What to Do If You’ve Lost Your Sewing mojo?
Have you lost your 'sewjo'? Are you fed up of sewing or struggling to get back into it? Have you lost that spark that makes you excited to sew and be creative? Even if you LOVE sewing, everyone experiences this every so often. Whether you're a bit burnt out, you have a lack of inspiration, you're tired or you're just super busy with general life.. it's totally normal to experience a sewing slump once in a while, so do not panic! It will return at some point!!
You may have made a total flop of your last sewing project which has made you lose your will to continue, but please do not give up on sewing! The best thing you can do is to not force it and try a new project when you feel ready.
Having a clean and organised sewing space is also motivating and can really help you have a clear mind so you can plan your next project. When tidying you may rediscover some fabrics in your fabric stash or you may find a pattern that you'd forgotten about and then decide to pay Sewcialising a visit :)
A great way to get your sewjo back is to start a small and simple or fun project. Tackling something complicated when you're not feeling right won't help you. Try to ease yourself back into sewing with something quick and easy. That way you will get a lot more enjoyment out of sewing again and you will realise again how great sewing is. The satisfaction of finishing something small can be just as motivating if not more and may help you get back in the swing of sewing!
Sometimes the lack of inspiration can stop your creativity.. so browse the web for inspiration! Social Media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram can really help you find inspiration as they are packed with other sewers sharing their project makes! Research what others are making and what fabrics and patterns they are using. Inspiration is everywhere!
Joining a sewing club can also be a great motivator. We have set up 'The York Sewing Club' so people can come together and sew, help and encourage each other and enjoy sewing together regularly. We have various sessions set up each month in both our shop studio and our Clifton Moor studio on the outskirts of York. Being around other sewers & creatives may help you get your sewing spark back or you may be inspired by a new project! You could also take part in a sewing challenge which could ignite your enthusiasm for sewing!
If you have lost your sewjo due to boredom, why not learn a new skill? Challenge yourself to make something different to what you usually sew. Try a new pattern or sewing technique that you've never done before. Shake things up a bit and make a bag, sew a quilt of try a different craft for a few weeks.. and once you've then made something new, I am positive your passion for sewing will return!
Another thing that could help you sewing again would be to revisit an old project. Find a project that made you happy previously, that was a success and perhaps make that pattern again in a totally different fabric or add something new to the garment like piping or a trim or a puffy sleeve for example. I'm sure you will find your sewing rhythm again.
Also don't forget to not be too hard on yourself. We are our worst critiques and it's ok to give sewing a rest for a little while if you're not feeling 100%. Always be kind to yourself and don't put yourself under any unnecessary pressure. Hobbies should always bring you joy, not stress. Take some time out for yourself and when you're ready, your love for sewing will definitely return. Remember that losing your sewjo is never permanent!
