Finding Your Way When Things Aren't Working
A 4 minute read. Prefer to listen? Now you can! Click below for the audio version.
When Plans Shift
Today is all about those times when a project just-doesn’t-work! Whether it’s a creative block, a slow audience response, or simply feeling out of sync with our own vision, these moments are all too familiar for anyone on a creative journey. But here’s the truth: not every idea fits perfectly, not every idea works, and that’s okay. The real courage is in knowing when it’s time to shift gears—and that’s what this story is all about.
Recognizing When Something Isn’t Working
A few months ago, I launched my Patreon membership, Sewing Studio Secrets. It was a project I was genuinely excited about, filled with big plans and hopes for how it could grow. But somewhere along the way, I started to feel a disconnect. The original enthusiasm faded quickly, and instead of filling me with energy and joy, it became something I came to dread.
At first, I thought it was just a temporary dip. Maybe I simply hadn’t found the rhythm yet. After all, creative projects go through phases, right? But as the months went on, I realized it was more than that—I hadn’t just hit a rough patch; I was feeling completely out of sync with the vision I alone had built. Ignoring that feeling wouldn’t have been fair to me, and it certainly wasn’t fair to anyone following along. So, instead of pushing forward out of sheer willpower, I decided to take a step back, re-evaluate, and listen to what my intuition was telling me.
Finding New Inspiration from Unexpected Places
We’ve talked a lot about inspiration in the last few articles. This is important: Inspiration came up and hit me square between the eyes in the most unlikely of circumstances.
Just when I was at a low point, feeling uncertain about how to move forward, I was having a conversation with a friend who was struggling with her own creative direction. As we batted ideas back and forth, she touched on an idea that felt fresh and exciting—a monthly e-magazine—and that spark made me realize that this was something I would very much enjoy doing for my own membership. I felt a rush of clarity: here was a format that not only felt creative but also aligned with the way I wanted to engage with my community.
This conversation was a reminder that inspiration often finds us in unexpected places…talking to a stressed-out friend over cheap tacos! By staying open and listening—even in someone else’s moment of struggle—I discovered my own creative pivot point. That single conversation showed me the path forward: a monthly e-magazine filled with creative sewing and fabric insights, tips, and explorations that would bring joy and inspiration to others.
The answer wasn’t a flat out no; it was simply a “not THAT way.”
Pivoting with Purpose
Once I knew I wanted to shift to an e-magazine, I faced a new challenge: making the change. This meant making some decisions that weren’t necessarily easy—like refunding the one and only paying member who had supported me from the beginning and taking down the original structure I’d worked so hard to build. It felt like starting from scratch, and there was a part of me that worried I’d made the wrong choice or let people down.
But as soon as I started working on the new format, I felt that sense of excitement return. Putting together the first issue seemed easy; it was fun, and time seemed to stand still. I was reminded of the joy that comes from creating something that feels true to me.
I launched the November issue of my e-magazine to the Patreon group for free, to introduce the new direction. You can also get it by clicking HERE. As part of this post, I’m sharing this first issue to show anyone interested what this new format is all about. It’s a fresh start and a chance to reconnect with my audience in a way that aligns with my true vision.
Inviting Feedback and Growth
Now that the new direction is taking shape, I realize how important it is to listen to my intuition and be flexible when things don’t feel right. Even when a project is challenging, it should still bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose. The best creative work doesn’t come from forcing something that doesn’t fit—it comes from following the spark that feels true to you.
I’m excited to see how you react to this new format, and I’d love to hear feedback on where you’d like to see it go. This e-magazine isn’t just my project, it’s something I want to create together with my community. There will be ample opportunities for you to contribute creative inspiration to future issues. I want it to be a space of inspiration, a monthly dose of sewing and fabric creativity that brings something meaningful to everyone who reads it.
The goal is to create something people look forward to each month; a creative resource that reflects our community and our shared love for fabric and sewing.
Embracing Change and Staying True to Your Creative Vision
This experience has been a powerful reminder that creativity is rarely a straight path. Sometimes it takes unexpected turns and even has a few dead ends. But each twist and turn teaches us something important. By staying flexible and open to change, we allow our work to evolve in ways that might just surprise us.
So, if you’re in a place where something feels off in your creative journey, remember this: it’s okay to pivot. It’s okay to let go of what no longer serves you. And it’s okay to start fresh. Because sometimes, in doing so, you create something even better than you originally imagined.
Here’s My Gentle Call to Action
If you’ve ever faced a creative pivot or felt the need to start anew, I encourage you to embrace it with open arms. Trust that there’s a reason you’re being pulled in a new direction, and don’t be afraid to follow that spark. You never know—it might lead you to exactly where you’re meant to be.
Take a peek at the downloadable sample of the new format below and – PLEASE – let me know what resonates. I’d love to hear your thoughts on what you’d like to see in future issues.
Here’s to you – creating something that resonates deeply and brings joy on your creative journey.
To learn more about what’s happening at VLS or to have “The Weekly Creative Buzz” delivered right to your inbox, go HERE or click the “LEARN” tab at my website.
And don’t forget to join my private Facebook Group, Virginia’s Studio Cats, for inspiration, encouragement, and support.
Hi Virginia,
Loved the e-magazine. Will give the recipe a try and loved the colour palette. I am always interested in anything textile. Hope you continue with the magazine.
Dianna