by Joan Hall

Created on: September 07, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

I have been asked by many people why I sew. My usual response to those asking is that sewing relaxes me. When I am alone in my sewing room, I can get lost in my project and the world's problems do not exist for a little while. That alone is a good reason why I sew.

Another reason I enjoy sewing is the huge satisfaction I get when a project is finished. Many years ago I sewed simple outfits for my young children. After accomplishing that I moved on to more complicated projects. I found that sewing apparel was ok but my passion was more in sewing crafts and simple home decor. I have made countless window valances and pillow shams to match every room in my house. So when people come to my house and comment that they like my valances and/or pillows and ask where I bought them, I can say with great satisfaction that I made them myself.

When learning to sew, I learned how very important it was to follow directions. Some patterns allow you to customize some, but most patterns need to be followed exactly in order for the project to turn out as planned. Again, there is great satisfaction seeing a pile of fabric and notions turn into a completed project and knowing I did it all by myself. Knowing I don't always need a store-bought pattern to sew things has opened up many more doors. I love getting free patterns off the internet, most just give approximate dimensions, allowing users to customize for their own use. I have also taken items apart piece by piece to use as pattern pieces to make new items. That works well for purses, tote bags and some simple slip covers. I love that challenge.

One Christmas I decided to make myself a new tree skirt and stockings for my family. I showed them to a few people and before I knew it I had so many orders for tree skirts and stockings that I wasn't sure I would finish them all in time. But you know, when that last set was delivered and I saw the smiles of the family I had made them for, it was all worth while. Soon my mother had me working overtime at Christmas making small gifts for her friends and neighbors. The feeling I get when my family and friends trust me enough to make gifts for them to give is overwhelming.

I think one of my most memorable sewing projects was sewing a dress for my new great-niece. My sister-in-law said she had a project for me if I was willing to do it. I told her sure, no problem. Well, there was just ONE thing she said and handed me a box. Inside the box was 50-year-old silk from Hong Kong. This was the same fabric that my sister-in-law's grandmother had sewn a dress for her when she was an infant. I accepted the challenge and did my best. My heart was in my stomach the day I was to drop the dress off. I wrapped the dress in the same tissue paper that just a few weeks ago wrapped the silk fabric. I waited to see the expression on those gathered as they opened the box. This was to be the dress of the next generation of baby girls in the family. The dropped jaws, the hands over mouths and many shrieks of delight were all I needed to see and hear to know I had done my job. THAT is why I sew.

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