I started this blog because I was home with my baby, making stuff and wanted to hang out with other makers and chat. The longer I do this blog the more and more I do in "secret", on my own, by myself. I thought the book was going to be super collaborative but instead it was just me doing my part and then handing it off to others to do their parts. I want to go, out of my house, to one of those jobs with huge carousels of markers and talk to people about my ideas. I think I'm just feeling sorry for myself because I'm stuck on this design. I need someone to say yes to this and no to that.
I go out into the world and work and interact with other people. You write a wonderful blog, full of wonderful thoughts. When I read your blog, I’m envious of the freedom and creativity that you have to express yourself. We all have those days when we feel stuck. I hope your days and thoughts get happier!
I know the feeling. I hope you can find a way to do just that. But you should know that your blog has been really inspiring to me to try new things–just in the past year I’ve made dolls and learned to embroider for the first time ever, because of you. 🙂
Wishing you many carousels of markers and many years of collaboration to come. And hopefully you will share with us.
me too.
maybe you could hire an assistant and buy a big carousel of markers for your desk. Interns come cheap.
i hear you. loud and clear. but keep at it – you always inspire me, hillary. xo.
wow.
too bad you live so far away. I’m looking for a creative pal to stitch with too…
maybe it’s not that hard to find a team! keep me updated on your finds, maybe you’ll give me a good idea for this part of the Ocean 😉
xoxo
I feel this way sometimes – I need to restart my blog so even if I’m talking to myself, maybe someone will talk back occasionally?
I love your blog and look forward to each new update. You could try Skype with someone or post your projects and ask away! I’m inspired, and would love a peak into what your working on!
I know exactly what you mean. It’s difficult to feel creative in a vacuum.
I know my cat’s not much help in the home studio, as without opposable thumbs, her thumbs up or down critiquing abilities are limited. Even when I share with her, I usually get a bored stare. She selfish that way… keeping most of her opinions to herself.
Unless it’s about her food. A loud, plaintiff “mrrow” from the corner lets me know I’ve failed in at least one meal choice for the day. She’s mysteriously silent if she likes it.
Very much like some clients. 😉
Keep at it. You inspire in myriad ways and I, for one of likely many, am with you in spirit.
my family calls me the dream killer. so anytime you need someone to tell you NO on something, you just let me know.
(that tulip-y fabric is freaky good.)
we need to go out. 3 cheers for you…seriously.
i love the multi color circles! would be a fun quilt or bag!
I know that feeling!
usually when my husband comes home in a grump because of a bad day at the office and crappy commuting on the train I secretly smile inside because I don’t have to do it!
He he he! My husband calls me the dream squasher. Maybe Allbuttonedup and I could be your new team. Wanna come over for tea. And a talk. I’m make cookies….
I also know somewhat how you feel… I’m at home with my little ones and my crafty sister doesn’t live near anymore, so I lost my other half of my brain! 🙂 I hope you don’t feel like what you share needs to be “just so”- it’s exciting to see a work in progress, and someone’s comment might just set the wheels in motion again. Btw, I just bought materials to make the Eddie doll for my nephew, and I wish you could see the crazy hair fabric I picked out and tell me what you think of it! 🙂
I know exactly how you feel….i highly recommend skype and know that we are all here silently reading your blog and cheering you on (ok that sounds creepy) but its a loving cheer section!
i’m another one of those girls who races home from my job (with lots of people around) to read your blog and get inspired to craft into the wee hours. it’s so easy to look for the outward solutions to our inward problems, but you know that already. 😉
As others have said your blog is my most favourite, not least because I had my June baby also when you had yours, but just the sheer volume of creativity it inspires…. Not sure what to suggest, just to remind you that you are ace! So don’t forget it! But is there something you could do collaboratively with your loyal readers? Something akin to the make a long again? Or k w c. But with a w.w slant? Either way keep up the good work 🙂
i think everyone needs a group of people so that there is always someone to call so that you can get them to go to skype or something and hold up what you’re working on and go – ‘so?’
i don’t have a group like that, but now i’m thinking about it it would be great. there are enough of us out there i think for everyone to find someone.
tough days are that. and it sucks. *hug*
Huggles for you Hilary! You can always ask us what we think though. 🙂
Yes to those two folk fabric in the foreground! Not so much for the dusty pink with the tulips. But then I have no idea what you’re making…
I can so relate!
Uh, yeah. What she said!
Ohhh, I do understand about the carousels of markers, and even the getting out of the house to meet with other people. There are some good ideas from ALL the comments above, maybe one will help. You have inspired me to sew again and to make gifts and I would miss your voice if you left blogland.
I’m married to He Who Sucks the Life Out of Everything. Maybe the three of you could take this act out on the road!
I understand looking at what seems like greener pastures. For me it means I need to feed myself instead of the constant feeding of others. I hope you find what you are missing.
Yes to all the fabrics if you’re on your way to making something major cute again. No to all options in the photo if you’re going to make them into trousers for yourself for an upcoming event.
i’m here for ya.
I had to laugh because the thing I envied most, and remember the most, is that huge carousel of markers in the design department at the company where I used to work! Always wanted to find a way to bring that home, somehow — but you’re absolutely right about the conversation and comradery that go along with it as being the magical part….
SO with you!
I’m in the same spot as you. Only I just sent my 5 yr old off to kindergarten and the two littler ones don’t seem to know what naps are (at least not at the same time). So I don’t get much done. But I do make some great creations (in my head and on paper – I just don’t get to do the actual production very often. My toddler is into EVERYTHING!!! 🙂