How to be creative

Good day Crafties!

A week or two ago, I got a comment from my facebook community that I found to be really interesting! I'd responded to the comment but it also inspired a mini video that was initially meant to be a short. Whoops.

The question was surrounding creativity and how to find it, as to not have to rely on patterns all the time in the fiber arts. And honestly, I felt like I could have dived so much deeper on this topic but, for the sake of simplicity, thinking creatively isn't that hard.

Don't give me that look.

The most important aspect of creative thinking isn't really craft related at all! The foundation of finding your creativity lies in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. When your most basic physiological needs are met, it causes your cortisol levels to be lower and your brain to be more plastic. Think

about it. If you're stressed & pressed over bills, food and other basic, external stressors your mind and body locks down into survival mode. The only room you have space for up there is what's needed in order to live.

These human needs are achieved from the bottom up in most cases and achieving each brings you to a higher level of peace.

Now, assuming that you have at least 60% of what you need here we can move into the artsy side of it.

How well do you know your craft?

If you're a super beginner, it might be difficult to not be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options your have when it comes to crochet or knitting techniques. It will be brutal trying to create patterns if you don't have a full grasp on the craft. In cases like these, I refer you to the Craft Yarn Council for a full catalogue of standards and resources. If you need something more in-depth and personal feeling, I do off the ULTIMATE beginner crochet course that will have you well on your way to stitching like a pro in no time.

Now, lets say you've been at this thing for a while. You can read patterns & you've completed some pattern led projects.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCQ55SK__tU

My solution for you, is unabashed experimentation.

I know that seems really simply but that's where all the greatest designers start. In the video, I mention starting off with small tweaks to a design you enjoy already. Why? Because it gives you practice, not just with learning to see potential in a project but, you gain familiarity with the mechanics of a garment or accessory. For example, when it comes to knitting or crocheting sweaters, I pretty much exclusively design them in panels.

Why?

My brain likes puzzles 😅.

But I've been doing that for almost 10 years and in that time, I've gotten to intimately know how the inner workings of how the fabric drapes or how a stitch pattern plays out when worked flat or in the round.

This process has also taught me how to make a mess of things. To embrace the frog, if you will. Because you'll either learn something amazing or end up with something cool...Or Both!

Start small to build on your confidence (the very top of the needs pyramid) and as you manage something new, you'll feel emboldened to try something else! This is especially true if you're not planning on diving into publishing patterns. You don't have to worry about anyone but yourself making sense of your creative vision.

I hope this was helpful to you in some way!

This was supposed to be a short initially but I liked the feel of it so here we are. I'd love to do more videos like this so leave your questions and ideas in the comments!

Happy Making! 💖