January is a time for new beginnings. Many quilters use January to get out and get on with our old projects and often to begin something new. Quilting is BIG. There are so many things to make and so many different ways of making them. The possibilities are endless. There are exciting projects, new fabrics and threads, a myriad of tools, gadgets, and awesome sewing and quilting machines. We could pursue quilting all our lives and never come to the end of it.
No matter what we have already accomplished there is always more to learn.
So reach for the stars! We’d like to begin 2019 with a post that offers some tips on how to go about learning something NEW.
Aim High but Take Small Steps.
It seems contradictory advice. But we’ve all seen how it plays out in the toddlers in our lives. When they’re tiny, our children and grandchildren want to be like us. They are literally and figuratively aiming high. But they get there, by taking baby steps. It’s how we learn whether we’re 7 months or 70 years.
Van Gogh put it beautifully, “We learn by a series of small steps brought together.” When learning something new, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and even discouraged. Once you’ve decided to tackle something new, the best way forward is to have courage and be kind. Let’s start with having courage.
Listen to the way you talk to yourself. If you’re putting yourself down. Stop. Say something kind instead. Create a habit of being encouraging, especially to yourself. As people, we are not finished. We are always changing and growing. It’s never too late to learn something new. Don’t say that you can’t do something. Just say that you can’t do it yet!
Compare yourself with who you were yesterday
Comparison is the thief of joy! Don’t compare yourself with a famous quilter, someone perfect on Instagram or even a friend or tutor. Set small achievable personal goals for yourself. Compare yourself with who you were yesterday. And today, try to be just a little bit better. If you get frustrated, take smaller steps.
Practice, Be Patient, Persevere
Much of what we need to improve our method is practice, patience and perseverance. Getting better at anything requires a certain amount of discipline. So, practice, be patient with yourself and persevere. Often learning is a one step forward two steps back dance. Don’t give up. Don’t bully yourself, either. Be kind. Keep trying. Give yourself the time you need to learn. Take little steps. Create good habits. Repetition is great for your brain. Keep it physical. Repeating an action creates new neural pathways. If you practice again and again, over and over, you’ll learn it by heart. Be the child. Keep it playful. If you’re having fun, and saying kind words to yourself, then you’re much more likely to keep trying.
Get Help
Sometimes we get stuck, when that happens, get help. We don’t have to go it alone. We started Juki Club to give our customers ongoing support, education and inspiration. Besides the Juki Club website, we have Juki Club Facebook and Instagram to give online support. You can message, email or ring Martha with questions or to arrange a personal demonstration or workshop. We also have Juki Club Shop Parties with free make and take projects as well as Juki Club Retreats. Online is great, but nothing beats face to face! See our up and coming Juki Club LIVE Events below. We’re better together!
