The Need to Create

Today I want you to meet a wonderfully talented young woman, Terri, who blogs at Crooked Whimsy. As a busy mom to a young daughter, you might be able to imagine that squeezing in sewing time is tough! You will get more time in the years to come, Terri – I promise! In the meantime, puh-leeze keep on sewing!

Sewing has always been an important part of my life.

My grandmother sewed, embroidered, and crocheted, among other creative ventures.  I remember running my fingers over her colorful embroidered pieces with admiration, as well as other detailed handiwork that she’d patiently crafted over the years.  I always hoped I could create such beautiful garments and pieces of art like she had for her family and their home.

I recall using a needle and thread for the first time at a Brownie meeting when I was in the second grade.  We were in our school’s cafeteria, sewing little pillows, and mine was a crooked red stuffed heart.  Despite its many flaws, I was so proud of it, and after that experience, I was hooked.  Eventually I started hand stitching clothing for my Barbies and Cabbage Patch dolls.  I loved the feeling of making something out of fabric and thread.  It was so satisfying, and the possibilities seemed endless.

I didn’t use a sewing machine for the first time until my early twenties.  When my grandmother passed away, she left me her all-metal Singer 500A AKA The Rocketeer, and I quickly printed a manual from the Web and taught myself how to operate it. I made a few handbags and loved being able to use something I’d created by myself.

A few years ago I made my first quilt.  I had wanted to attempt the task for a while, but I was simply too intimidated.  Finally, I purchased a quilt kit from JoAnn Fabrics and hand stitched it in its entirety, including the quilting.  It took me forever, but I was so excited to gift it to a family member who was having a baby girl…such a rewarding feeling!

When I discovered I was pregnant with my first child nearly two years ago, I quickly sewed plenty of bibs, burp cloths, and blankets for my little bundle of joy.  And since she arrived last fall I have attempted to make her garments for the first time…pretty floral dresses and whimsical rompers.

While self-taught, I’m constantly learning from my mistakes.  Sewing has always been my escape.  It brings me calm, but also challenges me.  There’s always something new to try…a new quilt block, a new skill, a new pattern.

Sewing allows me to quiet my worries, to slow my racing thoughts.  It offers me an opportunity to turn an idea into a reality, to bring it to fruition.

Since I became a mom, I rarely have the time to do much sewing.  But I still try to squeeze it in during those late night hours when my little one is sound asleep and I’m fighting to keep my eyes open.

I welcome every opportunity to create with a needle and thread because it’s like hanging out with an old friend who knows exactly what you need.

Terri, thank you so much for taking the time to share your story with my readers! You will live through this stage of parenting, and before you know it you will have loads more time on your hands. And sewing might become even more important then!

Happy sewing!

Maris