Returning to myself
Dear Reader,
Have you ever thought that you’d really like to create something, but you just don’t know how? Maybe you’re too scared to begin, or you’re afraid that whatever you make won’t be good enough. Well, we all have those feelings when we start out, and some never lose those nagging thoughts of self-doubt in the back of their minds. We’re often our toughest critics.
Back when I used to teach writing as a professor, in writing centers, and as a private tutor, the biggest problem my students faced was getting started. You might think the reason for this was that they truly didn’t know what to write about. But, that wasn’t the case. They were too concerned with perfection. Putting something on the page, even just one sentence couldn’t even happen because the thought that it wouldn’t be good enough was overwhelming.
Whether I’m staring a new writing or art project, I have no problem just diving right in to the work. I find it very cathartic to release all of that creativity that’s whirling around in my head out into the world. I won’t say that I haven’t criticized myself harshly (and still do), although I’m certainly way less self-critical than I was when I was younger. But, I’ve come to embrace anti-perfectionism more and more as I continue to make art. And, it’s how I teach my students as well. If someone tells me that they couldn’t possibly make something, that’s when I tell them that they absolutely could.
What is anti-perfectionism?
Most importantly, coming to the realization that perfection is not possible. Focusing your efforts on progress, learning, and personal growth instead of an unrealistic perfect outcome. Doing your best and accepting the flaws along the way as progress and part of the learning process. In my opinion, this is really helpful to anyone who has struggled with procrastination due to stress and anxiety that are directly related to perceived failure.
How to practice anti-perfectionism
Set realistic expectations and lead with your strengths. For example: I know that I don’t do well with any type of art that doesn’t allow for exploration. I work intuitively, so if the parameters are unflinchingly rigid then it’s not for me.
Be kind to yourself. Get comfortable with mistakes being part of the process. I had to rip out several rows of stitches on a project that I was working on last week.
Just keep going-focus on your progress, not your mistakes.
Reframe perfectionist thoughts. While heredity does come into play, many of these patterns are learned, so they can be unlearned.
The world needs your art, dear reader. So, color outside of the lines without judgement, love yourself, and make something beautiful.
Last week at a glance
I almost finished the quilt for my cousin’s baby. All I have to do is sew on the binding.
I set up a dressing room in the studio, using one of the dormers and some curtains I made. It’s going to work perfectly and not take up any space.
I spent time at my studio several days this week and really enjoyed the walk to and from.
I discovered something called quilt-as-you-go. And, while I haven’t tried it yet, I’m intrigued. As someone who hates the quilt sandwich, this just might set me free.
I started learning Spanish. When I lived in AZ, and I worked with a wonderful bunch of Spanish speaking people I picked up a lot of the language, but my skills have dwindled over the years. When I was shopping at a thrift store last week, I met a woman who only spoke Spanish. While I could converse with her a bit, I really wished I could do better, so that’s what I’m aiming to do.
I harvested hibiscus from my garden which I’m dehydrating for tea. I also am saving and dehydrating the seeds.
I made pumpkin waffles.
My son made some delicious pistachio spread that we put on croissants.
I have a daily yoga practice, but I often am only able to squeeze in 30-45 mins. This mostly happens because I get caught up in projects and lose track of time. One day this week I was able to practice for 1 hour and 15 minutes, which was amazing.
I made a dress that I really liked. One of my kids told me that it looked medieval, and that made me very happy.
I started rereading Play it as it Lays for probably the third time. I was looking for The White Album and Slouching Towards Bethlehem, but I couldn’t find any copies in two of our local libraries. I think it’s time to buy them.
I watched the show Wayward, and it’s strange, but interesting. I hope they’re planning on making a second season.
I did some posts on instagram, which honestly, still feels weird.
I found out that my website platform is going to retire their app, which I’m not happy about, since I often use the app for updating my online store. This will make things pretty inconvenient. Unfortunately, since I already paid for the year, I can’t switch to a different platform right now. I’ve been doing some research though, and I think I might switch to Shopify.
Trying my best to learn how to let things go after an unwarranted rude verbal exchange with a stranger. I’m not very good at letting things go, especially when I’m right. But, I am getting better.
I had a great, long phone conversation with my BFF.
I gathered all of the fabric I need to make my halloween costume. If I haven’t mentioned it on here yet, my husband and I are going to be Victorian ghosts.
My family and I usually go to the PA Renaissance Faire and we were fortunate enough to know someone who used to work there, so in the past we always received a discount. The cost of the tickets this year went up to $40/person. Which I think is completely outrageous. Sadly, we are not going.
Teaching classes in my studio
I would like to start teaching crochet classes in my new studio at Urban Arts House. Small groups can gather in my third floor studio and larger groups in the workshop space downstairs.
I’d love for you to give me some feedback on this. Feel free to comment on what types of classes you’d like me to teach. I’m definitely open to teaching all skill levels.
I appreciate all of you who choose to be here and read my newsletter. Have a wonderful week. And, I hope to see you around the studio. Please, tell your friends.
xo,
Christa
Links
Email: wildchildfibers@gmail.com
Website: https://www.wildchildfibers.com
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Thanks for reading. I appreciate you.