Intimidation by design difficulty
I browse through a lot of communities and blogs on needlework and other crafts/hobbies, and something I see mentioned somewhat frequently is how a person hasn’t tried something because it is too hard or complicated.
I’m sure we’ve all been at that stage once or twice in our crafty pursuits, so what is it that helps a person take a deep breath and try something that looks hard? A couple things have helped me, such as:
Trying small designs. That way, even if it is confusing or hard, it won’t take as long as it would if I’d picked a huge project.
Not wanting to do the same thing over & over again forever. This might not work for everyone, because some people enjoy that. What keeps me interested in stitching is trying new stitches, new fibers, complex designs.
Thinking about my age. This one is an excellent motivator! I am not ~that~ old, but I also know that if I try to become absolutely perfect at each crafty thing before moving to the next level of difficulty or trying something new, that I’ll be dead before I get to the intricate fun stuff I really want to do.
Thinking about what I would actually want on my walls, or pillows, or dish towels; or would want to give to someone as a gift. This is helpful, because it keeps me from starting a bunch of stuff that looks fun, but that I would never ever display or give away. And that means more stitching time on projects that I am more motivated to complete.
Being picky about the way a design looks. This one is probably the most motivating factor of all! Let’s face it, a chart with no back-stitching (unless it is a HAED or similar project), often lacks definition. And charts that don’t use partial stitches, or things like stitching over one, don’t have the same crisp detail as the charts which do. Specialty stitches like French Knots, or Algerian Eyes, or Satin Stitch, add a lot of appeal.
Certainly not every thing a person stitches has to really test our limits as a stitcher! From my own experience I find that ignoring the little voice that says I’m going to make a terrible mess of it, not only lets me learn new things but makes stitching the simple quick things a lovely change of pace.
What are some tricks you have discovered to try new and difficult needlework things?
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2 opinions for Intimidation by design difficulty
Ternezia
Jun 4, 2006 at 8:22 am
I wouldn’t call mine a trick, rather a need which resp. calls me to not remain on one place for eternity but learn something new and more difficult. It is a kind of “self-confidence of a crafter” - but something that has to be upkept through challenges. Or might call it “status”? Suppose you get my meaning. No challenges passed = no confidence = no status. I am kinda reflecting warriorship values over the crafts as well.
Deb
Jun 4, 2006 at 12:16 pm
I think I do understand :) To know you can do it, and to be good at it, is a very nice feeling indeed.
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