Battling lassitude

Lassitude: a state of physical or mental weariness, lack of energy, lethargy.

It’s been a stressful few months for most of us, and creativity (for me) has dropped. Ironic, yes?  Time enough to make, and no real desire to do so. But lassitude feeds on itself and grows stronger with inaction, so, what to do? Here’s what I’ve tried to bring back some joy in the sewing room.

Just begin. A variant on the “Just Do It” ad I suppose, but without the pressure of a completed project. Just make a start — no deadline. One small step. I just finished a simple tee — it took me 4 days for something that would normally be a morning’s work. No matter, it got done.

Think small. Maybe now is not the time (for me) to embark on that tiny needles, thin yarn sweater. For some it might bring on a comforting, soothing meditative state, but for me it’s just another endless task. A lacy cowl, a cabled hat though — small, still interesting, do-able.

Rely on your “Tried & True”. Take comfort in the patterns you know work well for you. Give yourself every chance for a successful outcome. It may be “just a tee shirt”, but how much more satisfying than yet another “wadder”.

But don’t avoid the new if you can set aside that need for perfection. Just sample different stitches or techniques — play. Some things work, some things don’t. If they don’t please you not much is lost. If they do — a small creative spark!

These are things that have helped me fight against the hopelessness of “Why bother making?” A small thing in the larger picture of life in 2020, but I’ll take hope where I can find it.