The Modern Sewcialites includes a Block-of-the-Month. January's block was our word for the year. Rather than a word, I chose a phrase "DO IT". Meaning if I want to do something, I just need to go for it, put myself out there and take risks, whether it is creatively or in other parts of my life. I lost my mom in August to a (short) 9 month battle with leukemia and she lived her life, both before and during her disease, with bravery and independence. She did things like travel across the country solo, buy a log cabin, etc. and I’m so glad she marched to the beat of her own drum. I learned that if you want to do something, don’t put it off. Too often, I go the safe route. I want to make 2018 a year of action and bravery for myself! More to come on that!
For February, we made this sweet heart block, and Stephanie prompted us to think about and discuss what we love about sewing and being creative. For me, that is a story that has evolved over time. In junior high school, I took home-ec class because my grandma did, my mom did and my sister did, and it was just the thing to do. In 2009, I started sewing again after being inspired by my cousin who had fallen for the modern quilting movement. At the time, I was mom to a 4 year old and desperately needed a creative outlet, something that was "mine".
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| One of my first garments when I started sewing again. Circa 2009! |
I promptly dove in, buying up fabric and patterns, and taking over the dining room. I dabbled in a little bit of everything, mostly clothes and bags and small items. I started this blog to document my projects. My attention to sewing ebbed and flowed over the years and really picked up in the last four to five. I found a group locally that connects me to others. I became active on Instagram which keeps me engaged and in awe of the goodness of creative makers out there. Then a few years ago, I finally tried quilting. A previous post chronicled that initial journey.
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| A Mothers Day gift for Mom. |
The past year and a half, sewing has taken on a new role - still a creative outlet, still something that is "mine", still providing a way to connect to others. However, I now recognize sewing as therapy. It drives something in me, the playing with color and shape and producing beautiful work. While my mom was sick and in treatment and eventually, in hospice, it gave me an escape. And after a long day or week at work, I'm ready for some creative time. Since my mom passed, it has been somewhat healing to my soul.
And, this is why I sew.
