Well, somewhere between that thought and the end of the week, I visited Stef's Crafts with Wool Paper Fabric blog (specifically this post) and I was suddenly prodded to not give in to the slump. And actually to think more intentionally about my crafting. I don't know if it was her mention of Kondoing, or her sweet nephews being interested in her yarn and how she was going to encourage them in that, but somewhere in that post I felt something nudge me. Something that said, "Don't give in to the slump. Not just yet."
Click the image to read an article on ideas for overcoming "the slump".
Now, I'm not saying it's wrong to give in to the slump. There are times when putting our crafts away for a time is exactly the thing we need to do. Maybe we just want to embrace the slump for a while. Go right ahead. No guilt required.
But I knew what was going on with me was something I didn't want to give in to. Not just yet, anyway. :) So I started thinking of how I could be intentional about things.
Well, first of all, I decided to dust off an old project. It was so close to being finished, but for some reason I hadn't wanted to face it for the last six months. When I finally got it out and found my place again, it was oh so quick to finish.
I've nicknamed it Pineapple Square Doily. If you'd prefer to know it by its given name, it's the one and only #11 in the book, 99 Little Doilies.
While I had to find my thread fingers again (you know... like you have to find your land legs after being on the water for a while, my fingers had to get use to working with thread after crocheting with worsted and bulky yarn for six months). But once I did, this little cheerful doily finished up pretty quickly.
Then, I decided to stop being picky about what to do with that pink yarn I was struggling with last week and just make another C2C baby blanket and call it good. C2C makes a pretty pattern in a solid color yarn:
So what if I just made one in blue? 😉
And I stopped waffling over what two yarns to combine in a knitted scarf I want to make. I settled on a thick yarn (Red Heart With Love) and an odd single skein of RH Unforgettable self-striping yarn. I put them together and I'm now a quarter of the way finished with that project.
All of a sudden I'm out of my slump and on a roll. I'm already looking at doily patterns and wondering what I'll do next. I don't know how long this will last, but for now, the slump has slithered away!
I, for one, am glad you did not let the slump take over. The doily is beautiful. I think doilies have almost become a thing of the past. That makes me sad. I use them quite a bit around my home. The pink blanket is adorable and I am glad you are continuing on with it. Great pick on the colors for the scarf. It is very eye catching.
ReplyDeleteI love that I have discovered that doilies can be fun (and easy) to make. It's such an old-fashioned idea, but I love decorating with them - making them part of a grouping. Nothing I do is unique in my mind, but when someone gets how they can be used this way they act like it's the cleverest thing. I think the word "doily" probably puts people off from considering using them in decorating more than anything. That, and maybe they just don't envision the array of colors they can be made in. I'm so glad I picked up my thread and tiny steel hook again. :)
DeleteThe amount of skeins you have already used up this year is incredible and if I counted up mine I’d be surprised if I have done more than 2 or 3...you’ve used up more than 20! So I wonder whether the slump you had was just your body having a wee rest and recuperation. I’m glad you’ve got your mojo back and your name for your doily is perfect and much more interesting that #11.
ReplyDeleteI have been super motivated lately about burning through stash, and that is probably why I have both fallen into something of a slump, and don't want to give in to it. I think my mind was a bit worn out thinking about all this yarn I have that needs to be whittled down one way or another...
DeleteWow - you really rock recovering from a slump. I am gonna check out that article - my arm is enforcing a slump, but I don't want to give in to it entirely.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary-Anne. I thought it was kind of fun that the first suggestion is something I did before reading the article, and it was the thing that probably did snatch me from my slump.
Deletelovely things you have made!! slumps are hard!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elizabeth.
DeleteGood for you Becki! For not only recognising the slump but also for figuring out that this was one you didn't want to give in to. I agree there are times to put it aside and times not to. Of course I really love being more intentional about our makes so I'm thrilled that this past week was something you were focusing on. I love the finished doily, it's bright and cheerful. As for the C2C blanket, I think it makes the best baby blanket and you are right, in a solid colour it looks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteC2C does make a great baby blanket. And various borders look good on it. Now, let's hope choosing one doesn't hang me up when I get there. :)
DeleteThat was a great little article, thank you! As soon as I saw that bird pillow my mood just lifted. I usually hit a slump after I complete something big, and then I dither. I love your newest projects, and some lucky baby girl and her parents will adore the blanket!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenn! I love the bird pillow in the link above, and have favorited several other bird pillows this designer has made. She offers a discount when buying multiple patterns at a time. It may be a little birthday gift to myself next month. :)
DeleteYay! Glad the slump has been kicked to the curb. Love what you're going for your scarf; what a smart idea. Your new doily is awesome; it made me think of the fun headdresses hula and Tahiti dancers wear. Thanks for mentioning my post.
ReplyDeleteYay for you!!! You go girl! We are both working on a pink C2C blanket....it's great for watching t.v. but one color gets a little boring but I am working through stash so no money was spent in the making of this blanket! I love your doily and I need to get that book! I have always loved doilies as they remind me of my growing up when everyone had them...everywhere!
ReplyDeleteYour scarf is lovely and isn't it amazing how pretty the colors are when you combine yarns like that? I did that cowl for a Christmas gift and I even impressed myself! LOL!
I am so glad you are out of your slump because you so often inspire me so I would have to go in a slump along with you....whew!
I love the pineapple daily, And the scarf is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI have a booklet on pineapple doilies, this one in yellow is gorgeous. So glad you're over the slump, such a cute llama face!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you whipped that hovering slump into shape! I've always been an advocate of the 'you can do anything for 15 minutes' school of thought and when I'm trying to get out of a slump, that's what I do. I force myself to pick up whatever it is I'm trying to avoid and work on it for 15 minutes. Once that time is up, more often then not I end up being inspired. If not, well it's only 15 minutes.
ReplyDelete