Sewing

I enjoy working on hobbies and crafts. To be honest, I think I would try anything once. But in the end, I know I can’t do everything, so have settled on a few hobbies that I really enjoy.

I’ve mentioned Ukrainian Eggs, but most recently, I’ve re-discovered sewing. I never enjoyed it throughout high school and only pulled out my sewing machine on occasion since then.

It was actually difficult to “pull out” my machine. It wasn’t a portable sewing machine. It was the sewing machine of my youth. The one I learned how to sew on. And years ago, it was the best there was. But as the years rolled on, some real issues began to occur.

I eventually quit using it. The only person who ever sewed anything on it was my mother, the real seamstress. On her visits from Ohio, I’d have projects ready for her. I am fortunate. My mother can whip up just about anything.

A couple of years ago, Mom came and, and usual, I had a project ready to tackle. She began the cleaning process on my old machine. It was dirty. It was rusted. It had seen better days. It was time to put this sewing machine out of its misery.

“If you want new curtains, I need a new machine,” Mom said.

My husband, Mason did the research. He then took Mom and together bought my new and improved, portable sewing machine. It is quite the machine! There are plenty of bells and whistles on this machine…almost overwhelming to this inexperienced seamstress (and I use that term loosely).

The purchase, however, turned out to be a good one for me. About 18 months ago, I pulled out my sewing machine and started creating. Halloween costumes, Easter outfits, NICU vests, curtains, pillows, aprons, and the list could go on.

I must say, I enjoy sewing.

But it hasn’t always been this way. Here were my reasons for not enjoying sewing in years past:

1) my sewing machine was old and not functional

2) sewing patterns did not make sense

3) ripping out seams frustrated me

So over the past 18 months, I’ve worked on this list.

1) old machine is gone and new sewing machine has taken its place

2) I’m mastering sewing patterns…reading and re-reading until I understand them

3) okay, maybe this one will never disappear, but patience does help

Old and New

The Bible talks a lot about old and new. Think about your own life. What “old” ways need to be shed and what “new” attitudes, thoughts, or actions need to be applied?

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

And Ephesians 4:22-24  says it this way, “You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of our minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

We need to understand that the “old us” needs to be replaced by a “new us.” Only through Jesus and His Holy Spirit is this even possible.

Patterns

We learn about patterns in Scripture as well. Romans 12:2 warns us “not to conform any longer to the pattern of this world.”

Paul asks Timothy, “what you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching,” in 2 Timothy 1:13. 

The pattern is written. We must learn to read and follow the pattern directions for our lives.

Ripping Seams

Well, this one hurts. The sin in our lives that must be ripped out is for our own good. Without this process, we can never be the new creation God desires us to be.

There is a section in Ezekiel 36 where God tells Israel what He will do for them when they turn from their sin. But the part I love is that He “will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.” (Ezekiel 36:26) When sin is ripped from my heart, God will replace it with a new one…and a new spirit as well.

My new sewing machine is awesome. It has the capability to create beautiful items. But if I never use all the tools available, I will continue to create the same old items I’ve made in the past.

In my spiritual life, if I do not use the available tools, I will never know how beautiful my life truly can be. The Master Creator has offered it all to me. It’s up to me allow Him to do His handiwork and see what beauty He will create in me.

Are you up for some seam ripping?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna