Saturday, September 1, 2018

September is National Sewing Month... It's Sewing Challenge Month at Harvest Lane Cottage




Did you know that September is National Sewing Month? I enjoy sewing, but I haven't sewn for many months.  While going through breast cancer treatment, just pulling out the machine felt like too much trouble. 



When I found the lump, I just put away the quilt I was hand quilting, the apron I was making, my crochet, my knitting, everything. Nothing seemed important knowing that I might not see the next season.

Chemotherapy was rough. It took more out of me than I realized, and the side effects were horrible. Still through it all, I did my best to spread sunshine, happiness, and the love of God with others especially at the cancer center.


Knitting chemo hats was the first creative thing I did. After I knit a couple for me, I started knitting for other patients. My nurse saw me knitting and invited me to come knit with her weekly knitting group. I didn't feel like getting out and meeting new people. When you lose your hair from chemo, and you look sick, people tend to avoid talking to you. They don't know what to say. It's a lonely time. I took a proactive approach and spoke first most of the time if I felt well enough. Fast forward.

A few months later, during treatment, another of my nurses invited me, and I decided to try it. Surprisingly, the ladies saw me as a person not a cancer patient! The group accepted me and befriended me quickly. It was a turning point in my mental recovery from cancer. I began to knit more and learned new techniques. It's been good for me. Tuesday Knit Night is now a priority. Now it's time to begin sewing again, too.



When I sew, I feel like I am doing something that God created me to do. My mother and a very good high school sewing teacher taught me most of what I know. I used the money I received at high school graduation to buy myself a sewing machine. I couldn't imagine going off to college without one! 

My treatments are over now, so I am challenging myself to sew every day in September. Even a few minutes will count. I hope to get back in the habit. I found a local friend to whom I can be accountable for the challenge. Thanks Carla! Tomorrow I will probably mend. I haven't kept up like I should.

I'm going to try to post some photos and write about what I'm up to. I may share projects, ideas, tools, or great websites that I've found.


How about you? Do you sew? Are you up for the challenge of sewing just a bit or maybe a lot each day of September? I'm going to try. I may change that if I end up having surgery this month. We shall see.

Join me?

Laura
Trying to get back to me







55 comments:

  1. Hi Laura, I’m so glad your going to start sewing again. I’m a quilter also and I like to knit and read. Even mending can get you into the mood for more sewing. Hugs,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Sandi. It sounds like we like some of the same things. I'd like to start writing and photographing some of my projects to keep me motivated.
      Be blessed,
      Laura Lane

      Delete
  2. Hi Laura,
    I'm going to try sew some dinner napkins to match the fall dishes I bought at Dollar Tree last year. I bought fabric on sale at Hobby Lobby yesterday. I'm so happy you are done with chemo. I know it was a long journey and the Lord broughht you through this. God is good!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Regina,
      I think that making dinner napkins is a great idea! I need to make some, too. It has been a long journey. Now to heal from the radiation and treatments! I'll have surgery again soon, but it can't be as bad as last time.
      Blessings for a productive yet relaxing weekend!
      Laura

      Delete
  3. I look forward to seeing your projects! I am going to mend a yoyo pillow right now!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good for you Angela! I dream of an old-fashioned yoyo quilt big enough to cover my bed. I tried several years ago, but I didn't get far. I'll bet it would take a thousand to cover my king size bed!
      I hope we become blog friends.
      Mrs. Laura Lane

      Delete
  4. Laura I wish you all the success with your sewing. I knit but haven't done it in years. In Junior High I had sewing one term but did not learn much. You are right to put a challenge on yourself. Sometimes that is the only way to restart yourself.
    Prayers continue for you.
    Marion

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. ​Dear Marion,
      There are so many wonderful tutorials on YouTube these days. There might even be a lady in your church who can teach you. Thank you for praying.
      Laura​

