Sewing

fear and creativity

I feel like I’ve been developing certain fears about my creativity.  It’s been holding me back, now and then I’ve found myself at my desk wanting to start a project and not being able to because I’m scared I might screw it up and waste a bunch of time in the process. 

I have other fears too:
  • fear that I won’t be able to keep up, with my family, my job, my blog, with the 8 gazillion other awesome bloggers out there
  • fear that I’m not using my time wisely, like I should be doing ‘this’ instead, etc.
  • fear of creating something someone else has already done and I’ll be accused of copying
  • fear of failing
  • fear that people won’t like what I made
  • fear that I’ll use my favorite fabric and not like how a project turns out, this one’s kind of sad, but true
I think papernstitch had a great video post on her greatest fear, check it out here.
Here’s a great article on etsy about fearless creativity.  Hopefully I can spend some time and figure out how to move past my own unjustified fears.
And lastly, something a little off topic, but there’s a great discussion going on over at CraftyPod, some thought provoking articles:
I originally popped over to that discussion from The Long Thread‘s post here.  It really makes you think…
Do you have fears that hold you back?

83 thoughts on “fear and creativity

  1. Lol – my fear is that I am sending all of this stuff into the blog-o-sphere and no one is paying attention! That I will be a failure at the one thing that makes me feel satisfied, outside of my family. The one thing that gives me a sense of ‘me’.

    But what I need to remember is that it doesn’t matter, if it satisfies me, that should be enough…right? Lol

  2. I’m right there with you! I was just working on a project this weekend. I found myself hoarding my favorite fabrics because I did not want to use them and then be unhappy with the project. As sad as this is, I’m fairly certain we are not the only ones! [at least I hope not :)]

  3. Jessica says:

    I have pondered the same thing recently. I think most creative people have these fears. What about the fear of making the perfect piece? We’re always striving towards this, but what happens when we accomplish it? Just quit? We just have to keep going, learn from our mistakes. Our skin gets thicker, our skills get sharper, and fear will eventually dissolve. Right?

  4. Care says:

    VERY intriquing topic. It has been on my mind as well… I’ve only had time to quickly scan through your links, but I am definitely going to go back and read them more thoroughly.

    Thank you.

  5. Nutsy Coco says:

    I agree, I think a lot of creative people have those same fears. That’s why a couple of years ago I decided to make goals for the year instead of resolutions and those goals are typically to try something I’ve been afraid of. Last year one goal was to sew something with a zipper. I’d built up this stupid fear of it for no reason because it sure was easy!

  6. Kristy says:

    I know exactly what you are talking about. I wrote a post on my blog http://stlouisfolkvictorian.blogspot.com/
    last week about how I tend not to make quilts for anything but swaps; because my inner voice keeps questioning my motives.

    I’ll certainly check out the links you provided, I could use some inner calm right now.

  7. I let my fear stop me all the time. My fears are a little bit different tho. Hubs and I got ourselves in a lot of credit card debt that we are currently working our way out of. Every spare cent goes to paying off debt. I fear that I’m going to buy everything, and because I’m a beginner seamstress, I’m going to screw everything up and “waste”
    everything. 🙁

  8. Kerry says:

    I recognise those few exactly. Sometimes all that thinking and often wasted worrying drives my head nuts! I tell myself it is an integral part of being creative. All I know is going out of my comfort zone in any sphere is a good thing however much I hate it.

  9. Tiziana says:

    -fear that I’m not using my time wisely… Why? When I create, I must say that I always feel good..
    -fear of creating something someone else has already done… Maybe it’s a good thing. I always have to learn from others. And, really, I’ll put my personal touch on it.
    -fear of failing…. I don’t care. That’s true!
    -fear that people won’t like what I made ….If it happens, and sometimes it happens, I wonder why. I can change something in my work, I cannot change it completely. But this won’t stop me!
    My fears: to lose the time for making the things I like, to lose the JOY in creative process!!!
    Have a nice day! Tiziana

  10. Oh, Anna, I think that most craft bloggers feel this way whether we say it or not. This Project Run and Play competition has really gotten me questioning myself. I had two great weeks and now a terrible one (where people don’t seem to like my creation). But I’m trying to tell myself that it’s ok because I tried something new and I stretched myself. Maybe it wasn’t for everyone, but it was good for me to go outside my comfort zone. And when it comes down to it, that’s what’s important.

