John & Marie • Jun 14, 2022

Sewing is relaxing

Interesting statement from an outsider’s perspective who sees you hunching over a sewing machine for hours sewing together little bits of fabric you have cut up. If anything, most people would call that a recipe for frustration. So why do we say that sewing is so relaxing?

Modern-day stress often activates fight-or-flight response, and many of us exist in a constant state of heightened physiological activation as a result. In contrast, when participating in craft activities such as sewing, the relaxation response also activates those same parts of the brain associated with digestion, blood pressure, and heart rate. It affects us positively in that our breathing becomes more gentle, stress hormone levels decrease, blood pressure drops and our heart beats more slowly.

Traditionally, the relaxation response has been associated with meditation. Meditative activities stimulate the structure of the brain’s reward system, particularly the left frontal lobe, which has been correlated with mood elevation. Activities like sewing can release the neurotransmitter dopamine, which triggers the brain’s reward system. This leads us to associate sewing with pleasurable feelings such as happiness and calm.

For many of us simply walking into a fabric store gives us “warm fuzzies” such as joy and contentment. All these as a result of the neurotransmitter glutamate which promotes the association between positive feelings invoked by a specific activity and its sensory cues.

S-E-W the next time you find yourself frazzled by a long, complex, or stubborn sewing project, take a step back, inhale deeply, and remind yourself of the relaxation benefits of sewing. As a sewer the most important thing to remember is that the process of sewing is just as good as the final creation or masterpiece.

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Simply Sewing on Saturdays

By John & Marie • 14 Apr, 2023

Expressions of interest are invited from fellow sewing enthusiasts to join our 2023 Simply Sewing on Saturdays small group of like-minded people enthusiastic to share our patchwork and quilting journeys. We gather fortnightly from 9am to 12noon with a scrumptious morning tea enjoyed in between. You may like patchwork, applique, embroidery, or combining a range of techniques in your project; with perhaps the joy of one or more quilting styles to finish your creation. Many believe quilting needs to be a big, and expensive, activity with the results destined only for show of some kind. Simply Sewing on Saturdays enables members to be part of a quilting journey making project, big or small eg. from mug mats, place mats, table centres, bags/caddies, wall hangings, and everything in between; plus, quilts from cot to whatever size you wish. RSC will have patterns and kits available. Members can also bring a quality project of their own. In essence, the main aim is to create projects using quality materials in a supportive environment where sharing with others offers you the best in your patchwork and quilting journey. To express your interest please click on the "Get in touch" button above to tell us a little about yourself and what you would like to contribute. Note: Beginners (Male &/or Female) welcome to apply. Places are limited so we look forward to hearing from you soon. S-e-w until next time, from all the team, keep well and stay safe!

Learning the Art of Quilting and Patchwork With Marie

By John & Marie • 29 Sep, 2021

Designed as an introductory beginner friendly patchwork program through which you learn to play with colour, explore the art of machine/hand embroidery, advance your applique skill and gain a comprehensive understanding of the basic patchwork stages of cutting, piecing, quilting, basting and binding. This program is for those who would like to have fun stitching along with other like-minded people. The centre piece is a cherished nine block sampler quilt consisting of Ribbon, Uneven nine-patch, Eccentric star, Pinwheel, Heart, Flying geese, Maple leaf, Courthouse and Variable star blocks. It is a great way to showcase different quilt blocks and techniques including half-square triangles, strip piecing and the stitch-and-flip method. S-E-W, don’t be daunted, just take it one block at a time and it will soon come together. To support your endeavours, you will also have the opportunity to communicate with the designer of the sampler quilt who is an international patchwork teacher, modern quilter, pattern designer, freelance writer and author. Several other projects of hers will be included in your beginner package. Primarily you will be using Lori Holt’s “Flea Market” Fat Quarter Bundle complimented by an assortment from the Devonstone Collection Building Blocks Basics Textures fabric range. Limited to 5 participants! Commencement Date: Saturday 9th October 2021 Time: 9am to 1pm Frequency: Weekly Place: Ripley Sewing Centre Contact: ripleysewing@gmail.com or message 0419 948 452