E6 The Secret to Thriving as a Fabric Creative
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Let's figure out what's getting in the way of thriving. And let's talk about how to find that spark, that energy, that focus, to make 2025 your most creative and successful year yet. Because here's the thing. Thriving doesn't just happen. It's something we create, step by step. And today, we're going to start building that foundation together.
This is the Textile Creative Podcast, where all things creativity, fabric, design, and business come together. I'm a certified fabric lover who lives in the Dallas Fort Worth area. After being downsized out of a career I adored, I discovered a way to turn my passion into the business of my dreams. A business that aligns with what I love to do, fuels my creativity and gives me the freedom I've always wanted. When I first became an entrepreneur, I struggled to make ends meet and wrestle with how to achieve my vision. But now that I'm my own boss, I teach classes on creativity, pattern making, and design, run a membership for budding fabric creatives, and help others build creative lives, businesses, and practices they love.
I'm here to help you discover what lights you up. and guide you in building a fulfilling creative practice or business. Whether you're working with fabric, creating fiber art or sewing custom gowns, this is your space to learn, grow, and thrive. Welcome to the Textile Creative with Virginia Wygal. I am so excited to kick off the first full week of 2025. There's something about the start of a new year that feels a lot like cracking open a fresh sketchbook. It's full of blank pages, lots of potential, and you can't help but dream big. And honestly, I'm not necessarily sad to see 2024 go. It was fine. It was, it was okay.
But I am ready for something new. Recently, I polled my audience via email and asked a simple question. Where do you feel you are in your creative fabric and fibers journey right now? Are you thriving, like you've got your creative and business plans figured out and are ready to go? Or are you making progress but sometimes feel stuck and unsure of what to do next?
Or are you overwhelmed and don't really know how to start? And the results? The results were wild. Not a single person, not one person, said they were thriving. That's nuts! 75 percent of respondents were in the middle. The kind of stuck and not really moving in either direction. 25 percent were overwhelmed with no idea how to move forward.
But 0 percent said they felt like they were thriving. Now for those of you who replied, thank you, thank you. I love it when I hear from you because it does remind me that we're all in this together and honestly knowing where you are helps me figure out how I can serve you best. But here's the thing, we need to change this.
Zero people thriving? No! That's not acceptable. My goal is to push those numbers up a notch. I want to take that 75 percent of you who are in the middle and move you up so you feel like you're thriving. And I want to bring up the 25 percent who are stuck so you are making some progress. And of course, I would love to have zero people feeling stuck and overwhelmed.
That's the world I imagine. You, waking up excited about your creative practice with a clear plan. And the confidence to actually see it through. Sound incredible? Yeah, it does to me too. Well, why not start now? Let's figure out what's getting in the way of thriving. And let's talk about how to find that spark, tThat energy. That focus. To make 2025 your most creative and successful year yet. Because here's the thing. Thriving doesn't just happen. It's something we create, step by step. And today, we're going to start building that foundation together. So let's start by talking about that spark. That thing that lights you up; That thing that, in the survey, you feel stuck on or have no idea how to start. That spark is the reason you got into fiber and fabric creativity in the first place. Maybe it's that you love to work with a particular kind of fabric, the thrill of seeing a design come to life, or just the joy of creating something from scratch that's uniquely yours.
Whatever it is, it's personal and it's powerful. And that's why losing sight of it makes you feel lost. But it happens. And when it does, it's easy to feel like you're just going through the motions. Or worse, like you're stuck in the mud with no idea how to get out. Been there. Been there more than once, actually.
For me, hitting bottom around 2016 was a wakeup call. Sick parents, caregiving took over, and on top of that, I had been knocked out of a creative career I loved, a career centered on fabric and design, for several years by that time. Suddenly, that spark I'd always had? Gone. Totally gone. And it was starting to dawn on me.
It was like I had been disconnected from a part of myself that made me, well, me. And let me tell you, it’s not just frustrating. It's downright depressing. I felt like I had lost my sense of direction. And the truth is, I stayed there for a while. A long while. It wasn't really until 2018 that I realized something had to change.
I couldn't keep going without reconnecting with what I love the most. Which, of course, was working with fabric and textures, color and design. But realizing it and doing something about it? Thanks. are two very different things, aren't they? I didn't actually start moving the needle until about 2020. Proof positive that getting unstuck is not an instant fix.
It's about small, consistent steps in the right direction. Today, I have my own business. And I make it a point to include all the things I love. Is it hard sometimes? Absolutely. Is it frustrating? You bet. But here's the difference. I wake up excited. I get to work with Fabric and Fibers in a way that challenges me.
I get to work with other Fabric and Fiber creatives, like you, and help you get your stuff out into the world. Which, by the way, is the best part of it all. That's why finding your spark matters. Fabric and Fibers It's what keeps you moving forward when things get tough. It's what turns frustration into focus, overwhelm into progress, and I'm stuck into I'm at least moving, which then leads to I'm thriving.
So, here's my question for you. What do you want? What's the thing that makes you lose track of time because you're so engrossed in the process? If you're not sure, that's okay. Sometimes it takes a little reflection to find that out. Episode 4 will help you do that. But trust me, it's there. Waiting for you to rediscover it.
