They say that sewing and other creative outlets mends the soul. I've never seen a truer statement. Art is the perfect form of therapy on so many levels. I feel that is soothes the mind, body and the soul. Sew 4 Life's new adventure is adding fiber arts to our platform.

For most of us, well at least it is for me, it just creates a calming atmosphere. I could just get sucked into whatever craft that I am doing and carried away into a whole other world. The most basic of crafts can be pretty mindless and calming while others that are more intensive can still be therapeutic.

Starting at a very young age, I have always been into arts and crafts. I have been drawing, crafting and sewing as far as I can remember. My parents were always showing me different ways to use crafts as healthy outlets and my grandmother taught me at the age of 7 how to hand sew, and I've been obsessed since. But it comes down to having the basics to be successful. Knowlege, tools and the right environment.

An artist is only as good as his tools. This is why I have not only encouraged others to take care of their sewing machines, and those that I have interacted with have all heard me say it before: a clean machine is a happy machine. And of course, a happy machine is a happy sewist! We need to take care of our machines for better stitches and for them to last as long as they should.

But above all, I believe that happy crafting needs the perfect atmosphere to be successful, whether virtual or in person. I have seen many different platforms for various arts like sewing or quilting groups, serger clubs and crochet groups but I am looking for something with a little bit of everything that I enjoy, and I know others will too. I'd rather not be a part of a dozen groups and not have everything that I am looking for. That's not productive or cost effective for me. This is why I have been working on expanding Sew 4 Life and adding a New Craft Space.

The new craft space will be in conjunction with my regular sewing machine repair but with new avenues into fiber arts. Members will be able to choose the activities they are interested in and customize what they want to learn about. I am hoping this new adventure will be successful in attracting other like-minded souls. It not only allows me to do what I love, but I can help others do the same. There will be online content, online courses, a group forum, live workshops and monthly activities. I am very excited about this and have been working very hard to get this up and running. The new craft space will be coming very soon!

Happy Sewing & Crafting,

Erin!

If you could choose topics to be added, what would they be?