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Member since 3/24/04
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Posted on: 3/19/19 7:46 PM ET
Another Washington Post story I've not been able to find except here, so possibly behind a paywall:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2019/03/19/how-sewing-improved-my-mental-health-restored-my-professional-ambitions/

A very nice read... and a tip of a metaphorical hat to online sewing communities.
  
Member since 11/13/04
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Posted on: 3/19/19 8:49 PM ET
In reply to kayl
Thanks, kayl !

I could read the article.
  
Member since 9/1/17
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Posted on: 3/19/19 9:38 PM ET
In reply to kayl
Thanks but it’s behind a pay wall. The Washington Post used to let us read news briefs free, plus any 10 in-depth articles per month free, but either they discontinued the free 10 (one newspaper did and I don’t remember whether it was this one or another) or whether I’ve already read my freebie quota. I do know it’s therapeutic using both sides of the brain.
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Life is one fool thing after another. Love is two fool things after each other.
  
Member since 5/21/14
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Re: How sewing improved my mental health (posted on 3/19/19 9:43 PM ET)
Me, too! It was a nice reminder. Very well written. She really "gets" it.
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Little strokes fell great oaks. On the other hand, go big or go home!

Projects completed in 2024: 3 pairs gloves. Four pairs of jeans. Five custom tarps. A dozen linen hankies. A wool wrap for a friend. Four linen bath towels and 24 washcloths. Two bed pillows.
38.5 yards of fabric out.
  
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Posted on: 3/19/19 9:44 PM ET
In reply to kayl
Wow, that was great! Thank you for sharing, kayl.
  
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Posted on: 3/19/19 9:46 PM ET
In reply to Usta B
If your browser has a stealth or incognito mode, you can usually find an article, even if you have used your x/month.

Basically, this is a young attorney talking about how sewing got her mental legs back under her when she was having trouble making the transition from law student to confident lawyer, and how sewing is one of her links to her mom and aunts in Bangladesh. The step by step nature of construction, the camaraderie of online sewing communities and the feeling of accomplishment from sewing steady her life.
  
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Re:  Perspective How sewing improved my mental health — and restored my professional ambitions (posted on 3/19/19 10:32 PM ET)
Thank you! Someone mentioned this stealth before, but I had forgotten.
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Life is one fool thing after another. Love is two fool things after each other.
  
Member since 12/10/11
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Re:  Perspective How sewing improved my mental health — and restored my professional ambitions (posted on 3/19/19 10:53 PM ET)
I couldn't see it without turning off ad blocking, but I couldn't figure out how to do that. It sounds like an interesting article.
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Mostly Babylock: Ellegante, Crescendo, Evolution, Ovation. Plus a Sailrite LSZ-1
  
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Posted on: 3/19/19 10:56 PM ET
In reply to kayl
I read it this morning. I don't have as severe depression issues but I do know how a good sewing day makes me feel good.
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Re:  Perspective How sewing improved my mental health — and restored my professional ambitions (posted on 3/19/19 11:08 PM ET)
Man, this resonated so well and I have tears in my eyes. We aren't Bangladeshi, but South Indian, and I remember sitting on the floor diligently practicing hand stitches while Mom altered or sewed Indian clothes for us. My paternal grandmother taught me how to sew a button and hand embroidery and always wanted photos of every garment I made. The last time I saw her, I brought the dresses I had made, and she, even in the middle of her cancer treatment, gave me suggestions for setting sleeves and finishing seams. My maternal grandmother was supposed to teach me to crochet, except, she was so caught up in telling stories of HER grandmother teaching her how to crochet, she forgot to end the demo and made a doily She also taught me cross stitching when I visited India every summer, and I'll never forget the hot summers and embroidery wools and unpicking.

Right now, my dissertation dress is the best way to destress with the overload of writing a giant document about my 5 years of research. Even 10 minutes of pressing seams or stay stitching helps me refocus, and even though both my grandmothers passed away last year, I feel like they will be with me as I (hopefully!) successfully defend my PhD
  
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