And once you do, it'll change everything. So, what might be getting in the way of finding that spark? Because if there's one thing I've learned, it's that thriving doesn't just happen. You have to make it happen, one step at a time. But first you have to recognize when you're stuck. I mean, sometimes we're so caught up in the day to day that we don't even realize we've lost touch with the work that inspires us.
Those signs of disconnection? They sneak up on you. You know, when all of the sudden you realize it feels like the creative magic has packed up and gone on vacation without you? We've all been there. But recognizing the signs is the first step to getting back on track. Are you dragging yourself to start projects you thought you were excited about?
Like, you sit down at your sewing machine or work table, and instead of feeling energized, you feel, Meh, that's a sign. Maybe you are churning out work, but it just doesn't excite you anymore. You look at what you've made and you think, Okay, it's fine, I guess. That's another sign. And how many of us have set goals or started projects just because they sounded good at the time?
Or because someone else thought we should. Are you possibly pursuing goals you're not even sure you want? If you're unsure why you're even pursuing a certain project, that is a big red flag. I've been there. Oh, I have been there. For me, it looked like staring at projects that once thrilled me and thinking, Why am I even doing this?
It wasn't that the projects were bad or unimportant. It was that I had lost my connection to them. I'd lost sight of what made me love them in the first place. These moments of disconnection don't mean you've failed or that you're not creative enough. I want you to lean into them. They mean something. They're a signal. They're trying to tell you that it's time to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. Now I get it. Pausing is hard. We all want to just keep going, keep pushing, keep producing. But sometimes, stepping back is exactly what you need to do to step forward with intention. Let me say that again.
Sometimes, stepping back is exactly what you need to do to step forward with intention. Okay? It's like when you're driving and you realize you've been heading down a road that's not taking you where you want to go. You don't keep driving, right? No. You stop, you check Navi on your phone, and you figure out the next best turn.
Now this does take honesty. You gotta be willing to ask yourself, Am I really connected to the work I'm doing? Does this really and truly bring me joy? Or does it feel more like a chore? It's not about beating yourself up. It's about getting curious. Because the more honest you are with yourself, the clearer the path forward becomes.
So, if you're feeling stuck or uninspired, tell yourself, Cool, that's okay. Let's just use this as a signal, not to quit, but to adjust. To stop and ask. What do I really want out of this? And the creative practice. And what steps can I take to get closer to that? What small thing can I change right now?
This episode of The Textile Creative is brought to you by The Creative Cloth, a beautifully curated e magazine designed to inspire your creativity and deepen your love for fabric, fibers, and design. Each issue of the Creative Cloth is packed with inspiration and practical insights. You'll discover a featured fabric of the month, complete with its history, characteristics, and creative possibilities.
Get expert advice on tools and techniques, master the details with sewing and design tips, and find fresh inspiration in every corner. Whether it's a mindfulness moment, A featured cocktail for your next sip and so, or a delicious recipe to enjoy while planning your next project. The Creative Cloth isn't just a magazine, it's your monthly companion for nurturing your creative practice and finding new ways to connect with your craft.
Whether you're designing garments, crafting fiber art, or simply exploring the joy of textiles, there's something here for you. And if you're looking to take your learning even deeper, The Creative Cloth offers you a perfect starting point to explore more. To subscribe or learn more, visit virginialeighstudio.com forward slash The Creative Cloth. That's www. virginialeighstudio, L E I G H.com/thecreativecloth for Inspiration, insights, and creativity delivered directly to you.
Next let's talk about some of those practical ways to reconnect with your spark and start moving toward thriving again. Hang tight because this is where it gets exciting. The first step, take inventory. Look at your creative practice and ask yourself, what part of this work brings me joy? What part feels like a chore?
It's okay if some aspects of your work feel like must dos. Every creative journey has those. But if the scales are tipping too far into the chore territory, might be time to rethink how you're approaching things. Some joy in there isn't just a bonus. It's a necessity for thriving. The next thing to do is experiment.
Try something new. Or better yet, revisit an old project that once excited you. Remember that lace jacket I talked about in the last episode? That project had been sitting in my mind and my stash for years. When I pulled it back out, it was like a light bulb went off. Sometimes that little nudge from the past is all you need to reignite your creativity.
And if you're not sure where to start, Seek out inspiration. Surround yourself with people, environments, materials, that make you want to create. Go to the fabric store and touch all the fabrics. Okay, you know you want to, right? Take a walk through a gallery, or I'm gonna say it, scroll through some creative feeds that inspire you.
Just don't get stuck there. Or better yet, spend some time with other creatives who get it. There's something about connecting with like-minded people that actually fuels the fire like nothing else. Another big one, get clear on your why. Why did you start this creative journey in the first place? What's the core reason you keep coming back to fabric and fiber?
For me, it's always been about the magic of taking raw fiber, raw fabric, and turning it into something beautiful and unique. When I reconnect with that why, It makes the hard days easier, and the good days even sweeter. So, here's your homework. And I'm not sure podcasts are actually supposed to have homework, but this one's about creativity, and creativity is about innovation, so I suppose I can just do what I want.
