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#IWSG, Insecure Writer's Support Group, lessons in writing, NaNoWriMo, sewing, writing a first draft, writing tips
It’s the start of a new month. That means it’s time for another group posting for the IWSG – you can learn more about the group by clicking on the badge below.
7 November IWSG Day Question: How has your creativity in life evolved since you began writing?
Fun question! I started sewing. I knit a bit too – but don’t expect more than a couple of scarfs! Sewing, though… There’s just something magical about taking a piece of cloth and turning it into a flowing creation.
There’s a lot to learn about writing from sewing.
Step one: select your project.
Sewing: This includes selecting the pattern, the fabric, the thread, etc. Will it be casual or formal wear? Is it for yourself or someone else?
Writing: length, genre, intended audience. What do you want to write about? Are you going to draft with pen and paper or with a word processor?
Step two: plan your project.
Sewing: size of dress to make – fabric length, amount of thread needed, etc. Is the sewing machine working? Are all the pins sharp? Is the right size needle in the machine? Are the scissors sharp?
Writing: plotting the story (intro, initiating incident, rising action, climax, falling action, denouement, conclusion – or whatever you call the different phases) and creating the characters (backstory, likes and dislikes, etc.).
Step three: start cutting.
Sewing: pin the pattern pieces to the fabric, cut it out.
Writing: you’ve set the course of your story – so start drafting.
Step four: put it together.
Sewing: pinning the pieces together, sewing them together.
Writing: revise for flow and consistency – making the story work as a whole.
Step five: making it work.
Sewing: trim edges, overlock/serge seams.
Writing: revise for clarity – cut your darlings.
Step six: polish.
Sewing: finish hems, add zips and hooks, remove all dangling threads.
Writing: proofread for overused words, consistency in spelling names/places, typos.
Step seven: inspect.
Sewing: final fitting of garment. Make sure everything is as it should be.
Writing: final read-through. Make sure the story is what it should be.
Step eight: finish.
Sewing: send the garment to the washing machine. Clean the sewing machine. Throw away everything that cannot be used again – pack away everything else. Cast-off fabric can be used for something else.
Writing: send the story to beta readers. Pack away all notes, etc. The cut pieces can be used in a different story.
This is a simplified view of the process, but it’s good to keep in mind when it feels like you’re losing yourself in a labyrinth of writing and rewriting. (Especially during NaNoWriMo! Who else is putting writing in the forefront this month?)
I’ve finished a couple of sewing projects during my “vacation” last month – more like forced rest. Though I resented it at the time, I do feel better and am on a roll with my NaNo projects.
I’ll add pics to Instagram on Saturday evening with me in the awesome dress I made for the INK Gala evening. We’ll see if anything comes from attending this year… (Last year I won the writing/publishing competition that set the course for getting “Eens…”/ “Once…” published. I even got a great review for “Once…” last week.)
That’s it for this year. December I’ll be on a real holiday – sun, swimming pool, fun! I’ll post again for the IWSG in January.
I hope you’ve found the parallels between sewing and writing fun and informative.
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Ann V. Friend said:
It was interesting (smile) Blessings!
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Ann 🙂
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Jennie said:
The parallels run the same from start to finish. Great post!
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Jennie 🙂
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Jennie said:
You’re welcome, Ronel. 🙂
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Juneta said:
Clever. Enjoy Have a wonderful holiday.
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Juneta 🙂
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Cathy Kennedy said:
Ronel ,
Great comparison between the artistic forms to create something beautiful!
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Cathy 🙂
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Jacqui Murray said:
You make a good case, Ronel. I used to make all of my own clothes, long ago, and I do see the similarities. It wasn’t simply following a pattern was it?
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Jacqui 🙂 Even when I do follow the pattern, I tend to make adjustments because a) I think the pattern has ridiculous instructions, or b) I know I can do better. A lot like following a writing formula 😉
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Victoria Marie Lees said:
Great idea, Ronel, comparing the sewing method to writing. I created my wedding gown all those years ago.
