Getting Back My Sewjo - My tips!
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- Here are a few tips that I am using to help get my sewjo back!
Some of the hastags to check pot are:
#handmadewardrobe
#memadeeveryday
#sewistsofinstagram
#sewingover50
My instagram: / lisakisch
My blog: Lisakisch.typep...
My website: lisakisch.arbon...
My email: lisa_kisch@yahoo.com
When I lose interest, I just go with it. I assume that there is something else or someone else needing attention. And then, after a while my desire to sew miraculously returns! And I get excited again! And it is good to see you on the screen again...
I lost my garment sewing sewjo when I needed to alter another pattern to fit. I put all my clothes sewing fabric away, and went on a diet. It has been years and years since I made clothes for me. Used to be easy... add ## and it's not so easy.
I normally make quilts. I've been stuck, but got an inspiration for the quilt back for my current project that Karen Brown calls an after quilt. So I'm a little encouraged to get that quilt finished and on to it's owner! Down 4 lbs, it will be a bit before I get motivated to sew clothes again.
Great ideas, the only additional thing that I do is sketching out what I’m wanting to make, this inspires me to get on and sew it xx
That’s a great idea, too!
Hi Lisa, so glad you have your sewjo back 😁....we miss you. Great tips by the way and I definitely go to patterns that I know fit and your idea of hacking them is spot on. Someone mentioned that she watches someone sewing something up, like Mimi G, and I find that gives me motivation too 👌. Thanks so much for sharing again Lisa and great to see you back.....ps I'm a bit behind on vlog watching so forgive me 😉 💝😊😘
Thanks, Sally! Nothing to forgive-- 😘😘😘
Hi ya Lisa. This is always a good topic to discuss; I see a recurring theme in the community of people who lose their sewjo. Its happened to me once or twice but never for very long. I think it happens because I am working on a project I have lost interest in and end up not sewing instead of finishing it. When I realise why I will put that aside and find a quick and easy pattern to make - it doesnt have to be a TNT but it can be - sometimes a new quick pattern can work wonders, one that doesnt require too much fitting because that process can also make me lose interest in sewing!
Good point! I very rarely abandon a sew. I think the only UFO I have right now are my Ginger Jeans. It got warm, and I lost interest. 😂
I love to finish UFOs (specially quilts) to get my sewjo back. That feeling of proud is encouraging me so much. And I love it too, to cut out 2 - 3 t-shirts at the same time, just because of the efficiency.
Finishing a quilt is a big one! I have a few I haven’t finished yet!
@@Lisamakes I love piecing more than quilting, so when I have a finished quilt top, it's turning to an ufo for a while.
HI Lisa, Anna-Marie here. I only have a small box of try and true patterns that I have sized to me and my husband. I don"t like buying repeat patterns of the same thing because it's foolish if you already have it and patterns are so expensive anyway. I don't like buying lots of fabric that just lay about so I use everything up. Right now my sewing projects are slowing down because in the fall and winter I knit more. My husband and I travel and it's easier to travel and knit than sew. If I want to hack a pattern I will do soon tracing paper but Idon't like buying patterns. So good job getting your sewjo back! have fun and talk to you soon.
That’s really smart , Anne-Marie. Why buy new when you can hack?
I'm just getting my sew jo back too. I started by making easy items. A kimono and a couple of easy tips were great way for me to get back at it.
Yes- everyone can use another cute top, right?
Welcome back Lisa - you've been missed! My tried and tested is flipping through my patterns / Burda magazines and watching sewing videos like the Mimi G sewalongs. Just watching someone sew makes me want to sew too. I don't cut several things out as I like to finish one thing before I start another. I also sort my stash by season - I just boxed up all my summer fabrics until next year....sob!
PS anyone who follows me will know I'm rubbish at posting makes on instagram unless it's for a challenge. I recjon less than 5% of my makes make it to instagram. I'm just old school I guess and still not really into instagram...and I have absolutely no idea how to use pinterest!