So, your homework. Your homework is to pick one. Pick one of these steps and take action. Just one. You don't have to overhaul your entire creative life overnight. Remember, thriving doesn't come from one big leap. It comes from a series of small, consistent steps. And finding a way to reconnect with your spark?
Well, that's step one. Now that you have picked a small action to take, here is an important thing about reconnecting with your spark. It doesn't just make you feel good. It has a ripple effect that can touch every part of your creative life. First, let's talk about the personal satisfaction and purpose. When you're participating, even just a little each day, with the work that truly lights you up, it changes the way you approach your day. You wake up with a sense of purpose, excited to get started. And even on the tough days, the ones where nothing seems to go right, you have that inner why to keep you grounded.
It's not just about what you're creating. It's about who you're becoming in the process. So begin telling yourself, I'm becoming a person who is thriving. Say it as often as necessary. I am becoming a person who is thriving. And then there's the impact on the quality and authenticity of your work. When you're lit up about what you're doing, it shows.
Your excitement comes through in every stitch, every design, every piece you create. People can see it. And they're drawn to it. Now admit it, we've all seen work that kind of feels a little flat. Like the creator's heart just wasn't in it. That's what happens when we lose our spark. But when you're connected to what excites you, that energy is contagious.
Your work becomes magnetic. And people take notice. Next let's talk about building a thriving creative business. Whether you're selling handmade items, teaching a class, or running a service based business, being lit up about what you're doing is essential. Why? Because your enthusiasm fuels everything else, your market, your customer interactions, your ability to innovate.
And here's a little secret. When you're excited about what you're offering, it's a lot easier to get others excited about it, too. And here's the best part. Even small progress creates momentum. You don't have to have everything figured out to start thriving. You just have to start. That first step, whether it's revisiting a project you love, experimenting with a new technique, or taking inventory of what lights you up, sets off a chain reaction.
One small win leads to another, and before you know it, you're building something incredible. Thriving isn't about a perfect creative life. That's never going to happen. But you might have perfect moments. Nothing is ever perfect 100 percent of the time. Thriving is about staying connected to what matters most.
It's about showing up, doing the work, and letting your spark guide you. And when you do that, you start doing more, feeling better, gaining traction. The ripples are endless. Now if there's one thing I want you to take away from today's episode, it's that. The idea that thriving is not about perfection, it's about progress with a capital P.
Feeling stuck? Great! It happens. It's part of the journey. I've been there. Probably more times than I can count. And I will tell you, there's no shame in it. What matters most, and hear this clearly, is what you do next. Even the smallest step forward is a step in the right direction. It's proof that you're showing up, that you're committed to your craft, and that you care enough to keep going.
And that is worth celebrating. So let's take a moment to acknowledge the progress you've already made. Maybe you've finished a project recently, or you've started experimenting with something new. Maybe you just gave yourself permission to take a break so you could come back stronger. Whatever it is, it counts.
Progress is progress, no matter how small it might seem. And here's the thing. I believe in you. I really do. I believe in your ability to thrive, to reconnect with that spark, and to create something amazing this year. You've got what it takes. I know you do. You wouldn't be listening to a podcast like this if you didn't.
And if you're not feeling it yet, that's okay. Because you're here, listening, reflecting, and taking that first step towards something bigger. That's where thriving starts. So let's go into 2025 with this mindset. It's not about being perfect, it's about making progress, one small step at a time, and trusting that those steps will lead you exactly where you're meant to be.
You've got this, and I'm cheering you on every step of the way. Now before we finish up, I want to leave you with something important. You don't have to do it all at once. Growth isn't about giant leaps. It's about consistent, intentional steps forward. It's about trusting that each step will bring you closer to the spark that lights you up and closer to thriving in your creative journey.
And you don't have to figure it out all alone. That's why I'm really excited about the upcoming Sew Successful Workshop. It's designed to help you take those steps, find clarity, and build momentum. Whether you're feeling stuck or just unsure of what to do next, it's a space for guidance, support, and actionable strategies tailored to your fabric and fiber journey.
I'll be sharing more details soon, so stay tuned. But I want to leave you with this thought. Creativity is like a garden. It needs care, attention, and the right conditions to grow. But most of all, it needs you to believe in its potential. So as you step into this new year, focus on what matters most. Those small steps.
That spark of inspiration. That joy of the journey. Take the next step, however small it feels, and trust yourself to figure out the rest as you go. Because thriving isn't about having it all together. It's about moving forward. One stitch, one idea, one step at a time. I'll see you in the next episode. Until then, stay creative, stay inspired, and don't forget, you've got this.
Thank you for joining me on the Textile Creative. I hope this episode sparked new ideas and inspiration for your creative journey. If this episode resonated with you, be sure to subscribe and share it with a friend and You might need a little creative encouragement. And don't forget to visit my website for more resources and inspiration.
We'll put all the links in the show notes. Your creativity is your greatest gift. Nurture it, share it, and let it shine. Until next time, stay inspired, stay curious, and become so successful.
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