      Delete
  5. Bless your little sweet heart...I am so praying and hoping the worst is behind you.
    My mom sewed and she made all my clothes while growing up. She was so so good at it. I never really learned much, and don't really much like sewing, but if I decide to make something, I have a talk with her and ask her to guide me...I swear she does...and she has been in Heaven for 30 years....good luck on your sewing challenge ...and more luck, no, blessings, as you beat this mean ole cancer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I learned a little from my mama and a little from my high school home ec teacher and a little on my own. Sometimes, I ask Jesus to give my mama a message for me. I tend to talk to myself...and answer myself when I'm trying to figure out a sewing challenge. I can be a pretty good helper. Tee hee!
      Hugs to you BJ!
      Laura

      Delete
  6. Laura, it is so nice to meet you. I am glad to read you are finished with chemo and are trying to get back to doing the things you enjoy like sewing. I wish I could say that I know how to sew, but I don’t. However, I admire the talent of those that can. Wishing you a wonderful Labor Day Weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Pam!
      It's nice to meet you, too. I'll come by your blog for a visit.

      Delete
  7. I am going to endeavor to get my half slip finished! I seem to still tire easily and just am not my speedy self yet after seven months of that sinus infection! You are and were a very positive person despite what you have been thru. You made the best you could of each day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Michelle,
      Have you finished your slip yet? I'm making steady progress on my mending pile and some little projects. I hope you feel totally well and healed very soon in Jesus' name.
      Huggles,
      Laura

      Delete
  8. I'm so glad you went to your knitting group. It always feels good to get out and about. Sounds like you had some great nurses. I was encouraged last week when one of my clothes pin bags won first place at the County fair. It was so fun! I'll have to wait till October on a challenge though the garden is being harvested and I'm canning. I think it's a great idea because sometimes we just need to challenge ourselves. I can't wait for the pictures!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Vickie dear!
      It does feel good to go knitting. This week I also went sewing. Great evenings.
      I'm so glad you've got a good harvest coming in. This is the first time I've challenged myself like this. So far so good! Actually, if I hadn't put it on the blog, I probably would have missed a day or two.
      Blessings!

      Delete
  9. Hi Laura, I enjoy sewing. I am working on a Christmas quilt to hang on a wall in our livingroom. I am also working on chicken pincushions to give at Christmas. I am so happy you are feeling better and feel like sewing. May God bless you! You are in my prayers. Blessings, Glaphre

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello dear Glaphre!
      I think a Christmas quilt would really put me in the mood. I'd probably have to start my Christmas carols early. ~smile~ God bless you dearie! Oh, and a friend sent me one of those chicken pin cushions...so cute!

      Delete
  10. I'm cheering wildly for you! Did you ever finish that beautiful quilt in your picture?

    I'm an embroiderer (new word lol) in my church quilting group. I do the squares and hand them over to the experts for assembly. I do sew at home quite a lot these days. I may do my own sewing challenge in January. What a great idea to get a lot done! I hope you'll share your accomplishments, no matter how small they might seem to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Debby! I put that quilt away. I still need to finish hand quilting it. My husband's grandmother made the top.
      I love that you embroider for church quilts. So creative. January is a great time for a sewing challenge. I needed to get my creativity primed so that I can make some Christmas gifts this year. I'll be sharing about my sewing week later today. If you want a sneak peak, look at my Sewing Challenge tab on the blog.
      Happy weekend!

      Delete
  11. Hi Laura, I loved reading this post....ahhh sewing what a comforting and rewarding joy. Nothing makes me feel more fulfilled as a homemaker than when I'm making something pretty or practical on the sewing machine. I tend to only sew in Winter, as I'm too busy with gardening, soap making or canning in the warmer seasons. I made some cushion covers recently and every day frugal table napkins (which I am yet to complete). I say frugal as I purchased 2 x 5 packs of checkered cotton tea towels, which I cut in half and hemmed. They were large tea towels. One set is blue/white, and the other tan/white. This yielded 20 napkins.I'm quite pleased with them. I also need to get on with making a curtain for the back door !!! great procrastinator that I am. ~ Blessings to you - Linda :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Linda!
      I figured out how to get comment notifications on my email. I'm going to try to respond directly as much as I can. I understand what you mean about feeling fulfilled. I've already knit this morning, tidied the living room, and made some cinnamon muffins. After I tidy the kitchen, it's back to the ironing board to prepare to sew. You've been so busy. I love the idea of making the napkins like that. I've been buying paper since our napkins have worn out and disappeared over the last few years. It's time to make some more. I'll use things I have on hand. Ironically, there's nothing in the budget for buying sewing supplies this month. I have a bit of credit at Amazon. I'll have to use that if I need something.
      For now, I'm going to use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without! Hmmm...sounds like I've started a blog post here. ~smile~
      Have a terrific weekend! Are you seeing signs of spring? I'm seeing just a few small hints of Autumn here.
      Mrs. Laura Lane

