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Perfection-Induced Craft Paralysis

For those of you wondering what happened to my nesting theme, it kinda went out the window with my never-ending cold (which finally ended) and general pregnancy fatigue. I’m still nesting, just not in the order that I originally set, and the list of projects has got a lot shorter as I’m realising my limitations!

The one project I’m really keen to get into is the quilt/doona cover for my son’s big boy bed. I’m not impressed with the options in the local shops for boy’s bedroom decoration. I’m trying to avoid movie/TV show merchandise since that has such a short shelf-life, but there doesn’t seem to be much else. I’d like this room decoration to last well into primary school, so decided I’d just have to design something myself. I picked out the fabrics:

And I have a vision for the design that I want – mostly a plain navy background, with a strip or two of the decorative material, and some transport-themed appliques (he loves cars, planes, bikes etc). I found these templates in a local craft shop that I thought would be perfect:

So I’m all set with all the materials I need, but I’m suffering from Perfection-Induced Craft Paralysis. I really want this quilt cover to turn out nice, firstly because I love the fabric I’ve chosen, I love the idea of the quilt, I love the thought of seeing it everyday and knowing I created it with love for my son. I really want it to be perfect, and so I’m afraid to start. When I’ve made clothes for my son, I haven’t really worried about perfection since I don’t spend too much on the fabric, and I know it will only fit for a short time. This project is different – I want it to last for YEARS… And it’s one of my more ambitious projects, particularly with the appliques.

I’m telling myself, if I just take things slowly, think things through, and concentrate on what I’m doing, it will turn out fine. I’m also telling myself that I shouldn’t worry too much, since it will spend more time in a pile on the floor than on the bed (if my son turns out anything like me…). I’m still paralysed…

Time to break it down into steps and just concentrate on one thing at a time, and not think too much about being perfect. Easier said than done!

Do you ever suffer from Perfection-Induced Craft Paralysis? What do you do to overcome it? Let me know in the comments.

5 Comments

  1. great fabric choices!! I’m actually learning how to quilt this month – I’m really excited!! I’m sure once you jump in, and get started, it will look great!

  2. Yes, this happens to me quite a bit. I find that some projects just need their time. Sometimes I find that just jumping in is the right thing…other times I feel like I’m waiting for that divine moment-lol. You will get there!

  3. Ah! The affliction has a name! Yes, I definitely suffer from this one, so many ideas & plans that just don’t seem to get off the ground.

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