Do you prefer to sew with a group or alone?
#62
I really do like to sew with a group. My guild meets twice a year for a two day retreat and I went for the first time this spring and I got huge amounts of work finished. Talk? well of course we did but, I also got so many ideas, tips and so much encouragement from others that I will do this again. We also have a once a month work day and I would not miss them. We problem solve for each other and really get to know one another and friendships bloom. I go to these "events" with materials ready to go and I whiz through some projects and seek the opinions of others. I learned to paper piece at one of these work days. I never would have tried it if another quilter had not been sitting across the room helping, reminding me with the steps to success and making sure I was on the right track. I love working together. In the end, it is all up to the individual. Sometimes it may just be better to work alone on some projects and plan on less for those good together time and enjoy the conversations.
#63
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,929
Because these things will ALWAYS need to be done, and I need to take care of ME too, not just my family and my home. Cooking and cleaning can be put off a day or two, and my kids have another parent (Dad) who can transport them.
One of the things we need to remember as wives and mothers is we are human, not superhuman. To better serve our families, we need to nurture ourselves just as we nurture them. If that nurturing takes form in a quilt retreat once a year, then I don't have ANY problem in justifying it. I don't feel guilty; I feel energized and reinvigorated, which helps me to get back to my daily routine with enthusiasm.
One of the things we need to remember as wives and mothers is we are human, not superhuman. To better serve our families, we need to nurture ourselves just as we nurture them. If that nurturing takes form in a quilt retreat once a year, then I don't have ANY problem in justifying it. I don't feel guilty; I feel energized and reinvigorated, which helps me to get back to my daily routine with enthusiasm.
#64
I'm more of a 'loaner' so I sew best when alone. I do read these columns each day, and scan some websites for tips I haven't seen here....I just like my hobby being stress-free...seems when I did join a group, too much competition and stress surrounded my brain. Was too much to handle.
#66
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Quilting, crocheting, sewing and crafting in my Sewing Room...Peaceful and wonderful !!
Posts: 5,317
Never really thought about it either way as I have done both .. Sewing for me is a sanity release, I create something and it turns out a nice creative piece whether it be a garment or a quilt.
#67
I never seem to get a of lot sewing done with a group because I like to talk too much. It's awkard for me to be with others and not talk. I do my best sewing when I am alone and can concentrate on what I am sewing. Even when I am cooking or doing laundry, I still seem to get more sewing done. Sewing is a hobby so I justify it by doing things at home while sewing. How do you justify sewing for hours with others when so much needs to be done at home such as cooking, cleaning and transporting kids to different activites?
#68
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: missouri
Posts: 3,893
My guild does a Charity quilting day once a month, we love getting together. A lot of talking goes on but we actually get things accomplished. It's a fun day for all. For myself, I prefer sewing alone, I get so much more done with no distractions.
#69
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Keene, New Hampshire
Posts: 4,211
I get a whole lot more done when I load my stuff up in the car and go sew with my friends. I don't feel the need to "justify" anything I do or don't do. Nor do I feel guilt if some house task isn't done. I'm not a housemaid whose entire existence is cleaning, cooking and laundry. In my world if you're not capable of cooking yourself a meal and doing a load of laundry by the time you're 12 you can go naked and starve.
And, I live alone so housework and cooking are done at my leisure, if at all.
I drive r/t 70 miles every Wednesday and many Thursdays to sit at my machine in a friend's quilt shop in Newport, NH
with 4-5 other quilters. We talk, share, learn and sew away.
Having just found a couple of quilters who want a local group, am starting a new Tuesday group here in Keene at the local library.
I get alot done sewing elsewhere with others.
At home I seem to find other things to do in my quilt room - sort or fondle fabric, look at quilt books, reorganize the room, cut squares in various sizes, count how many I have - apparently anything to avoid sewing.
#70
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: League City, Texas
Posts: 504
I just took a Judy Niemeyer Class and I really loved it but have a hard time with parts of it. At the LQS she has Judy Niemeyer Wednedsay the 4th Wed. of the month from 1:00 - 7:00. If you are enrolled in a class you get to go there and sew for the afternoon for free. The lady that teaches these class is a Certified J.N. teacher and the shop is certified. If you are not in a class the charge is $10.00. Considering you get a lot of instruction and help that is a real bargin to me. I have found that I really enjoy going and getting the extra help. I have a lot of money tied up in this quilt and I plan to go as long as I need to, to accomplish my goal. There are lots of quilters that go. I have found that I really love sewing in a group. Everyone is so nice and willing to help. I live in Texas near Galveston and I really love that shop. It is my happy place because I am a widow and even though I work 8 hours a day this is so good for me. So yes I really love sewing in a group.
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