I'm Back

It's been a while since I posted on here. With all the different social media outlets it's very easy to let one slip.
I have never been good with words, never been able to keep a diary, or indeed ever been comfortable with anyone reading what I write. I have hit a rut though, lost my creative drive, so I thought that maybe talking about it might help inspire me and drive me on.
It's hard trying to make a living in a creative field. It's a luxury item, people cut back on them when money is tight, though I know people who happily spend £3 a day on coffee which lasts 10 minutes but moan about spending £10 on a pattern which will last months. This is something that has always frustrated me. 
All stitchers will spend money on stash, threads and fabrics bring great joy and we all buy more than we ever use but patterns don't hold the same draw. Copyright theft has destroyed the industry, it's depressing to spend months designing a piece, sewing it, writing the instructions etc and then only sell a few copies at best because so many people just want free things. I can't work free though, I wouldn't ask someone else to do their job without pay, why should I? 
I have never made a living from this work, no matter what I try I don't ever seem to break through. I am teaching classes now which I enjoy and get lovely feedback from but there aren't many people who want to learn. I try to get pieces into magazines but it's hard to know what they are looking for, I have even done some speaking engagements (very nervously) but it doesn't ever get me into the black. I keep trying to think of different angles to try. I have created cards and prints from my work, tried selling original works, bespoke works such as ring pillows, I am working on a new line right now too which I keep trying to get right but the drive to complete it has gone.
I still sew and I still design but I'm not finishing much. I've done a few projects for friends but no new releases in ages. So basically I need a kick. I need to get moving again, to find inspiration and the urge to finish projects. That's why I have come back to the blog, to talk to people, try and find a way forward.