    I think you have to approach blogging as something you purely do for you. Write what you want, create what you want, take breaks if you want. If people like it, they’ll stick around, if not, they’ll go elsewhere. But this is for you and try not to lose sight of that.

    Go girl – can’t wait to see what you create next!!

    Linds

  11. Melinda says:

    You have some of the best tutorials amongst all of the blogs I read. I would love to see you make more of these into patterns for purchase and give your customers the ability to sell them. I’m not sure if this is what you really want to do but it is what I would love to see as someone who sews and sells on Etsy but doesn’t have the time to create her own patterns.

  12. Whew! Thank you so much for sharing this, I am working so hard on opening up my brain to letting the creative in, and I am definitely having to tackle these fears. I’ve realized though that the only thing that scares me more than my little collection of fears/concerns is that I will regret letting a little thing like fear stand in the way of my creative freedom, and I just keep trying to remind myself of that as I get ready to take the plunge. Thank you!!
    (Oh…and although I’m a first time commenter, I’ve been lurking around, and I find your contributions so invaluable, keepgoingkeepgoingkeepgoing) 🙂

  13. Betty says:

    Yes, I have those fears – and they are usually well founded but I am learning to just get on with things I want to try anyway as my worst critic is myself … sometimes I surprise myself with something I like, most times I don’t – there’s a saying ‘you can please some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time’. Betty

  14. Someone once told me that the fear of Success can outweigh all others…have faith in your abilities…I do.

  15. Charlotte says:

    I get scared of sewing new things, I am afraid it will be a waste of time, matterial, and energy. But looking at blogs like your really helps me try new things and get excited about experimenting. so Thanks, I’m proud of the things I make, and when I do try new things it is hard but with enough time turns out to make you feel good.

  16. Rachael says:

    It’s almost guaranteed that every time I try a new project for the fist time (using my lovely fabric because I’m too impatient to do a ‘trial run’ first with cheap ‘unimportant’ fabric) it ends up wonky, messy, just plain wrong. Most of my ‘first time’ creations have ended up being cut up and re-done. You’d think I’d learn not to use my good fabric til I’d mastered the knack of the project in question. Grr!

  17. Sarah says:

    I soooo deal with this!! Thanks for the wonderful links and for sharing your fears! It makes things seem a little less daunting, and more doable! Keep up the great work!

  18. Jess says:

    I have those oops that didn’t quite work…moments all the time! Yesterday in fact. Luckily not nice fabric, but still. I think every craft blogger feels the same way sometimes. It’s a lot of pressure, and whenever I look at sites like One pretty thing or Craft Gossip, I always feel like I’m not doing enough, or why didn’t I think of that? And Project Run and PLay, yeah. I won’t say much but I was pretty much devastated after getting booted off first week. It got me down. But I decided right then and there to become a better sewer(ist?) and move beyond it. I’m still a little bummed, but what’s done is done. Anyways, this is a loong comment….Anyways Anna, just know that you are awesome and we love you no matter how many projects you make. It’s not a race or competition (most of the time, lol) though we forget that often! I am a big fan of yours, back from the good ol days! 😀

  19. Kelly O. says:

    i fear wasting fabric…the fabric industry is so cruel…it turns over fabrics too fast and just when i get the nerve touse my beloved fabric it goes OOP and i can’t get it anymore. i stand stuck in this place.
    my husband does not understand.
    nice to know that someone else does 🙂

  20. My fear is that maybe nobody is really ready what I post, or maybe nobody has ever done something I have posted a tutorial for, and yes I have the same fear you have, about making something that somebody else has made and then they are going to accuse me of copying =(

  21. Megs says:

    Fears have a happy little playground in my creative life. I try to just acknowledge them and plow on through, though I know that I could get so much more accomplished if I could kick them out for good. However, sometimes the creativity fears are actually good. If I’m afraid to take a particular risk it’s usually because it’s a risk I really need to take. Does that make sense? If I stick with only the tried and true, it’s not the most creatively fulfilling.

    And the discussion over on CraftyPod is amazing and incredibly thought-provoking.

