More Alberta Wind Than Mountain Lake: What Mindful Making Really Looks Like

I used to think mindful making meant steady hands and one project at a time. A single pair of socks on the needles. A calm rhythm. A mountain lake kind of energy. But that’s never really been me. Honestly? I’m more Alberta wind than mountain lake. Does that mean that I am not a mindful maker? Are these things mutually exclusive? I've come to realize that there are different ways to practise mindfulness and not everyone's path looks the same.

I'm pretty sure most of you have that friend who sticks with a single project from start to finish. Or, maybe you are that person! However, you and I both know that those are not the only types of makers out there.

Creativity rarely follows a straight path. You may imagine mindful making as a calm, steady process: one project at a time, a quiet rhythm, the serenity of a mountain lake. But for some of us, that image feels distant. Instead, creativity can feel like the Alberta wind—wild, unpredictable, and full of energy shifts.

A craft table showing various knitting projects in progress, illustrating creative chaos

The Myth of Steady Creativity

Many crafters and makers hold an idealized vision of creativity as a calm, focused activity. The idea is simple: pick one project, work on it patiently, and finish it before moving on. This approach promises a sense of order and accomplishment. But it doesn’t fit everyone’s creative rhythm.

For those of us who thrive on bursts of inspiration and shifting interests, sticking to one project feels restrictive. Creativity for a soul such as myself is more like a gust of Alberta wind—sometimes gentle, sometimes wild. I'll start a project with excitement, then another idea pulls me away. The first project waits patiently, or sometimes not so patiently, until I return.

Why We Abandon Projects

Most people frame this as failure, but if we view it through a lens of mindfulness, it offers us critical data about ourselves as makers. Abandoning a craft project can leave us carrying a heavy load of guilt. We worry about wasted time, materials, or the impression that we lack discipline. But abandoning projects tends to be a natural part of the creative process for many people. (Trust me when I say that you are not alone in this!) Here are some reasons why projects get set aside:

• Energy shifts: Our enthusiasm for a project can fade as new ideas capture our attention.

• Learning curves: Sometimes a project feels too challenging or frustrating, leading us to pause.

• Changing priorities: Life events or new interests can redirect our focus.

• Creative exploration: Trying different techniques or styles may mean starting multiple projects at once.

  
  

Mindfulness is noticing the truth without judgment. Recognizing these reasons helps us accept that abandoning projects is not failure. It’s part of how creativity evolves.

The Guilt and Excitement of Returning

When I return to an old project it often brings a mix of emotions. There’s usually a bit of guilt for leaving it unfinished, possibly some confusion about where exactly I left off, but also excitement about rediscovering it with fresh eyes. I have found that this rotation between projects often refreshes both perspective and skills.

When you pick up a project after a break, you might notice things you missed before. Maybe the colors look different, or the pattern feels easier. This renewed energy can lead to breakthroughs and new ideas.

How to Embrace Project Rotation

Instead of fighting against the urge to jump between projects, embrace it as a creative strength. Here are some tips to make project rotation work for you:

• Keep projects visible: Store unfinished projects where you can see them. This keeps them in your mind and invites you to return.

• Set small goals: Break projects into manageable steps. Completing a small section can boost motivation.

• Use a project journal: Write notes about where you left off and what you want to try next. This makes returning easier.

• Accept imperfection: Some projects may never be “perfect” or finished. That’s okay. Their value lies in the process.

• Celebrate progress: Acknowledge every stitch, row completed, or any step forward, even if the project isn’t complete.

Mindfulness & The Energy Behind Creative Chaos

The Alberta wind metaphor captures the energy shifts that fuel this creative style. It’s not about calm or steady progress but about riding waves of inspiration. This approach can lead to bursts of productivity and unexpected discoveries.

Creative chaos means accepting that your process might look messy to others but feels right to you. It’s about trusting your instincts and allowing your creativity to flow naturally.

To be mindful means:

mind·ful

/ˈmīn(d)f(ə)l/

adjective.

1. Conscious or aware of something.

2. Focusing one's awareness on the present moment, especially as part of a therapeutic or meditative technique.

   
   

Practical Ways to Manage Creative Chaos

To make the most of your creative energy, try these practical strategies:

• Create a flexible schedule: Allow time for multiple projects without pressure to finish quickly.

• Organize materials by project: Keep supplies grouped so you can switch easily.

• Use reminders: Set gentle reminders to revisit projects after a break.

• Share your process: Talk about your creative journey with others. This can reduce guilt and build support.

• Reflect regularly: Take time to think about what projects excite you most and why.

  
  

Finding Joy in the Journey

Ultimately, creativity is about joy and expression, not just finished products. Abandoning and revisiting projects is part of that journey. It allows you to explore different ideas, learn new skills, and keep your creative spark alive.

By embracing your unique creative rhythm, you can let go of guilt and find excitement in every stitch. Your projects become a living record of your evolving creativity.

Embracing Your Creative Style

In southern Alberta, the wind never really stops. It shapes the mountains, ripples across lakes, changes the temperature in minutes and refuses to be controlled. I reflect on that wild energy and recognize that it mirrors my creative style — the starts, the shifts, the pauses, and returns — and how learning to work with it instead of against it can deepen both my craft and my sense of calm.

Which way of being resonates most strongly with you? Are you a serene mountain lake or the ever shifting energy of the Alberta wind?

Whichever one of these is true, embrace it and allow it to help you to move with mindfulness down your creative path.