Gentle wake-up to the demands of a dream

Gentle wake-up to the demands of a dream

Yesterday, I had a bit of a gentle "wake-up" moment. My garden hose had been leaking, and my first instinct was to replace it. But then it hit me: if I'm serious about achieving my goals as a surface pattern designer and tufter, I need to get serious about being frugal.

It's easy to get caught up in the consumer mindset, especially when you're pursuing creative dreams. We see all the beautiful tools, materials, and workshops out there, and it's tempting to think we need them all to succeed. But the truth is, every penny saved is a penny that can be invested in our craft, our education, or even just a bit of breathing room when inspiration strikes.

So, instead of buying a new hose, I used surgical tape and nail glue to patch the crack. (Please don't start going viral with this as a genius way to fix hoses.) Funny ha!  It wasn't glamorous, and it took a bit of effort, but it was a powerful reminder that resourcefulness is just as valuable as financial capital. I have to consider prioritising and controlling my impulses.

This experience got me thinking about all the ways I can apply this frugal mindset to my creative journey. Maybe it's about repurposing materials for my surface patterns, learning to maintain my tufting equipment to extend its lifespan, or even finding free online resources for design inspiration instead of always buying new books.

Being frugal isn't about deprivation; it's about prioritisation. It's about consciously deciding where your money goes and ensuring every expenditure aligns with your long-term vision. For me, that vision involves creating beautiful surface patterns and unique tufted pieces, and every act of frugality brings me one step closer to making that dream a reality.

What "wake-up!" moments have you had on your creative journey? How do you practice frugality to support your dreams? I'd love to hear your tips and experiences in the comments below!