1. Landmark study sponsored by Home Sewing Association
Research of 30 women (15 experienced sewers and 15 novice sewers)
measured blood pressure, heart rate, perspiration rate, and skin temperature,
all gauges of stress, via bio feedback before and after sewing activities.
Sewing was the most relaxing activity of the five studied. Sewing is
incompatible with worry, anger, obsession, and anxiety. Sewing makes you
concentrate and focus on the here and now and distracts from everyday
pressure. Sewing is a stress buster.
Howard University/ World Renowned mind, body expert Herbert Benson,
M.D. says repetitive and rhythmic crafts evoke relaxation response. A
feeling of bodily and metal calm is scientifically proven to enhance health
and reduce risk of heart disease and depression. You can induce relaxation
response through sewing. The art of sewing and learning a creative skill
breaks the train of everyday thought. (Obsessive thoughts)
• Sewing has therapeutic benefits (Detroit Battered Women’s Shelter)
• Sewing evokes a Zen-like mindset and is not compatible with worry,
anger, obsession, and anxiety.
• Non-profits are adding sewing rooms to their facilities to create space
where creativity reigns.
• Creating a space/a retreat in which one can learn and create is beneficial
to all age levels
• Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries has documented the positive
transformative effects of adding a sewing room to their facility.
• Great success adding sewing to Women’ Shelters in helping to break
the cycle of violence, develop coping skill and life skills and it is
rewarding to see participants grow in creativity and problem solving
skill.
• Stitching your way to self-confidence, grow in self-esteem, improving
the lives of women while they develop coping skill and life skill, and
explore and grow their creativity,
• Sewing helps Shelter Residents engage and learn basic design skills.
• Sewing engages the elderly and helps restores self worth.