As much as many of us love to sew, there are times when you just don’t feel like it. This comes with anything we do. Depending on what is going on in a persons life, there are many factors that can cause demotivation to do what you enjoy so much. Before we get into how to get motivated to sew, let’s take a look at a few reasons why we might lose our motivation.
Burnout: Sewing burnout can occur when you overextend yourself or spend too much time sewing without taking breaks. Pushing yourself too hard can lead to fatigue, mental exhaustion, and a loss of enjoyment in sewing, causing motivation to decrease.
Lack of inspiration: A lack of inspiration or creative block can stifle motivation to sew. If you’re feeling uninspired or unsure of what to sew next, it can be challenging to muster the enthusiasm to start a new project.
Overwhelming Projects: Complex or overly ambitious sewing projects can quickly drain motivation, especially for beginners. If a project feels too daunting or beyond your current skill level, it may lead to frustration and a loss of interest in sewing.
Perfectionism: Striving for perfection in your sewing projects can backfire and lead to frustration and self criticism when things don’t turn out exactly as planned. Feeling like your work isn’t good enough or constantly comparing yourself to others can destroy motivation and confidence in your sewing abilities.
External Factors: External factors such as life events, work commitments, or personal stressors can impact your motivation to sew. When faced with competing priorities or significant life changes, sewing may take a backseat, leading to a temporary loss of motivation.
Time Management: Not managing your time well and overloading yourself with tasks can lead to demotivation and not accomplishing many of the things you enjoy doing. A day where time is not managed well can and most likely will lead to a day of stress and chaos. Usually, this also leads to not accomplishing anything, and if you do, it’s most likely not accomplished by your best self.
Although these are not all the reasons we can lose our motivation to sew, most of the time, we do fall under one of these categories. Now that we have journeyed through the main sources of why our motivation for sewing can be lost, let’s go on a different path and discover a few ways in how you can get motivated to sew again. After reading through these points, you may find yourself wanting to fire up that sewing machine immediately!
1. Plan Your Projects
Take the time to plan out your sewing projects in advance, including selecting patterns, choosing fabrics, and creating a timeline for completion. Breaking down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks can make them feel less overwhelming and more achievable, keeping you motivated to sew regularly. If you have been away from your sewing machine for quite some time, it’s usually best to make your first project an easy one to get you back into the swing of things.
2. Schedule Sewing Time
Set aside dedicated time in your schedule for sewing and treat it like any other appointment or commitment. By prioritizing sewing and making it a regular part of your routine, you’ll be more likely to stay motivated and consistent in your practice. In addition, you may want to schedule your time to sew during times when you will have the least interruptions. Be realistic with your time. Whether you only have 30 minutes or 3 hours, this is your time to enjoy your craft.
3. Create a Inspiring Sewing Space
Designate a dedicated sewing area that is organized, well-lit, and visually inspiring. Decorate your space with fabrics, patterns, and sewing-related artwork or quotes that ignite your creativity and make you excited to start sewing. This also includes having your favorite music, podcast, or movies device ready to accompany you while you sew.
4. Try Something New
Keep your sewing practice fresh and exciting by experimenting with new techniques, fabrics, or styles. Learning a new skill or trying a different sewing project can reignite your passion for sewing and inspire you to keep creating.
5. Look and See What Other Sewists Are Sewing
Getting inspiration from those you admire in the sewing community can be a great motivation in getting you back to your sewing machine. Get on their social media platforms like Instagram, Youtube, and even Pinterest to check out their latest makes, and see if there’s anything that inspires or excites you to get back at it.
6. Join a Sewing Community
This one goes hand in hand with number five. Connect with other sewing enthusiasts by joining online forums, social media groups, or local sewing clubs. Engaging with a supportive community of fellow makers can provide encouragement, inspiration, and valuable tips and advice to keep you motivated and inspired.
7. Set Specific Goals
Define clear and achievable sewing goals, whether it’s completing a certain number of projects within a month, mastering a new sewing technique, or creating a particular garment. Having specific objectives gives you something to work towards and can help keep you motivated. Reminder, be realistic when setting goals. Look at other parts of your life that will require your attention in the time frame in which you are setting these goals.
8. Reward Yourself
Treat yourself to small rewards for reaching sewing milestones or completing projects. Whether it’s a new sewing tool, a luxurious fabric splurge, or a relaxing day off, having incentives can provide extra motivation to stay focused and committed to your sewing goals. Just like you would do with a child, don’t reward yourself until the project is complete.
In conclusion, finding motivation to sew can be a rewarding journey that enhances your creativity, self-expression, and sense of accomplishment. By setting specific goals, creating an inspiring sewing space, and connecting with a supportive sewing community, you can reignite your passion for sewing and stay motivated to pursue your craft. Remember to plan your projects thoughtfully, reward yourself for milestones reached, and prioritize self-care to prevent burnout. With dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to explore new techniques and ideas, you can cultivate a lifelong love for sewing and enjoy the many benefits it brings to your life.
