Hello everyone!
I know it’s been quite a while since you’ve heard from me, so I thought I would come check-in today. If you read my last post HERE, you’re already aware that I’m on a break from sewing due to tendinitis in my elbow. The doctor originally said “no sewing” for about a month, but when I went for my 1-month check-up a week ago, he said give it another two weeks. Then the therapist said that once I’m cleared to sew again, I must ease back into it slowly, like 15 – 20 minutes at a time. Now see, I was ready to go full speed like a bull chasing the matador. I was ready for that first day back, sewing from sun up till sun down. I had my meals and snacks planned and everything. Hahahahaaa! Nevertheless, I will listen and take it easy and slow. Moving forward I will have to take breaks, while sewing, to do some of the stretching exercises I’ve learned in therapy. I’m still wearing the brace and will continue to do so until he says I don’t need it.
Remember that list of things I said I wanted to get done while on the sewing break? Well, let’s just say, I’ve been chilling. Hahaha!!! I’ve done a little here and there, but none of those projects are near completion. It’s okay, I’ll get it done eventually. I do have something very important to share with you though. Continue reading below.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Within our sewing community, you will find that there are many of us who use sewing as an outlet to cope with mental health conditions. The first week in October is Mental Health Awareness Week and Tabitha of tabithasewer.com designed this t-shirt to bring awareness to our community. If you are interested in purchasing a t-shirt for yourself, or as a gift for someone else, 10% of the proceeds will be donated to NAMI. This Limited Edition T-shirt is being sold Oct 1- Nov 1 and is available at Tabitha’s website in the link above.
I stand in support of those who struggle with mental health issues and I’m very grateful that Tabitha is helping to bring awareness within our community. While I have not struggled with any form of mental illness of my own in the past, I am currently using sewing as a preventative measure and therapy after the recent death of my husband. Losing the love of my life is the most devastating thing I’ve ever experienced. Depression is very common in the grieving process. I believe that without something to focus on and help me cope with my reality, it would be easy to spiral down into a dark hole of depression. For me, sewing is that THING I turn to which gives me something to look forward to. It gives me a relief from the thoughts that consume me about my husband not being here. I’ve learned to sew through the pain. I’ve allowed the screams and crying to take course while I’m sewing. When my cleansing moments are over, with tear stained cheeks, I continue sewing. I endure the pain to open the way for healing. I embrace the pain now so that my future will find me healthy and whole. Sewing helps to remind me that I still have life and it is to be lived to the fullest. My husband wouldn’t want it any other way. SEWING HEALS!!!
Thanks for stopping by!
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Dearest Anita, I just found you today! I am a very basic sewer. I make flax seed bags for family and friends and have loved doing that for years. I made it a goal in 2023 to really learn to sew. I made one shirt 35 years ago in home ec. with 2 left sleeves 😂 Needless to say I want to be better at sewing than my previous attempt. I watched your beginner series with the round skirt, and feel hopeful I can actually do this! Then I started down the rabbit whole of your blog. I am sad for your loss of your husband, and yet while I am certain you miss him, you also seem to be thriving. Good for you! In reading your blog I realized I picked up your sewing book when it came out! Furthermore, I’m a licensed counselor and I so appreciate coming across posts like these where people with a large following are speaking about mental health. Thank you for all of it, I hope you feel the love it’s clear this community has for you? Finally, I signed up for your emails and look forward to many projects with you. Warmly,
Stephanie!!! Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I’m overjoyed to hear that you’re ready to dive into garment sewing. Thank you for watching the YouTube series. And welcome to my Private Email Community. I’m so thrilled to have you join us.
Happy New Year Stephanie! 💕
Sorry to hear of your tendonitis. Hope you heal quickly. I have been enjoying your sewing videos. Love that navy skirt you’re wearing in the above photo! Is there a psttern for it?
Thank you Eileen. Here’s the link for the skirt pattern: https://mimigstyle.bigcartel.com/product/high-waist-pencil-skirt-tutorial
I took to paper crafting, making mini-scrap books after losing my husband. It did help, because I had to focus on something other than my grief. I got my friend to go along with me, which helped immensely. Working helped, too, because with 30 little pairs of eyes on me, they kept me going! Blessings, dear girl. Like me, I know you are looking forward to a joyful reunion with your loved ones!
