tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post5453731790632132951..comments2024-01-21T19:19:49.769-05:00Comments on Life Looms Large: Finding Time for CreativityLife Looms Largehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522897791564181980noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post-72879794156062360912009-10-29T09:50:42.038-04:002009-10-29T09:50:42.038-04:00Darnit, I had a whole comment typed up and it got ...Darnit, I had a whole comment typed up and it got lost. In fewer words, I have no suggestions since I feel like a real slacker. I'm glad you brought this up and showed what you do. Thank you. I'm going to try to make a schedule for myself and see how it works out. <br /><br />Won't be able to start it until next week though.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post-55259976513228180302009-10-26T23:52:39.938-04:002009-10-26T23:52:39.938-04:00That certainly resonates with me and my struggle t...That certainly resonates with me and my struggle to schedule in weaving, though it appears it will fall into the after lunch category - at least for now. I've embarked on a deep cleaning frenzy after breakfast - probably a retirement nesting thang.Sharonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06432035940956042729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post-51206134422813140772009-10-26T20:17:26.574-04:002009-10-26T20:17:26.574-04:00It's really interesting to hear how other crea...It's really interesting to hear how other creative people fit weaving (or whatever they love) into their lives.<br /><br />People tend to see my scheduling and sticking to a schedule as me being disciplined. To me it doesn't feel that way at all....I feel like I'm really undisciplined and if I don't actually put time in my calendar to spend in my studio, I will certainly do something else. That doesn't mean I don't love the design process....but that's my version of being undisciplined I guess.<br /><br />I do sometimes get discouraged by how productive some weavers are....especially people who effortlessly are in the routine of spending full days in their studio practically every day. But I'm just not a person who can devote myself to any one thing like that. (Hence my corporate refugee status!!)<br /><br />Jennifer, it is really tough when you're working full time to fit in a lot of other things that you value. I remember when we were building our house and I had a demanding job. I was also taking a stained glass class. I would often spend the wee hours of the morning cutting and cracking the glass for the piece. It was really fun actually. But I don't miss having so much that I wanted to do and so little time to do it.<br /><br />Weaver, A project like your coat would have to marinate for a good long time for me!!! I can't wait to see where you go with that!<br /><br />Thanks for all of your thoughts!!! I really want to write a long reply to each of you - this is a topic that I struggle with so it's interesting to hear what other people do!!<br /><br />SueLife Looms Largehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05522897791564181980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post-3284493622524418192009-10-26T19:07:59.472-04:002009-10-26T19:07:59.472-04:00Very interesting post, Sue. I admire how you'...Very interesting post, Sue. I admire how you've worked through all of this, came up with a schedule, and have been sticking to it! My problem at the moment is that there is <i>so</i> much to do around here that I feel guilty if I'm not at it.<br /><br />I am trying to think of my life as having seasons. There is a season for work, a season for creativity, etc. I think once we get some big things finished and established, I'll feel freer to go back to my fiber pursuits. I still love them, but I love what we're doing here too.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post-50724180619696736362009-10-26T15:15:53.166-04:002009-10-26T15:15:53.166-04:00That sounds so structured. I've tried to work ...That sounds so structured. I've tried to work that way, but end up frustrated when the time is there but the inspiration isn't. <br /><br />I've gone completely in the other direction, letting my inspiration dictate how much time I spend in what pursuit. Right now I am spinning and knitting more than weaving, because I need to let the ideas for the Misted Morning coat steep a bit longer. A lot of the yarn I'm spinning is going to go into the coat, so I am not really at a standstill on the project. I guess I need more yarn spun before I begin to sample the weaving.Weaverhttp://www.tromp-as-writ.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post-27912663247692058662009-10-26T10:48:47.485-04:002009-10-26T10:48:47.485-04:00I love that you asked this question because I too ...I love that you asked this question because I too ask myself when will you weave? I knit a lot, when I watch tv, or listen to the radio, but weaving is more physical to for me. I need to warp, and plan and get materials together, for that I like uninterupted time. I want to set up evening time to weave and knit time at lunch break and club nites. That would help with getting more weaving into my routine, but most of all I just want to enjoy what I'm doing. Because once I "have to" do anything it becomes a chore.DEEP END OF THE LOOMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01010018190905285835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post-21667784989286817602009-10-26T10:29:50.940-04:002009-10-26T10:29:50.940-04:00You approach makes complete and perfect sense to m...You approach makes complete and perfect sense to me. I like the separation of studio assistant and designer. I like the two make sure that you don't over analyze. I love that you are attempting to balance your whole life. AND the energy level shows that this is really working for you and is not imposing any type of drudgery!<br /><br />I find that creativity in my life requires periods of energy and rest (like running). Creativity to me is like a muscle that needs the stress of being used and rest to recooperate. Now how I apply it to my life??? Sadly, I am hindered by still having a full time job and having a new dog who needs training and high energy activities. <br /><br />I am actually looking at classes as vacations. In fact, I'd say its nearly the best one I can take!