I had an epiphany the other day, while I was on the phone with a friend. I was talking through a recent bout with icky anxiety–the kind that makes you unreasonable when friends give you advice, and makes you want to shove your head in the sand and pretend there isn’t any work to do and that all will be well if you just ignore anything uncomfortable and unpleasant. It had taken me a solid 72 hours to get through it, and coming out the other side I realized I was feeling so much better. More calm, more logical, less quick-to-flip-out. Good feeling, this not being a crazy lady. And as she was commenting on how much more together I sounded, I realized that it was because I’d spent a big chunk of the intervening time sewing. So simple.
It’s hard to balance the tasks each of us has on our plates, but I sort of recognized at last that the times when I spend most of my day on administrative tasks are the times when I begin to feel overwhelmed and out-of-sorts and snappish and irritated and grumpy. But the times when I’m able to spend part of my day–even just a small part–in front of the machine, making something, producing a finished project or something akin to one (even a single quilt block will often do the trick), those are the times when I seem to be able to weather any storm and radiate calmness to all those around me.
OK, maybe not radiate. But I’m totally less of a loon, that’s for sure.
So if I’ve been quiet here these past few days, that’s why: I’m making an effort to sew more and give myself that little break, so I can keep myself on an even keel. Like exercising to release those endorphins. But with needle and thread.
I have some delicious bundles of fabric waiting for me, and some really fun works-in-progress that I can’t wait to get back to. Balance is such a tricky thing. Maybe if I load up one side of the scale with fabric, it will help to level out the paperwork. Probably wouldn’t hurt to do some actual exercising, too. Assuming I can figure out how to sew while I’m running. There’s probably a way, right?
marsi
March 14, 2011 at 6:03 pmyes, i most definitely have a similar experience when i can spend even a few minutes a day sewing up something. but is it possible to be in total bliss while feeling a little bit of guilt for not rushing over to attend the other anxiety-producing tasks?
btw….i love your collection of heather ross fabrics.
Clover@farrbetterlife
March 14, 2011 at 7:04 pmI too wish I could figure out how to exercise and sew at the same time. It seems I get one or the other but not both and these days I really need both.
Wish I knew how to quilt. Your WIP are beautiful.
Emily
March 14, 2011 at 8:11 pmI recently discovered your blog when searching for a tutorial on flat-felled seams, and am just enchanted with every entry. You have a wonderful voice – and I’m so glad you are sharing your sewing knowledge and adventures with us. Sorry about the recent anxiety – I hope it’s passed and that you find the situation more manageable – it looks like you were wonderfully productive in the sewing room – how fabulous to have such a beautiful outlet for trying times.
Andria
March 14, 2011 at 8:23 pmSo true- I always feel better if I have made something tangible in a day. I could have paid all my bills, made appointments I’ve been putting off, or done eight loads of laundry but it never feels as good as holding something I’ve mad in my hands.
Janimal
March 14, 2011 at 8:26 pmYES! Sewing is such a stress reliever. My husband notices it too. I relax just opening the door to my sewing room.
Gorgeous fabrics, whatever you are making will be beautiful.
liveacolorfullife
March 15, 2011 at 1:11 amI so (sew) wish I had gotten some of that HR fabric on Spoonflower.Just enough for hexies–yours are too cute!
Molly
March 15, 2011 at 1:57 pmMmmmmm, I feel calmer already just reading this. I’m off to sew!!!
Rachel at Stitched in Color
March 15, 2011 at 9:25 pm“Like exercising to release those endorphins. But with needle and thread.” Oh, that sounds just right!
Your Laura Gunn block is so lovely. Glad you’re taking some time to sew. Well deserved!