Staying in the Present and Mindful with Sewing

              

I have seen this excerp from an old Singer sewing book pop up several times on social media and each time I read it, I have to laugh. Who does this any more?

The ending paragraph is humorous, but if I take another objective look at this vintage advice, or at least re-read the first paragraph, I can see some truth in those words. 

"Prepare yourself mentally for sewing...
Good results are difficult when indifference predominates" 

The reality is that many of us breeze through our sewing projects with a specific "goal" in mind and a timeline to control.  We need a new dress to wear to a wedding, our pants are all worn out, we need a jacket, etc. The joy of actually making the garment somehow escapes us and it becomes just another task to complete, a problem to solve or a skill to master.

Sewing is like most things in our lives - when we go about daily living, we don't actually think about what we are doing. We let our minds wander to a thousand other thoughts ("did I pay the electric bill?"), rather than paying attention to what we are doing in the moment, especially if we done "it" a million times over.

Mindfulness is about being present in the moment, taking it all in - basically paying attention to everything around you as you do the activity.  We often think of mindfulness as a meditation of sorts (and indeed it can be meditative), but perhaps rather than trying to avoid our distracting thoughts, we basically start to "notice", or tune into the thoughts we have, the noises we hear, the emotions we feel, the whole ball of wax.  Anything can be done mindfully, even cleaning the dishes in the sink. 

To sew "mindfully" would be to fully immerse yourself in the experience - noticing the thoughts you're having about the garment, the environment of your sewing space, the hum of the machines as you sew, or the cat parading across your fabric.

Not to get all Zen here, but rather than think of every aspect of the project as a task to check off a mental list, try focusing on each step or stage as an end unto itself.  

So go ahead...be in the moment for your sewing day.

Think about how you chose just the right fabric...

Or pour over your stash...feel the textural differences in your fingers. 
Take your time with it...

Cutting out your pattern is often a test of your creativity, 

especially if you're a little short on fabric or matching stripes. 

Or are you noticing how sharp/dull your scissors are? 

Taking the time to iron can be so satisfying while making a huge difference in the outcome of your garment.

Are you loving your sewing environment - even if it's only the kitchen table? 
Are you enjoying the fact that you cleaned your sewing room last week after you 
finished your last session? I just love a tidy space.

Perhaps a warm beverage adds to the experience...don't tea and sewing go together? 

Is your equipment nearby...having the right thread so 
you don't have to make a last minute trip to the store is a good thing.

To get into the swing of mindful sewing, start with something simple - 

one of those TNT (Tried N True) patterns you've made before.

Remember, it's about being in the present moment and enjoying each step, not fretting about whether it's right or wrong

Maybe try something that requires hand sewing - there's nothing more cathartic than gently pushing a needle and thread through fabric.

And finally, it's important to be non-judgmental with your sewing. Every seam doesn't have to be perfect, every sleeve doesn't have to be pucker-free.  Approach your sewing project with a sense of gratitude for the day and for the 

opportunity to wear a me-made garment...

Remember, you're feeding your soul.

And in the end, cut yourself some slack if it doesn't turn out the way you expected.

And if you need to put on cozy pajamas to get started, just go right ahead...
it's all good.

Whatever you do, however you begin, however you finish... just be present.

Let's celebrate that we live and sew in a culture that respects the time and creativity we are expressing. It's finally okay to be different. In sharing, we all inspire and actually support one another to keep creating. 

We create in a community that actually cares. All skill levels welcome!

As a fabric store owner, I am so grateful that we have survived to live in these times and to be a part of this sewing renaissance with you all. Thank you for supporting my blog and my store. 

Wishing you warmth, creativity, and love in this holiday season,

Suzan

follow me on Instagram @fabriclady3

email me at fabriclady3@gmail.com or email my store with any questions at info@stonemountainfabric.com

Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics in Berkeley

since 1981

www.stonemountainfabric.com (full service brick and mortar and online pageant of fine fabrics, patterns, and notions)

2518 Shattuck Ave.

Berkeley, CA 94704

Oh the sleeves on this rayon Dove Blouse by Megan Nielson are fabulous!

Come experience some Stonemountain Magic in our Berkeley location or at our web store