Inspired by this photo in the most recent Marie Claire Idees
I made this lanky linen guy. I’m really not sure what kind of animal he is.
I put a fishing weight inside his body and filled his feet with poly pellets so he has a nice heft.
I’m in a pretty big creative funk. Charlie says I go through this every three to six months. Maybe this is true. I think this one is caused by feeling isolated. Sometimes I think that making soft toys saves me on a daily basis – it connects me with this awesome online creative community, it keeps me thinking, and it gives me something that I do for myself when I am spending the remaining hours of my days doing so much for my children.
At other times, though, I feel like making soft toys during nap time and in the evening (yes, I do sew in the evenings, not just during nap time) has a tendency to isolate me from other people. I find myself getting so annoyed if the phone rings between 1:00 and 3:00 pm, even if it is a friend calling. I am sometimes hesitant to commit to going out in the evenings during the week because I "need" to be sewing. Do I really need to sew? Having two babies at home to care for, the older of whom is a very anxious and socially wary child, is enough to isolate someone, and sometimes sewing alone seems to just seal the deal.
I need some creative inspiration and some dates with friends (with and without the kids around) and I think things will pick up again.
He looks like a kanga-rabbit to me. 🙂
I have got to get my hands on that magazine. Maybe you can make up a species for him, like Dr. Seuss. I don’t think being a mom used to be so isolating, I feel it too sometimes. I hope you have some mommy play dates soon.
I’m cracking up because 1:00 to 3:00 is my toddler’s nap time too and I cringe when the phone rings. I often unplug it. I know it’s terrible but at the same time it’s only human to need a little peaceful time each day where we don’t expend energy listening to anyone else talking. I love the lanky critter by the way.
I am sorry to hear that you are feeling a bit “funky”, but I think it is totally ok to not sew for a few days, a week or whatever you need! Sometimes I find it really relaxing, sometimes it seems like another chore. During those times that is a chore, I just try and put it down already, ya know?
Hi there!
To me he totally looks like the Sloth from the “Ice Age” movie…
Cute!!!
Isabel (Spain)
I have that Marie Claire issue and I was drawn to that linen mouse too. Love your guy.
I hear ya on the funk and isolation. Lately I’ve been crocheting more because at least I can do it anywhere and be a bit more social.
I believe in breaks when it comes to creativity. It’s like there is a well, and every now and then it empties itself, and you have to leave it for a bit before it can fill up again. Sometimes I panic when I take a break, because it feels like the creative spark won’t return, and sometimes it takes a while before it does. But that is what is so great about your blog, it keeps me on my mental toes in regards to what looks great and what to try.
I hope you have a nice pause from the sewing, good luck!
We’ll be in your neighborhood the second week of July and would love to have a playdate. . . your socially wary 3-year-old can meet my extremely outgoing, occasionally aggresive 18-month-old!
It’s nice to know that others go through these dry spells, too. For me, when it rains, it pours (and usually for a while), but every now and then I hit a real dry spell. Sometimes, though, I welcome those spells as a chance to focus on things that get neglected when I’m crafting. I hope that this ends up being a nice break for you – a time to reconnect with friends, to read, catch up on movies… whatever. Enjoy it, if you can. By the way, your lanky guy is adorable (and your furniture is gorgeous).
i adore your new creature. i think that he is my most favorite of them all! 🙂
and i totally feel you about the funk thing as i think that i am there, too.
Hello! Don’t worry, I reckon it’s a natural reaction to all the effort you put into your show!
I understand what you mean about sewing (and mothering) being isolating, but I think it’s great you take time for yourself & your craft. (I currently feel I don’t / can’t take enough time for my crafting).
Just don’t force yourself to sew each nap / night if that’s not what you really feel like doing 😉
OMG!!!! I know just how you feel. Making Softies/plushies/stuffies is the most amazing thing for me and gives me purpose, brings me joy and I make money for our one income fam…..but it isolates me a lot…I have not been going out at night. I only get to sew at night so it’s very valuable to me. I stay up too late and well…but my dear little girl will soon (this fall)be in school and my whole life will change. So…I am trying to balance everything and still have friends…I completely understand. xoxo
Oh…I LOVE this lanky guy so very much… and your birds and flapper dolls…you are amazing.
He’s so cute! I think a lot of us are striving for balance right now. Seasonal changes like spring coming tend to make me feel restless. Dates with girlfriends are so good for the soul.
You know I love your creature, so I wont even mention how cute that guy is ;o)
I would like to comment on, how I feel like I DON’T get enough sewing done! I got all these ideas and projects to do that I comitted to, but it just stresses me and time flyes. Maybe the problem is that my little one doesn’t nap anymore! I used to love her nap time ;o)
Anyway, what REALLY cought my eye in your post, was the comment on your older kid, who seems anxious and socially wary? My son is the same and I would just like to recommend a wonderful book, that sort of make me go “PHEW” – as in, it’s not my fault and he is not the only one!
It’s called: “The highly sensitive child” by Elaine N. Aron. You might already know it?
Hugs
You’re describing my normal state. Gave up trying to be otherwise years ago.
Truth is, I’m happier. Don’t need the social life. And the telephone is one of the greatest crimes of the modern age.
It’s not that I don’t like people. It’s just that I really want to use what little time is my own to WORK.
I do the exact same thing. You just finished a huge accomplishment with your show, and there’s always a little bit of a let-down after something big like that. Plus, I always feel restless when the seasons are changing. Time to adjust schedules and rethink priorities. It’ll get back to normal in no time.
I completely hear you. I cannot deal with intrusions – phone calls etc. Sometimes I feel like such a hermit. I love that guy with his winsome look.
please take a break. burn out is a real thing. relax and don’t let your dreams fade away.
Oh your little one is so precious! What a blessing. I love the lanky guy, very cute!
I think he’s a lanky lamb.
I know exactly what you mean. I’ve become a bit of a hermit every since we moved up here, but I kinda of enjoy that too. Anyway, if you ever want to meet up and have coffee, let me know (and I say that in a totally non-creepy internet-blog-stalker kinda way). 🙂
Next week would be great for me.
P.S. I love your lanky linen guy – so sweet!
Umm, I meant kinda, not “kinda of.” Ooops! tee hee
wow, i just love this guy. he’s got the cutest attitude ever, i love his linen-ness and he sits on his own. if that’s you in a creative funk i’m super impressed.
love the lanky linen guy. i have the same dilemma (and the same nap time). between crafting and writing…pretty isolating. i try to just stay connected to my great friends, the ones who know me and love me in spite of that! sounds like dates with and without your girls will be a good thing. and continuing to do what you love.
p.s.- the fish is fantastic!
Boy, linen guy is one cool dude. Love him to bits. 😀