  22. Ana says:

    Anna, I don’t know if this will make you feel better or not, but for what it’s worth, I relate to each and every fear you listed. So you’re not alone! 🙂

  23. SewLindaAnn says:

    Yes, I feel the same fears in general, even as a non-blogger. I admit sometimes it’s debilitating if we let it be. I try to remember what I have been telling my son (with Asperger’s) his whole life. “Getting started is the hard part, we have to push through in order to feel the personal success. It will probably never be easy, but it will build your character and make you stronger.”

  24. I really think most creative people have those fears at certain points in their life and I know I definitely do. I think the main thing that keeps me going is how I would feel if I let those fears get the better of me and I didn’t do something I really want to do and then later regretted it when the chance had passed. Even if there are some things that you make or write that are not as well liked, you never know what will happen in the future. Look at how Vincent
    van Gogh is appreciated now 🙂 I love the idea that I am able to make things that could be around decades after I am gone and this in itself makes me feel it is worthwhile. Rachael Xx

  25. Meg says:

    Anna- I have almost all those fears too! Honestly, don’t change anything. I hate how some of my favorite blogs change into tutorial only blogs with perfect pictures and not much substance. I tell myself to make sure I am being a good mom and wife first then take on the crafty stuff. Of course, I don’t always listen to myself. :0)

  26. Megan says:

    I think that every creative endeavour involves some degree of fear. But there is room for everyone’s success and failure. You bring something unique to what you do, whether you’re using a pattern or not you can’t help but infuse your work with who you are … whether you like it or not;) I find your work extremely interesting and beautiful, but you may not be able to get enough distance from it to see it! What would I do if I couldn’t swing by your blog and be inspired?

  27. Creative Mom says:

    I share some of your fears as well as a few listed in comments. I went through years of not painting or doing fine art mostly because of my fear and then found quilting and am free again. I found writing my fears down and especially sharing them gives them less power I hope it’s that way for you!

  28. Sew Much Ado says:

    Wow, I just read the links you mentioned, and I’ve been thinking about it all morning! It’s nice to know I’m not the only other one with fears — and everything you make is lovely so I don’t think you need to worry about that. Hmm, I think I have a lot of fears, I guess I need to start thinking about what to do about them.

  29. Oh yes! These are things I can relate to as well! I have hoards of fabric I won’t cut because “what if…..”. I won’t write things into my blog because “maybe someone already did this”…..or maybe no one is reading anyway, etc. Sometimes I venture places like your blog and say “hey, it is OK, If she can, maybe I can too!” You are inspiring, and relatable! (Is that a word?)

  30. Katie says:

    Amen and amen. To everything you just said.

  31. Edris says:

    Glad to know other crafty chics are “shaking in their boots”. My goodness, it is as if you read my mind. One of my guiding principles for the new year is to “Risk MORE to Fear LESS”.

  32. Elizabeth D. says:

    Absolutely, I find myself fearful of wasting fabric. I often will choose a different fabric for a project, for fear that I might ruin my favorite fabric (which would explain why I have a serious FQ stash of Wonderland just sitting around). It’s nice to know I’m not the only one who finds herself a bit scared sometimes.

  33. Jenny says:

    I also feel trapped by fear about creating things- everything you listed, especially “failing” and the copyright one! I will take a look at the the articles/videos you suggested. Thank you!

  34. anotheryarn says:

    I’ve been feeling very stuck creatively speaking – but you know, I think it is fear. Fear of wasting ________. Now to move past that…

  35. Oh man… yes. I have all those same fears, especially about hating projects I make in my favorite fabrics.

  36. jannek says:

    Great post, thanks for sharing. I know what you mean by your favorite fabric not wanting to be wasted 🙂 It’s true fear keeps up away from realizing many things. I did a few things lately that were way behind my ‘comfort zone’, but it felt so good afterwards.

  37. Heidi says:

    Thanks so much for sharing that etsy article on fearless creativity. It’s exactly what I need right now to push me out of this frustrating slump. Time to schedule some daily creativity exercises! 🙂

  38. Pam says:

    Since I’m at least twice as old or more than the rest of you beautiful young ladies, I feel justified in my fear of not enough time left to turn my stash into the quilts that have danced through my head! The more I worry, the less I get done. I’ve got to stop that. Thanks for bringing up this topic!

  39. Heidi says:

    Wow. This is EXACTLY how I have been feeling lately. Your list is mine almost to a “T.” I’m glad I’m not the only one . . .

