While Aging, Keep on Sewing….

I’ll consider this post a prequel to The Finishers post where I wrote about unfinished sewing projects that are completed by people other than the originator. I wrote it back in February. The words today are about being happy when you are sewing; not stopping to mull over whether one should stop sewing just because one’s getting old. (Insert eye roll emoji here).

Someone’s grandpa obviously delighted while sewing. Love this image! Courtesy of WordPress free image library.

Here’s what I’m currently working on: flowered poly-chiffon fabric (gifted to me), Simplicity pattern View A.

Barring serious eye or other health issues, there is no valid reason for a seamstress to consider giving up sewing activities. So says Sandra Betzina— she of Power Sewing fame.

While watching a series of Sandra’s webinars hosted by the American Sewing Guild, my philosophy was reaffirmed. Sandra’s outlook is: Do. Not. Stop. Sewing. If it makes you happy; aging or a bursting closet has nothing to do with it. Happiness, serenity and peaceful enjoyment have everything to do with continuing to make fashion. It’s a bonus if you love what you’ve sewn, so keep on sewing.

I look at my self-sewn wardrobe and begin to wonder if I should sew less clothing as I age, and thereby remove myself from a very happy place while creating fashion. Not happening. So what if the closet is getting full?

Will my descendants give all my nice wardrobe pieces to Goodwill? I won’t be alive to grieve, so I’ll keep on sewing while I have my wits, my eyes and mobility.

This summer, I will complete 75 years on this earth. Wow. While I’m here and healthy enough to wield needle, thread and machine, I will be indulging in a lot of happiness-inducing fashion sewing. And, so should you.

Note: About knee health issues — my orthopedist encouraged me to keep sewing soon after knee replacement, reiterating that the leg and foot movement mimics some prescribed physical therapy movements. Yay.

Another note: Having made the above mentioned Simplicity pattern multiple times in the past, I again, carelessly made a mess of the neckline. Time to work on a “save” —- aka camouflage ideas which I will share with you in the near future.

Yucky pivot on slit neckline opening.

Until next time….

Samina

7 thoughts on “While Aging, Keep on Sewing….”

  1. This is a great blog post, Samina — I need such encouragement. While I am your age (-10), I have spent 3+ decades trying to re-start my teen years sewing mojo. Adult life can have a lot more time-consuming responsibilities, and I let other things get in the way time and again (and again). But the peace, enjoyment AND satisfaction I feel (mostly when successful) are largely only found in my fashion sewing, not in other parts of my life.

    It is reassuring to hear these thoughts from you, and if that knee replacement is in your near future, I wish you a speedy and easy recovery!

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  2. Samina, Thank you for the encouragement! I have been having some of the thoughts you mentioned. I will keep sewing. And, those neckline pivots, especially on lightweight fabric, are toughies.

    Lenora

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  3. Sewing is not just about being happy – it’s also a fantastic brain workout with problem solving, engineering, creativity, learning new things (especially if you move from sewing garments to quilts or grandbabies (or vice versa!)). It Totally and Royally Stinks when it’s physical things interfere with sewing – can’t see to thread needles, hurts to grip that needle when you finally get it threaded, standing at the cutting table too long is painful, need lighting suitable for a lighthouse to see, etc.

    I’m looking forward to seeing your save on that neckline. I’ve had that happen myself, but now have no idea how (if?) I fixed it. It would be nice to have an option besides avoiding those necklines!

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  4. Thank you Samina. I enjoyed this post and truly loved the yucky pivot opportunity. 30 years of teaching sewing and mistake opportunities still excite me. Yes, my students thought my excitement was comical but their feeling of success and pride after figuring out the fixes. Appreciate your reminding us of the benefits of sewing and creating and learning.

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the post. Wasn’t a book published about fixing the oopsies? If not, someone needs to write it.

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  5. really enjoyed reading your post. I am retired and love to sew. Have lots of clothes most of which are made by me. I will sew as long as I can.

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    1. Thank you for reading my posts, Donna! I’ve stopped worrying about how many clothes I have as long as I love to wear all of them. Keep on sewing your clothes 🙂

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