News — mindfulness
What's the big deal with these old sewing machines anyway?
Posted by Marie Bruce on

You may have noticed I have a slight obsession with vintage sewing machines. The old metal ones. You know, the one your nan/mum/great auntie used to have. Funnily enough, although I hear that from pretty much everyone I talk to about my machines I never hear “my grandfather used to have one of those.” That's because sewing machines have traditionally been seen as a woman’s thing and therefore they aren't valued in society as much as a classic car is, for example. I firmly believe that sewing machines are a part of the story of women in recent history and...
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- Tags: anxiety, creative benefits, creativity, depression, Feminist sewer, give it a go, Handcrank, learn a new skill, meditation, mental health, mindfulness, My repair shop, new hobby, remade reloved, Remadere reloved, Repair shop, Restoration, Sewing machines, Singer, traditional skills, Treasure not trash, Vintage, Womens history
Creativity and mental health
Posted by Eleanor Bruce on

Most people take up crafting as a simple hobby, something to occupy their free time. A few will take up a craft because it's relaxing. Everyone has their own reasons for taking up a new hobby. But few of us begin crafting with the intention of addressing mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, and yet, as you may have discovered already, that’s one of the biggest benefits of giving yourself the opportunity to be creative. The research world is catching on, and now there’s plenty of evidence showing the amazing outcomes people have experienced as a result of...