    I also just started a new sketchbook and am completely paralyzed by the blank white page.

  40. Thanks for opening up like that, Anna… lots of bloggers seem perfect in every way, with perfect pictures and perfect lives. It’s nice to hear someone vent a little about what’s weighing on their minds. I like reading your blog because it feels natural to me- You seem like a good solid girl who is happy to share her talents with the rest of us. your blog isn’t too fussed-over and busy…. it’s a breath of fresh air to me when I check out what’s going on on Noodlehead. The most important thing? You make me want to sew!!!
    Oh- and I LOVE what Pam said: “The more I worry, the less I get done”

  41. Michele says:

    Well now…how did you get into my head and read my thoughts?! 😉

  42. Jenny says:

    Yes, Anna, yes, yes, yes! Fear of worrying so much about all of this stuff that I miss out on what’s important. I’m reading Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts and it’s changing the way I think. Life is a series of precious moments and I don’t want to rush past them without thanking God for them and experiencing them to their fullest!

  43. Hi Anna, great post, brought me out of lurkdom! I think most artists, be they painters, sewers, writers, struggle with what you have said, especially the need to be brilliant and always cutting edge and the fear that comes with that. And some people only blog things like that -when they make something awesome and perfect. But I really love the blogs that show the ‘lessons learnt’ or mistakes made so that I can learn. I also feel more in touch with those bloggers so maybe if you make a mistake just think at least you are endearing yourself to your audience! I am always freaking out about using time wisely. Sometimes so much so that I end up getting nothing done in my indecision which is just sooooo dumb. I’m trying to remember the reason I started my blog was to document and motivate myself, and to have fun. If I try and have fun with my projects it usually works out for the best for me. And really, why bother if it’s not fun? I hope you can find the balance between paid and free and not worry too much about making mistakes, because we all think you are fabulous and love coming along on your ride. Keep up the good work!

  44. Seriously, I could have written that fear list. I’ve only just begun blogging for crafty purposes (instead of just posts for my family). I get so overwhelmed when I read about other crafter’s accomplishments and what they do and I feel inadequate. I don’t even have kids yet and I feel that so many mom-bloggers are supwerwomen and I wonder if I’ll be able to keep up with everything. Anna, thanks for sharing, it’s nice to know I’m not the only one.
    Stefanie

  45. Maryvonne says:

    Dear Anna,
    you should be fearless! Everything you do looks great, and also you have lovely kids, and you live in a nice country where there is no war!
    Take a deep breath once in a while and just enjoy!!!!
    ps….not that I don’t have fears once in a while, I just try not to let them get to me!
    vonken@casema.nl

  46. Tabitha says:

    I fear that I’m copying you (no pun intended?), but my fear are the same as yours! The exception is that you’re one of the awesome bloggers I fear I can’t keep up with.

    I do question whether or not the whole “Followers” and Linky thing are like being popular when we were in school. I have to check myself on whether I make things just to post and wow everyone or because I wanted to make them. How many times can you recreate the wheel, afterall?

    Hang in there. Seems to me like you’ve got a good balance. I really do love checking out your blog!

  47. Amy says:

    When I feel this way, I just jump into a simple project, like an outfit for one of the girls. It sort of recharges my confidence. But I think most importantly you have to sew for you and not think about what your followers or others on Flickr will think.

  48. Jacqui says:

    I think my fears are more nebulous than yours, or perhaps less examined! I guess if I had to put a name to the main one it would be that I’m afraid if I try and come up with projects on my own instead of using tutorials, patterns etc. then nothing will come. I fear I’m not creative and that I can only copy and imitate. I’m also afraid of wasting money and good materials by screwing up, which is a very practical and immediately limiting fear. But you know, not all fears are bad, you fear things for a reason sometimes. You fear heights because if you fall you could hurt yourself. I fear wasting materials because they cost money and sadly that doesn’t grow on trees. I haven’t read the other articles, but it seems to me that you need to listen to your fears objectively, examine them, and decide if they are legitimate. Perhaps it just means proceed with caution and you’ll feel so fabulous when you succeed despite them, but I think totally fearless creation is not necessarily a good thing.

  49. Emily says:

    I have a lot of the same fears! I have to tell myself that my failures are learning experiences. 😉 I think your projects are great!

