The most common reason we hesitate when given a chance to express ourselves creatively is our fear of other people’s negative opinions, says Harvard psychologist Ellen Langer.

In her book On Becoming an Artist, Dr Langer says it is hard to try something without knowing the outcome but from a creative perspective, not knowing the outcome is actually preferable. And it is important to remember that the evaluations of others – both good and bad – are not really objective and needn’t shape our choices.

“Evaluation is central to the way we make sense of the our world; almost all of our thoughts are concerned with whether what we or others are doing or thinking is good or bad … If a change in our attitude about evaluation is to happen, the most important understanding we need to gain is that all behaviour makes sense from the actor’s perspective or the actor wouldn’t do it.” 

She says most of us fail to engage in creative endeavours as meaningfully as we might, or even decline to involve ourselves in them altogether, because the risk of making mistakes is too great. But if we don’t begin with a rigid plan, it is hard to make a mistake.

I’m putting myself out there on a creative journey this year with my Sew it Again project, uncovering the burgeoning pile of waste clothing being generated by society’s fast-fashion consumption habits and exploring ways to upcycle it for a second life.

Upcycling appeals on many levels because it is useful, mindful, resourceful and playful. Most people get the message about consumption overload but few invest energy and time in turning the tide. I’m putting it out there because my instincts, education and training are telling me it is a good step to be taking – and I’m delighted the Coolah community of New South Wales is currently showing my Upcycled exhbition at Pandora Gallery.

Sew 129 is a $5 reject cream woolly knit which has embroidered flowers and bobbles that still hold appeal but date the jumper to about 1990s. I cropped the body into a jumper skirt by turning inside out, leaving the bottom portion intact and cropping in from about halfway up to the hip/waist line. The jumper had a round neck, which I followed to become the curved waistline. I added a waistband cut from a less bulky jumper and inserted narrow elastic. The sleeves become leggings which can be pulled up if its really cold, but relax around the angles when not. Gallery volunteer Robyn named it an ‘eskimo look’.