Between Bursts: Creativity in the Quiet Moments

Since returning from a.ll the travel, teaching at Stitches Conference and Quilt Canada, I’ve found myself in a bit of a funny mood—caught between bursts of energy and waves of inertia. My brain feels full of ideas, but my body sometimes says, “Not today.” I’ve been following along with some Stitch Club workshops, sketching out new class ideas, and even dabbling here and there in the studio. But still, there’s this nagging little voice whispering, You’re not creating enough.

For a few weeks, I didn’t write a blog post. Not because I was too busy—but because I thought I had nothing to share. And yet, as I sit down now, I realize that may not be entirely true. I am doing things. They just don’t feel big or finished or “important” enough to write about. But maybe that’s the trick our minds play on us—telling us the quiet parts don’t count. That the small efforts, the percolating ideas, the half-formed sketches and gentle stitches don’t matter.

But they do. They’re part of the rhythm of making.

I’ve started to realize that this in-between time—the liminal space between one big experience and the next—isn’t a problem to fix. It’s part of the process. After six months of travelling and teaching, there’s a natural dip. A reset. A quiet stretch where the creativity simmers under the surface instead of boiling over onto the fabric.

And maybe that’s why I’m so looking forward to my upcoming trip to the UK and the Festival of Quilts. I’ve signed up for two short 1.5-hour workshops—just a little taste of making, with all the materials provided. No pressure, no preparation, just the joy of learning and creating in someone else’s space. Sometimes, being the student again is exactly what the creative spirit needs.

So if you’ve been feeling the tug of inspiration but haven’t quite found your rhythm, give yourself some grace. Creativity doesn’t always shout. Sometimes it whispers. And that’s perfectly okay.

This pause might be exactly what you need before the next big wave.

In the meantime, here’s a little peek at some of the stitching I’ve been doing—working with vintage fabrics, lace, bits of trim, and lots of hand stitches. It’s slow work, but it’s grounding. More to come soon. Stay tuned.

And if you’d like to try your hand at some slow stitching of your own, I have a few curated kits available in my shop. They include vintage and reclaimed fabrics, lace, and other bits and pieces to get you started—perfect for when you want to sit, stitch, and reconnect with your creativity.

Until I write again, keep stitching and sitting outside enjoying the fresh air.

Ana