My Journey

Hello there and welcome!  I'm so glad you stopped by!

I've been reading blogs for years and something caught my attention a few weeks ago.  Many bloggers were talking about "Sewing Heals."  I think most of the discussion was towards mental health healing, but then I got to thinking about it more.  The healing from sewing for me was after divorcing and raising 3 children on my own.  I remember having a knot in my stomach and throat all the time.  I'm talking for months, even years.  The only time I ever found peace was when I was sewing.  I was able put aside feelings of anxiety about how I was going to make it on my own with 3 children, the desperation of providing for them and the hopelessness of digging myself out of the financial hole I was in.

When my kids were younger, I always scrapbooked.  I loved looking at the photos and telling a story, but during the time of my divorce and going back to work full time, I didn't find any joy in telling stories on beautiful papers.  I finally dug out my old sewing machine that my Mother had given me and started sewing.  I had sewn years before - mostly quilts and play clothes for my kids.  I found that sewing started to bring me joy and satisfaction.

The first couple of years (and even now), the garments I create aren't always well fitting and beautiful, but I feel so good about creating those garments.  I've decided to challenge myself moving forward.  I'd like to create a handmade wardrobe.  It's not a RTW Fast (although I love the thought of that), but more of a personal challenge to learn about fitting and techniques.  I'm not proclaiming to never buy another item of clothing (although it's been a long time since I've been to a mall or even a TJ Maxx!)  Thoughts of creating a wardrobe of clothing full of fabrics and designs that I choose makes me smile.

I'm also challenging myself to chronicle my journey so that I can see how I'm improving and connect with other sewists.

Stay tuned!