Exactly which of my fabrics should I put together?
What colours of yarn should I use and in which order?
I have been seeing so many gorgeous combinations on blogs and on pinterest but this inspiration has almost crippled my own imagination through the fear of not getting it quite right.
I only seem to be able to cope with different fabrics of the same or similar colours.
I think this is why my rainbow hexies were so appealing, and why I was pleased with my diamond mini quilt. And when I made my first project from Patchwork Please I followed Ayumi's design and went for a single colour scheme - and it does make me happy, but it's not very brave, is it.
I almost find myself unable to imagine how MY fabrics will go together when they are not the exact same ones that I am seeing being used elsewhere. I know I can't go out and buy an entirely new stash (although it is tempting!!) just to match something I have seen online so I need to find some way of making the best use of what I have. But what if I get it wrong and end up making a mess?
I had to abandon a pair of fairisle wrist warmers for my boss because I kept repeatedly getting the colour choices wrong and having to rip it out endlessly - until I was thoroughly sick of the sight of them when I have previously loved the pattern. In the end I had to compromise and knit her a nice safe pair of Susie's Reading Mitts in one solitary, safe colour.
I find myself craving some simple sock knitting for it's basic decision-free round-and-roundness - when this would have seemed too boring a week ago.
Does anyone else have this problem? Where brilliant inspiration leads to a complete loss of creative confidence? If so, how have you overcome it?
Answers on the back of a postcard please!
9 comments:
You are not in that boat alone lucy. I struggle with colour but does it matter using someone else's imagineation to help you make something you will love. It is better than sewing something you think you will like then end up not being happy with it.
The sight of your rainbow hexes has made my eyes all woobly (and happy). Thanks for your lovely lovely comment you top lass. The stuff I was whiffling on about is the same stuff that happened just after tiny pebble was born. Still, bloggers and craft are still some of the loveliest things in the world xxx
inspiration overload always leaves me not knowing where to start too. I do know that I don't actually ever like the designs where all the fabrics are from one design line and fit together perfectly....
trust your instincts and be brave!
Sometimes we spend too much time looking and not enough time doing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMbhhR5I5gI&feature=share&list=UUuoxrRDDgk3UUnxR4tlkJYQ&index=3
This video summed it up perfectly for me.
I think we've all been there, Lucy. And I'd do exactly what you are doing - go with what feels 'right', even if it's not exactly awe-inspiring. I'm sure it'll come back to you when you least expect it. x
Oh Lucy, I SO feel your pain! I think that's why my stash is so big -- I keep buying fabric because every time I go to make something I never have just the "right" colors. How can that be with the size of my stash? I just don't get it!
I don't really have a strategy to recover -- I think I just dive in -- sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. {Sigh.}
Yes! I completely recognise this. It's exhausting. At the end of the day though, if you're using stash stuff and it doesn't turn out as well as planned, then at the very least you've reduced your stash a bit!
I think this is something we all go through and some days it is easier than others to make choices. Sometimes it helps not to over analyse. Your colourful hexagons are lovely and cheerful
Lucy, this happens to me not only with fabric choices, but also with time choices. With my limited free time, should I do this or do that?
My 7th grade art teacher uttered the comforting words, "There are no mistakes in art." I did buy a book called "Color Magic for Quilters" which helps a lot. Good luck to you!
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