While a lot of states are starting to loosen up on COVID-19 restrictions in the US, there is still a lot of downtime being experienced. A lot of us have been cooped up inside and will remain inside for weeks or months to come, so you’re either losing motivation or you’re looking for new ways to find it. I know I have been through days and weeks that felt like roller coasters where I’m super productive some days, and other days I can’t find the motivation to get out of my jammies. I have found that making DIY projects or sewing helps me to get through the weeks, so if you can relate at all, don’t be afraid to tap into your crafty side or to try your hand at a new hobby.
Change Your Routine
Adapt to your current agenda and adapt to your new normal. It’s okay to wake up later than you normally would or to spend more time submerging yourself in self care, but once you’ve established a new routine that works, stay consistent with it. Maybe you want to spend your days crafting, so set up a painting room where you can store supplies and create crafts or projects that you’re interested in like those vintage jackets you’ve been waiting to paint and customize. Roll with the punches and make changes as needed.
Organize Your Life/Space
Find ways to keep order: make to-do lists or use our sewing planner to plan out your days. Fill them with things you want to do instead of things that you feel you need to do. Consider tidying your sewing/crafting space to keep your headspace in order as well. With a lot of spare time at our fingertips, it would be the perfect time to amp up your space. Organize your fabric stash or take to the internet to make organizational storage. When things are tidy, and everything has a home, it’s easier and more enticing to visit and use the space.
Take a Chance
You may be experiencing time off from your job or working from home with some extra free time once the day’s work is done. Maybe you have been sitting on a great idea or perfecting your sewing techniques. Put a bit of faith in yourself by setting up an online shop (find tips for marketing your designs here). On some sites, it only takes a few minutes to upload your products. It’s the perfect way to invest in yourself and the things that you’re passionate about while bringing in a bit of extra income.
Set Deadlines
Whether you’re sewing a simple skirt or testing out new tie-dye techniques, use your to-do list or sewing calendar to set deadlines. This will keep you productive and accountable. Think of the deadlines you set like those at work, which have consequences when they aren’t met, but don’t be too hard on yourself if you find yourself falling behind on your self made deadlines. There will still be days where you need to rest or catch up on other things.
Keep Learning
Don’t let your days go to waste: Stimulate your brain in any way that you can. Watch lectures/videos (like this pattern marking video) to enhance your sewing knowledge and read magazines, books, or blog posts to learn about that hobby you’ve been curious about, but never had enough time for. If you’re curious and want to learn more about fashion and trends, watch runway shows or read trend reports or other informational posts. Seek out advice from fellow crafters and sewing colleagues to find out what they’ve been making and how they’re spending their time in quarantine.
There’s no reason to feel guilty for picking up new hobbies or learning to love old ones all over again. One of the most important things to remember during quarantine is to do things that you love, like sewing, sketching, or draping. Maybe you want to stimulate your brain, so you might consider taking an online course to learn how to sketch or level up your pattern marking techniques. You are your biggest motivator, so it’s up to you to find out where you like to draw inspiration from to be the best version of yourself!
