Blessings

Last week, I was in a terrible car accident. Sewing is on hold until my injuries heal as is my classes and sewing ministry. I have a broken left hand, facial cuts and abrasions plus chemical burns on my face. My car is destroyed. In spite of all of these things, I feel blessed. We are constantly reminded to count our blessings in times of adversity but do we really do it? Today, I'm counting my blessings and giving thanks to the EMT who witnessed the accident and rendered aid. To the other witness who had the presence of mind to disconnect the battery so the engine would not catch fire. For the paramedics who bound my wounds, stabilized my heart, and rushed me to the trauma unit. Thanks to the doctors, the nurses, technicians, etc whom I encountered in the hospital. Each day these people cross our paths and turn into blessings for us. Do you count your blessings? If not, please do.

National Sewing Month

September is National Sewing Month so as an ASG member and officer, I try to promote sewing in the community. Our ASG chapter started off by demonstrating sewing, embroidering, and knitting at the Delta Fair & Music Festival. Members worked 4 days of the 10 day fair. Then we gave a presentation on African-American Art Quilts at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens for their exhibit on Ancestry and Innovation- African American Art from the American Folk Art Museum. We will return on Saturday, September 20th to demonstrate sewing techniques for their Family Day program. On top of these activities I have started a sewing ministry at my church one afternoon a week in which I do mending and alterations for church members. Plus, I have started teaching basic beginner sewing lessons at a community center in an impoverished neighborhood. There are no fees involved as many people in this area do not have the means to take classes that are offered at the local fabric stores or sewing machine dealerships. My classes will give them a place to gather and fellowship plus learning a skill. I love teaching others to sew and hope they will gain the same pleasure from this as I do. What are you doing for National Sewing Month?

Labor Day Shopping

Yes, I went shopping today at Hancock Fabrics. I wanted some fusible quilt batting to make some more baby bibs for our upcoming ASG craft fair in November. We have a workshop scheduled this week. I found some beautiful challis tone on tone fabrics which would make great blouses but I passed on it. I try not to buy or make anything that requires dry cleaning and this fabric did. I'll think on it and maybe it will still be there in a few weeks. I can always hope. I did buy 2 Simplicity patterns #8523 and #4881 which will be the basis for some new basics. With the top, I can add embroidery or embellish. With the skirt, there is a choice of lengths plus I love skirts with drape and panels as they are very flattering. Since I need some clothes that fit in a hurry, these were my choices. I do love buying smaller patterns. Along with the patterns, I also stocked up on some notions like stay-tape, wonder-tape, and a new seam ripper, etc. All in all, it was a pleasant afternoon. I ran into several people I knew and enjoyed the outing. Oh, by the way, everything was on sale and I spent less than $20. Love Labor Day shopping!

Obstacles ... Real or Imagined

Are our obstacles to sewing real or imagined? Do we have to wait until we find the perfect fabric, the perfect pattern or the perfect notions before we sew? Of course not. However, often we create barriers because we are afraid of failure. There's no point in sewing if it isn't going to fit is one comment I hear time and again. My response is "how do you know unless you try". Fitting is a lifelong journey as we gain a better understanding of our bodies and develop our own sense of style. Anything I sew (whether it is perfect or not) is much better than I can find in a shop or online. What I sewed 30 years ago when I was in my 20's are not the styles that I sew today in my 50's. My body has changed and is not as firm as it once was. Also, in my 20's I needed a career wardrobe, now my lifestyle is casual at best. A pair of slacks or a skirt, nice top, and a lightweight jacket are all I need for any social occasion that pops up. There are not any parties or formal events in my life nor likely will there be in the future. However, I still create obstacles for myself. As I ponder about this, I challenge you to think about the obstacles in your sewing and how do you get around them. What holds you back?

Yay for Baby Girl

Tonight my DD called to let me know that she made the dance team at her university and will get an additional $500 scholarship. She is over the moon. It will give her an opportunity to travel plus her uniforms and shoes are furnished. Then later she called to tell me that she was offered a job on campus at the coffee shop. It's hard to realize that my Baby Girl is growing up and away from me. Just tonight I was thinking about her first time in choir at church when she was 3. Time really flies and she is gone too quickly. Treasure these moments with your children as they soon leave and go out into the world on their own. We are left with our memories and phone calls.

Called ...

Yikes, what have I done... For the past year or so, I've felt restless and have been trying hard to get my health stabilized. Maybe it is empty nest syndrome or missing being employed. Whichever, I have prayed for something meaningful to do with my days. So I proposed to our church council to start a sewing ministry at our church by providing alterations thru the church and teaching others to sew at a nearby community center. I feel as if I have been called to do this. The vote was this weekend and I have been approved for this ministry. This is a giant leap of faith for me and a challenge to my sewing skills. Doing alterations is a big step as I hate to do them even for myself. However, with 4 retirement centers within 2 blocks of the church and a university within walking distance, I feel that this is a service needed in the community for financially strapped families and students. Have I totally lost my mind or what??? What do you do to share your love of sewing with others?

Knitting

This week I'm knitting a prayer shawl thru a program at our church. Years and years ago, I learned the basics of knitting but have forgotten most of it. I cannot remember how to perl so I'm just using the basic knit stitch. I finished one shawl (?) which looks more like a lap robe and am working on the 2nd one which looks like a long scarf. The yarn is very soft and should provide comfort to the recipient. This is good for me as it forces me to sit and think about "life" issues while I wait in doctors' offices or for the latest test results. While knitting I pray for our congregation in general. I try to visualize which member will get the shawl and wonder if it will bring them comfort. What are some of the things that bring you comfort so that you feel loved when things are not going so well?