Who takes time for themselves? I used to LOVE sewing. Ok, I still do, but I used to actually sew! I’m just too busy and have been for years. (I’m sure you can identify!)
As a teenager, though, I made most of my clothes and loved mixing patterns together…a sleeve from this one, collar from that one, etc. I could spend hours in the pattern dept and then there was the fabric. I loved walking along and imagining what I could make from all the different fabrics.
After purchasing the patterns and fabric, I couldn’t wait to get started on my project. I remember staying up well past my parents going to bed so I could finish my garment. Quite often, I’d wear it the next day!
When I got a job and then married Mike, I had less time for sewing. I did bust out the sewing machine when I needed maternity clothes, though. It certainly helped keep the expense of the new wardrobe down! I found baby clothes too tiny to work with but I did enjoy making the nursery curtains and blankets.
Over the years, I’ve kept my sewing machine but it tends to only get used when curtains are needed. I actually made our first convention backdrop for HomeSchool ID! That was a huge project but well worth it. We used it for 5 or 6 years before “graduating” to a more professional version.
A few years ago, I decided to make time to sew again. As I was looking online, I ran across the website for this sewing expo, http://www.sewingexpo.com/Home.aspx, and the timing was right as the event was only a few weeks away.
I went to the expo and was shocked! So many changes!! Patterns now had Spanish on them, sewing machine technology changed and they threaded differently and sergers were everywhere – even some of the terms had changed! I sat in on some of the classes and was a bit overwhelmed but still excited to be in the world of sewing again.
I haven’t incorporated sewing into my life like I’d like to but I still have the desire. (Maybe when grandbabies start arriving!) I encourage you to remember your love and make time for it whether it be sewing, crafts, crochet, horseback riding…it doesn’t really matter. What matters is making time for yourself – you’ll be refreshed and ready for family-time!
You can even have fun teaching it to your children. I’m sure if I’d had a girl I would’ve been sewing more and would’ve loved teaching her to sew like my mother taught me. Sharing your hobby with your child(ren) is a great way to build a relationship with them.
For those of you that are interested in sewing and quilting, I encourage you to go to the Sewing Expo, and take your daughters, too. Maybe it’ll rekindle your love and inspire your days!
Happy sewing!!