I love watching videos, too! Good on you for being loyal to one project at a time. 😘
You’re so right about it being a hobby and not being strict in the plans. I have a coat under construction and I just can’t get on with it and keep thinking about blouses I want to make for the going out to the pub season! It doesn’t help that we have builders in at the moment so my concentration is constantly being distracted. When I lose my mojo it’s usually when my sewing room is a mess so a tidy up usually helps. Anyway glad you’re back on and look forward to seeing what you make x
Ooo- go make those blouses! :):)
I think the tip about not sticking to your published commitments is so true. I made this big commitment to make 8 items in 2018... But I've changed my mind on alot of them and now want to make something else... But I also think going fabric shopping, actually going, and touching, not online shopping, might also be a good way to be inspired... Keep up the good work. Love your videos...
Oh, yes, great idea. Nothing beats some fabric stroking. :)
Sometimes just getting started can bring back your sewjo.......often I think I’m not in the mood but when I sit down and get started suddenly I’m feeling it again.
I agree tho, sewing for me is rarely about what I need to make and more what I want to make. I’m not really great at plans, inspiration takes hold and off I go!! Glad to see you back! X
I think sewing from inspiration makes for better UA-cam videos, too- people know when we are enthusiastic about something!
Welcome back Lisa! So happy you got your SewJo back! I lose mine all the time and that’s what made me so inconsistent with recording videos or writing blog post. Lately, I’ve been able to keep my SewJo going and I think that’s only because I’m really starting to enjoy recording videos! I’m also very inspired by watching other UA-cam videos of people like yourself!
Thanks, Myra! I agree, making videos keeps me on track, and gives me that little nudge when I need it.
I make sure I sew for at least 15 mins every day. Also I sew so many different things, quilts, clothes, bags etc. I also watch sewing you tube videos and shows which inspires me to get in my sewing room all the time. I'm a sewing junky so this is my two sence. Hope you get your sewing groove back.
Great tips! I did sew a little project bag for my knitting and started to look on Pinterest for ideas on that. It got me back to my machine.
Oh man, my sewjo has been lagging since the end of summer - I'm just not ready to dive into fickle jerseys and zig zag stitches or struggling with heavy wools under my machine! Looking through my winter fabrics always helps me though and I am looking forward to the jewel tones and layering :) Almost there!
Yes, layers are always a yummy part of autumn.
Great tips! Can't wait to see how you recover your sewjo! I do a lot of the things you mentioned, as well as sew at least 4 times a week after my kids are in bed or at naptime. Little blocks of sewing time adds up for me when a project is not giving me fits, lol!!
That’s a good tip to do it in small bits. I don’t love sewing at night, so I mostly do things during the day. Once evening comes, I’m more likely to knit on the couch. :)
Hi Lisa! Thank you for the inspiring video. I am a beginner garment sewist. I have done lots of home dec sewing in the 80's and 90's, but I am new to garments. I have completed a couple of projects. I find that I lose the drive to sew when I come across something in the instructions that I can't figure out. I use you tube and google searches to try to figure things out, but become frustrated easily! At the moment I can't figure out how to zigzag edges of very thin fabric without the machine "eating" it. So the project sits there for days or weeks waiting for me to get started again. I love the act of creating anything by hand (love doing florals, drawing, scrapbooking, knitting and embroidery too). I find with sewing the most exciting part is the planning of patterns and fabric. I am really enjoying your you tube content of both knitting and sewing, and find you to be such an inspiration. Thank you!
Oh, that is frustrating for sure! I wouldn’t zig zag them- try either using pinking sheers, or doing FRENCH seams. They are a lovely, pretty easy finish to do.
Thank you so much for the tip! I think I will try pinking as the dress has 2 layers and the seams won't show. I am also testing out my walking foot on this fabric to get the straight stitch right. Its a very thin rayon. I chose it because the dress is 2 layers and didn't want bulk, but didn't consider how difficult it would be to sew! Rookie mistake. Anyway, your suggestions are very much appreciated. Thank you again!
