If you belong to a sewing, quilting or other creative group, then you understand the incredible satisfaction of gathering with your tribe! I spent some time exploring the value of groups and guilds recently and I want to share with you. Because you, most definitely, are my tribe!!
Your Reading Assignments
Shows, classes and retreats all offer the benefits of gathering, too. Every year that I attend the Puyallup WA Sewing and Stitchery Expo, my creative heart soars and sings and I go home with a few thousand new “friends”! Click here to read my recap of the 2018 show.
My recent post for the Sewing and Stitchery Expo blog is titled “The Importance of Belonging”. It’s an encouragement to find your tribe along with a few resources to help you in your search. Click here to read that post.
In December a reporter from the Seattle Times newspaper visited the American Sewing Guild meeting that I attend. The Times is doing a series on (wait for it . . .) the importance of gathering! So non-sewist reporter, Christy Karras came to see what this sewing thing was all about.
Her article, “Women nurture creativity and camaraderie at a Bellevue sewing circle” was just published and several of us who attended that night were quoted. It’s an interesting look at our group and those who belong. Click here to read Christy’s article.
Get Up, Get Out and Take Your Sewing With You
So, tell me – do you belong to a group or guild? If the answer is yes, what do you love about gathering with your tribe? And, if you haven’t joined a group yet, I hope these articles will encourage you!
I remember hearing years ago that isolation breeds more isolation and I’ve found that to be so true. It’s easy to stay home, lose your mojo and become discouraged about your creativity. It’s my “tribe” that lifts me up during those times and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. We need each other. We weren’t designed to do life alone and gathering is an essential key to our artful success!
So . . . go forth and gather!!
Keep sewing with joy and I’ll be back soon!
I would love to join a guild or group but there aren’t many in my area. I’ve visited a few but they were not welcoming. I assume because I did not fit the age demographic. I’ll keep trying. Thank goodness for online groups.
Oh, I’m so sorry that hasn’t worked out for you, Ginger! I believe so strongly in making room for everyone in our groups. It’s the key to the survival of our arts! Yes, even though I am a group member, I am so very thankful for online groups. I’ve met such wonderful people – like you! <3