  50. I also share your fears. I started blogging to contribute something and get in touch with the community, but there are so many blogs out there that mine doesn’t seem enough.
    Then sometimes you put so much time and energy in a project and you fail, e.g. this weekend.
    It’s frustrating.
    My conclusion is to sew and blog at my own pace without getting killed over it and learning from it. Thanks for this post!

  51. Tanya says:

    great topic! i also share your fear of wasting time doing one thing over another. i also think back to all the hours i wasted on certain projects that will never see the day of light! I have a little blog that nobody reads, but i keep it up because it keeps me sane! i found it too overwhelming to try to make it in the crafty mom blog world!

  52. Thanks for your link to Crafty Pod. OMG – I have to read through all of that! Today I also stumbled upon a thought-provoking post at Completely Cauchy about stashing fabric, using fabric, and our motives in the process. You should totally check it out! I posted my thoughts about it today. Today is meant for pondering, it seems.

  53. sewtakeahike says:

    You nailed it, Anna! Your #1 is my #1 fear too. Spending quality time with my husband is #1 for me and it seems like too many times I’m not showing that in my actions when I’m spending hours in my sewing room instead of with him doing something fun. It’s always such a balancing act!

  54. Virginia says:

    Thanks for sharing. I think that is one of the best things of the blogging community. I may not (correction) ~ I do not make every beautiful thing you all create, but I love the way there’s such a sense of “real” out there. As far as the “free” issue out there….I try and buy things from bloggers and etsy whenever I can (as a matter of fact bought your clutch pattern!) In my opinion there’s too much time, creativity and work being put out for free (including pricing items too low too!) that just makes it not worth it for many. It’s sad – almost “wal-marting” out the creativity to the lowest bidders. Does that make sense (and sorry if I’ve offended anyone). I think the internet is awesome, but it also harms. My husband is a small business owner that cannot compete with the box stores, although the quality, customer service, etc. is unbeatable, it makes it difficult considering people can just “google” whatever they want and find either the cheapest price or a tutorial.
    Good discussion. Liked your link to the other blog.

  55. I’m still a newbie to blogging. My craft blog is at an infant stage but for now my fear is not to create: my fear is to lose the creativity. I found the hard way that not letting my creativity express itself makes me turn to my darker daemons. I get depressed and anti-social,crabby. And when I’m in that dark place, it is more difficult to be a good mom, wife and friend. So I try very hard not to let the creative mojo die. Because creating makes me happy and when I’m happy, my kid and my hubby are happy too.

  56. Heidi says:

    HOLY COW! Did you break into my brain and write down EVERYSINGLE fear I have? Cause my list would match yours word-for-word just add *the fear that I’m gonna lose my job after the TERRIBLE observation I had last week.
    but you know what….I’m tired of fear so I’m going to *BUCK UP* & face em! What have we got to lose? 🙂 Thanks for this…made me feel more human!

  57. Maxabella says:

    I hoard my favourite stuff, for sure! I don’t have other fears, though. Not when it comes to creativiity anyway. I like to just throw it all in there and see what comes out. Nothing to fear but fear itself, as they say!! x

  58. looks like loads of people have similar fears. I know I do too. Have you heard of the book “Feel the fear and do it anyway?” I thought I had it on my shelf but cant find it. If you are really struggling, it might help 🙂 But keep your chin up, you are a very talented woman!

  59. QuiltyGirl says:

    Wow, judging by all of these comments you are not alone! And either am I!
    I also fear wasting time and fabric. I think those are the two big ones for me. Lately i have come to realize that I’m not putting nearly enough into designing my own quilts, so I want to work on that. Fewer quilts this year, but “better ” ones. (and i will start down that path right after i quilt the super easy charm square patchwork baby quit that i finished last night….maybe I will try a new fmq design to make up for my lack of design in the top..)
    Good luck with your fears. 🙂

  60. Anonymous says:

    When I am scared to start a project, I set the timer for 30-60 minutes and just dive in–that way if I am struggling I can quit, but I have gotten over the hump. Usually, though, it helps me jump in and I get inspired. I also do this when I really want to spend time reading for pleasure (a book, I mean) and feel like I don’t have time. It gives me permission to read and relax for that period of time!