      Delete
  12. Dear Laura

    You look so well. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. So good to see such a lovely photograph. I'm not a great sewer but I know if I took a bit of time I could improve. Patience is essential. Love your blog as always.
    God bless you
    Effieq

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Effieq,

      Unfortunately, that's an old photo of me working on the quilt. Unfortunate for two reasons: 1. I look much older, in my opinion, after cancer treatments (still not much hair). 2. I have misplaced the quilt! I don't know where I put it for safe-keeping!
      May I have your email please? I like to respond directly to comments when possible.
      God bless you dear!

      Mrs. Laura Lane
      Harvest Lane Cottage

      Delete
  13. That's a great idea. The hardest part of anything is to get started. When I had back surgery I grew to hate the color of our front room. I decided to paint a little each day and would tell myself all I needed to do was just 1/4 of a wall. Of course I always did much more than that, but knowing I only had to do a little bit helped me get started each day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so right about getting started! I did nothing but mending until I went sewing with my friend to a little quilt shop half an hour away. As I was finishing a little baby blanket I began months ago, I watched her making the cutest bag. Now I'm inspired! Check the blog later today for an update about what I've completed so far and pictures of the three little baby quilts.
      Hope you're feeling tip top soon!
      Your friend,
      Laura

      Delete
  14. I love sewing. I am not sure that I would have time to sew daily in September, but would sure love to do some days. I've been buried in produce, that I am canning and freezing like crazy. Once that is done, and I can breathe a little before plunging into homeschooling my niece,I would like to make a couple more skirts for my youngest daughter. I have one that I just need to hem, that I was able to work on in the month of August. I also mended a few things, and completed one pair of pillowcases for a gift. Although that is not a lot of sewing, it is much more than I've been able to do for a while. Your challenge is a nice encouragement for whatever I can accomplish.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Having time to sew has been a challenge. I didn't have a garden this year or last. I knew with the treatments that I wouldn't have the energy. Let me know how you do!

      Delete
  15. I love sewing, mostly quilts. I hope you finish the one you started and it will hold a very dear place in your heart.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Penny,
      First I have to figure out where I stashed it! It will be for my daughter. Hugs!
      Laura

      Delete
  16. Hi Laura,
    So glad you are feeling like sewing again.
    I have a skirt that I made to hem, four tops to shorten, two maxi skirts I want to make, and I want to try a new slacks pattern. Sewing is my stress buster.
    Thank you for blogging. You are such a blessing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OH Glenda, you are so very sweet. Thank you! I cannot actually say I feel like sewing yet. I'm trying to get myself moving anyway. I think once I get some momentum, I may be able to keep going. Tonight I'm going sewing with a friend at a little quilt shop in Granby, Missouri. It's a darling little place and they have sew-ins on the first Thursday of each month. We have to drive a ways, but it will be fun to get together with other sewists, seamstresses, and sewing enthusiasts.
      Blessings to you Glenda! I'd love you to share your email address so that I can write back directly.
      Sincerely,
      Laura Lane
      Priming the Sewing Lady Within

      Delete
    2. My e-mail is nrvwg1886@charter.net
      I would love to hear from you, Laura.
      Many blessings to you.

      Delete
  17. I didn't know about September being national sewing month! But, I'll join you!

