Thanks for stopping by for the weekly Quirky Question—where questions are just for fun, your answers are always welcome, and you could win an eBook for free!
(Right: “Bali Sea Star” Jelly-Roll quilt by Kim Brackett)
Sometimes it’s tricky to find time to devote to creativity. But once you do find time, it’s easy to lose yourself in the process—it can be hard to wrap up a creative session! And that leads to this week’s question:
When you’re deep in your creative zone, what’s the best way for someone to get your attention?
Post your answer in the comments before noon (PST) on Monday, March 4, for your chance to win. The winning comment will be posted on Wednesday, March 6, along with the next question.
Last week’s Quirky Question was, “What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?” Here’s the winning response:
“As I read each entry I think, ‘I could not have dealt with that,’ or ‘How does she cope?’ But each of us grows from the experience we handle. So when asked about the challenges I deal with, I’m humbled by what I’ve read and feel my experiences seem small compared to the issues you wonderful quilters are dealing with.
I work with hospice. Each and every experience has taught me to be a stronger, better person. I appreciate the fullness of life as I understand the transitioning of life. It is not to be feared but embraced as a different step of life. I’m humbled by the sanctity of being human and realize how each of us is a true gift to be shared with one another. Quilters are among the most generous, caring people I’ve ever met and I’m honored to be among them.”
Last week’s winning comment was written by Val. Thank you for your touching words, Val—look for an email about your free eBook.
When I’m really in the creative zone, I have music going. The music helps me stay focused, helps me stay on track, and just keeps me calm, relaxed, and steady enough to keep creating. As I don’t have my own creative space (I quilt and sew at a small table in our living room/dining room area), and with 3 boys around to distract me, the music is what creates an invisible barrier between me & my sewing space or zone and the rest of the family, house, etc.
The best way for my family to get my attention, then, is to turn off the music. The music stops, the invisible walls come down, and suddenly I’m aware that there is, in fact, a world around me and a family that needs me for something. Stopping the music works every time.
—The Reader on February 27, 2013Waving chocolate under my nose usually does the trick.
—DebrafromMD on February 27, 2013By pulling plug out of the machine
—Mona Elmgreen Petersen on February 27, 2013OK, I’ll admit it: M & M’s!
—Karen on February 27, 2013By someone telling me I’ve just won the free eBook! WOOO HOOO!!!!
—Justine on February 27, 2013…my husband rings the doorbell!!
—Robin Pagels on February 27, 2013Ask me to go to the quilt store with them.
—Sallie on February 27, 2013By bringing me a fresh hot cup of coffee!
—Susan Caine on February 27, 2013since I dont get deep in the zone without being alone and in a quiet place, all someone has to do is speak to me. I may not know what they said right away, but I definitely will startle and say "what?"
—madeline on February 27, 2013They can get my attention by jumping in the zone and getting creative with me!
—Janet on February 27, 2013Quietly bring me a cup of tea and a kiss.
—Barbara on February 27, 2013The front door banging open and little voices calling….."Grandma, are you home?"
—Carol on February 27, 2013Flip the breaker switch that controls my sewing area!
—Julie Thomas on February 27, 2013Forget it…. doesn’t happen easily!!
—Claudia on February 27, 2013but if it actually comes down to it-
just ask where I want to go for dinner – and if that doesn’t work (which is rare!)…..pull the plug!
Dinner!!!!!!!!!
—Marijke on February 27, 2013When I am deep in the zone, either quilting or painting, someone must physically tell me it is time to stop. I get lost in my musings and I’m so relaxed that I lose all track of time!
—Anita on February 27, 2013The best way for someone to get my attention when I’m deep in my "creative zone" is bring in two cups of coffee, one for you and one for me, then engage in creative conversation.
—Mrs Gorton on February 27, 2013when I’m deep in the zone, my 16 year old son comes up and puts his face right up to mine and says "please take me to …." and then he messes my hair up and/or tickles me. Yep, he knows what works!!
—Darlene K on February 27, 2013Bring me a bowl of Mocha Almond Fudge ice cream, especially my favorite brand and I will drop everything. Of course, my focus will then be on the ice cream so it is best to get whatever you need from me before you give me the spoon!!
—Pam Mendonca on February 27, 2013When my husband yells from the other room, "Hurry up, you’ve got to see this!" It happens more than you would think and often times it is quilt related.
—Peggy on February 27, 2013When I am in my "creative zone" the best way to get my attention is just to say my name… but sometimes I hear it and still don’t acknowledge it because what’s in my hands has first priority. Now if you yell my name that becomes the priority.
—Sharon Theriault on February 27, 2013My husband telling me "dinner is ready".
—Connie B on February 27, 2013A phone call. I won’t answer it, but after a while it’ll bug me to not know who it was.
—Sue on February 27, 2013When the hubby says dinner is ready!
—beverly on February 27, 2013Turn of the power to my machine, lights, music and computer!
—Janet Shipley Hawks on February 27, 2013When my little Chihuahua jumps on my leg and give me a very quiet little growl to get my attention. He is 11 months old and a real little doll.
—Jan Hickman on February 27, 2013Chocolate cake. And maybe mac and cheese. But definitely… chocolate cake.
—Sydney on February 27, 2013Well, yes, chocolate and pulling the plug do force me to stop- perhaps in a mode that no one would want to deal with me,ha. But when I go into my "Creative Shell" and don’t want to come out I let them know that unless there is blood or fire involved not to disturb me. Having worked in trauma surgery in a previous life I can deal with emergencies, but now I know the importance those and other things rank on my "downtime" scale. So I guess, unless absolultely forced otherwise, those are the only things that I can think of that would make me actually jump into action.
—Dawn718 on February 27, 2013Sometimes, the only way would be cut off the electricity, smile! I get so zoned in I forget to eat lunch! I love my time in my sewing room, and the excitement of a new project.
—Ceci Kingsley on February 27, 2013I answer to Momma or Honey usually
I sneak in creative sewing moments throughout the day and night. I am always on call to them and wouldn’t change a thing. God has blessed me immeasureably.
—Sandra kronmueller on February 27, 2013By lightly touching me. I get so deep in thought that often it takes an actual touch to bring me back to reality. I am able to block out other things.
—Susan on February 27, 2013We have a year old Lab. pup. When my husband
—Donna on February 27, 2013shouts "Where is Bradley"? That pulls me out of my
creative zone instantly.
Turn off the electricity to lights, radio, iron and sewing machine…that would get my attention real fast.
—Tj on February 27, 2013Send me a text message so I think it’s something important when the phone buzzes
—Lawana Whaley on February 27, 2013Husband calling out from the living room, "PUPPY JUST PEED IN THE KITCHEN!"
—Kim on February 27, 2013It’s past time for making dinner
—Mary on February 27, 2013I think it depends on who is trying to get my attention! Before my mother past away, a phone call from her was all it took. Now when my dogs need me, one of them stands by my chair and moans to let me know she needs me. The other doxie paws at my legs. My husband hasn’t figured out a way to get my undivided attention yet and that is just fine by me!
—Sandy Ruffino on February 27, 2013Well, "just call me and I’ll be there." Seriously though, my husband retired last March, and all he has to do is call my name, and (really)
—Mary Ann on February 27, 2013he has my attention. We’ve been married for 49 years and it’s great having him home all the time, but, it puts a bit of a damper on my time in my quilt room.
That’s an easy questions. If you want to get my attention while I’m in my sewing room in deep concentration, come in announcing that you come bearing chocolate!!!
—Cyndi Porcher on February 27, 2013I usually just ignore who/what ever is trying to get my attention. If I am quilting — I AM QUILTING!!! End of conversation!!!! Unless there is a major bleed on my husband or one of the dogs!!! Then I will stop because I don’t want to soil my quilt!!!
—Marilyn on February 27, 2013Turning the lights off works, since I knit late into the night. I’ve been interrupted by my husband more than once asking if I’m ever coming to bed.
—Michelle McCrillis on February 27, 2013The best way to get my attention is to bring me food that is all prepared, hot and ready to eat. (and the clean up finished) I would be in such a great mood.
—sharyn Mellors on February 27, 2013unplug my machine.
—Vonda on February 27, 2013To keep me in "The Zone" I also need the radio/music on. One day I started off listening to opera on my local PBS station. Several hours later my son interrupted me (by offering me a glass of iced tea) and asked me "what the h*** I was listening to?!?" It had changed to "experimental" or "expressional" music and I hadn’t even noticed!
Maybe the question I answered was "what takes me, and keeps me, into the creative zone?"
—Lynn on February 27, 2013When I’m in a creative zone, the best way to get my attention is to call me up on the phone. I hate talking on the phone, and that phone sound will hit me. Then I have to answer the phone, and I grumble a lot about it.
—Ruth on February 27, 2013The best way to get my attention is tap me on the shoulder. . When the machine is running I don’t hear the phone, doorbell, or someone talking to me. Talk about being in your own world. I have to add a Shout Out. I just received "Big Print Patchwork" by Sandy Turner. Its an awesome book. She is very creative in her use of big prints with blocks. Will use her suggestions alot.
—cynthia mcpeek on February 27, 2013It’s usually just me and the dogs…so what they do is their battle cry. they start howling and crying so loud that I will pay attention to them! There’s two of them and they do this in unison…it sure does work! Sometimes I think the neighbors can hear them because they are so loud!
—Debbie Berkebile on February 27, 2013DH has been known to flick the ceiling light on and off … or he very sweetly brings me some tea and a snack!!
—KrisL on February 27, 2013Bring me chocolate!
—Eileen Kelly-Meyer on February 27, 2013tell me they are taking me out to dinner
—diane on February 27, 2013My "quilting space" is a corner in my living room and when I’m in a creative zone it spills out into the kitchen, etc. When my boys are around I am very used to the interuptions and it doesn’t bother the process. When they are not at home they get my attention by sending me a "text message" I always have my phone in my pocket and no matter what, will immediately stop when I get a text from any of my boys. they are part of my creative process and are always willing to give their suggestions, support, and ideas. I love it.
