What sewing means to me

Back in 2017 I came across Naomi Clarke on Instgram. At the time, she was studying for an MSc in Social Work Research at the University of Bristol. As part of her MSc she was doing a research project about younger people’s (18-40 years of age, I got in under the wire!) experiences of sewing as a hobby exploring people’s stories. As I took part in Naomi’s research, it really got me thinking about exactly what sewing meant to me.

The seed was sewn

From a young age I loved creating, especially making furniture for my dolls, and learning cross stitch, patchwork and knitting. Even as a young teenager I enjoyed keeping my hands busy with cross stitch and patchwork and got a real kick out of making something and even more from gifting it to someone.  That feeling never really left me and once I had my children the need to sew became stronger.

When I was young I started sewing because my Mum and Granny both did and they taught me how to sew, knit and crochet. As an awkward teenager it just became something that I was naturally drawn to and really enjoyed doing cross stitch and patchwork (what I now know is called English Paper Piecing or EPP for short) and in my late teens started making my own clothes with my Mum’s help. It wasn’t really something I shouted about as I felt that sewing in the 1990’s, unlike now, was not a cool hobby to be doing!

Boosting my mental health

As a stay at home Mum, sewing became a really important part of my life – once Twin 1 & 2 started taking regular naps I used that time to do hand sewing and it benefited my mental health massively. Before I really knew what mindfulness meant, it gave me a chance to slow down, still my mind and be just in that moment. Now I feel that the need to sew and to create is still so important to me and in particular hand sewing and sewing my own clothes have a big positive impact on my mental health.

And it was sewing which started to help me build my confidence once Twin 1 & 2 started at Little Hearts Nursery. I started volunteering there doing sewing and craft sessions with the children once a week.  That led to me doing a session for Mum’s and Grandparents of children at the nursery and I loved doing these sessions so much, What Katy Stitched was born.

Making connections

The connection I feel when I sew, knit or crochet, to my Mum and Granny is so strong and I especially think a lot about my Granny and I wish I could show her what I have sewn, if she was still here I think she would be so happy to see me making. Sewing has also led me to meet so many lovely people through local sewing groups and Instagram. Not only do I feel that just sewing itself has a positive impact on my mental health but I feel that the feeling of there being a community (both online and in real life) adds to this massively.

I’d love to hear from you on what sewing (or crafting in general) means to you…either add a comment below or get in touch with me by email , on Facebook or on Instagram.