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Imagine being able to sew absolutely anything you could dream up. Amazing, right? Maybe not. While we might think that having unlimited time, money, space, or skill is ideal, we are often more creative when we operate within constraints.
Creative constraints
Imposing a limitation allows us to think in new ways or find new solutions to problems. Instead of being overwhelmed with choices, we can focus and innovate. A painter who limits themself to using only one brush will discover how many effects one brush can produce. A quilter deciding to use only one color will explore new ways to convey contrast.
The benefits of choosing creative constraints are well established. But what happens when the constraints are out of our control? Can our personal constraints be used to enhance creativity, like traditional creative constraints?
We all experience real-world limitations affecting how and what we make, such as time, money, space, or skill. In my case, it’s disability.
Sewing with a disability
Although I’ve been sewing forever, everything changed 10 years ago when I became disabled. I no longer had the energy and skills I relied on for decades. My body had different needs. Neither my approach to sewing nor my wardrobe reflected my new reality.
I felt lost. While I could find practical suggestions about using ergonomic tools or adapting my sewing space, something about the advice felt wrong. It framed personal limitations as barriers to be overcome or problems to be solved. Personal constraints were treated as sad experiences that took away from a sewing practice – never as something that could add.
Eventually I learned this is ableist culture. Ableism affects both disabled and nondisabled people because subconsciously, it treats limitations or difference as factors that make people less.
This harms our creative mindset in subtle ways. If we think our personal constraints diminish us, we won’t use them to fuel our creativity. It’s hard to be joyfully creative if you believe you are a problem to be solved. Embarrassment and shame are their own constraint.
An authentic creative mindset
We can be upset with our limitations and still find our way to greater creativity. To me, that’s an authentic creative mindset. There’s power in embracing one’s unique constellation of strengths and constraints. Over time I’ve developed an approach that helps me use my limitations for creativity. Moreover, I’ve found greater confidence in my personal style.
Finding creativity
My approach started with 3 questions, which I tried to answer as honestly as I could.
What are my limitations?
What are my capabilities?
What brings me joy?
These questions work together, blending practicality and imagination. I identified four key strategies based on my answers.
1. Use flowy, easy to sew fabrics
2. Select loose, easy to fit patterns
3. Choose simple construction techniques
4. Make garments distinctive by fabric, shape, or both
It’s a process
With hindsight I can recognize when, despite my best efforts, my mindset was influenced by ableism. Often, it happened when I focused on practicalities and forgot imagination. The pattern might be right, but the garment was bland. I still framed my limitations as a deficit rather than a creative constraint.
I’ve also learned that practice doesn’t always make progress. It’s hard to accept that no matter how positive my thinking or diligent my efforts, some fabrics and garments are no longer options for me.
Conclusion
Being disabled affects every aspect of my life. I’m proud of myself for finding ways to use my limitations as creative assets, despite the whispers of ableist culture. Over time, I’ve recognized that being embarrassed about my personal constraints makes me feel less than myself, with uninspired garments to match. By embracing an authentic creative mindset, I gain confidence in my personal style and creativity.
We each have a unique creative voice, shaped by our life experiences. Tapping into those influences in an honest, nonjudgmental way offers us a path to create as our most authentic selves. Even better - the more people who can be true to themselves while sharing their unique creative voices, the more inclusive and creative our sewing spaces become.
About the Author
Rebecca Cartwright is a textile artist, teacher, and disability advocate. Her work explores the intersection of creativity, disability, and self-expression, drawing from her lived experience. She writes and speaks on crafting accessibly, challenges ableism in creative spaces, and shares her work and resources at AntiAbleistMakers.com.
