Mothering › Forums › Natural Family Living › Arts & Crafts › Wanna be crafter
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Wanna be crafter

post #1 of 8
Thread Starter 
I want to be an artsy/craftsy person, but I never stick with it. I have 2 sewing machines, patterns, thread, fabric, and notions. I have knitting needles and crochet hooks and yarn. I even have a latchhook rug kit. I am totally enamored of felting right now, but DH says I can't buy anything new if I won't use it. Did any of you have trouble getting started and eventually stick to something?

Oh, and this has like this my whole life. My mom sews, does various needlework things, crochets, did stained glass for a while, etc, etc.
post #2 of 8
maybe try smaller projects? I love sewing. . . if I sew bibs (i.e.) I will complete the project whereas the curtains are just figments of my imagination. The rug I started is sitting in the basket where it will prob remain for the next five years. I was crocheting but just started knitting. . . should be finishing my first project instead of internet time. I have a bunch of roving and was felting too, but that only lasted for a few weeks.

You're probably just a very creative person w/ lots of ideas and not enough time to do everything you want to do.
post #3 of 8
Definitely small projects! I am mostly a crocheter, but I knit (poorly) and sew (rarely). My favorite things to make are one-sitting projects, such as baby hats, doll clothes, rattles, etc.

Do you know how to do all of the crafts you have supplies for? Is it that you have been frustrated with the projects, tired of the learning curve, or just that you get bored when it's no longer "new" to you?

If it's the first, I'd definitely work on some more small stuff. That can really help you build confidence.

If the learning curve is too steep, maybe you need to focus on just one craft for a while. Get really good at that, then take on another--or decide you're happy with the one and donate/sell your remaining supplies for crafts which no longer interest you.

The third is probably the hardest, since the time we tend to invest a lot of money and time is right at the beginning of learning something new. Maybe you can find a local craft store that offers classes which allow you to pay for materials used only and borrow tools? Or you could start/join a community group that does a variety of crafts and you can share your stash with them (and maybe they'll have a stash and skills they can share with you).

Also, I've found I really go in cycles. Sometimes, I'll go months without really crafting anything, then all-of-a-sudden, I'm working on three projects at once and making gifts for everybody I know.]

Good luck getting things figured out!
post #4 of 8
Another vote here for instant gratification projects. I have to always have a few of those going along with the bigger projects that take much longer. There is nothing more satisfying than finishing a project. Maybe if you get some of those under your belt, you will feel inspired to continue and try more difficult time consuming projects. And whenever you are itching to just have something done just whip something small up in the meantime to you keep you interested. Works for me.
post #5 of 8
I've always been sorta crafty, but when I was getting back into knitting and learning to crochet, quick projects were key to my happiness. Either big things made with big needles/hook and big fat yarn, or tiny things that take very little time. Either way, you're done quick.

Also, I think Ravelry has helped me keep with it and actually FINISH more things. I start a lot of projects, but frequently don't finish - well, until I got on ravelry, and now it's exciting to update my projects and post pictures and post them on a bunch of groups and see if I get comments. Photographing my stuff is fun, too!

Maybe getting involved in a crafting community would help?
post #6 of 8
It is hard to stick with things, sometimes, especially when you flow in and out of the crafty mood.

Craft swaps really helped me get into a groove of producing.. but I've always been crafty/creative/artistic.. it is my passion.

I don't know what will help you, but I do love needlefelting, and it is a relatively inexpensive craft to start... but I shouldn't encourage you until you get on with your other projects.

I agree that starting small is the way to go, simple, small, and short with little effort is what you're looking for.. then you can always work your way up to bigger projects.
post #7 of 8
I have no advice but I had to post because that sounds like me to a tee!
post #8 of 8
Quote:
Originally Posted by halomancer View Post
I want to be an artsy/craftsy person, but I never stick with it. I have 2 sewing machines, patterns, thread, fabric, and notions. I have knitting needles and crochet hooks and yarn. I even have a latchhook rug kit. I am totally enamored of felting right now, but DH says I can't buy anything new if I won't use it. Did any of you have trouble getting started and eventually stick to something?

Oh, and this has like this my whole life. My mom sews, does various needlework things, crochets, did stained glass for a while, etc, etc.
LOL I totally could have written that.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lovebuggy View Post
I have no advice but I had to post because that sounds like me to a tee!
haha took the words right out of my mouth.

Although I have to agree with 'there is nothing more satisfying than finishing a project' no matter how small. I usually make a list of EVERYTHING I wanna do....everything. Its a long list. I call it my inspiration manual, or boredom book. I feel like I havesoooo much to do I dont even know where to start. Some say just start. Reminds me, I should go do something.....lol
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Arts & Crafts
Mothering › Forums › Natural Family Living › Arts & Crafts › Wanna be crafter