Dragon Journal (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
dragonjournal) wrote2024-05-20 06:05 pm
dragonjournal) wrote2024-05-20 06:05 pm
Fiber Arts and Writing
So, if you're like me, hobbies are like Pokemon. GOTTA COLLECT 'EM ALL. Right? So, there are some hobbies about which I can speak on authority. But what we're going to explore here is FIBER ARTS AND WRITING.
Now, fiber arts embrace a large range of things: sewing, knitting, crochet, cross stitch... so many things. But let's stick to the few I can talk about without sounding like an idiot: knitting, crochet and cross stitch. I swear this will tie in with writing.
I don't know about you, but when I knit, crochet or even cross stitch, I get into a zone, where my brain just lets things ride. And that's good. Because sometimes, you need to just zone out and be present in the moment. Your hands know what to do, let them do it. Honestly, I doubt that I pay attention, even on some of the most complicated patterns. Why? Because all of the fiber crafts are brain candy. Especially if you get into a repetitive pattern, where it's just set your brain up and go.
Now, to tie this into writing. Isn't it true, that when you let your mind drift and the lizard part of your brain take over, that you come up with ideas? How about that you manage to figure out a way around that plot hole, or that frustrating scene that must happen, but just isn't?
What I propose (and do in my own life) is this: When you sit down to write, instead of writing, pick up your craft of choice. Pick it up, turn on something inane on the TV and see if you can't work through those plot problems, or writer's block, or whatever is happening. And then, your writing is right there and you can settle in to write.
I'm not going to say this will work every time, or that you won't get so zoned that your writing time is dedicated to your fiber art of choice (I want to pick up weaving!) but you know as well as I do, that letting your mind roam will work through that problem. Now, you can always set a timer, so that you do get some writing time in, but sometimes, at least my brain gets so locked in on listening for the timer that I just don't find the zone I need.
The great thing about fiber arts is that when you finish it, you have something to show for it. It's not "just" words on a screen. It's a real tangible thing that people can look at and say "you did that!" and ooo and ahh over the prettiness. Getting that same reaction out of writing is sometimes more than a little difficult.
So, you have your fiber arts. You have your writing. Sometimes one takes precedence over the other. Sometimes, there's a gift or a deadline that must be met. And that's okay. Both writing and fiber arts are patient. They'll wait for you to come back.
Honestly, I don't know where I'd be without my fiber arts. My writing would definitely suffer because zoning is so important to letting the ideas percolate.
Now! Below the cut, you'll find my most recent completed cross stitch. Please, please share what you're working on, what you're planning on starting, or what has caught your eye as a new art form to pick up.
As promised, my latest completed project. Also as BONUS, the one I just picked up:
We won't discuss how long this took, and probably shouldn't have. But, it's finished and just needs framed.
This is the one I just picked up. I'm working on it slowly but surely.
Please share!
Now, fiber arts embrace a large range of things: sewing, knitting, crochet, cross stitch... so many things. But let's stick to the few I can talk about without sounding like an idiot: knitting, crochet and cross stitch. I swear this will tie in with writing.
I don't know about you, but when I knit, crochet or even cross stitch, I get into a zone, where my brain just lets things ride. And that's good. Because sometimes, you need to just zone out and be present in the moment. Your hands know what to do, let them do it. Honestly, I doubt that I pay attention, even on some of the most complicated patterns. Why? Because all of the fiber crafts are brain candy. Especially if you get into a repetitive pattern, where it's just set your brain up and go.
Now, to tie this into writing. Isn't it true, that when you let your mind drift and the lizard part of your brain take over, that you come up with ideas? How about that you manage to figure out a way around that plot hole, or that frustrating scene that must happen, but just isn't?
What I propose (and do in my own life) is this: When you sit down to write, instead of writing, pick up your craft of choice. Pick it up, turn on something inane on the TV and see if you can't work through those plot problems, or writer's block, or whatever is happening. And then, your writing is right there and you can settle in to write.
I'm not going to say this will work every time, or that you won't get so zoned that your writing time is dedicated to your fiber art of choice (I want to pick up weaving!) but you know as well as I do, that letting your mind roam will work through that problem. Now, you can always set a timer, so that you do get some writing time in, but sometimes, at least my brain gets so locked in on listening for the timer that I just don't find the zone I need.
The great thing about fiber arts is that when you finish it, you have something to show for it. It's not "just" words on a screen. It's a real tangible thing that people can look at and say "you did that!" and ooo and ahh over the prettiness. Getting that same reaction out of writing is sometimes more than a little difficult.
So, you have your fiber arts. You have your writing. Sometimes one takes precedence over the other. Sometimes, there's a gift or a deadline that must be met. And that's okay. Both writing and fiber arts are patient. They'll wait for you to come back.
Honestly, I don't know where I'd be without my fiber arts. My writing would definitely suffer because zoning is so important to letting the ideas percolate.
Now! Below the cut, you'll find my most recent completed cross stitch. Please, please share what you're working on, what you're planning on starting, or what has caught your eye as a new art form to pick up.
As promised, my latest completed project. Also as BONUS, the one I just picked up:
We won't discuss how long this took, and probably shouldn't have. But, it's finished and just needs framed.
This is the one I just picked up. I'm working on it slowly but surely.
Please share!