I've always been the kind of person who needs a plan. Since the P in SWAP stands for Plan, I believed I could finish a SWAP. Several days ago, my SWAP felt more like a SWAMP and I didn't know how to move on. I wasn't enjoying the project, but I still was compelled to finish it. The problem was I had no direction – no plan. The SWAmP was the last item in my queue and I felt lost not knowing what I was going to do next. I felt obliged to finish the wardrobe because I didn't have another project lined up. This problem was easily fixed. I had fabrics on hand and an occasion to sew for (PR Weekend) but, I hadn't assigned the fabrics to any patterns yet. So I spent a relaxing evening going through my pattern index and assigning patterns to fabrics. I added four projects to my queue; enough to keep me busy for weeks. Once I had goals and a direction, I was able to enjoy myself again.
In addition to formulating a plan, I took the advice of some commenters from my previous post. Charley gave me good advice. She said, "What if you sew it by outfit? Do one top/bottom/jacket then move to a different project and come back to the SWAP pieces and pick a skirt/top, etc." So, that is what I did. I already sewed the two blouses. I'd only have to finish the pants or skirt and I'd have a completed outfit. Best of all, I wouldn't feel like a failure. Once I decided on the pants, my mojo was freed and I got back on track. Then Carolyn, in her much appreciated, no-nonsense way, said, "Sometimes it's okay to put the fabric back in the bin and wait for the next season. If you need permission, then I'm giving you permission. Move on and sew spring because your hobby should make you happy not tense and uptight! :)". I happily put away the rest of the SWAP fabric and I'm ready begin the next projects in my newly revised queue!
Carolyn is right. Elaray, I still like SWAPs, but don't feel they fit into my life either. A SWAP is a good method of building a wardrobe. Mine is built. I did sew a SWAP 4 years ago after a major life change (retirement). Also did majore closet cleaning and major attitude change. I quit looking at my closet on a per outfit basis and look at the WARDROBE. It's the tree and forest thing on a small scale. But it's import. The forest (my closet), is well organized, thoughtfully planted and maturing nicely. These days I need to replace pieces that are worn out, stained or didn't work as expected. I'm back to sewing more on a per outfit basis, but I can easily see how it fits into the entire wardrobe. I hope this made sense. Because I want to show that, it's fine for you to step back to a per piece sewing mind-frame. It's ok. Really. And you can always sew the remaining pieces this fall or winter.
ReplyDeleteGotta love that Carolyn and her no-nonsense way. :-)
ReplyDeleteGood for you Elaray. Sewing should make you happy.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree too. The only SWAP I ever did was back just before I started teaching and needed the core of a work wardrobe. Then I proceeded to add (and add and subtract, etc.) to it. I'm too tired to do all that planning and would feel stressed and locked in and like a failure when I couldn't deliver. I'm on Spring Break right now and am enjoying knocking off a few things without the time pressure I usually have. Good for you! Jane is right, sewing should make you (us) happy.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone like doing a swap? The few sewing blogs I frequent, whine about the constraint of it once they are in the middle of one. I must admit I look admiringly at a 10 piece swap ensemble and think it would be great, however; getting all that coordinating fabric is/seems impossible in my location with the scarcity of any decent fabric stores. Elray, sew what you want when you want and don't beat yourself up, enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteWithout a plan I feel tattered at the edges myself. It sounds like you have gotten it under control. But I agree with the others too, that since this is a hobby, if you want to chuck the whole enterprise and sew for spring, you should go ahead and do it.
ReplyDelete