How a "Grandma Craft" Changed My Life
10/9/2024
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Let’s be real—life after grad school was a whole new kind of crazy. I had the degree, I landed the job I love, and I expected the constant rush of stress and deadlines to cease, finally. Well, that’s not how it works, apparently.
The chaos of juggling work, life, and the constant pressure to do more, be more, and somehow still have it all together was overwhelming. I was burning the candle at both ends, but it wasn’t sustainable. I needed an outlet, something that wasn’t tied to my job or my to-do list. Enter quilting—my unexpected but oh-so-perfect lifesaver.
Who knew that fabric, thread, and a sewing machine could work such magic? Quilting became my escape, my little corner of peace in a world that seemed determined to stress me out. The moment I sat down at that sewing machine, all the chaos melted away. It wasn’t just about making pretty quilts (though, let’s be honest, that part is super satisfying); it was about giving myself permission to slow down, focus on the present, and create something. I was able to check out for a minute, mentally. No more doom-scrolling or being weighed down by a device in front of my face.
Let me tell you, quilting has taught me patience in a way that grad school never did. You can’t rush a quilt—every stitch, every seam requires care and attention. And guess what? That’s okay! Quilting has been my [not always so gentle] reminder that life isn’t always about speed or perfection. Sometimes, it’s about embracing the process, imperfections and all, and enjoying the journey. Plus, who doesn’t love the feeling of accomplishment when you finally finish that last stitch and hold up your masterpiece?
The stress of trying to do it all was real, but quilting helped me sew my sanity back together, one patch at a time. It became my creative therapy, a way to unwind and reconnect with myself. I could leave the pressures of work at the door, grab some fabric, and lose myself in a world of color and creativity. And the best part? I was creating something tangible, something that I could hold in my hands and be proud of.
Quilting didn’t just give me a creative outlet—I have always been crafty to a certain extent. As an adult woman with ADHD, hyper-fixations are real. For a minute, I thought this might be another one I’ve fallen into. Little did I know that it’s not just another hobby—it’s turned into my passion. It’s the thing that keeps me grounded, helps me find balance, and reminds me that it’s okay to slow down and enjoy the ride.
Quilting saved my sanity. It took me from stressed-out and overwhelmed to calm, collected, and creatively fulfilled. [Okay, fine, calm & collected might be a stretch]
So if you’re feeling the pressure, if life’s demands are getting you down, grab some fabric and give quilting a try. Trust me, it might just change your life—or at the very least, give you a fabulous new quilt to cuddle up with.
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