A clinical study recently commissioned by the American Home Sewing and Craft Association shows that women who sew (both as skilled crafters and home sewers) have a lower heart rate, blood pressure and perspiration rate compared to women who do other leisure activities.

The mission of the Home Sewing Association (HSA) is to “get people sewing.” Why would they want to do that? Well, it’s good for the sewing industry; plus, it will help keep people healthy. The executive vice president of the HSA, Joan Campbell, said, ” Studies have shown that engaging in an activity like sewing reduces your overall heart and blood rates and promotes relaxation.”

As you sew you are using your mind and your body; focusing on one thing that is somewhat repetitive, yet creative at the same time. It can be better than therapy! Hobbies in general help relieve stress, and with sewing you can have fun and make something useful at the same time.

With some hobbies you have to like airplanes, or hand sewing, vintage or modern style. Anyone can find something that they like to sew. You don’t have to like a certain style or color. You can make just what you like. Clothes, decorations, quilts, toys, the list of things you can make is very long. Then once you decide what you are going to make you get to pick what color you want it and what decorations you will put on it.

There are many blogs, websites, and tutorials available online. Usually a person who can sew is happy to teach someone else about sewing. You know the old saying about “give a man a fish…”? Teach a woman to sew and she can make her own clothes/decorations for the rest of her life.

• Information from: Home Sewing Association Press Releases.
• Another blog post on this topic: Master Seam Ripper by Sewzanne
• Related website: American Sewing Guild
• Sewing Blogs: Lazy Girl , Ten Best Sewing Blogs [according to Slate Stone], 425 blogs about sewing on Technorati [no I haven't checked them all out]

P.S. If you look up sewing online try to be specific with what you want to sew. There are thousands of sites out there!

Answers.com describes talent as

1. A marked innate ability, as for artistic accomplishment.
2. a. Natural endowment or ability of a superior quality. b. A person or group of people having such ability: The company makes good use of its talent.
3. A variable unit of weight and money used in ancient Greece, Rome, and the Middle East.

Next, their definition of skill:

1. Proficiency, facility, or dexterity that is acquired or developed through training or experience. See synonyms at ability.
2. 1. An art, trade, or technique, particularly one requiring use of the hands or body.
   2. A developed talent or ability: writing skills.

What am I talking about?

Lately I’ve had some compliments on my sewing. The people say, “You are so talented.” I reply with a “Thank you.” Inside my head is another conversation going on. I don’t consider my sewing abilities a talent. I consider it a learned skill. I’m of the belief that just about anyone could sew if shown how. Yes, even guys – there are tailors you know.

I can see where an artist would have natural talent for combining colors, designs, and such. That seems different than picking material you like and making some clothes.

So, should I look at sewing as a talent? It’s obviously not the third definition. It is knowledge that I’ve learned. A craft I practice.

Once you figure that out…What about playing a musical instrument? Is it a “marked, innate ability” or a “proficiency developed through training?”