Just For You

It may seem like an odd question, but when was the last time you did something just for yourself? If your days are filled with running a busy household, working from home, and trying to make sense of the new normal, it’s possible that your answer comes as a bit of a shock. However, it’s never been more important to take some time out to restore your energy: start small and schedule in one hour of uninterrupted sewing in your week to focus on that project you’ve been meaning to finish.

Alone Not Lonely

What does sewing for self care look like to you? For many of us, it’s being a part of a wider creative community. However, if your busy schedule means that you are missing out on the chatter and buzz of your local stitch circle, or you’re feeling out of the loop with what’s happening in the world of crafts, why not download a makers’ podcast to fill the gap?

Brain Training

Research has shown that your pre-frontal cortex can grow in size after practising mindfulness. The benefits? It is said to positively aid how you deal with your emotions, and also your ability to plan and solve problems. In addition, the practice has been shown to potentially shrink the grey matter in your brain’s amygdala – an area thought to be connected to your ‘fight or flight’ anxiety response. So, there is a chance that mindful crafting could be playing a vital role in reducing your stress levels.

Making a Difference

Mindful moments are generally inward facing, but the benefits can also extend out to your family, friends and wider community. You could even maximise this by stitching for a worthy cause when you’re mindful making. It will still provide you with an opportunity to focus on a creative activity, shutting out distractions and taking time for yourself, but you will also enjoy the added benefit of helping others. From joining Patrick Grant’s #BigCommunitySew campaign to making quilts for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, there are so many ways for you to introduce a deeper meaning to your favourite pastime, and get those positive vibes flowing.

Personal Pride

One of the most popular ways to practise mindfulness in the crafting world is to focus on just one activity at a time. This may sound extremely simple, but in a world dominated by constant news updates and social media, it can often prove quite difficult to completely shut out distractions. Why not turn your phone off and simply focus on each rhythmic weave of the needle, or the gentle purr of the sewing machine? You’ll reap the benefits of uninterrupted sewing; suddenly tasks that one seemed daunting become effortless when you break it down and focus on each little step.