Why Make? Plus Thoughts on Me Made May -- Another Gentle Nudge Post

This year I've been participating in Me Made May. Do you know about it? It was started by Zoe of the blog So, Zo... What Do You Know. A lot of bloggers are sharing their me mades on their blogs and many more people are sharing photos on Instagram, but posting photos isn't compulsory. The aim of the challenge is for participants to "wear your me-mades more often and more thoughtfully to learn some useful lessons about yourself, your style, your body, your creativity and so on."

Although I frequently wear things that I've made, this is the first time I'm participating in the challenge and what I've been learning along the way has been so interesting. Mostly that I want to make lots more things to wear! It's really helped me to clarify what sorts of things I want to make, what I like (and dislike) wearing and why some things I've made never get worn.

The challenge has also made me think a lot about why we choose to make, or not make, and what drives our creativity and shapes the way we express that creativity.

What we choose to wear is an expression of our personalities and our creativity, more so when we make what we wear.

What's even more exciting for me is wearing a garment that I sewed with fabric that I designed.

I sewed this top a couple weeks ago (it's Butterick 6024 and my Watercolor Butterflies fabric). It's full of plenty of flaws, but even so, fills me with joy (and makes me want to sew lots more clothes with my own fabric). I got so many compliments the day I wore this top!

Although I only started sewing clothes as an adult, I've been making things since I was a child. I don't know if it's in my DNA or if it was because I grew up with a maker mom or if it's a combination of those things, but the drive to create has been pushing me for longer than I can remember. I can't imagine life without creative projects.

Maybe you're like this, too?

Here's a bit of what I've been pondering lately:

Making is a way to express yourself.

No matter who you are or what you do, there's room for making in your life. It doesn't have to be sewing clothing. Or painting. Maybe you piece together intricate quilts with beautiful fabrics. Maybe you write stories. Maybe you invent recipes. Maybe you plant gardens. There are so many ways of being creative.

Making creates connections.

I paint as a way to connect with the plants and flowers and creatures in my world. And I love that my art also allows me to connect with people from all over the world. As customers. As readers of my blog (thank you!!), as followers on Instagram.

Being any kind of maker gives you opportunities for connection. Making creates community. These can be online communities or in-person ones. Maybe you take an art class and meet a kindred spirit. Maybe you wear a dress you sewed and the conversation it sparks kindles a new friendship.

Being creative feels good.

Doesn't it? It gives us a sense of accomplishment. And adds joy to our lives. Everything from that delicious meal you pulled together out of the random bits in your kitchen to the curbside bookshelf you painted and repurposed to the sunflower patch you planted in that empty spot in your yard bring joy to your life and to the lives of others.

Creating is good for our mental health.

Spending time creating makes us happier and more effective in other aspects of our lives. Creating makes us slow down and focus. It can be a form of meditation.

When we make something we exercise our creative muscles.

Of course. But sewing a top doesn't end there. When we craft something we develop problem solving skills. If we create in one aspect of our lives, we become more creative in others. Our minds are open to the question "what if?" What if I try combining these two ingredients in the dish I'm cooking? What if I switch out the bell shaped cuffs for elastic ones? What if I try adding this shade of blue to my painting? Creating makes us try new things, experiment, stretch.

Sometimes there are pitfalls:

• Feeling that you don't measure up (especially after spending time on social media looking at all the wonderful things other people are making). 
• Feeling overwhelmed with possibilities and ideas, stifled and uninspired (whether that's from looking through too many books or spending too much time scrolling through Pinterest).
• Uncertainty about what project to tackle when you've purchased (and hoarded) craft supplies with no plan.
• Hesitating to begin a project because you're afraid of messing up.

I think we've all been there.

Sometimes it helps to unplug. Step away from the computer, from social media. Spend some time in nature or at a museum. Go to a concert or something else to "fill the well."

Focus on your accomplishments. What are you proud of making? What of your projects bring you the most joy?

Switch gears. Maybe you always work in watercolors. Try another medium. Maybe your crafting always happens inside. Work in the garden instead.

Here are a few inspiring links:

• Taylor from Blueprints for Sewing is having some great conversations on Instagram about sewing (with a focus on sustainability).
• Jasika Nicole shared a wonderful post on Instagram acknowledging that not everyone has the time (or money) to make all of their own clothes and cheering everyone on in what they do.
• The interview Angie Noll did with psychologist Barbara Grace is fascinating. It's also inspiring because she states that creativity is a skill that can be learned.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on making. Why do you create? What projects have you been tackling recently?