Over the last month, since just before my son's wedding, I have been having some health issues and it has given me a lot of time to think. I realise that I'm spending more and more time making dolls clothes and not having any time for myself. I am finding myself stuck in front of my sewing machine for hours on end, cancelling outings or going out and generally not enjoying myself because of the feelings of 'guilt' that I should be home getting on with my commissions work.
For the last ten plus years I've been operating a 'commissions list' for all sorts of dolls and there has never been less than a six month wait for a person's name to come to the top of the list. I have mostly enjoyed sewing for other people's dolls and I have made some wonderful friends through the doll and doll seamstress hobby, and I cannot count the number of great friends I've made which began with an email or message that started something like "do you take commissions"....but there comes a time when it all gets too much....and unfortunately I have reached that time. I've always said that when my hobby becomes a chore, it is time for me to have a rethink. And that time has come. I'm sorry to say that I'm no longer able to start on or complete the orders I already have and am cancelling the list.
If I should find in the future that I want to make outfits to sell again, I will probably list them on my blog or my Sharon in Spain facebook page.
Once again I'm really sorry for disappointing anyone, I know that people have been waiting patiently on my list for a long time, but my health really does have to come first.....and, all being well, I'd really like to enjoy my own beautiful, but seriously neglected dolls.
Thanks so much for reading, for (hopefully) understanding, and for your continued friendship and support. And thank you also to two lovely ladies (you know who you are!) who helped me to put this difficult 'announcement' together.
Big hugs
Sharon xxx
Sharon you should be having you time.with everything that's going on and the fact whenever we talk you are always telling me that you are making this and that ,I'm not surprised you've got sewing burn out! Since I am one of those on your list ,I'd like you to know ,it's not a problem,I'd rather you were enjoying your life that worrying about making my doll an outfit!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have let us know ,having just waited over two years for a doll,maybe she had burn out and didn't say? I'd rather know now than have you unable to sleep and be worrying,so tear up your list,put away the sewing machine get out your dolls and enjoy the beautiful place you live in and the patient husband whose had to wait for your attention..... And if you decide to start sewing for your dolls later on good. Xxx
Thanks so much for your lovely message Dee, and yes it's true I was sewing nearly every day for hours on end. I would go out with Brian then feel really guilty for having done so....and if I did sew anything for my own dolls I actually felt bad that it delayed me working on one of my customers outfits. I really cannot do it anymore, it's just too much.
Deletexxx
Sharon, don't worry!
ReplyDeleteI'm not on your list, but if I were I would totally understand. You need to look after yourself, so take time out and enjoy life.
Sending love and a hug!
Penny
x
Thanks very much Penny, and a hug for you too :)
Deletexxx
oh sharon ...i know EXACTLY how you feel , im sorry to hear you have health issues but i began to feel the same about sewing , it started as a hobby to keep me busy when esme started school and i loved making outfits when i could , no pressure i just put things on ebay when i had made them ....but then after years it turned into something different , something i had to do ,and yes those guilty feelings that people are waiting and generally feeling overwhelmed at the amount of sewing that needed to be done , i never started sewing because of the money that was just a bonus to something i enjoyed doing but then i wasnt enjoying it any more and like you it had taken over my life and i didnt have time to see my friends as there was always something that needed making .....getting a job has been the best for me , im out of the house being sociable , yes cleaning 30 hotel bathrooms every morning isnt the best and now waitressing in the evening too , but im busy and im happier ...i may get the sewing bug again when the hotel shuts for a few months in winter ...we shall see ....enjoy your time sewing free :) xxxx
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Sarah, I remember us talking about this once in the past. It does indeed get to be a chore, when it all started off so well. The money is nice but we don't get time to enjoy it or what we spend it on!!
DeleteI'm glad to hear that you've found a job, well done you!! I hope we both enjoy our commission sewing free time! :)
xxx
All careers come to an end eventually. The trouble with craft work is that very skilled people, such as you Sharon, are expected to work any and all hours to please your clients for what is often only a nominal financial return. It is not fair, not good for your health and not good for your personal life.
ReplyDeleteLife has dealt you both a wonderful and a difficult hand in recent weeks, in terms of the amazing wedding of a treasured son to a beautiful and caring young woman and the health worries that have arisen for you. Both needed or need all your time and energy. Now that sewing for others has become a chore and a worry, it is more than time for you to stop and just enjoy sewing for your own dolls if/when the mood takes you.
Those of us who have been lucky enough to have lovely outfits made for our dolls will treasure them but anyone who knows you would far rather you took care of your own needs, enjoyed time with your family and friends and felt less pressured than have you make more. You are so much more valued as a friend than as 'the sewing lady.' PLEASE look after yourself.
Lots of love,
Jenni and the grateful Kids of Bryn Derw who wear your clothingxxxxxx
Thanks so much Jenni, I knew you would understand the circumstances. I have really enjoyed doing commission work because of the people I've met through my sewing, but now I need to rest and recoup some energy!
DeleteBig hugs xxx
I was on the list, but think you've absolutely made the right decision. Maybe in time you'll want to make/sell some outfits again because it'd be fun, but I imagine a long waiting list destroyed much of the enjoyment.
ReplyDeleteAs an added bonus you'll be able to keep tabs on Brian more easily ;-)
xxx
Thanks so much Tricia, and I'm glad you understand....even though yes, you are there on my list...LOL not sure anyone can keep tabs on Brian!!!
Deletexxx
I was on the list, but think you've absolutely made the right decision. Maybe in time you'll want to make/sell some outfits again because it'd be fun, but I imagine a long waiting list destroyed much of the enjoyment.
ReplyDeleteAs an added bonus you'll be able to keep tabs on Brian more easily ;-)
xxx
Hi Sharon,
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you have health issues, I do hope it's nothing serious. It's perfectly understandable that your health and happiness should come first and I agree that when any hobby becomes a chore it's time to take a break. You don't need to give it up entirely if you enjoy it, sew when you feel you want to, and just give up the commission work. I did that long ago and I enjoy life and my dolls much more now the pressure of deadlines are gone. Life's too short and now your son's married, there's always the possibility of grand kids on the horizon, so go do what makes you happy! :)
Big hugs,
X
Thanks for your comment Xanadu, and your good wishes.
Deletexxx
Don't worry...be happy! And spend more time with your chihuahuas...Cooper sends his love to Kara <3
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Ronny, and yes, I always spend a lot of time with the Chi's :)
DeleteAnd I promise to pass on Coop's love to Kara :)
xxx
Hi Sharon, I hope you're feeling bubbly and well again soon. Dolls are an escape for many people - and so it's vitally important to reclaim your hobby for your well being x
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Maxine, I hope so too! I do love my dolls and they are a great escape for me, now hopefully I will have some time to enjoy them more :)
Deletexxx
NOTHING, as most people know, is more important in life than good HEALTH!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't realised that you have been having some problems in this area but removing any unnecessary stress and anxiety is always the first stage to recovery so please don't feel guilty about stopping your doll sewing commissions. Yes, there will be a few disappointments but time always heals.
Take care and I wish you well.
Thanks so much Kendal. The health problem only arose just before the wedding, apart from back pain which I've been suffering from for some time now whilst sewing! But that wasn't such a big deal, but at the moment I'm just not able to focus on dolly sewing :(
Deletexxx
Hi Sharon......I hadn't realised you had some ongoing health issues. You are totally doing the right thing and reining in now and not later. Well done!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy playing with your dolls now and sewing when you want to and not when you have to.
Take care and have fun!!!
Thanks so much Jane, and no, I didn't either until just before the wedding :(
DeleteI promise to take care, and hope you do too :)
xxx
Oh Sharon I am sorry to hear you've not been well - time for Brian to pamper you I think!
ReplyDeleteI can imagine how difficult it must have been to make this announcement - it was very brave.
I know everyone would rather have you well and happy than chained to a sewing machine and miserable.
So take care my friend. Sending you the best of wishes!
Thanks so mcuh Rosie, I'm feeling fine physically although a little stressed and anxious at the moment. LOL on Brian pampering me!!!
Deletexxx big hugs
I imagined it might be great to sew pretty doll clothes and get paid for it on top of the fun. But you are right, when it's a chore, there's no more room for fun.
ReplyDeleteGet better, relax and take care of yourself. I hope you'll still have the time to share some nice photos every now and then...
Thank you! Yes it is great Ursula and the money is lovely but it's not everything to be honest and although it starts off well, it gets stressful when you're doing it all day every day and there is no end to the list. I had as many as 65+ names on my list at one time and I just felt panicked. Hopefully I can just take stock now and relax a bit.
Deletexxx
Thank you for this gracious post Sharon. I am very happy you will be spending your time enjoying yourself with family and friends. Sending you much love and big hugs!! :) xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Ginger. And for the big hugs too. And am sending some to you too xxx
DeleteI think you've made a wise decision - there is no point in beating the enjoyment out of your hobby especially if it is affecting your health. I hope you get well soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Anna. I hope so too.
Deletexxx
Look after yourself! Your health and happiness is very important. Hobbies are supposed to be fun and add an extra wow layer to our lives. When they stop being fun it is time to make a change. You are making the right decision so don't feel upset.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is time to play with your beautiful dolls. Enjoy!
Thanks very much Sam, I appreciate your words.
Deletexxx