Every time I get talking to fellow sewists, be it at a sewing event or a local fabric shop, I hear the same refrain, "sewing is my therapy". As a coping mechanism for physical and mental health problems, challenging life events and the daily ups and downs of life, sewing is a salve to many. For my February column in Sewing World magazine, I interviewed four women who kindly and bravely shared how sewing has helped them. Although it's a February issue, it's published in January, just after Blue Monday. Like many, I struggle with January, more so since my father died by suicide just over four years ago. This year is a big improvement on the last three so there's progress but it's definitely a low time. I'm OK, just a bit flat and tired. It will pass and years of experience tells and assures me that, but meanwhile I'll sew on. A huge thank you to Sarah, Bonnie and Rosa who shared their 'Sewing as Therapy' stories so candidly.
You can find Sewing World magazine on sale in the usual UK places- WHSmiths, larger supermarkets etc. Digital issues are available at the Sewing World website.
