10 Tips for Getting Your Sew-jo Back
In this episode of Stitching the Dream podcast we’re taking about ways to get your Sewjo back!
What is Sewjo? It is your sewing mojo, or sewing motivation. We all go through waves where we just cant’ seem to find our sewjo. Here are some tips to get it back!
1. Take a Break
Sewing and quilting (or any hobby) is supposed to be for fun. But some of us just can’t resist a chance to make it more stressful than it needs to be. Have you made a bunch of self-imposed deadlines? Maybe you need to take a break and recharge. Let yourself take a break with no guilt!
2. Intentionally Scroll
While I try to not scroll these days, when I’m ready to find my sewing motivation, I do like to intentionally scroll for inspiration. I do this on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram primarily. However, stay on mission. If you find yourself going down unwanted rabbit holes, it is time to stop the scroll!
3. Go to Quilt Shows & Craft Fairs
Maybe my favorite way to get my sewing bug back is to go to in person quilt shows and craft fairs. You can find some more beauty and inspiration in other people’s work. There is just something special about an in-person quilt show as well that always leaves me feeling extra motivated.
4. Flip Through Books & Magazines
Although, if you’re like me and don’t like going out into public because that is where all the people are – there are plenty of other ways to find inspiration without scrolling or people-ing. I flip through books and magazines I own. You can also go to the library and see what quilty books and magazines they have!
5. Clean Up Your Space
Once I’m starting to feel some of my mojo return, I must nurture it right away. I set a timer for 5 minutes, but on some good music and start cleaning up. Usually, after the 5-minutes are up I’ll keep going. Nothing helps me want to sew than a clean and organized space!
6. Make a Small Project
Are you ready to finally sit down behind the wheel of your sewing machine? Consider starting with a small project for yourself or someone else. Make a nice zipper pouch, gift card holder, hot pad…something you can tuck away to give as a gift later on or something you’d enjoy using now! But I do find completing something I can finish in a short period of time helps me build momentum.
7. Make a List
I love lists. I like to make a list of all the projects I have started and projects/kits I have on hand I haven’t started yet. However, if this makes you feel overwhelmed or any sort of negative feeling, skip this step. However, I find making this list and taking an inventory can help me remember why I fell in love with things I already have and want to start working on them again.
8. Do Something Quilt Adjacent
Maybe you’re still not in the mood. Try a Sashiko kit, hand embroidery, cross stitching – there are so many different skills to learn out there!
9. Learn a New Quilty Skill
One thing I love about quilting is I feel there are almost an infinite number of techniques and styles to try. So maybe learning a new skill will bring that spark of creativity. Trying FPP, EPP, Applique, Collage Quilting, Curvy Quilting (come to the curvy side) a new quilting style, the list goes on and on.
10. Find a Quilty Community
Surround yourself with fellow quilt lovers. I am part of two local quilt guilds and always feel rejuvenated after one of or meetings. I also am part of many online communities through Facebook, Discord and of course my own Clubhouse membership. There are likely options for you both in person or virutal, free or paid – just need to find the right place for you!
Hope this helps!