—ann on February 27, 2013When I hear an abrupt…"Hu hum. Why is there no supper cooking tonight?"
—Diena Rodd on February 27, 2013Where we going for dinner?"
I try not to cook, so those are sweet words that will get me up from my treadle sewing machine….
Kay
—Kay on February 27, 2013By sending in the cat!!! She usually gives me little love bites (which are really requests for a cat treat) or sits on my quilt directly in front of me to get my attention (which is also a request for a cat treat). I’ve found life is so much easier if you keep plenty of cat treats available.
—Mary on February 27, 2013It’s hard to believe but, I load Jurassic Park (the movie) into the DVD player and start quilting – the NORMAL world disappears. Someone has to shut the box off to bring me back to the present.
—Diane on February 27, 2013My boyfriend knows not to even try, lest he be subject to a detailed explanation of whatever it is I’m working on. However, when he really does want me for something, putting the cat on my lap always works!
—Sarah on February 27, 2013All they have to do is yell down the stairs that "supper is ready". That means I didn’t have to plan or fix it. And my hubby just loves to cook, so why should I stop quilting to worry about that other stuff. I eat and return to my little world.
—Linda Baird on February 27, 2013My daughter says,"Don’t bother, there is no way to reach you when you are deep in your creative zone". I know for a fact they need to come to the sewing room and put their hand on my sholder or stand right beside me and repeat, "Mom, Mom, Mom…." until I answer.
—Vivian on February 27, 2013I am usually the only one home and as my room is separate from the house I never hear any one coming so all they have to do is walk to my door and say ‘HI’, which scares the #$@%^$# out off me and then they have to peel me of the ceiling. Good heart starter.
—Liz Colledge on February 27, 2013.."Gramma, I need your help" … that will get me every time. Phones can ring, doorbell jangle, DGS and friends playing noisy games on the Xbox.. but when that DGS says ‘Gramma .. I need you ..’ I’m 100% out of creative and 100% into Gramma.
—Sandra McFerran on February 27, 2013A hydrogen bomb helps! ;D I can get really focused.
—LaJuan Lee on February 27, 2013Very carefully!
—Dana C on February 27, 2013I’m new at quilting so the best way to get my attention is to pull the plug on the sewing machine and my lights.
—Carol Bramande on February 27, 2013I work three days a week so the other four days I like to work on my quilts or design a new quilt. My mind is going in a dozen different directions so no one can get my attention otherwise.
Make me a cappachino and sit with me, comment on what I am working on and now you have my attention for what you need.
—Jeannie on February 27, 2013Other than sirens and flashing lights the only thing that works is hearing the words,"Want to go to the quilt shop?" No matter how deep in the creative process I am I can hear those words whispered from a block away.
—Rina on February 27, 2013Absolutely nothing breaks my concentration to my poor husband huge annoyance.
—Lynn on February 27, 2013Just send my little pug Sable into my sewing room. No one can resist her wiggles as she ‘ talks’ in her own pug manner.When she wants attention she sort of wiggles around and makes noises, not barks,just pug noises. You just have to laugh at a love pug.
—Val B on February 27, 2013After a very busy day at work, phone ringing none stop, all I want is quite. To relax, I sew on my latest quilt. Music playing, my fabric cut and layed out ready to put togather and away I go. Once in a while my husband or son with peek in and check on me. I don’t have a clock in my sewing apce, so time does fly. THAN it happens, a touch on my shoulder and the question comes, "What for dinner." Time to go back to the real world, but now a very relaxed me.
—Darcia on February 27, 2013Put their cold hands down my shirt.
—Larry Denning on February 27, 2013To be honest it’s pretty hard to distract me once I get going, but if someone offers to take me to the fabric store, or has a new pattern or material, then I would be able to be pulled away from my project. A marshmallow chocolate egg or something might do it, since I love chocolate marshmallow bunnys or eggs or anything marshmallow. Back to quilting.
—March 4,2013 on February 27, 2013Some one offers me a glass of wine!
—Nikki on February 27, 2013There are several ways. Like The Reader above, I usually keep some kind of what I call "mindless noise" going, because startling me out of my concentration is NOT a good thing, usually resulting in some kind of disaster such as running my finger under the machine’s needle!
So, to get my attention, my puppy "grr’s" at me to tell me she needs to go outside, or the humans bribe me with CHOCOLATE! Basically, what it comes down to is, whatever works EXCEPT turning off my "noise"!
—Sue Chapman on February 27, 2013By waiting until I come up for air….
—Ann on February 27, 2013By pointing out some wildlife outside my window.
—Lori B on February 27, 2013Hearing someone say "Dinner’s ready"
—Linda Sarchet on February 27, 2013When I’m deep in my creative zone there are two ways to get my attention. First, express an interest in what I’m doing. Just ask and I’ll be happy to bore you to tears with my explanations. I love to share my ideas.
