Happy 2019!

After a little break from Rose Petal Patterns, I'm so excited to be back working on this project and I'm really looking forward to what the new year brings. Somehow the start of a new year is like a mental reset, we tell ourselves that this is our opportunity to begin again, start something different or set ourselves goals. I am not giving myself any resolutions as such, but I have decided that my mission for this year is to reach more people with the message that sewing is good for you! I want to inspire people to either pick up a needle and thread for the first time, start a new type of sewing project if you are already a sewist, or just to make more time for sewing. I truly believe that creating with our hands has a positive impact on our wellbeing, I know I can feel the difference it makes to me. So I want to spread this message far and wide!

So what is it that is holding people back from taking up a creative hobby such as sewing?
1. Sewing is expensive. False! Like any hobby, you can invest as little or as much money as you want into buying tools and materials. But the truth is, you can take up sewing with some fabric scraps (you could reuse old clothing or sheets) and some embroidery threads which are inexpensive. If you wanted to take it further and buy a sewing machine, entry level machines begin at around £80 which isn't cheap but second hand machines are readily available on Ebay and you might even be able to pick up a really inexpensive machine from your local charity shop.
2. ​​I have to be creative and artistic to take up sewing. Wrong! You don't need to be able to design your own projects or dream up your own patterns. There are so many resources available either on the internet or in books that will inspire you and I think the best place to start is with buying a kit that contains everything you need from instructions to materials. I love making other people's kits even though I design my own now. It's relaxing and satisfying knowing you have everything you need to create the item you want. And you never know, learning to sew in this way may well spark some creativity in you to one day create your own designs.
3. I don't have enough time to sew. Yes you do! Sewing, in particular hand sewing, is extremely portable so you can take it anywhere. Why not do a few stitches on your lunch break or in the car whilst waiting to pick up your children? It's a great activity to do whilst watching TV or listening to audio books, podcasts, music or the radio and you will feel a sense of achievement because you will have accomplished something rather than just passively spending the time. I guarantee that it won't take long before you become addicted to sewing and it becomes part of daily life.
So I've touched on just a few reasons to take up sewing this year, or to fit more into your life. So why not give it a go? Take up the challenge and see if it has an impact on your stress levels and wellbeing, my guess is it will be a positive experience that you will want to continue with.​​