That's quite a while ago.
Leading up to the art fair in 2019, my artist-in-crime friend and I drove ourselves hard to be both organisers and participators of the event and right up to the last minute we pushed on, until the Friday of the setup when we, through gritted teeth, agreed 'no more'.
So we closed the event, after three years, we were burnt out.
I am not good at following patterns, it is not that I don't understand them, it's more that I.don't.read.them.and.just.wing.it......... I rely on them to inspire me rather than instruct me - which leads to a singularly bespoke item (interpret this as you will but the gist is - each thing I make can not be replicated - coz I just would not be able to do it!)
I have even laid down my crochet hook (the last item I made was a hexi-lapghan and even that took longer than it should) in preference to the simple rhythmic dip, pull, slide of sewing simple circular boro inspired stitches purely for the enjoyment of the act and the pleasure of the finished piece.
This philosophy centres around the Japanese belief of 'Mottaini' of wasting nothing of the intrinsic value of an object.
I love the simplicity of the circular motion and I love when I overlap the pattern and the stitches cross over and into each other. That to me is where the magic is.
The motion of my hand, the simple repetition of plying the needle and thread, are all good mindful 'clear the head' actions.
Have a good weekend, filled with gentle crafting to feed your soul xxx
Keeping one's mojo going can be difficult, especially with times as they are.
ReplyDeleteLove the mending. It adds to the Make do and Mend we were brought up with!!
It was strange how I just suddenly stopped drawing and painting, this sewing lark has only really surfaced in the last six or so weeks - and yes, the make do and mend ethos is something \i strongly agree with!
DeleteMaybe, you will feel more motivated during the winter months when the garden will take more of a back seat? I’ve spent almost every day in the garden, since lockdown so I’m saving the sewing and making tasks until the cold days arrive.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog! 😁
Sadly my art has dried up. Anxiety over everything takes away my mojo. Well done for doing something different.
ReplyDeleteI got a little stressed when I did not feel able to draw or paint - but then decided to let that feeling go, I will return to the art when I am ready - sewing has certainly filled that inner drive to craft and gardening keeps me busy (and tired) enough not to miss the void that art has left!
DeleteDifficult times with us makes it hard to find motivation, so well done you trying a new craft & I'm sure some inspiration will return before long & you'll be painting, crocheting, knitting & crafting all sorts. Love your neat stitching. Take care, stay safe & huggles.
ReplyDeletethank you - still needs practice, but enjoying the quiet mindfulness of it
DeleteI have the same “issue” as you with patterns . . . as Barbossa said in Pirates of the Caribbean I see them as: more what you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules .
ReplyDeleteYes! that exactly ..... more what you call 'guidelines'! brilliant :D
DeleteGlad you have found something different to do. Love the circles, very neatly done.😊🧵 ✂ xx
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteI'm with you on patterns. I treat them as starting points which you then adapt to suit your needs and what you have in the store cupboard - like recipes. Lovely to learn a new form of darning/patching. I do like clothes that have metamorphosed many times! And you're so right - gentle activities do feed the soul - and they're just what one feels like at this time of year, after all the busy-ness of spring and summer. x
ReplyDeleteYes, gentle crafts to fill the head, busy the hands and soothe the soul - you are correct about it being the right time of the year to be doing it :D
DeleteI can't believe you are 'sewing'. That's great to read about. I find it is good to be challenged with new stuff so enjoy your challenges!
ReplyDeleteMe neither .... but this leopard can change her spots!
DeleteNothing wrong with being flexible in your crafting activities. Just have fun.
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