<br /><br />I work to be disciplined during the week thinking that every little bit helps. I honestly work for 1 hour of harp and 1 hour of weaving during the week and then the weekend is hit or miss. It's sad how little happens, but it's where I am right now. I have to be disciplined enough to not berate myself also!Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05932533858016149807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post-5593496556773910902009-10-26T04:15:16.132-04:002009-10-26T04:15:16.132-04:00"More weaving, less thinking"... I compl..."More weaving, less thinking"... I completely agree with you! If you think too much about doing it, or not doing it, you're not getting any done so it's not productive. I'm always impressed with the productivity of other weavers out there, and feel a bit frustrated by my own slow progress. However at the end of the day you do it because you enjoy it, not because it "has" to be done - there's plenty of other things like cleaning the house that fall into that category. I like your idea of a schedule, I hope you reap the rewards!Charlottehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00859950488319434724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post-77728876335915348872009-10-25T16:47:24.758-04:002009-10-25T16:47:24.758-04:00Thank you for adding my site to your NH Blog Roll!...Thank you for adding my site to your NH Blog Roll! I have reciprocated in kind.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post-15710718063742170462009-10-24T19:06:59.768-04:002009-10-24T19:06:59.768-04:00I really appreciate all of your thoughts and comme...I really appreciate all of your thoughts and comments and ideas!!<br /><br />I'm glad to know what makes dedicated weavers tick....and how they think I might improve my schedule/number of projects, etc.<br /><br />I'm also glad to know that I'm not alone in struggling to find balance or time for weaving. Even though I love it, I don't always make time for it.<br /><br />In reading your replies, I'm realizing what an individual thing it is. The ways we structure our lives and our time so that we can pursue the blend of activities that are the most meaningful and important to us are as individual as we are. <br /><br />I hope you are all enjoying your weekends!!! I appreciate your thoughts and comments. <br /><br />SueLife Looms Largehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05522897791564181980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post-79574771373812589212009-10-24T17:36:18.172-04:002009-10-24T17:36:18.172-04:00Hum, you got me thinking.
One thing I seem to l...Hum, you got me thinking. <br /><br />One thing I seem to lack is self discipline. Everytime I think I have a working schedule all figured out something happens and thats the end of it.<br /><br />I like to get my work, weaving or house done early in the day. The afternoons some times can drag on and I get a bit lazy. This time is usually spent reading blogs and other computer things.<br /><br />After supper and before I'm snuggled in for the evening seems to be my favorite time for spinning <br /><br />I agree about knitting in the evening. I don't sit around and watch tv without something in my hands be it a book or my knitting.<br /><br />I like to keep busy but to so much that I drive myself crazy. After so many years of working it's time to do what I want when I want to.bspinnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11385723696922637454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post-75420666126778277892009-10-24T14:58:33.185-04:002009-10-24T14:58:33.185-04:00This was a very interesting read. I work 12 hr ov...This was a very interesting read. I work 12 hr overnight schedules (crazy, I know!), so fitting in weaving and being AWAKE enough to do it well is always a struggle. I'm a relatively new weaver, but I find that either late morning (on days when I haven't worked the night before), after exercise and chores, works for me, or even early afternoon before me computer time and my afternoon break/knitting/coffee time. I find sleying and weaving known patterns are possible after 2-4 hrs of sleep without too many mistakes, but new patterns or threading the heddles takes more concentration. I try to be disciplined about it, knowing that even a half hour a day is better than nothing, and it has made a difference in my production time.Threadbare Designshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07522886005319257971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post-470683793426405882009-10-24T14:44:10.403-04:002009-10-24T14:44:10.403-04:00It seems like a very good idea!
I have a similar ...It seems like a very good idea!<br /><br />I have a similar time schedule. Since I weave in a vävstuga, we have regular times for coffee breaks Mon-Wed at 10. Usually I'm there 10-12 Mon-Fri. Mon-Wed there are usually lots of talking, and maybe helping each other out with different tasks.<br /><br />If I got the time (i e not doing the laundry, shopping...) I do some more weaving in the afternoon.desireehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07747387260620893252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post-47106843805534260502009-10-24T14:18:19.474-04:002009-10-24T14:18:19.474-04:00Food for thought for sure. I too am a 'fritte...Food for thought for sure. I too am a 'fritterer' I loved your blog entry and will see what I can do to enhance my creative time. I love the idea of morning time. I seem to plan, and then life gets in the way and it seems like everything else comes first. I really aim to make some time that is scheduled for me to be in the studio....Thanks for the nudge.Sue Schwarznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post-12766335564065362142009-10-24T13:30:10.122-04:002009-10-24T13:30:10.122-04:00Good post. Recently I realized that I have very f...Good post. Recently I realized that I have very few finished projects in the past several months. So obviously, I'm not finding the time for creativity right now.<br /><br />Your plan and schedule are inspiring and have triggered some thinking for me. Reading the comments helps too. When a plan gels for me, I'll do a blog post about it.<br /><br />Thanks for lighing a "fire" under my lazy butt!Valeriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16226371437929271405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post-29772613698877055562009-10-24T13:15:40.233-04:002009-10-24T13:15:40.233-04:00Great questions!
