Sew as you go

About a year ago I was given the gift of a sewing machine. It was sleek, modern, and had pretty stitch designs already programmed in. It fashionably sat atop my desk and I loved it. The problem was I had no idea how to make it perform its magic.

When I signed up for an introductory class, I arrived early, eager to learn. But the lesson was almost a disaster because the teacher assumed her students knew how to thread a bobbin and what a presser foot was. Unfortunately this pupil had not the faintest idea of either. Without the help of a fellow student, I probably would have left in tears.

Sew as you goThanks to that woman, many rows of stitching have sung out from my sewing machine since that day. Not surprisingly, I have not returned to take another class. If I do go back, I’m confident they’d correct my self-taught techniques and refine my haphazard form. But even though I have successfully completed many projects, I know I have a lot to learn, and admit they could teach me more than a thing or two.

With sewing, I had assumed you could just learn to sew as you go. And as a result, hours have been wasted creating complete messes because I didn’t consult patterns or use proper materials. In my life, many days have been ruined as well by not taking the advice of someone who was looking out for my good. There was often another “student” willing and able to guide me, but I was too prideful to ponder their wisdom.

With fabric and thread, you can use a seam ripper to remove stitches that didn’t go as planned. Repairs can be made, mistakes can be hidden, and things might even turn out better than before. But in life we “reap what we sow.” Some fixes are possible, but not all errors are easily mended. Permanent damage is a true possibility, and there might not be a chance to start over without harming the fabric of your soul.

Sewing needles are incredibly powerful and equally delicate. People are too. We can be precise or we can snap; we can be productive or tie knots. With every stitch we pierce an irreversible hole that makes us who we are. If we want to finish our task without regret—without damaging the precious thread of our choices—we must respect the process. Follow the guiding of a wise student or teacher, being careful of whom you listen to. Craft your days humbly and consult the pattern of trustworthy design. Welcome criticism, and grow because of it. The strength of your stitches can then withstand the wear and tear of life, and your work will have a lasting legacy.

About Heidi Morris

Rochester Hills mom of three. Loves life, loves family, loves to share new and interesting things with everyone. Contact her today at heidikmorris@yahoo.com

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