10 February 2006
It's funny how normal or completely bizarre crafting seems, depending on who you're speaking with. If I show a handcrafted item to, say, my knitting buddies, it's ooh-ed and ahh-ed over and given the respect it deserves (while I say, 'No, no really, it's not even very good. See, here -- I messed that bit up, and this is crooked.'). Show it to a non-crafter, and you suddenly feel like a great big weirdo; who sews their own bags, anyway? Why would you bother doing that? (I feel I should mention that there's going to be an excellent book coming out later this year which addresses that very topic.)
I also find it hard to convey the fact that I think about crafting a lot. All the time, practically. I hope other crafty types know what I mean, because I'm not always sure it makes sense to the 'normal' people. At any given moment, I'm probably thinking about the project I'm in the middle of, or what I could do next, or what supplies I'll need to buy in order to finish one of the two.
I have my slow moments, when I don't feel like starting anything new, but most of the time, I'm mentally tripping over all the possibilities -- I have to make felt! No, a new purse! A doll! Wait, make more prints! And a plum tart! Rob wonders why I don't go to the gym more ever, but who can spare even one hour when there are so many things waiting to be created? Mustn't stop creating, not for a minute!
Well, except for television therapy.
It can be very overwhelming at times, especially when other bits of my life require attention (as they usually do). But then, crafting wouldn't be rewarding if it were done in a vacuum. I need Rob to tell me how pretty the linings are (as he does), and I need work to help me focus my creative energy (a cover isn't perfect and finished just because I feel like it's done), and I need everything else to amaze me and to inspire me to create even more.
It's a nice feeling, this being full of ideas.
I know exactly what you mean. There are times when I haven't been able to sleep for the ideas in my head, and I have to get up in the middle of the night and read or knit to soothe my head a bit and be able to drift off. I try to remember to write down ideas in my little journal right when I have them, sometimes that helps clear my mind a little so I can do the other things that need doing in life (like work, sleep, paying the bills, etc.). I know my non-crafty friends don't really understand my need to create, but I love the internet so much for showing me that I'm not alone in my obssession :o)
posted by Lucy at February 10, 2006 06:27 PM
I sew my own bags and take them to the grocery store and get the strangest looks from the check out people.
My attitude, aside from the fact that I'm being environmentally conscious, is that those plastic bags are far too ugly for me to carry and my handmade bags are chic.
Crafting keeps me sane and happy.
posted by A.J. at February 10, 2006 06:34 PM
I've been thinking about this stuff lately too. So often when I show my work to friends and family who don't craft, I find their reaction seriously lacking. Don't get me wrong, they make appreciative noises, but they don't realise that I need at least half an hour of wows! and ahhs! before I feel that they really understand how much work I've put into something.
It is such a relief to have found this community. Knowing that there are people out there that understand how much time I spend thinking, planning, dreaming ( I had a fantastic dream about fabric the other night!)about crafting is very liberating.
posted by Manda at February 10, 2006 08:02 PM
I'm so glad I'm not the only one who thinks about crafting all the time!
posted by Leisl at February 10, 2006 09:46 PM
i constantly think about things i could make. i'm also over stimulated by things i see and say to myself: that would be interesting/fun/easy/challenging to make. i always write down lists and ideas and crazy doodles for my projects. the bad thing with me is that it's mostly a mental process. for 20 ideas (not necessary so creative, i'm not saying so) i have in mind, i turn to make 1 thing, if ok.
crafting is like a giant crossword in my mind, that i like to solve slowly because i don't want it to end.
posted by cimba at February 10, 2006 10:50 PM
You have just literally described my life. Seriously, down to the gym comment from your husband (mine too). Wanna get married?
posted by Blair at February 11, 2006 12:51 AM
I feel your pain sister. I'm 50 years old and like model trains and everyone thinks I'm a total nerd. (I think it's because of the trains. I hope it's not because my daughter is into crafting)
.d
posted by .d at February 11, 2006 02:42 AM
Whoa. You just nailed what I have been thinking for a long time. I thought I was kinda weird to feel that way... And I thought I was so high maintenance for wanting (positive) reactions from people. But after all, I've been very happy crafting and thinking about crafting, so that's what keeps me going. I'm even happier when I can share the appreciation for craft with others.
posted by mitsuyo at February 11, 2006 05:27 AM
I SO know what you mean! I think about what i'm making/what i've made/what i'm going to make all the time. I even dream about it.
It's good being creative isn't it?! Imagine what our lives would be like if we didn't create, boring.
posted by nichola at February 11, 2006 12:43 PM
I pray that I never get carpal tunnel. . . .
posted by Alicia at February 14, 2006 01:16 AM
I totally know what you mean!
If I'm not crafting, you can bet your bottom dollar I'm ~thinking~ about crafting ;)
Unfortunately my boyfriend is one of those none-crafter-types *sigh* but I'm converting him slowly - he was so over the moon with his handmade shaver/toiletry bag for christmas ^_^
posted by Catherine at February 17, 2006 11:11 AM
PS, I get this a lot, too:
"Wouldn't it have been cheaper to buy one?"
And it's like - they just dont -get it-, you know?!
posted by Catherine at February 17, 2006 11:16 AM
I UNDERSTAND!!
The only person I know who is creative and appreciates my work is my nan..
I wish more people understand that I need more fabric and yarn... or the new craft book... they just dont SOB!
posted by Melissa at February 26, 2006 12:41 AM