  61. Erin says:

    “Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.” – Mary Lou Cook

    I use to be scared until I learned how to be okay with mistakes. Sometimes you get happy mistakes, and sometimes you create new techniques from mistakes. An artist welcomes mistakes because they are always a learning experience. When you accept mistakes are a part of the learning curve, it’s easier to jump right in and get started. It’s amazing how much time you spend thinking instead of doing when you live with fear.

    I hope you learn to embrace your fears and throw caution to the wind.

    erinscreative.blogspot.com

  62. I suffer from Perfection-Induced Craft Paralysis all the time (and blogged about it here: http://www.cookcleancraft.com/2010/07/perfection-induced-craft-paralysis.html ). I have a fantastic idea in my head but worry that it won’t turn out the way I want (and I have so little time to craft that I don’t want to spend time stuffing things up). It’s a real struggle, but at some point I just have to knuckle down and start. I try to take things slow and think things through, and usually things turn out well enough that I’m happy – maybe not perfect.

    Thanks for the links – some interesting reading there!

  63. Elsa says:

    Fear is an awful thing to have. It kept me from doing so many things in my life. Now that I’m a bit older, I don’t let it rule me as I once did. I still stand back sometimes and question myself. For me it’s a lack of confidence. And something not turning out perfect, whatever it may be. I have to say that I didn’t try quilting (as an example) till I was in my mid 30’s. It’s such a shame because I’m really good at it (in my own way).
    I’m taking an Art Quilt Class at the local art school here in Portland. I’m really intimidated by the other students. I have these wonderful friends and they keep cheering me on and they love my work. They are who I think of wherever I get nervous about what I’m doing.
    Thank you for this thought provoking post and for being so honest with your feelings! It’s good to remember where I’ve been and how far I’ve come!

  64. I certainly agree it is really hard to not have all those “what If’s”. I struggle with creativity in breaking out of the box and doing something different, I have always sewn using a pattern, my challenge is getting away from that and making my own patterns and experimenting. I am starting an oops bin, at least I can use the fabric in smaller projects. But I forge on…and hope that some of my efforts are successful. Good Luck!
    cindy
    Bumblebeeandsophie@gmail.com

  65. I share alot of the same fears. I have been making myself try to overcome some of them and agreed to do a craft fair with a friend to show off some of my work. Was going along great until my husband says…how much are you going to charge? Then the fear hits me again like a dead weight….what if no one likes my art??? I swear I would just like one day that I can have confidence in my creativity.

  66. Gingercake says:

    HI Anna, thanks for sharing about your fears and the links to the FREE issue. I think we all fear letting out what we hold most dear and for creative people, it is certainly our creative projects. You do a great job. Honestly, I have thought of you before and wonder how you manage to keep up and keep cranking out the tutorials. You must have a lot of good and positive energy. Once, when I was fretting about copyright issues and protecting myself and my ideas, my husband said “why do you hold so dear about that idea? There are plenty more where that came from and even better too.” I am looking forward to seeing you really focus on a great project and CHARGE people for it.

  67. Cindy says:

    great post with something to think on. I am paralized by indesion and not wanting to ‘waste ‘ fabric. I have really enjoyed your blog for the last year since I descovered the world of craft blogs. I love to see your girls since mine are the same age and I think I wish we could have a craft/playdate since no one in my real world sews. Keep up the good work

  68. Hugs my dear. I say “ditto” to all of your fears. We are all feeling the same pressure, the same fear and thinking the same thoughts. Remember when they creep in that you aren’t alone. Shoot one of us an email, or a FB msg, hang an inspirational saying up on your board, find something to break you through the thought. Don’t let the fear win. 2011 is gonna be our year to conquer the fear! And as for free…it’s a balance I think. You are doing a fab job of it.
    I agree with one of the commenters on Sister Diane’s post about women bloggers (etc.) selling ourselves short and undervaluing ourselves. Would a male be doing the same thing? No way. So why do we battle the fears and they don’t? We, as women, need to rally around each other and support, encourage and lift each other’s spirits and say…yes – you are worth it!
    I’m here to tell you that you are “worth it” whenever you need to hear it. Don’t sell yourself short Anna. There will always be more fabric 😛

  69. Sarah says:

    Thank you, thank you for your perfectly timed post!

  70. Mary says:

    Oh my goodness, I can totally relate to all of that! And judging by the number of comments you’ve gotten, we’re not alone . . .

