Creative Calm Connected: I’m sew excited!

You may have noticed that this year I have not been blogging as much as last year. You can blame Santa!! For Christmas 2015, Santa bought me a sewing machine. I had wanted one for a long time, and when I finally got one, I didn’t really know what to do or where to start. So the poor love stayed in the box for a good 7 months or so.

But then, one day, I opened the box and discovered a love of sewing that cannot be stopped!

I have enjoyed making things for myself and others, and particularly like sewing bags. I have tried sewing a number of different things – a basic quilt, some zippered pouches, long kaftans for my Aunties, handbags for a couple of Christmas presents, a costume for my son for the Nativity play, tote bags, aprons, pencil cases, library bags and more! I just cant stop! I love to sew. I particularly love the part where you are just about to finish the new creation. Seeing it come to life is so satisfying. I also love that I get totally immersed in the work. I tend to sew when my daughter is in bed in the afternoon, so the house is quiet, and I just get lost in the moment. For me, it is almost meditative.

That sewing machine has worked its little heart out. And then she broke! The hunt began for a new machine, something that I was prepared to invest in, that would make life easier while sewing, that would take this new creative interest to new heights.

Last week, she arrived!

I loved sewing before, but now – my goodness! It feels almost like going from driving an old rusty Datsun 180B to driving a top of the line Lexus! This new machine is so easy to use. It almost does the sewing for me. I love that it is super quiet, so smooth, and has beautiful features like being able to sew words, pretty stitches, a large workspace and fantastic LED lights.

The first thing I sewed on her is this beautiful bag and zippered pouch for my Mum. Complete with a message on the interior pocket, so that each time she uses her bag, hopefully Mum thinks fondly of me.

In this new habit, I get to work with pretty fabrics that make me feel good when I look at them. With a bit of research (I’m teaching myself to sew!), a bit of skill, and a pinch of love and concentration, I get to turn a plain piece of fabric into something useful, with a whole other purpose. And that feels pretty good. In a couple of weeks I’m doing a workshop where I will learn how to make the bags I sew look more professional. Who knows what that will lead to! I have no intention of stopping any time soon. When you find something that lights you up and brings so much joy, you must be on the right track.