How productive were you in the past 12 months? I was considering this the other day as I prepared for a workshop with Nancy Crow. She challenged us last year to bring in 40 new works and bragged by saying she has 50 done.
I was chagrined to discover, when looking at my quilt log data base, that I completed only two in 2012, and those were both begun in 2011. So, I thought to myself what HAVE I been doing. I know – as well as you – that I haven’t been writing my blog. I have done several charity quilts. We traveled quite a bit – to Australia for five weeks, Hawaii for three. I have done quite a bit of knitting and reading. I have dealt with some health issues. And so forth.
Then I thought WHY have I not been creating new work? I looked at my calendar and found that my time has been fragmented – doctor appointments, singing, social outings, church work, and so forth. But, I think there is something more. After working rather intently on my “Sticks” series I have come to a block. Should I continue with this series? Should I “revisit” former series? Should I do something new?
Start of new quilt
I’m inspired by recent articles in Surface Design Journal and Quilting Arts to go in new directions. I’m beginning one and, of course, have several in my head. It’s time to set aside time and get to work in my studio. Wish me luck!
Keep in mind…life is a journey. You HAVE been doing a lot of stuff…just not sewing stuff. Sometimes you need to take a break with your work and rejuve other areas before you get back to what you were doing. Blocked???? Maybe… but don’t sweat it… inspiration is just that….’inspiration’…. sometimes you just have to be in the right frame of mind to allow the creative to flow again. Traveling helps, feeling good helps, chocolate helps. Tie a knot in the rope and swing baby swing! Let the wind blow in your hair and feel the sunshine on your face (well when the sun DOES shine at all). Just let it be. Your work is beautiful and creative…enjoy that a LOT!
Your 2012 sounds like mine. I have nothing to enter in our show! But now, I seem to have found some energy and drive, and I have 4 quilts going at once. I think I am more driven when I can change projects for awhile.
Great blog!!!
Cathy
Sent from my iPhone
Good Luck Melisse – I enjoy reading your blog and seeing your name pop up in my inbox. Dale
Dale, Thanks and I hope your trip inspired you. I’m anxious to hear about it. OSW this fall? Melisse
TRy a new series, it might trigger the next stick quilt.