I am plodding along this KCW. Some days sewing is simply a pleasure, but this week it seems more like a chore. Creative energy is an odd thing: it comes and goes, it can perk you up like coffee, or destroy you when it’s not there. I’m happy to say, I am putting in my hour every day. Even though I’m a little grumpy when I do it.

So what have I done? So far made some piles and traced a bunch of fabric. Then yesterday I cut out all my fabric. There was a bit of upcycling happening–old man pants => little man pants. And today I did some pre-sewing. I’m not sure that’s actually a thing, but let’s make it one. Pre-sewing: all the little sewing you need to do before you get to the big sewing. My pre-sewing today was pockets and piping, hoods and darts,  an elbow pad or two thrown in there somewhere. You get the picture.

How is your creative energy these days? Running on high? Non-existent? Hiding?

It is day one of Kid’s Clothes Week! Because I was at Alt Design Summit for most of last week, I am going in cold. Very cold. Today I spent my hour staring at fabric. I used to think standing there staring at fabric was a waste of time, but I’ve discovered it’s an important part of the process. If I skip this step I’m never quite satisfied with the end product.

If I let myself stare and don’t stop myself, wonderful things happen.  A lot of the times I  get my own way and screw things up either because of self doubt or comparing myself to others. Today I trusted my judgement and chose whatever fabric jumped out at me. And look what jumped: Pink!? I’ve never been a pink girl, but my daughter has been choosing it more often these days. Looking at this pile, a salmon-y pink paired with orange is actually kind of awesome. Throw in some gold polka dots and it’s time to get this KCW party started.