—Linda on February 27, 2013Second way, and this works best at night, is to pop the circuit breaker so there is no power to my a) lights, b) sewing machine, c) computer.
The whimper of my two dogs reminding me how long it’s been since the last pottie break. Or, desert.
—Mary on February 27, 2013pulling the earbuds for my ipod out of my ear!
—Cindy Stowe on February 27, 2013Everyday my husband and I have 2 small pieces of dark chocolate (Dove). We call it our heart medication.
—Barbara on February 27, 2013When I hear him say "it’s time", I drop everything!!
Gently place their hand on the side of my face and direct it toward theirs.
—DeEtta Burney on February 27, 2013The only way my family can get my attention while I’m quilting is to turn off my sewing machine.I’m serious when I’m quilting I’m all into it.
—Kim Lowery on February 27, 2013There really is no "best" way for someone to get my attention when I’m really zoned in on a project! This is actually a complaint my family has had for a long time. I often wish it wasn’t so difficult to break my attention away from my projects- at least for the sake of my family’s happiness! But the amazing sense of achievement I feel once the project is completed…. Totally worth it in the end!
—Christa Dunn (Krebs) on February 27, 2013"ice cream" or "yarn sale"
—Aleen on February 27, 2013Chocolate!!! Offer me chocolate and you have my full attention always!!!
—Sandi on February 27, 2013Coffee?
—Kym Colgrave on February 27, 2013By calling my full name a few times!
—Linda Christianson on February 27, 2013I think the best way to get my attention or anyone else’s when they are "in a zone" whether it be creative or otherwise is the element of touch, especially if it is soft, gentle touch. When my grandkids want my attention and I am really deep into the creative zone, they put a small hand on my shoulder if I am sitting down, or on my arm or hand if I am standing (talking to someone or on the phone or standing in my library pouring over quilt books/patterns,or switching out fabrics). They don’t say anything. They just have their warm little hand on my shoulder (for instance) and wait until I am ready to say, "What can I do for you?" That way I come out of it slowly and am glad to help them, instead of being jolted back to reality and then lose my thoughts and ideas. They don’t tap on me or say,"Grammy, Grammy" a million times. They just wait quietly and I am always delighted to give them a hug and answer. My husband, on the other hand, sends the dog up to lay his head on my knee.
—Pamela Zajicek on February 27, 2013If I’m really in a zone it would probably take my husband dancing au natural around the quilt room. And that’s not easy because he has knee replacements and doesn’t dance that well!
—Kathy on February 27, 2013When i’m in my zone & creating away; time flies so fast. Usually it’s either the cat jumping into my project; or hubby begging for my attention. I can go the whole day & forget to eat, but they can’t!
—Linda Dixon on February 27, 2013I’ve even been known to skip my favorite TV shows for that magic match of me & a great idea.( I don’t have dvd or prerecord on TV).
The house is on fire!
—Judi on February 27, 2013At first I thought of chocolate or tea, but I would be kidding myself. Nothing would get me out of my zone, but a crying kid. Especially if there is something wrong with the youngest I snap out of it immediately.
—Sandra Robben on February 27, 2013By baking bread &/or cooking bacon!
—Sharon Lancaster on February 27, 2013With this snowy weather…a nice cup of hot tea, or fresh coffee, along with an encouraging word.
Because, "Kindness Matters" to all of us!
God Bless you and your next random act of kindness for someone,
—Debbie on February 27, 2013Debbie
Just found your site very interesting great info.
—Aggie on February 27, 2013When I am deep in my quilting the only thing that breaks me of that zone are my two beautiful Labs. They are very quite sleeping under my feet and machine, until it is meal time. Then I have two faces on my lap, giving me that look only Labs can give you. FEED ME NOW. If I try to ignore them the feet are up on my lap, if that does not work, there off downs stairs into the toy basket, back up with their toys and drop them at my feet, as an offering to get my attention. It works every time, I am under their spell. The quilt can wait until tomorrow.
—Helen Murchie on February 27, 2013Love my two girls.
Just stand there quietly and wait for me to look up.
—Connie on February 27, 2013The only thing that has worked recently was my grandson hollering: Did you feel the earthquake, Gram?
—Kathy St Jean on February 27, 2013The smell of chocolate chip cookies baking will get my attention. I keep cookie size balls of dough in the freezer and anyone can cook a few when they are in the mood for them. If someone else is cooking some, that gets my attention!
—Pam B on February 27, 2013My friend has to yell"Sweet Heartsie, are you still alive in there?"
—Janice Stoel on February 27, 2013When I’m deep in my creative zone it’s like a religious experience. The best way for someone to get my attention is to wait for me to break away for a snack or a restoring walk outdoors. That’s my time to share with another. Otherwise, if I fall asleep at my machine or on the cutting room floor, just throw a blanket over me. When my creative zone fades, it may be quite a while before I get in that wonderful place again.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Thank you for honoring Val with the winning answer to last week’s quirky question. I think she spoke eloquently and succinctly for all of us who have been through life/death experiences. Some day many of us will need a person like Val to help us through the last of LIfe’s transitions.