I always enjoy your insight. Thanks for sharing this with your followers.
http://victoriamarielees.blogspot.com
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Victoria 🙂 It must’ve been exciting — and a lot of work! — to create your wedding gown.
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Louise@DragonspireUK said:
Fun post: It makes me I wish I could sew so I could make outfits 🙂
Have a great holiday in December!
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Louise 🙂
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Megan Morgan said:
I’ve never been able to sew or knit, but this a great comparison. I suppose there’s also a part where you realize you’ve done everything wrong and have to start all over–not that I’ve evvvver had to do that with a story… 😀
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
LOL. Yeah, especially with a new pattern. But that’s what improvisation is for!
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J Q Rose said:
What an interesting analogy. Cleverly done. I am not a sewing type person. Too frustrating for me. I think my Freshman year Home Ec teacher was too critical! And can you believe Home Ec was a required course back then? Times have changed.
JQ Rose
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thank you. I didn’t take Home Ec — I took all those science, math and accounting classes instead. They are coming in handy now! I think Home Ec should’ve stayed a required course — some of my friends are quite lost in the kitchen!
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emaginette said:
Nicely put. I’ve been messing around with an art etablet and found the creativity there just as rewarding and fun.
Anna from elements of emaginette
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thank you. I’m glad you’ve found a rewarding and fun creative outlet outside of writing.
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C.G.Coppola said:
Loved the comparison between writing and sewing!! Enjoy your holiday!
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thank you 🙂
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S.E. White said:
This was a fun post! The comparison is very apt. I’ll have to look you up on Instagram so I can see the dress 🙂
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thank you 🙂 The previous two dresses are on my About page here on the blog…
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S.E. White said:
Nice! I’ll go find them 🙂
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C.D. Gallant-King said:
A fascinating comparison. I guess it stands for most artistic crafting, huh? Some have more room for flexibility/freedom than others, but at the end of the day we’re all making something.
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thank you. Yeah, making something is the best part of being creative 🙂
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raimeygallant said:
Okay, so I have attempted sewing in the past. My question to you is, how come I can write a book but can sew a freaking hemline? 😉 Great post!
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
LOL. Hemlines are tricky — my first ones were quite wobbly. Like that first couple of stories you wrote before learning how to write properly… 🙂 Practice. It’s all about practice.
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pjlazos said:
Great analogy, Ronel.😘
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thank you 🙂
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CV Grehan said:
Sew much great information in your post! (I couldn’t help myself.) Seriously, great!
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
LOL. Thank you 🙂
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Erika Beebe said:
I love both sewing and writing 🙂 I can’t wait for your pictures. Thank you for the creative insights this month 🙂
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Erika 🙂
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yvettecarol said:
What a cool idea to contrast the two forms of artistic expression alongside one another. It made for a great, creative journey. Good job, Ronel! 🙂
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Yvette 🙂
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Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor said:
Such a great post! I can really see the parallels between sewing and writing. I’m about to dust off my sewing machine today to tackle a few projects. I’ll be thinking about your post while I do so.
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Ellen 🙂 Good luck!
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Elizabeth Seckman said:
I have always wanted to sew, but gave up when I couldn’t thread the machine needle. There’s a writing lesson in that too, I suppose. You can’t ever do it if you’re not willing to learn!
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Absolutely! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
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Sandra Cox (@Sandra_Cox) said:
Great, creative post, Ronel!
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Sandra 🙂
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ChrysFey said:
I love the parallels between the two crafts. 🙂
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thanks, Chrys 🙂
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Alex J. Cavanaugh (@AlexJCavanaugh) said:
Obviously sewing isn’t my thing! But its process is similar to writing. So are a lot of other creative things. I can see the similarities between writing and playing my guitar.
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Indeed 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Alex.
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Cathrina Constantine said:
What an awesome comparison. Unique. I’ve sewn for years, and your post made perfect sense. LOL.
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
Thank you 🙂
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tanza erlambang said:
useful tips, thank you for sharing.
have a great day
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Ronel Janse van Vuuren said:
You’re welcome.
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