I'm lucky to have lots of tim...Great questions!<br />I'm lucky to have lots of time by myself to do what I want, but it never fails to amaze me how I will still fritter time away!<br /><br />Mornings are not my best time so I use it for computer work (blog etc) and then routine household chores. Right after lunch time I'm in the studio and rotate either weaving, doing finishing work, winding a warp (usually with laundry on going next door in the laundry room) I seem to get in the studio 4-5 days a week with some time off for shopping etc.<br /><br />Evenings I play with my laptop and work out new designs on PCW ( for further work the next day under project planning) I also spin in the evenings and getting quite a bit done. Apparently I can't have idle hands!<br />I'll also knit small beaded amulet bags when the mood hits me. (Languishing and waiting in the wings is my kumihimo stand and my lace pillow.)<br /><br />I think scheduling time is a good way to get back into the habit but in time, you'll be so excited about working and weaving, that it will come naturally to just go to the loom and weave. I find that if I take a break, then it seems harder to get back to it for some reason. I push myself to do it and hey, its fun again!<br /><br />One more point: I try not to overload myself with too many types of fibre activities as that can actually work against you. You will have more sucess and finish stuff if you only have 2-3 things underway..<br />But it is okay to have those projects around the house so you have variety too!<br /><br />SusanSusan https://www.blogger.com/profile/09707139508896058818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post-70566272788942251742009-10-24T12:50:00.183-04:002009-10-24T12:50:00.183-04:00Charlotte, I definitely relate to your thoughts on...Charlotte, I definitely relate to your thoughts on having so many projects that I want to try, but not being able to try them all. I guess that's the blessing of having many ideas...but sometimes it feels a little like a curse too!<br /><br />Thanks for sharing how you structure your weaving day!!<br /><br />SueLife Looms Largehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05522897791564181980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post-7843470105260044752009-10-24T11:56:52.504-04:002009-10-24T11:56:52.504-04:00Thanks for sharing these very interresting thought...Thanks for sharing these very interresting thoughts! One thing I've discovered for sure is that I shouldn't do difficult stuff, or anything requiring deep concentration late in the evening or when the kids are around - it has a tendency to end up in disaster. So I've decided for myself to weave and machine knit during all the hours when the kids are in school, and to do the housework later when they come home and need help with homework, etc. I save finishing stuff like fringes, hemming, finishing machine knits for the TV evenings in the weekend. But I feel constantly that I should have more time to weave, and there are lots of ideas and projects I would like to start with!charlottehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14536773648371607808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post-21090540527540125062009-10-24T11:34:21.014-04:002009-10-24T11:34:21.014-04:00Delighted Hands - I definitely am better at making...Delighted Hands - I definitely am better at making sure I eat than I am at making sure I weave!! If I schedule myself to do it, I do - but if I don't make room for it....then I get stalled easily.<br /><br />Theresa, I think one of the ways that you and I are similar is that we have a lot of interests that pull on us - so we struggle with balancing them. Glad to know I'm not the only one!!<br /><br />I'm interested to hear how other people find a balance they're happy with also!<br /><br />Sue<br /><br />SueLife Looms Largehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05522897791564181980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post-80132721956590189252009-10-24T11:10:55.472-04:002009-10-24T11:10:55.472-04:00Hmm, there is a lot of food for thought there. No ...Hmm, there is a lot of food for thought there. No matter how hard I try if it is a creative pursuit it best be done in the morning. Knitting is for down time from all other stuff. As is creative thinking and planning, but the actual doing, mornings always.<br />My riding time suffered this year for weaving also. I didn't get much time in at all and next summer I will<br />certainly be looking at a better way to divide that time<br />or move a couple of the horses on down the road. It's silly to have them if they are neither ridden or worked with. No real ideas here, but I will be reading with interest about how others juggle their creative endeavors with other tasks and hobbies.Theresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09574936988046982209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635600553883200682.post-984712413386109242009-10-24T09:38:23.970-04:002009-10-24T09:38:23.970-04:00Fit it in? It is as essential as eating and breat...Fit it in? It is as essential as eating and breathing! I like to rotate projects into each day, no set schedule, per se, but I tend to do a household chore and then reward with an hour of quilting/sewing or weaving. Then another chore, etc through the day. Knitting is for the evening in general, when tv is on and I can make a few hours progress. If I am in the car during the day, it is knitting that goes along for some bonus time. I like the new schedule/goals you have for yourself. It will be good to get the weaving back into your days!Delighted Handshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01289187765260532813noreply@blogger.com