    Thanks for all that you share and all that you do!

  71. Kristie says:

    Anna-

    First off…you’re awesome. Don’t dwell.

    Second, I think with blogging, you have to decide your goals. An outlet? A pat on the back? Inspiration given and received? Monetary? Then you have to be true to your balance. If you are here for some fun and to enjoy some compliments on work done (which, let’s face it, are not handed out regularly for the work we do in the “real” world), then don’t worry so much about blogging every day, creating new and exciting stuff, followers, etc, etc. That just makes your hobby/outlet a new stress. If you would like to make some money on your talent, and maybe try to cut back on work and make up the monetary difference in blogging, then definitely set up a store and charge for some tutorials, etc. But I think that, aside from Martha, it is hard to get rich doing this due to the time it takes to make quality stuff. My stance is, I don’t want to complicate my fun hobby by turning it into my job. When it stops being fun, I stop. So, just think about, ultimately, what is the point- for YOU? And try to balance it out.

    And as my dad always says, “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff!”

    XO Kristie

  72. V and Co. says:

    “yup” on every account.

  73. Pascale says:

    You worded it so well, Anna. I know all of the fears you listed – sometimes they’re prominent, sometimes they’re not. The one that scares me most, however, is that one day I will wake up with no more ideas – done, finished… That would be a nightmare, really…

    Cheers,
    Pascale

  74. Elaine says:

    Hey I have been reading your blog for a few months now and as I read your post on fear I felt I finally had to speak up to you. Please don’t let fear win – you have been an important part of me getting over my own fears that are very similar. Watching you create and find time to be a mom, a wife, and a creative being is inspiring. Today I finally started posting on my own blog and put my first “project” on there for others to see. I have found a lot of freedom from depression and uncertainity in my life through crafting and creating. So if words from a stranger are of any consolation – keep going, find freedom in your creativity not fear.
    Thanks for all you let inspire you!
    Elaine

  75. Kate says:

    Thanks for this post Anna. I read it yesterday and have been thinking about it since so wanted to just come back and comment. I have a lot of these fears too, and am trying to take deep breaths and not let them hold me back. Sometimes the amount of inspiration I find on the internet is so amazing its overwhelming and almost paralyzing. So… I’m trying to focus on the moment, and enjoy what I am doing now, whether or not it is perfect. Hope you can keep the helpful parts of your fears and let the other parts go… and hope it was helpful to you to share and hear from others.

  76. Larissa says:

    Oh, Anna. I guess this proves we all have fears and anxiety about this creative crafty process. It is comforting I am not the only one.

    I pretty much think you are one of the most awesomely creative people I “know”.

    Thanks for opening up and sharing.

    Just Another Day in Paradise

  77. I have a lot of the same fears. I think everyone does, but you just push forward to overcome them. I think your work is great and I even purchased one of your patterns! Thanks so much for sharing….

  78. D'Anna says:

    I love your blog and all your ideas! Who you are is . . . creative!

  79. Chris says:

    I’ve been pondering a lot of what you wrote and the other links you included. First idea, is that creativity is a process more than the product. There are times when it comes more fluidly than others. I have been feeling lately like I can’t sew anything without a pattern, when that’s never stopped me before. Call it blogging stage fright. Second idea, free is never completely free…and that is ok. I am often drawn to a blog by a free tutorial, but what keeps me reading are the folks behind the blog. When I can afford to, I try to purchase patterns from my bloggy friends, and hope others will understand that ultimately selling patterns helps everyone. Third and last idea, faith and fear are opposites. They can’t exist in the same space at the same time. Hold onto the faith others have in you when your faith is not so strong. I love your work and believe in you. Thank you for being brave enough to share a part of yourself here.

  80. Tanya-Yanata says:

    your confessions look like mines. I think it’s normal to have them. And you sound so adorable!
    cheers, Tanya

  81. Tori Martin says:

    we share some of the same fears, 😀

  82. What a great post! I have a HUGE fear of accidentally copying someone. I am letting it completely freeze my creativity and it’s frustrating. It’s nice to know I’m not alone.

  83. Christina says:

    I’m late to the party here (catching up on blogs) but I think all of your fears are shared by many of us. I know a lot of your own fears are ones that are on my list as well. But at least we have each other…a kind of support group, if you will. 🙂

Comments are closed.