John & Marie • May 03, 2023

What’s the Point of Cutting up Fabric and Sewing It Back Together Again?

Some years ago, June (Marie’s mum) stated she was puzzled and bemused with how Marie gained such enjoyment and pleasure from her patchwork and quilting activities. June, who herself was a wonderful seamstress, could not see the point of cutting up fabric into small pieces and then sewing it all back together. SEW: Are there health benefits to patchwork? Indeed, there is and following are but two of these:

Relationship Building

While patchwork is often a solitary activity, it is surprisingly good at helping people build relationships. Before our current global health crisis took hold many patchwork enthusiasts would gather regularly in groups (whether in real life or online) with whom they share information and sewing tips.

These relationships are good for us. Our social networks are very important to our health and wellbeing. Social connectedness and positive relationships point to benefits such as better physical health, a longer life span, better mental health (particularly when it comes to depression) and better cognitive functioning compared to those who are lonely.

Staying Sharp

There's no doubt that patchwork requires a sharp mind. From planning the design to cutting the pieces to sewing it all together in the correct order, patchwork projects are often complicated masterpieces. This mental engagement is part of what draws people to patchwork. Many of our past participants would comment on how patchwork gave them the opportunity to learn new skills and challenge themselves. This mental engagement helped them feel good about their abilities and boost their confidence.

Conclusion

If you've been tempted to start learning the art of patchwork, then grab some scissors and fire up that sewing machine! Patchwork is a great pastime that can provide enjoyment, engagement, and everlasting benefits!

< Older Post Newer Post >

Read Our Recent Post

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