Sensing a sewjo downturn? The ebb and flow of creativity is a natural part of the process, so it’s good to understand what is happening before you give up. Read on for ten top tips on how to stay motivated and build a creative habit…
Tag: Creativity
Introducing: Grinlow Studio
It’s been a while, but I’m back with a bit of a spruce up – welcome to Grinlow Studio!
Sustainable sewing, part three: ways forward
Can we resolve the conflict between our creative passion and the waste it produces? The final instalment in this series on sustainable sewing explores some of the ways we can promote greater sustainability in our sewing practice…
Continue reading ➞ Sustainable sewing, part three: ways forward
Sewing mindfully: 10 principles for an intentional year of making
After a year of sorting and refining my me-made wardrobe, I’m planning on a more purposeful sewing trajectory this year. The makes wish list grows and grows, but I’ve resolved to tame the beast as best I can so that when I sew, it counts. So, if you’re looking for an alternative way to plan your sewing this year, here are a few guiding principles for a more relaxed and intentional year of making…
Continue reading ➞ Sewing mindfully: 10 principles for an intentional year of making
Can you save money sewing your own coat?
Sewing coats is hugely satisfying, but the expense of coating fabrics, linings and interfacings – not to mention patterns and notions – can seem off-putting. Is it possible to sew a decent winter coat for less than you’d pay on the high street? Read on to find out…
Sewing productivity: five ways to build a creative habit
When it comes to creativity, no amount of equipment or space will ever contribute as much to your productivity levels as building the habit of creating. Easier said than done, a habit is an elusive beast that will give you the slip first chance it gets. If you want to up your sewing ante, read on for five tips to snare a reliable sewing habit for life…
Continue reading ➞ Sewing productivity: five ways to build a creative habit
On failure and creativity: why sewing ‘fails’ are always wins
According to the annual Good Childhood Report, children in the UK have the lowest levels of life satisfaction across Europe – largely because they are afraid to fail. Where did we go wrong? And could ‘sewing fails’ be the answer? Read on to find out how failure is an integral part of creative endeavour
Continue reading ➞ On failure and creativity: why sewing ‘fails’ are always wins
The sewing we don’t share: challenging our own Instagram filter
Why do we refrain from sharing the more mundane side of making on Instagram? Are some makes too boring for the grid? When we filter our feeds because we feel our makes are not interesting enough, do we inadvertently narrow the playing field? Maybe it’s time to embrace ‘boring’ sewing and share it with the world…
Continue reading ➞ The sewing we don’t share: challenging our own Instagram filter
Studio debunk: five mantras to save money on your sewing space
It’s time to look beyond the seductive facade of the Instagram sewing studio. If you don’t have a designated space, let alone your own room, or you worry you can’t even afford to get started, read on – with a bit of thrift and creativity you can begin your journey towards a dream sewing space today…
Continue reading ➞ Studio debunk: five mantras to save money on your sewing space
In pursuit of stash zero: sewing sustainably in lockdown
A quest to use up every last bit of fabric in my stash over the course of lockdown has changed my sewing style: coveting new fabrics and patterns has been superseded by a heavy itinerary of mopping up. It may not last forever, but for now it’s a creative, sustainable and thoroughly enjoyable shift in pace…
Continue reading ➞ In pursuit of stash zero: sewing sustainably in lockdown
Grinlow Studio 