—VickiGene on February 27, 2013The best way to get my attention is to flick the lights on and off..then wait till I look up! My husband has learned not to touch me on the shoulder as I jump a country mile! Scared the wits right out of me…sheesh!
—Beth in AZ on February 27, 2013brownies and ice cream. No phone call, no talking, just put the brownies and ice cream in front of me. Brownie needs to be warm with pecans.
Alternate is warm blackberry cobbler with ice cream. Same rules, no talking, just the smell and sight of the brownies or blackberry cobbler gets my attention. Otherwise I ignore
—donna nutt on February 27, 2013Owning my own business with my family does not allow me to get in "the zone" as often as I would like. Once I’m in, my mind gets centered and it is difficult to get me out. My grandson calling and asking for help with his Biology (former science teacher here) or my littlest granddaughter in Las Vegas calls to tell me her latest Bible verse (she’s 3). My husband just stands at the door and taps his toe — sometimes it takes awhile to notice he is there and usually all he wants is a little attention.
—Jackie Van Buren on February 27, 2013Someone serving me dinner would get my attention. Not much else does!
—Mistea on February 27, 2013I’m not excited about being interrupted when I’m in the zone, but bringing me some ice cream and a hot cup of coffee, then talking to me about what I’m working on makes it easier to get back into the "real" world.
—Teckla on February 27, 2013When I am "lost in space" speaking in a gentle voice until I hear you is the best way to get my attention.
—Robin Adair-Marshall on February 27, 2013It depends on the ‘person.’ Job tends to get up on the table and smooch the sewing machine before lying on whatever he can sprawl across, after it’s come through to ‘his’ side of the sewing machine. Mao tends to smooch around my legs before jumping up on the table and doing his version of a ‘death stare,’ and Whistler will stand on his hind legs and give me puppy-dog eyes – which isn’t easy considering he’s a cat!
The humans in my family have long since given up trying to interrupt. The consequences just aren’t worth it
—Kayt on February 27, 2013Stand between me and my design wall and jump up and down on one foot while howling and waving your hands madly.
—Libby Aks on February 27, 2013About the only thing that can draw me away from a good day
—Mary Beth Burns on February 27, 2013I listen to music with headphones when I am " in the zone" creating. To get my attention a person needs to stand in front of my desk and put their hand on my drawing or keyboard or I will not see or hear them or will ignor them. This comes from working in a studio with lots of people.
—Laurre on February 27, 2013i’m alone, so bang on my door! i may not hear the doorbell, but the loud knocking does it. i may not hear the phones the first time, but call back and i catch it.
—ritainalaska on February 27, 2013About the only thing that can draw me away from a good day of creating is when my 5 yr old granddaughter, Kailen, comes into my sewing room to see what I am doing and excitingly asks "Grandma can I help? I want to make a quilt, too! Please!!" Well, "Grandma" can’t say no to that so I go get her sewing machine set up while she picks out some fabric and we have a great time "playing"! I can always make time to make memories!
—Mary Beth Burns on February 27, 2013So there I am, knitting away, ignoring the world in general, and you in particular (nothing personal, you understand. It’s just that I’m knitting, you see).
The only way you might break the spell would be to wave some beautiful yarn under my nose. Of course I’d just drop what I’m knitting, grab the new yarn and some other needles, cast on, and get right back into the zone.
But if you are lucky you might just have two or three seconds to get your message through to me. Of course, unless it’s "Let’s go yarn shopping.", you’re probably out of luck.
Is anyone out there surprised that I’m single?
—KittenWithAWhiplash on February 27, 2013When I am in my sewing room there is not much anyone can do to get me out of it. Actually I have my grandsons wanting to learn how to quilt so I just take them in with me and I can quilt and spend time with my grandsons. As for my husband if he really needs to distract me from my quilting, he sends in our two lapdogs. (90 lb German Shepards)
—Mary Cleghorn on February 27, 2013just the sitting down at the sewing machine for a little while and
—Darlene Joyner on February 27, 2013all of a sudden its 3:00 and you realize that you have not had breakfast
or lunch ,still in PJ’s and family witll be home in an hour.
How to get me out of my creative zone? Tell me it’s 2 minutes until "Downton Abbey" starts! (Or when I realize it’s been two hours since our elderly fox terrier has been out…)
—Linda Carlson on February 27, 2013When I’m in my creative zone, the only thing that will pull me out is my husband of forty years telling me that he has my favorite dinner prepared–reservations!
—Mary on February 27, 2013When I am deep in the zone, you need to call my name…….. 3 times! I get going pretty deep, so by the third time I usually hear my name
—Jocelyn on February 27, 2013When my children were small I made garments for other people so I could stay at home. I quickly learned to listen with a part of my brain to my kids playing. As long as the sounds were happy I could concentrate on my work, but the second I heard an unhappy sound I could instantly tune-in. I still do it now even though there is no longer children playing nearby.