Thanks for sharing Cynthia! I like hearing how others overcame the grief of losing a spouse.
Anita thank you for your support and I hope you a healthy recovery.
Thank you, Lydia!
Oh my goodness, Anita. I LOVE this so much!!!! Thank you so much for sharing and for the awareness about mental health issues for all those who are struggling. So many do, often without any support or reaching out for therapy. Mental health should not be looked at any different than any other part of our body’s health issues that we seek support for. God bless you and thank you for all you are doing.
Amen Sheila! Amen sister!
Hello Dear Anita,
Thank you so much for sharing. Your words echo my feelings exactly. My husband has Alzheimer’s Disease and is now in a long term care home as I am unable to care for him. I still cry for the loss of him even though he was diagnosed with this dreadful disease 4 years ago. I don’t know which is worse having a spouse die suddenly or in little baby steps a bit at a time. It seems I just get used to the stage he is at and then all of a sudden he takes a downward step. so very, very hard. I feel your pain and loss of your husband. I will remember you in my prayers. And thank you for all you share and all you do to encourage us. God bless you and know that something good will come of this. Romans 8:28
Oh Ruth, how I wish I could reach out and give you a huge hug. My heart goes out to you because I know how difficult it is for you. I feel your pain too, sister. I really do and I pray for you too. I pray that God will comfort and strengthen you. I believe Romans 8:28 with all my heart.
Hi Nancy! Thank you so much for your support and prayers. It means more to me than you’ll ever know. I appreciate you.
Hi Anita, please take it easy. Don’t over do it. I believe that God has allowed your gift to be theraputic to us. I try to refer others to your website to see how you teach others. Stay encouraged.
Hi Rosalind! Yes, ma’am, taking it easy. Thank you so much for your referrals.
It’s has been awhile but you look so good. I would like to buy two of those t-shirts. I am survival of depression. It’s true that sewing is a healing tool for a lot of people who sews. I am so glad that God has sustained and kept you strong through out your grief and health. I am just happy for you.God bless you.
Thanks so much LeJeun! YES, SURVIVOR!!! I love that! God bless you too.
I am so glad to see you back! Thanks for checking in on us and sharing with us. God Bless!
Thanks Gwendolyn! God bless you too!
How tough it must be to not be able to sew right now. But do as the therapist and doctor say – you’ll need your hands for a long time.
Thanks Sue!
So good to see you, Anita and I do miss all of your designs. Thanks so much for sharing this with us and blessing to you in your continued healing process .
Thanks Darlene!
Yes, sewing does. And from experience, tendinitis is a slow healing condition. I know cause I’ve had it. Even with therapy. Take it slow! Bless you!!
Yes, taking it slow!
You are wearing this shirt well. I suffer from depression from time to time but I feel GOD placed sewing in front of me to refocus my thinking into something positive. When a project is finished and it was done by my hands – GOD shows & tell me that HE made me worthy! Such a great feeling that comes with lots of confidence. Oh by the way I’m purchasing my own shirt today! Thanks for sharing Mrs Anita!
Yes, He blessed us both with sewing! Have fun styling your shirt.
Hi Anita,
Sewing has been a coping mechanism for me as well. I am so glad that I picked it up when I did. I feel your pain with the tendinitis prohibiting your sewing, I have had a pinched nerve in my back and have been recovering for two months now. I pray for a speedy recovery for you, so you can get back to providing your unique brand of inspiration to the world. Take care and God bless you and your family.
Thanks Brigitte! God bless you too!
WELL SAID,Anita! God uses many avenues to heal us and help us to go on! You have ENCOURAGED SO MANY Today! God Bless You!
Thank you so much, beautiful Dara!
You are an awesome lady. I too sew as a stress releif. I do share the pain with you on the loss of the “Love of Your Life”. I’m going on 6 years this Thanksgiving and prayers and sewing getting me through this. Thanks for sharing and here’s for wishing your elbow a speedy recovery.
Prayers and best wishes !
Thank you so much, Libby! May God bless you with continued healing and grant you peace of mind and good health.
Thank you sharing Anita.
You’re welcome, Lora