    I'm so glad to read that you are feeling better. It's been 3 years since my diagnosis (I had the biopsy done on Sept. 1, 2015; I received the diagnosis 3 days later, on Sept. 4). I, too, was sewing a quilt when I was diagnosed. I did finish it. And then, pieced two more tops, although I haven't quite finished the second one. I'm currently sewing another quilt top, but, I think it is time to pull out the other quilt top and finish it. That will be part of my September sewing!

    I, too, knitted hats for the chemo patients at my clinic (after I knitted some for myself and they were admired by the others) and, last month, I joined a knitting group at the library (currently, I am knitting red hats for newborns, for the American Heart Association).

    I hope you continue to feel better with each new day. Wish you all the best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Bless,
      What a terrific name! Odd that we had similar circumstances. I was planning to put my quilt back in the frame, but when I looked, it wasn't where I remembered putting it! I poked around a bit, but I've not found it yet. It sounds like we've had similar experiences with needlework. Currently, our chemo center has plenty of hats. Tell me about knitting red hats please!

      I bless you in Jesus' name with strength, hope, courage, peace, and fresh ideas.
      Sincerely,
      Laura Lane
      Harvest Lane Cottage

      Delete
    2. Thank you, Laura. I appreciate your blessing. I used the name "Bless My Mess" when I joined an online organizing forum, many years ago, and everyone shortened it to Bless, so I use that name on my blog!

      I hope you find your quilt. Don't you hate it when things hide from you?

      The American Heart Association distributes red hats to newborns in area hospitals during the month of February, to raise awareness of heart defects, as February is American Heart Month. I found out about it, last year.

      Delete
    3. That's cute! I think Bless is a great nickname. I haven't found the quilt yet, but eventually, it will show itself. It must be nice to knit little red baby hats. What type of fiber do you use? Do you give them to the local hospital or mail them to the Heart Association?
      I hope we'll be friends,
      Laura

      Delete
  18. Hi......I too have had set backs......you don't think you will ever want to do anything again that is creative......so thankful you have life back and joy to do those things He has created you to do!!! Now I know that you will bring even more JOY to those you meet along the way! AS you know the Lord never wastes anything......I have seen it as you probably have time and time again......thanks for sharing your day!! Hugs and may the Lord continue to protect you!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Linda,
      It's hard to imagine you would feel that way. You're so very creative. I've not been by your blog for awhile. I'm going to check it out. I couldn't find your email. I hope you enjoy your day.
      Be blessed!
      Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

      Delete
  19. Laura,

    I just came upon your blog for the first time. I can relate to your struggles as I am dealing with breast cancer which required a mastectomy and months of chemo, which I just finished the end of March. You are in my thoughts.

    Susan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Susan,
      Oh my! We are pink sisters. During my chemo and treatments, I despised pink. Now I understand that it is a symbol of our undesired sisterhood as breast cancer survivors. I'd love to talk with you if you'd like. lauraofharvestlane@gmail.com

      God bless you with divine health and peace in Jesus' name!

      Be blessed!
      Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

      Delete
  20. Hi Laura. I'm so happy to meet you and thank you for your kind visit to me. I am so sorry that you had to go through cancer and the treatments. I am a cancer survivor of about 20 years, endometrial cancer. It was caught very quickly so I was fortunate to not have any after treatments. My daughter is also a 15 year survivor of breast cancer as is my sister just last year. They both had radiation but, thankfully, no chemo. My mom had chemo many years ago and it was very hard on her. I'm glad you are getting back to doing something that you enjoy. It is good therapy for us all to have a hobby that we enjoy. I bought my first sewing machine with the $70 that we got back when Prop 13 went into effect. I don't sew as much as I should as my sewing/craft room is in shambles. I need to clean it up and start up again. I never did do anything fancy though. I am following you and hope that you will do the same..Happy Thursday..Judy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Judy,
      You are officially assigned to spend 5 minutes a day finding your sewing room! I don't do fancy. I'd rather finish a project! You've got some great cancer survival stories in your family. God is so good.
      What state do you live in? I am trying to remember Proposition 13.
      Your new blog friend,
      Laura