—Sharon Roberts on February 27, 2013Husband and son have to come stand beside me and talk to me. There is no yelling from the basement sewing corner to the upstairs – I block it all out till the commotion comes to me.
—Kris on February 27, 2013Usually my husband or my son will stand in the door and ask me what’s for dinner….that brings me back to reality, always WAY before I am ready
—Marie P on February 27, 2013When I am in the zone, only the phone can bring me out of it because I live alone. Wish there were more to say about it and I am sure that is not enough to win anything but it is the truth.
—Judy Benton on February 27, 2013To get my attention, you would have to actually tap me on the shoulder or shake me. I tend to get in a zone and tune everything else out.
—Bonnie Meadows on February 27, 2013Chocolate!!
—Joan on February 27, 2013My cat, George, will put his paw on my face and lick my nose. If it’s human, a waving hand in front of my face telling me my ears must be turned off.
—Thea on February 27, 2013Turning off the electricity to my sewing machine…that would definitely get my attention!
—Regina on February 27, 2013Please accept my thanks for the ebook I won from the quirky question. I have already started on one of the quilts. What a wonderful group of quilters you are!
You are very welcome, Missy! So glad to hear that you dove straight in and started a project!
—missy on February 27, 2013~Cornelia
The only thing that gets my attention when I’m deep in trying to figure out how I’m going to make a quilt or in the process of trying to understand the directions is my grandsons. Anything they need I’ll stop for because they are little only once and soon they won’t think they need my help anymore. Love them while you can.
—brenda lea on February 27, 2013This is sooooooo easy to answer. You would/could get my attention when you see/feel the creative process and join in with me. Nothing is so satisfing and fun then to have a friend, loved one, a compadarie that catches the same creative fever.
—Shelia on February 27, 2013One friend knocks on my door with, "Avon calling." I answer him, "aren’t I beautiful already? (when I’m looking like a hag)
The other attention grabber is my cat. Don’t pay attention to his "meow", he bites! Sometimes hard enough to draw blood. If that doesn’t work, there are those carefully sharpened shivs in my thigh. Needless to say, he gets attention.
—Claudia on February 27, 2013The best way to get my attention when I am in my creative zone is just my asking me "Can I interrupt you now" I will be honest with my answer of yes or no.
—Betty Box on February 27, 2013When i am in the creating zone, it is difficult to get me out. Usually I have to finish part of the project before I surface.That generally takes about 2 hours.
—Anna Pfeil on February 27, 2013When the whimpering cry of my two dogs begging to go outside to potty, finally reaches my ears, my creative zone gets shattered. Husband, however, can call out, hollar, and/or stand by my chair and I virtually ignore him. He tells my friends, I have "selective hearing."
Keep smiling,
—Lynnita Shipman on February 27, 2013Being creative does not stop just because you are distracted. Sometimes our minds needs a break in order to recharge, so breaks should never be a problems. Creative juices are flowing all the time, so take advantage of those little distractions times, it may just turn out to be the time you need to charge up again.
—Judy Curtis on February 27, 2013Wait
—Sue on February 27, 2013When I am in my ‘zone’. The best way to get my attention is to offer me desert, especially chocolate!
—Sharon on February 27, 2013When I’m really concentrating and in "the zone" all my husband has to do is to talk. I still get a thrill when I hear his voice after almost 40 years of marriage.
—Barbara Mathews on February 27, 2013When I am deep in quilting it is my stomach that breaks me out of my zone. I have no animals or Children at home and my husband passed away 2 months ago. When I’m quilting, I’m anxious to get enough finished so I can do any hand work watching TV. Unless my sewing room TV is on I will somtimes forget the time completly until I feel that rumbling inside and fially give in and take time to eat.
—ELIZABETH CROSS on February 27, 2013extreme hunger
—Veronica on February 27, 2013The best way would be to wait patiently until the sewing machine stops or I have set down the rotary cutter. That rarely happens. The most effective way to get my attention is to bark. Just ask our five dogs.
—Beth T. on February 27, 2013I just asked my sweet hubby this question and his reply is "When you are in your creative mode I don’t want to get you out of it" Thanks sweetie. and my biggest supporter (financially and otherwise).
—Terry on February 28, 2013To elaborate my previous comment. most of the quilts I make are for charities. I have just completed a project called "Quilts for Benji’s House". for a home build to honor a local soldierwho was killed in action in 2006. 50 quilts were made for 50 beds for 50 combat soldiers who have volunteered to join our army and serve their time helping our incredible army. We have just put these quilts on the beds in the home which has just been completed, pic will be up on my blog soon. My lasted project is Quilts for operation Embrace Victim of Terror, unfortunately this is an ongoing project but it has stimulated me to create and make so many quilts, with the help of my local friends we are succeeding. I also spend a lot of time longarm quilting the tops that many other quilters are sending me. Every now and then I need to pee and eat, and spend some time with my two new adorable grandchildren and family. TerryM, Israel.
