Sewing can build self-esteem, give a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, build friendships, and help those less fortunate.
While many of us feel like there aren’t enough hours in a day, month, or year to get everything on our list done, it’s important to carve out some time to relax and help those who are less fortunate, elderly, vulnerable, underprivileged. employees, or those serving abroad. Sewing and crafts have been shown to give people a sense of relaxation and accomplishment, with charity sewing being the most rewarding activity of all.
Sewing caps for hospitalized babies or premature babies, warm coats or blankets for the homeless, a stuffed animal for an orphanage, or a pretty Christmas dress for a girl who might not otherwise have this opportunity available can bring joy and fulfillment to your life. The warm fuzzy feeling you get when you think about how her gift helps the baby who is fighting for her life will reward you a thousand times over for her time and money. Many volunteer seamstresses insist that they get more from what they do for others than from what they contribute; these small gestures give a sense of purpose, and that alone is priceless.
Sewing to create unique and special gifts it’s another chance to give to others while still receiving a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Many long for the good old days when gifts were made by hand, treasured, and passed down from generation to generation. Perhaps sewing a quilt to pass down the generations is a start to reinventing the art of sewing in your family. Create beautiful gifts for the upcoming holidays and start or restart a family tradition.
Sewing can reduce tension and also build meaningful friendships.. There are many people who love the idea of using their geometric skills to cut and fit pieces together, some who are perfect for color coordination and others who excel at putting it all together. Join a local sewing club, take a few classes to learn new skills or brush up on some that have gotten dusty, or get together with some friends for a fun Friday night to form your own think tank for upcoming projects or charity work. You can find women (or even men) ranging in age from their teens to their 80s who may be teachers, housewives, farmers, lawyers, engineers, or doctors, all gathered to make quilts for needy and abused women and children, the developmentally disabled or elderly. Many enjoy being together, discussing things that are important to them in their own community or in the world, and creating a beautiful masterpiece, all while building friendships and doing good will. You can come together to work on your own projects or work as one to sew and assemble a larger piece for a church, school, or charity while talking, laughing, sharing stories, or just paying attention.
Times have changed in the sewing market. It used to be that stores had a minimal number of quilting books and patterns. Now most newsstands carry several magazines that cater to quilters, with several hundred different book titles published over the years. And then there is the internet with just about everything one can think of when it comes to sewing, fabrics and ideas.
So if you feel the need for a project, consider sewing for a charity or giving creative, personalized gifts. You may find that it will give you a sense of accomplishment, a rewarding experience, and a bridge between bonds and friendships.