Other Projects

Sometimes the pressure of finishing a creative project can overwhelm the act of starting it. But craft night doesn’t have to include a big project (must. knit. sweater.), oh no. Rather, to celebrate the feeling of accomplishment that comes with actually finishing something, go small. Invite people over for an evening of creative progress: Replace the button on that blouse (like Chloe did!) so you can cycle it back into your wardrobe. Finally sit down with that fabric you’ve been saving forever to make those pillows for your friends’ wedding on Saturday (like Sara!). Stitch up that torn seam on a tank top or fix that hem that’s kept you from wearing that cute skirt for the past two years (like Maria did!). Or, move forward that crochet project that’s gotten buried at the bottom of your bag or that knitting project you’ve put off in favor of wedding planning (like Kim!).

It’s simple: Send out the invite, reminding people of what they might have in that terrifying to-do pile (I know I tend to block it out), and set the scene:

1) Make sure you have some basic repair materials and tools including buttons, snaps, patches, needles, and a variety of thread colors — even set up your sewing machine for light fixes if you feel up to it.

2) Set out some light fare for snacking (and encourage everyone to bring something to share). Again, the theme here is no-stress!

3) Craft it out!

4) Make plans to do it again.

The result: Everyone had tons of fun and, on the efficiency scale, they were positively giddy with what they accomplished in just 1 to 2 hours. Maria managed to work four pieces back into rotation in her closet! And I finally cut out and sewed up all the embroidered softie robots I’ve been working on….But that’s for another post!

[ Posted on August 26th, 2010 ]