Happy Saturday –
This weekended is Easter and we are having the family over. It is nice to slow down and enjoy everyone’s company. This year I made Easter baskets for the grand kids. Each basket included something for their family. I also made a small basket for adult children who have no children. Does anyone else do baskets for the adult children or am I over the top? Just curious what other folks do.
My thought today are we enjoying the creative process of sewing. Are we just jumping to the next project and not enjoying the process? This I believe causes us to have more mistakes and not enjoy the craft. This is something that I am guilty of. My mind is constantly looking for the next project that I can start.
Here are some of my thoughts on why slowing down is important. The most obvious reason is that it will cut down on errors. Have you ever just cut out the fabric and started sewing? Then you realize, if I had read the pattern before I started, I would not have made the mistake. Or another thought occurs after the garment is made. I wish I had taken the time to put in the pockets. I also wish I had added some extra embroidery.
Remember we started this sewing journey because we love it. We can’t stress ourselves and then become burned out. We want our creative juices to flow and to have beautiful projects that show our individuality.
Ways to slow down.
- Read the pattern from the beginning to the end before sewing. Make sure you understand the process of how the project will go together.
- Decide each day a specific time to sew. If you are on a deadline, first estimate how long the project will take. Then, add in some extra time. The extra time will help when something life happens. Divide up the time by the days before the deadline. Now you know how much you need to set aside to finish the project.
- Put on music or an audio book to listen to while you sew. This will help keep your mind busy. It prevents your mind from wandering off to the next project or looking at your phone.
- If you are stuck and getting frustrated with the project, get up from the machine. Go outside and get some fresh air. Maybe get something to drink, but step away. This will help you relax and usually the resolution will come to you.
Hope this helps you. This is something that I am putting into practice and I am still working on. What tips can you provide to help you slow down.
Love hearing from my readers
Happy sewing,
Valerie
The Saturday Seamstress 
All good ideas! I sometimes just plan to do a few hours an afternoon because I know it’s going to be a busy week with all that goes on. So the few hours a day is better than nothing at all that week.
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Yes that is so true!
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