      Delete
  21. Hi Laura,
    So glad to hear you are on the other side of your treatments. Creating, whether it be sewing or knitting is so healing. I think it's great medicine and therapy for the mind and body. I did not know September is Sewing Month but I do sew every month....;) I don't know about every day but there are some months that I do. Hope you continue to do well and that you sew every day!!! Linda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Linda! I find creating to be therapeutic. It gets my mind on something and someone else. I am trying to restart my sewing! I've missed a couple days because of unforeseen circumstances, but I'm giving myself grace and getting back to the machine this morning.
      Be blessed!
      Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

      Delete
  22. Laura,
    I'm so glad you found my blog, otherwise I never would have found yours. I read quite a lot on your blog and just want to say that I'm glad to hear you're doing OK and that I will add you to my prayer list. I'm glad your back to doing things you love. I was a home economics teacher and sewed all the time, but now I only sew what I need for around the house. Go figure! Wishing you well with peace and comfort to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're too kind Carol! Today I'm going to sort through my fabrics and see if I have something I like to make a handbag with. I'm trying to work with the things in my stash rather than buying new.
      God bless you,
      Laura Lane

      Delete
  23. That's beautiful! I don't know what you're calling it, but the old-fashioned name for that block is 'Friendship Chain.' Which fits.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why thanks Cindy! I didn't know that. I couldn't find your email, but I hope we'll be blog friends! Do you have a blog?
      Be blessed!
      Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

      Delete
  24. I found your blog when you had discovered you had cancer. I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016. I was in remission for a year and then the cancer came back. I have been in remission for 3 months which I am so grateful for! I'm going in for a scan tomorrow. My Dr. believes the cancer is back. I will have cancer and chemo for the rest of my life. Like you, I want to glorify God through this. I understand what you are going through. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Lisa,

      I'm so glad you found me. I'm so glad you're currently in remission. I speak life to your body in Jesus' name! Cancer die the death and be removed from Lisa's body. You have no right to be there. Lisa, you have chosen to glorify God through this. HE IS GOOD! Find scriptures. Pray them over yourself. Declare the goodness of the LORD. Thank HIM for your healing. His arm is not too short. Jesus healed everyone who came to him in faith. I prayed Jesus I believe, help me with my unbelief.

      We feel such a vulnerability when we are fighting cancer.
      God is Jehovah Sabaoth. (Sah - bah- othe).
      He is the Lord of Hosts. That means he is the one who leads
      and fights our battles for us. We can trust Him and praise him.

      Here's the post I wrote with my battle plan when I announced that I was fighting breast cancer:
      https://harvestlanecottage.blogspot.com/2017/05/the-post-ive-been-avoiding-diagnosis.html

      Here's a link to one of my battle songs:
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQJWT017Jwc&t=0s&list=PLtLedrdljoV1MBgddeb42rJDlEIiani_R&index=4

      God bless you Lisa! Praying for you now!

      Mrs. Laura Lane

      Delete
  25. I love how you are meeting your challenge by putting energy into yourself and your creativity! I am going to sew along with you for the month in support of your journey! Lots of healing wishes to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Elyse! I just left you a comment on your blog. If you'd like me to respond directly, please send me your email address. I'll write back as I'm able. I still have trouble keeping up with comments.
      Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,
      Laura

      Delete
  26. Such an inspirational story! I'm so happy that you are clear of cancer and have started to sew again. Can't wait to see what you make! Thanks for joining us at last week's Reader Tip Tuesday! This week's party is up and live all week long. We hope to see you there...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Jodie,
      Thank you so much. Thank you for hostessing the party. I've made some little baby blankets and mended a lot. I'm working on more blankies and some bowl huggers now.
      Blessings,
      Laura Lane
      Harvest Lane Cottage

      Delete

Thank you so much for "talking back" to me!

I read all comments and appreciate them.
Please make sure I have your email if you want me to respond or pray for you.

God bless you! This life only works with Jesus. The next life is a continuation of this one—make sure you spend it with Jesus. Jesus is the only way to God the Father!

Your blog friend,
Laura Lane
5 Year Cancer Survivor