SewJo - 10 Tips to get your SewJo BACK!

[@epowell4211]

I am a "jack of all trades" crafter - doing a little bit of everything - and wonder if my tips for getting your cardmaking mojo back would work for sewing: reorganize, make samples, and learn a new technique. If your workspace isn't working for you, if it's inconvenient to craft, if your area quickly becomes an overwhelming mess that you dread facing, reorganization can help. It also helps you discover things you bought and forgot so it may bring back that excitement. In papercrafting, I often buy things because I saw them in a video, but since I'm unfamiliar with them - how they work, how I can use them - I tend to avoid them. Making samples helps me feel more comfortable using them, gives me something I can actually see and feel so I can better imagine how to use it, and frequently inspires new ideas on how to use something. Have you even tried every stitch on your machine? Every presser foot? When your sew-jo is lacking, get them out and experiment! Lastly, learning a new technique stretches your brain, gets you to rewire your thinking, and expands the possibilities. Sometimes it's the effort of creating that can hold you back (having to depend on your own ability to come up with a design ) or when you do something repeatedly it becomes a bore. All your actions write patterns in your brain, and if your brain decides something is not worth the effort - like making the same dress for the 20th time - it will decide to make it unappealing so you spend your energy elsewhere. Even your favorite hobbies can become a drudgery. Learning something new is a fresh start.

[@SookieSews]

What a GREAT point about trying the stitches on your machine. There is so much inside there that I'm sure after about 10-15 it would inspire. I really like your point about the "effort". Sometimes we just need to be motivated. I just did a new video about making sewing goals. You might find it aligns with your thought process. Check it out in your spare time, it's about 15 mins but all talking, so you can even listen to it while doing your hair kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGmnkpiJiKmKmLc Thanks for your excellent thoughts and taking the time to write them down, it means the world to me.

[@pamelashorter1215]

Thank you for the video. I was having a slump of a day today and was considering returning excess items that I purchased. I am/considering donating my craft supplies but I'm going to take your advice. I'm going to step away for a while. I've done it before, came back several years later and enjoyed the time. Thanks

[@SookieSews]

Smart lady! Take a break and then try some of those other things. Keep your nose in with what's new and going on with the sewing world, you never know what project will spark your interest too. I saw this really beautiful dress form sewing pattern recently that got me excited about quilting again, so I might take a go at it. Keep me posted:)

[@pamelashorter1215]

Definitely! Thank you for the thought provoking content.

[@Imjetta7]

Thank you. I needed this.

[@SookieSews]

You are so welcome - we all do :)

[@lorielwell8062]

Oh my goodness I needed this today. We have been snowed in for 2 weeks and really thought I would get some projects done and NOPE... Maybe the break is what I needed.. THANK YOU!!!

[@SookieSews]

I'm so glad!! Sometimes we just need that break!!

[@miriamnahom3963]

Thank you. I’m in a slump now. This helped me see the reasons why.

[@SookieSews]

GREAT! Now you know, now you can go to the next step. Keep me posted as to your next project!

[@tonyareichard7582]

I have been in a slump for a while.......family matter has me depressed about lots! ugh. Thank you for the charity ideas, I can use these with my 4-Hers when we have a chance to meet again! Have fabric to make myself a tshirt top and a jacket, just need to make the time

[@SookieSews]

We’ve all been there. I finally sewed clothing last week and it was like a rebirth for me. Now (like you) to find the time!!

[@kelleyceballos9531]

This was good! I've been in sewing slumps before, and it does help to step away and do something different for a little while.

[@SookieSews]

Glad it was helpful! Yes, step away is always the best to do for anything :) Fresh eyes so to speak.

[@beckyarender8078]

I got my SewJo GOIN'!!!! Part of mine was still being disorganized after moving last year, and finally got organized after gathering all my things together. And then I had a terrible time with my embroidery machine tension! Finally got it all sorted out, and am enjoying my SewJo now!

[@SookieSews]

You had a lot going up against you but I’m so glad you got it all sorted out!! Now it’s time to have fun!!

[@clombard7134]

Hi Sue! Great tips and advice! If I find myself slipping into a "no sew mojo" I try sewing something new and challenging. Looking through books, online search and YT definitely helps. It gives you a pause and maybe some inspiration too!

[@SookieSews]

Great tip about a pause! For me, the best one to do is buy a new pattern, fabric, etc. It always gives me a real focus.

[@darleneappleman3911]

Ive got a new janome 740dc machine

[@RollinWithRosie]

Great advice

[@SookieSews]

Thanks so much!!

[@franapple2528]

I hope you help me get my SOJO back❣️🙏👍🏻

[@SookieSews]

Me too!!! Try some of these tips and keep me posted!

[@demitraferles7970]

I don't know ANYONE who has given away / their sewing equipment. Sewing is a skill that people come back to when time allows. I grew up in a time when almost ALL women could and did sew. Even if they worked outside the home, they made time for it. I count myself very lucky.

[@SookieSews]

I agree, you are very lucky :)

[@darleneappleman3911]

Ive got a brand new janome 740dc machine

[@SookieSews]

Congratulations!!

[@karlakirkpatrick6687]

I just want relearn everything, I use to make things, but I caught someone throwing something I made and another bought something when I didn't have much money and I still don't literally throw it in the trash at my parents house I just turned away for a moment they thought it was safe and saw a chance to dump them I just waited until they left, so I made sure they did chunk it yep they did I pushed it down so they couldn't get it back in case someone told them to go back and get it I even got the trash ready to take out to the cans outside. I make a point now never to make or buy ever again.

[@SookieSews]

I love your story :)

[@loiscasey1338]

Timely video. I’m in a slum. A very bad one.

[@SookieSews]

We all end up there eventually. The important thing is you’ve the recognized it :) don’t stay there too long 🧵

[@marciayingling7983]

I have been sewing since 1968 (I was 13) and I get into slumps from time to time...

[@SookieSews]

What is your favorite kind of sewing to do? I'm sure you've tried a few things over the years :)

[@marciayingling7983]

@@SookieSews I sewed my own school clothes. Sewed for my kids. Made costumes when kids were in theater. Made hippy concert clothes when daughter went to Phish concerts. Made purses for years until grandkids... Then i did all of their nursery theme decor bedding, window treatments. I make sleepware for my grandson ( he is 12) and all kinds of dresses and tops for the girls. They have to wear uniforms to school though. I have made and given away about 300 masks. Mask sewing makes me sad. Want to make the girls (ages 7 and 11) fun spring and summer clothes. Girls clothes are my favorite!

[@karlakirkpatrick6687]

I would never throw my sewing machine in the trash.

[@SookieSews]

Good answer :)