Laurens 10 Top Tips for motivating you to get sewing
Do you feel like you’ve lost your sew-jo?
Here are my tried and tested top tips to get you back on track!
Let me get you back on track to exciting project planning and completing successful sews that make you feel really proud to say - “oh yes I made that”!
1. Don't force it, take a break!
Putting pressure on yourself or forcing yourself can sometimes just make things worse so lean into the slump in sewing output and try some sewing related tasks to spark new inspiration.
2. Re-organise your stash
Knowing in the back of your head that you already have loads of fabric that you aren’t using can easily make you feel guilty and the weight of that can become quite uninspiring.
Having a good sort through your stash using the Patterntrace My Fabric Stash folder can be so satisfying! You can also check out my blog post and video on just this topic that will help you categorise, declutter, assign a home, and put a system in place.
You could try the 'My Fabric Stash' ring binder! Designed by the g&g team who truly understand and appreciate that sense of satisfaction in having your fabrics organised and catalogued in a tactile way that keeps you inspired to start and finish your dressmaking projects.
3. Try a simple, quicker make!
Maybe its a pattern you have successfully made before, or maybe you just go back to basics and make a simple garment for a refresh of key skills and to boost your confidence. My blog on top patterns for beginners is a great place to start!
4. Try sewing in short bursts
If you are short on time try even 5-10 mins of pinning a seam, pressing a hem or cutting out some interfacing. Finding time is a busy schedule of work/family life/social life to get a day or half a day of sewing in can feel impossible but even small steps will keep you on that path to sewing satisfaction and completing a project!
5. Track and record your progress
If you are a notebook lover like me, you’ll love this Patterntrace My Sewing Workbook for logging wish lists of fabric and pattern pairings and recording all of your sewing projects to create a gorgeous archive of your projects. It can be something to look back on a really treasure and it really helps the learning process when you can make note of the successes and lessons learned.
This little book will become a treasured archive of your sewing projects over time. We pour so much love into each garment—choosing the perfect fabric, making fitting tweaks, adding personal touches—but even though you’ll think you can remember them, often those valuable details can slip away once you start on the next project.
6. Listen to some sewing podcasts or videos
Hearing some light hearted fabric and sewing chat can be a lovely distraction from the weight of world. Whether you are doing a bit of sewing or just passing time on a long journey or commute, its a great way to get new ideas and pick up on new skills and techniques to try. Why not watch back my Q&A videos on my Youtube channel where I answer all the questions sent in by viewers asking for tips and advice along with fabric and pattern pairings?
7. Treat yourself to a new tool or gadget
Are you tired of your fabric scissors being blunt? Or maybe your pins are a bit old and dud and keep snagging your fabric? Treating yourself to some nice new tools can make the steps involved in sewing so much smoother and less frustrating - all helping to keep you having a fun sewing process!
8. Sew with friends!
Having company while you sew can be a great motivator and a nice way to put some accountability into your sewing intentions. We have a lovely, friendly weekly Sewing club here at g&g that is tutor led so as well as getting access to our gorgeous studio full of the best machines and equipment you can get advice on projects you are stuck on!
9. Book a workshop
Are you feeling too scared to try a more advanced project for fear of failure? We offer a wide range of workshops at our studio here in Birmingham from complete beginners to advanced dressmaker so there is always an option to try something new with the help and support of our knowledgeable tutors!
10. Try one of our g&g Sewing Society Dressmaking kits
With the convenience of everything you need for a particular project all in one box, inspiring modelled samples of the completed garment and lots of additional help and support with the top tips video that comes with the kit, not to mention all the additional guidance and encouragement the Sewing Society online community can offer in the Facebook group, you’ll be motivated to get sewing in no time!
I hope you are feeling inspired to get back to the sewing machine soon! The g&g team and I are always more than happy to help so whether you are able to pop instore, give us a ring or drop us an email we can give you any advice you need!
