What's your ideal sewing environment? Are you a social seamstress, or do you prefer having a space all your own? I used to be a sewing hermit. When I was sewing, I wanted the house all to myself. I'd find something good on TV and spend the day blissfully alone with my sewing project.

I had an attitude change recently when one of my sister's nieces (who doesn’t know how to sew) asked me to help her with a sewing project. She wanted to add machine embroidery to a purchased sweatshirt as a gift for her friend. I showed her how to do the embroidery. It was very cool to see how enthusiastic she was about the process. So naturally I offered to teach her how to sew. She was really excited about that as well.

As much as I love holing up at home to sew all day and watch reruns, I'm beginning to enjoy sharing sewing with other people. I especially love showing a new person how to sew. Their excitement is so contagious that it ends up inspiring me as well.

I encourage all of you to find someone to sew with; whether it's a family member or a friend. You'll be pleased with how rewarding and inspiring it can be. And you just might find yourself adjusting your attitude.

AMY STALP, EDITOR

Appeared in:

Sew Simple Vol 9