Don't you get sick and tired of trying to drum up inspiration to sew the next dress?

Sometimes sewing a dress doesn't even get on the "things I want to do" list. It's one of those things that you just want to save for another time.

But then reality hits and you know that it just can't be avoided. That special wedding is coming up and special dresses need to be sewn.

Or you promised someone a birthday dress and the birthday is just around the corner.

Now what?

Where is the inspiration and how is it possible to get any?

Strategy #1 : Acceptance

Yes, the dress or dresses do need to sewn. Soon. But just accepting the lack of inspiration is going to ease the distress and give your busy mind a break.

And your mind needs that right now.

Because sewing even a simple dress takes lots of brain work.

So here's the thing.

• running out of inspiration really is ok
• don't fight it and
• embrace it

Everyone runs out of inspiration. And that's ok. Think of running out of inspiration as a clean slate.

There aren't tons of ideas and brainwaves scrawled all over the slate. It's right clean. Ready for anything. And that's awesome! It's like starting over with nothing boggling the mind.

So don't fight it. Don't fight the fact that you don't know how to sew the dress and that you don't feel like sewing.

Don't fight the big monster of "inspiration slump".

Tell yourself to relax, think about other things that are needing your attention right now. And just let the empty slate sit there.

Once you are ready, embrace that empty slate, that lack of inspiration. Embrace it by just doing the next thing. The next step.

Taking the next step could be buying the fabric, or the thread, or maybe buying some pretty buttons to go with it.

Yes, even if you don't know how you are going to sew it. The buttons can be useful or just to add some simple detail.

Running out of inspiration is ok. Don't fight that empty slate, but embrace and just take the next step.

Strategy #2 : Challenge yourself

What type of patterns or designs do you usually go for? And what about stepping a little ways outside the box?

• browse pattern ideas
• try something out of your normal or
• just do simple

Browse patterns online or in the store and see what catches your eye. This doesn't mean you have to buy another new pattern. You can just see what is out there and just look for ideas.

When I have been at a loss of inspiration I like to look at all kinds of ideas and see if I can find some new ones that either look easy to make without a pattern.

Or I see if I can use what I have to make a variation of the design.

And then it's fun to try something a bit different because it opens the options up so much!

See if there are ideas that you wouldn't usually go for but that you would feel comfortable in. It doesn't have to be lots different, just a little.

And just maybe you will end up with a dress that is your absolute favorite. 😊

Then next thing is that you can just go with simple. Maybe that's what you always do and you want to try something else. Then add a detail you haven't tried before. A simple detail like those buttons.

Strategy #3 : Ask

Getting ideas from others can get the inspiration wheels turning as well as asking yourself what it is you really want.

• ask others for ideas
• ask them for help
• ask yourself what you really want

Asking your friends or other dressmakers for design ideas can help just to get the wheels of inspiration turning. It can help you to come up with your own ideas by adding your ideas to theirs.

And just because you ask someone for ideas doesn't mean you have to use that idea. You want ideas and that's what you will get.

Then you can decide which idea to use or come up with your own version.

And if you are given an idea that sounds like something you would really like, but it seems a bit too complicated for you, just ask for help!

Whoever the idea came from would be more than glad to help you make it come together. Just think how you would feel if you gave someone an idea and then they asked you to help them put your idea into reality.

And lastly, ask yourself what it is you really want.

Are you wanting something outstanding? Something new and different? Something that will gain lots of compliments? Something original?

What is the main aim of the design you are hoping for?

Once you can answer that question, you will know what direction you want to go in finding inspiration and a design that you will be happy with.

Conclusion

Accept the lack of inspiration and embrace that empty slate. Challenge yourself to step outside the box. (just a little ways 😉) And finally, ask others for help and then ask yourself what it is you really truly want.

And then, remember that everyone goes through this kind of slump and you will come through!

What do you think would help you the most in getting out of the dressmaking slump?

Leave your answer in the comments below!