—Terry on February 28, 2013Turn out the lights – literally! It’s difficult to be creative when I can’t see.
—Deb Blackbourn on February 28, 2013Offer me a sweet treat that is over on the kitchen.
—Share on February 28, 2013Best way to get my attention would be to turn off the power so I couldn’t use my sewing machine, hide my crochet hooks and needles.
—Annette on February 28, 2013"How about a glass of wine?"
—Tamara Davidson on February 28, 2013Stand at the door of my sewing room looking like you lost your favorite puppy then sit in the chair beside my desk and sigh..loudly..I will look up and say whats wrong.
—Joy on February 28, 2013All I have to hear is, "hey I got chocolate!"
—danby miller on February 28, 2013it’s just me & hubby & he usually leaves me alone-so if he comes in the room i’m curios enough to stop-for a few seconds-ha
—linda on February 28, 2013I normally live alone so it is very quiet. No radio or television. Since I’m used to the quiet, and I love it, anything can break me away. Right now, I’m living with my wonderful Sister and Brother-in-law who are putting up with me until my house closes escrow. The phone constantly rings, so it’s hard to even get into a zone. I certainly am not complaining because they are so good to me.
—Jo Stires on February 28, 2013When I am creating, I have the ability to tune out sound, so to get my attention someone will visually have to enter my line of sight, or if the door is closed to the sewing room, simply open it, again it is visual.
—Pat Salvant on February 28, 2013Pat
I usually can be disturbed by my stomach growling….and it is 2:30 in the afternoon…funny how the body sends subtle messages after 6 hours of quilting.
—Sharon on February 28, 2013I quilt/design with my ipod playing an audiobook with noise cancelling ear muffs on, so it takes a tap on the shoulder or a hand waived in front of my face to get my attention. I’m in my own little world!
—Joni Wright on February 28, 2013I will reluctantly leave my "zone" if the phone rings, I just HAVE to start making supper right NOW!, or the clock is nearing midnight. When I was younger, I could sew into the wee hours. Such good memories.
—Shirley V D on February 28, 2013The phone is what gets my attention. I have an elderly mother.
—marguerite on February 28, 2013I find it fascinating that I can still get caught up in "the zone" at home quilting when I work all day in a quilt shop. My husband has been getting more and more creative in getting through that "zone". Last week he actually fired up a small hand torch from the garage and flamed the top of a really nice batch of crème brûlée. Wow what a way to get my attention! We had a nice snack and chat and then I went back to "the zone", both of us smiling.
—Cheryl Libby on February 28, 2013A great big thank you to all the men in our lives that share us with our quilting obsession and get us out of our "zone" once in a while to enjoy the small things in life.
Food!
—Terry K on February 28, 2013All of the answers are so funny or sweet. My answer is very simple. Yell that the house is on fire.
—Marsha Nelson on February 28, 2013I’ll get so into my zone that only my husband’s voice saying "Dar, time to take a break….for a coffee….." brings me out of it. I really get into my zone when I’m designing a new piece…He always takes breaks with me so that keeps me going as well…plus his input helps too….Have a great day…
—Darlene Krystal on February 28, 2013If I am in "the zone" during the day I am pretty flexible about interruptions, etc. However, I am most often deep in the creative zone during the wee hours of the morning. It is my husband, who rises each morning between 4 and 4:30, saying,"Have you been to bed yet?" that takes me out of the zone and off to bed. Unfortunately the creative mind is not easily shut off and it may take an hour or two to get to sleep.
—Audrey on February 28, 2013Turn on a cd of Glenn Miller, bring me a glass of wine, a tray of cheese and crackers and turn the sewing room lights out and lead me to my favorite chair.
—norma jean on February 28, 2013When I am deep in my creative zone,the best way for someone to get my attention is to call me on cell phone or home phone.
—Mary Arline Smith on February 28, 2013My gorgeous husband swoops into my basement sewing lair with a hot plate of food and a beverage with our airdale bounding beside him. He leaves me with a kiss not knowing he has completely broken my concentration while I am counting my blessings!
—Debbie Toth on February 28, 2013"When will dinner be ready?" That usually snaps me right out of my "creative zone." I love spending time in my sewing room & sometimes it takes me a little while to really get in the zone. But once there, time just flies by…uncontrollably!
—Marge on February 28, 2013If you want my attention tell me my dog has to go potty NOW!!
—Chris Ash on February 28, 2013He,s a malamute and when he has to go – he Has to go!
If I am in my creative zone and just want to stay there, probably the only thing that would get me out of it would be the smell of someone cooking for me…. I get so wrapped up in the creative process of quilt making, that I tend to just grab a quick bite to eat and then get back to work (or play, as I prefer to call it). But if some one has an aroma filling the house, that would just make my mouth water and pretty soon my taste buds and my grumbling tummy would have more control than the fabric and sewing maching….
