Thinking creatively or Creatively Thinking…(does it look better when I capitalize it?) this is still getting out of a rut or the doldrums.
dol·drums
noun plural \ˈdōl-drəmz, ˈdäl-, ˈdȯl-\
Definition of DOLDRUMS
1 : a spell of listlessness or despondency
2 often capitalized : a part of the ocean near the equator abounding in calms, squalls, and light shifting winds
3 : a state or period of inactivity, stagnation, or slump
Here is the online dictionary definition so that we know exactly what the doldrums are. I seem to hit this at least once a month; more often several times a month. Sometimes Every. Single. Day..especially Monday…. a rut… not to be confused with the word Routine!
3rut
noun
Definition of RUT
1
Falling into a rut is bad. It is something done by habit without thinking about whether it is a good habit or a bad habit. It become monotonous and boring, something you do without wondering if there is a better way, a way to improve, a new goal. I see it as something you do without any thought simply because it is the way you have always done things. This shouldn’t be confused with a Routine.
rou·tine
noun \rü-ˈtēn\
Definition of ROUTINE
1
a : a regular course of procedure <if resort to legal action becomes a campus routine — J. A. Perkins>
b : habitual or mechanical performance of an established procedure <the routine of factory work>
2
: a reiterated speech or formula <the old “After you” routine— Ray Russell>
3
: a worked-out part (as of an entertainment or sports contest) that may be often repeated <a dance routine>;especially : a theatrical number
4
: a sequence of computer instructions for performing a particular task
A routine is a good thing in that it can shave time off procedure. It keeps you from having to think about what to do next. It is not the doldrums or a rut, but a process that keeps the machine running.
Here is a list of things that I do to get out of a rut or the doldrums.
1. Clean the studio
2. Check out books from the library
3. Pull out all the yarn and just look at it.
4. Organize the fabric.
5. Garden
6. Surf the internet for ideas or color combinations. This is awkward because you don’t want to copy someone else’s ideas. I look a bunch for different ideas for granny squares or crochet patterns.
7. Check out pinterest. This can also be awkward for the same reason as listed above.
8. Look at vintage magazines and books
9. Proclaim a creating fast for a specific number of days. I try to give myself a day or two off every week.
10. Change up what you are working on daily.
11. Window shop in antique or flea markets or even the mall.
12. Check out new supplies at the stores.
I use routines in my shop as well. When I am sewing I try to sew items that take the same color thread at the same time. I will cut out a bunch of items all at one time and then stack them next to my sewing machine. I will sew about 20 cup sleeves
at one time all using white thread. Stitching them all together and then trimming all the threads at one time. Clipping all the corners and turning all 20 at one time, one after another, assembly line style. The sewing goes much more quickly this way. In this way I get a majority of the work done without having to stop and think about what I am doing.
`Please feel free to add to my list in the comments. I would really like some new ideas.
thanks,
Karen
Karen
