Quilts & More - USA (2020 - Summer)

Take Action

Check out our video

on healthy sewing.

Go to AllPeopleQuilt

.com/853 to watch a video

that goes into more detail

on how to set up your

sewing space to promote

safe and productive sewing.

Learn some new stretches.

Getting up and stretching

will help alleviate a

multitude of aches and

pains in the body, and it will

keep you limber for longer

periods of sewing. Search

online for some simple

hand and back stretches

that you can implement

right in your sewing room.

Always remember to stretch

within your limits and tailor

your stretching routine to

fit your individual needs.

Actively engaging in crafts, including sewing and quilting, can improve

hand-eye coordination. It can also help fend off dementia and keep your

fingers nimble as you age.

Social involvement and community are important for mental health.

Quilting groups that share your interests can help you forge healthy

relationships.

Sewing can help you lower your blood pressure and maintain a healthy

heart. The stress-relieving qualities have physical health benefits as well

as mental health benefits.

Did you know?

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I stopped worrying about perfection and

learned to focus on just being happy that I

finished a pattern or learned a new skill.

— Kelli Marshall, designer of Pop Star on page 64

To keep sewing

stress free, I try

to clean up after

myself as I go. I’m

not perfect and

things are still a

bit messy, but it

is so much nicer

to sew without

piles of fabric and

scraps cluttering

the table.

— Leila Gardunia, designer of

Take a Spin on page 34

Sew Healthy

Don’t forget the small safety

things—make sure cords aren’t

running across the room, tie

back your hair if you keep it

long, and use a magnetic wand

to pick up any stray pins on

the floor.

Be careful with rotary cutters.

They are sharp and it can be

easy to have an accident should

one be left open or if old blades

aren’t covered before they are

thrown in the trash. Always

cut away from you and make

sure the blade stays firmly

against the acrylic ruler so that

it doesn’t jump.

Quilting should never be painful.

If you find you are getting

mysterious aches and pains,

stop and evaluate your sewing

habits. Try changing habits one

by one until you can determine

what the cause is. When in

doubt, take more breaks!

Overall Health

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