—Beth Finn on February 28, 2013Send in Watson the cat. When he wants my attention he will either try to climb up me as if I’m a tree or he takes a flying leap and lands on my shoulders. It’s very hard to concentrate with 12 pounds of cat trying to get your attention especially if he is hungry.
—Marilyn Fisher on February 28, 2013Waving chocolate under my nose works or telling me the’ve got dinner also. Just don’t startle me cause I have sharp instruments in my hand and someone could get hurt!
—Linda Pyke on February 28, 2013When I am deep in my creative zone it is virtually impossible to get me out – my family and friends know it and so don’t even bother to try. they know its my "happy spot"
—Susan on February 28, 2013The way my husband could get my attention from my ‘creative zone’ is to come into the sewing room and say "The box of fabric/quilting stuff I bought for you just arrived, want to come see it!!" Gets my attention every time. It works because he likes to buy me presents all the time.
—Sharon Metzger on February 28, 2013With our new home, my sewing space is right in the corner of the living room. I enjoy sewing while listening to Harry Potter movies….when hubby gets tired of listening to the repeat mus ic at the ending (over and over) and shuts it off laughing at me. Usual response from me is will you put in the next one and then he usually says, "Lets go sit on the porch and talk for awhile." Being back in Southern Oregon after being in the desert of Texas…I usually smile and say I Love You…did you pour the coffee or shall I? Another one that always gets my attention is my 80 lb half Boxer, half Golden Retriever dog Dodger. When she wants something and I am involved, she comes and lays her head on my leg and literally begins sighing and staring with the best pitiful eyes just saying I Need You to pay attention to me right now! She gets my attention every time.
—Brenda Ackerman on February 28, 2013Set fire to the house!
—Penny on March 1, 2013………..a cup of hot coffee, a chocolate biscotti and a shoulder rub will get my attention every time.
—Jane K on March 1, 2013Just recently, I designed a quilt with a piece of fabric with a 14″ pattern repeat…something I had kept in my stash for ages. With it, I combined "crazy eights" – blocks from a block exchange, and I was madly sewing with enthusiasm. The thing that broke my concentration was the carpenter who was mounting crown moulding in my living room. I had almost forgotten he was there! I guess it takes a lot to disturb me when I am on a roll, as I did not even remember hearing the compressor of the nail gun.
—Gail G on March 1, 2013That my GRANDCHILDREN have just come to see me. Food and CHOCOLATES with NUTS in that order.
—La Verne Morton on March 1, 2013I really hate it but my husband usually yells HELP and of course it’s not important. Then there is the phone ringing, the dogs barking, the doorbell, should I go on?
—Chris on March 1, 2013If anyone comes into my studio and just stands there quietly I will notice.. Eventually!!
—Jay on March 1, 2013If it is close to a meal, it might be the smell of a good meal. But if I am engrossed in getting something done, it would be to interrupt the stitching-turn off the machine or remove the next step of the sewing process. That would make my attention diverted…
—Loraine Isenberger on March 1, 2013I have six cats, one dog, two daughters, a husband and I do daycare. I’m not sure if I ever drop my awareness enough to truly tune everyone out but it’s not for lack of trying sometimes! Screams always get my attention although the watchword around here is, "If you are screaming, there had better be blood!" Screaming is saved for real emergencies, not because your sister used your lip gloss!
—Beth Strand on March 1, 2013Honestly? When I am in my "quilt zone" I don’t hear or see anything but what I’m doing. Except the smell of smoke-that I might notice!
—Linny on March 1, 2013Someone saying "I just found your stash of Reese’s Minis"…those are "fightin’ words! Also when I hear the garage door open signaling that my love is home from work.
—Rhonda on March 1, 2013Hit me on the noggin.. I am so deep into my creative world that I can not hear a thing..
—Darrell Hardenburg on March 1, 2013My husband is 6′& 7″ tall and he has a very booming voice no matter what. When I am deep in my thoughts at my computer or my machines he just walks up behind me very quitely and in a very natural voice say’s "What cha doin?" I know I’m not alone in the house but somehow it always makes me jump. You’d think after 37 years of marriage I’d be used to it. But after 37 years he still gives me the chills.
LindaKay
—LindaKay on March 1, 2013a LOUD noise!
—suz on March 2, 2013By telling me I really need to take a break since me and the seam ripper are spending too much time together.
—Cindy S on March 2, 2013Wave chocolate under my nose!
—Kathy on March 2, 2013My family members telling me that they are hungry! I love my sewing room, but I love them more!
—Pam S on March 3, 2013My husband has learned not to enter my "office" (tiny studio space). If I’ve been there for hours and he peeks in the doorway, it means "I need and miss you". So I know it is time to stop; I play "show & tell" with him and then can put away my creation until another day.
—Marty on March 3, 2013Mom. Mom! MOM!
—Carmen on March 3, 2013Take one step into my sewing room and wait. I’ll notice you, but won’t look up until I find the point where I can refocus.
—Tracy in SW WA on March 4, 2013