It get the creativity juices flowing again.

1. 
   katina | May 02, 2008 08:33am | #6

   Yes, I agree with you and Sewelegant - making something to give away or something that doesn't need to fit me is the way I handle burn out. I always have tote bags tucked away for a quick gift solution. I make them bright and cheerful, which in itself makes me feel better. Pop in a bottle of wine, flowers or chocolate and you're good to go to many an occasion. I also make fun pillows/cushions for kids who seem to love them. You can be as creative, as whimsical as you like.

   Katina

4. 
   sewawsome | May 06, 2008 07:50pm | #7

   Hi Denise,

    sometimes I'll sew a lot for a few days, and then I won't touch the machine for about a couple of weeks  I suppose that it is normal.  But if it helps I usually go to the fabric shop and look at patterns and fabrics, and that usually gets me motivated again.

1. 
   denise | May 07, 2008 02:09am | #10

   also t.f  suggested we eat dark chocolate perhaps we could pick up some on the way to our favourite fab  store  but then the store owners   may not be impressed.

   Yes taking a break is good, i am dooing    ........that at the moment waiting for our new granddauther to arrive.  She will probably inspire me no end.

    

1. 
   damascusannie | May 07, 2008 07:22pm | #11

   I was at a new to me quilt shop the other day and they have a bowl of hershey's kisses by the register for their patrons to snack on. THAT's a shop that's deserves my business! 8^)

5. 
   Teaf5 | May 07, 2008 01:24am | #8

   Not that I have the opportunity to sew "too much," but frustrating sewing days happen anyway. Just last weekend, while making a summer shirt from a trusty pattern, I burned a hole in the bodice front (using my typical cotton setting on a poly/cotton blend) and didn't have enough fabric to cut another.I left the whole mess on the ironing board and went outside to clean up my potted plants, then got distracted by the sweet peas and ended up having a nice conversation with my neighbor. In my case, exasperation at one activity usually signals that it is time for me to be doing something else. Or that I need a break and a good piece of dark chocolate....

1. 
   denise | May 07, 2008 02:07am | #9

   o yes  dark chocolate every  time.