We’ve all been there… pushing so hard in our sewing projects that the joy gets sucked out of us. We don’t even want to look at a spool of thread.
Burnout happens to all of us. Life gets in the way. We fall into a mode of doing so much for others that we find ourselves struggling with easy sewing techniques that were always so simple to us. Suddenly we realize our passion for making historical clothing and costumes is gone. There is no joy.
You are not alone! Here’s a quick video I recorded this week to encourage you to hang in there.
You are awesome! Thanks for being part of our joyful community. 🙂
Something that motivates me is looking at pictures of dresses. It makes me want to make something like it!
Video gone. Bring back video? Need video. Not liking burnout.
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I love this post! Thank you Jennifer… you are the Zen master of historical sewing.
🙂
Thank you so much for posting this! I’m getting over a period of feeling burned out on costumes (haven’t done any for a while!) but also sewing in general. But I’ve done a few smaller projects and just finished one up today and it helps. It’s nice to have somethings finished up. I also feel overwhelmed when I have too many unfinished things lying around and then I don’t want to do any of them. So I’ve been trying to finish those up, too.
Ohmyword. This describes me to a t! I’ve been in the throngs of a really hard project for several months now, and the problems never seem to end… But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. 😉 Thank you for this bit of encouragement!
I don’t have “Burn Out” per say ,I have “fear of starting” syndrome. I can never get started, I know what I want to do (I think) but cannot commit scissor to cloth….. I keep thinking : what if I make this and I gain weight?…what if it looks stupid,frumpy,”home made”…what if I cut on the wrong line and mess up what if ,what if…. I have no confidence in myself. I have more 1/2 constructed/de constructed things sitting around. I wish I could kick myself into gear and just start something and not keep talking myself out of projects ……urrrgh!
Sounds like you are a perfectionist. But if you live your life in fear nothing will get accomplished (or finished). Who cares if you make something and gain weight? Who cares if you mess up? Only you… Your confidence will greatly increase if you stop worrying about how the project will turn out. They are all learning experiences which build on each other. Goodness knows my projects aren’t perfect! I’ve had weight adjustments where my finely fitted Victorian clothes don’t fit (both too small and too large).
Every sewer has that moment of “gosh, that didn’t turn out like I expected (or wished).” But the best thing is to just keep moving forward. Stopping is the worst thing. And find a project that you love. Working on something just because of other people’s ideas and urging is not going to help you complete anything. Make your projects for YOU. Best of luck in moving forward Melody!
Thank you for this motivator. I’m beginning the planning for my polonaise and I was terribly intimidated. Your video reminded me to step back and enjoy the process. Even if it isn’t finished in time for my next event, the joy is in the making.
Again, thank you so much for all the love, the passion and the joy you remind me are part of the world of historical sewing.
Thanks so much for posting this! I’ve got a serious case of burn out right now. I think I’m going to just take a break and knit and maybe sew up somethings that have nothing to do with costuming!