Hi Lisa, I've also been through a sewing dry patch! I have two things cut out for about a month now, however to get myself moving again I've cut out more items, but for my children. I find this covers off using my tried and tested but on a smaller scale, making simple PJ t shirt and shorts bottoms for the kiddies always helps me, they take no more than an hour and tend to get me wanting to sew my own clothes again after.......I'm off to do them now! 😊
Such a great idea- I have a few things I want to make for my girls.
Great tips!! My monthly plans keep me on track even though I usually make too many! This is one of those months since I took a small sewing break after so you think you can sew. I cut out 3 projects the other day and finished one last night. Cutting a few at once has made things so much easier!
It really does!👍👍👍
I usually cut out a tried and true pattern to get my sew jo back. Or, sometimes I step away from my sewing machine for a week! Or work on a quilt! Or knit! It always comes back :)
I love YOUR tips! I also, like many, watch a ton of you tube videos and get instantly inspired! I also just DO IT! I find myself languishing and feeling overwhelmed by all the possibilities, then I just get to my feet and go DO SOMETHING! Anything to get my creative self flowing again! ps, I also have the Wiksten, and I'm about to trace that out tomorrow! Love it! 😊❤🧡
That’s a great tip- just act!
I hope you get your Sewjo back! ☺️👍 I lost mine at the end of this past summer. I lost it for almost a month. My kids going back to school and being busy with general family stuff was probably the reason. But I got my Sewjo back with a lot of the suggestions you mentioned your video. But I also sew something very quick like an Ogden Cami so I have that feeling of accomplishment to gain my Sewing confidence. I also print out a picture of a pattern line drawing with a swatch and hang it up in my Sewing area as a constant reminder and Sewing Inspo 😉
Oh, those are great ideas! 👍
This will sound strange I think. But sometimes to help me get my mojo back, I just grab scrap fabrics and sew seams, it ends up all patchwork and odd, which surprisingly makes me smile and then I have some home decor of some description, placemat, coffee coaster etc. just getting that smile back, seems to help. 😊
Oh, I love improv patchwork! It’s such a creative thing to just combine things without analyzing every seam. 👍
I sew your patterns in the background. I'm sure that's where you keep my favourite Issey Myake Vogue Pattern?
I've been scouring online and the very odd one comes up is a fortune, then postage on top!
My envy is unbelievable, still!
I love your ideas for your makes, and good tips too.
I'm glad your back to sewing! You'd know I'm not a knitter....
Oh, yes, it’s in there, Janet. :) if I find another, I’ll grab it for you!
I get everything “set”. Wind bobbins, thread machine, cut a tried and true. By that time i usually have gained some enthusiasm and continue on.
Great tip!
I agree with everything you said about getting your sewjo back. I also use prayer to get my sewjo back and it works very well. You need to be specific in your prayers for them to work. But some issues need alot of prayer - issues other sewing.
Fascinating! That’s something I would have thought to pray for. 😘
I like to sew at least 4 times a week, I usually have 2 projects on the go at the same time one challenging and one simpler, so depending on time I've always have something to sew, I've just started my Kelly Anorak following Lauren from Guthrie and Ghani, I've made the quilted lining and cut out the main fabric, all ready to start sewing
Oh, your Kelly sounds amazing!
Great ideas!!
Great ideas!
HI Lisa!!! I lose my sewjo all the time! Mostly because it's my job lol BUT usually I'll just pull out some fun fabric & make something random that I wouldn't normally make like a bag or accessory OR I'll make something as a gift so it feels like the sewing has a purpose beyond just myself. Hope you get inspired to get stitching soon!!!
Love these ideas! I did wonder if you suffer from sewing fatigue. I happen to have one of those little bags you speak of. 😘 I keep my snips and stitch markers in it, and it sits in my sewing basket next to the couch.
What! That's so sweet. See! That makes me happy I actually finished sewing it. haha!
I watch youtube channels (like this one) and check out instagram and look at what others are making. It helps to tidy my sewing room and make something quick like a garment for my toddler grandson to get the creative juices flowing.
Aw, baby things are definitely inspiring- and quick!
You have some of the best tips that I have heard about this topic! Thank you for your thoughts, I am not in a slump but cannot wait to finish my Etsy shop orders so I can sew for the holidays! I get out of any funk in sewing by perusing online fabric shops :) Inspired!
Thanks, Sarah- so glad you liked my tips! Good luck with getting everything ready for your shop!
I sometimes don't sew for months... Usually because I'm spending more time on some other hobby/project. One thing that always gets me going again is to clean and/or reorganize my sewing room.
I did son of that as well... although it’s really beyond organization! ✅
Looking forward to seeing the mustard/floral top. X
Me too! 😂
Great tips Lisa :D
Hi Lisa
I too lost my sew-jo about six weeks ago😂 I was busy with my son as he was in hospital however I think this could be an excuse ! I cannot seem to sit and start . I dream a lot of what I need to sew , I plan and buy everything I need then I freeze 🤪 so I definitely have to start this evening that is it . I also think I spent too much time watching u tube videos they make me sew in my head not physically!! If u know what I mean !! Ha ha !
This evening I will cut out my shirt 👚 and you too must start , we can start together 👍
Alright- let me know when it’s done! We’ll hold each other accountable. :)
Well I sewed a number of projects that were successes. I was getting so bogged down with either working with very difficult fabric (sheers that would fall apart if you unpicked them) or fitting issues that were difficult to correct and I simply got discouraged. I can make a project and it will turn out beautifully and then the next two projects are ones i just end up throwing away;; it's such a roller coaster.
It is a roller coaster sometimes, agreed! We just have to keep plugging away. 😘
Can you do tutorials where you walk us through a project, I love the big envelopes for pattern storage! I just can't refolding my simplicity etc..l back into the small envelope.
Sure! What kind of project would you like?
Great tips Thank you x
Seriously, planning is really good. But it’s a great idea to plan with windows for OPTIONS!! Because it’s just sewing! Let’s have fun.
Exactly! Planning can be fun- heck, I love to sit on the couch and just plan. But they’re plans, not laws! 😂
You're adding a little "spice" to your sewing?? Love punning! I like these ideas! I also find it motivating to update an old "me-made" that doesn't excite me anymore--the projects tend to be quick. For instance, this week, I changed the original matching neckband on an old dress to a leopard print contrast neckband, and I love it for fall!
That sounds awesome! Animal print is so trendy right now. Yes, adding some spice! Lol
Great tips 😘
Knitting usually distracts me from sewing because it is so portable and if I don't need it I can just stuff it in a bag. and I can knit while I watch TV. Sewing needs so much more attention and space. But I just got some patterns printed, and there's some fabrics I am very keen on buying...
Agreed! I am totally distracted by knitting right now. I can’t stop!
I sort of have the opposite problem at the moment: I want to sew but I can't decide what to make...
Oooo, I get that, too!
To get my sewjo back, I make something that is quick and simple-something I can do in a single sitting. Usually getting something finished gives me a little boost. I find that I often lose my sewjo when I’m bored or frustrated with a current project. In these cases, I give myself permission to put that work aside. Changing gears to a different type of project is helpful. On a different note, I’ve missed your videos. You could probably get your sewjo back just by making videos. Tell us how you’re feeling. You’re sure to get lots of encouragement. 🙂
Thanks, Annie! I love those tips. To be honest, this channel does help me get more done- I love to share with you guys! And now I have to finish those three garments to show you. 😂
And Sew On You can do it! Rah! Rah! Siss, boom, bah! 🎉 (I say, as I procrastinate with my own sewing project. 😂)
Annie B 🙌🙌🙌
Sewing an outfit for a special event can also be a great way to re-ignite your sewjo💃🏼
That’s a good one!
join a couple of challenges, even if you don't get done on time, they can act as a motivational prompt
Great idea!
I agree, I’m inspired by fabric too, unless it too pretty and I’m afraid of cutting into it! 🙃
Ooo, that is a problem-- but a nice one to have. :)