Looking at beautiful quilts or other handmade keepsakes, you may think the finished product is the primary benefit of sewing. Although bestowing an heirloom-quality piece on your family and friends is one of the pleasures of sewing, for older adults, in particular, sewing and quilting confer mental and physical benefits as well. Here’s what you need to know.

3 Reasons to Take Up Sewing

1. Improves Memory

Designing and sewing activate different parts of the brain, including those that retrieve and process memories. Research shows that color and shape have a powerful influence on memory. Because selecting colors and working with shapes are the foundation of quilting, it helps improve memory as you age. 

2. Arthritis Relief

Although arthritis may curtail activity, staying active and using your hands to sew and quilt can alleviate the pain, swelling, and discomfort of arthritis. You’ll maintain dexterity if you continue to use your hands. If your arthritis doesn’t allow you to sew as you used to, shorter quilting sessions and special sewing tools and techniques will allow you to remain active.

3. Reduces Stress

Sewing tops the list of hobbies that reduce stress. It’s been found to be more effective at relieving stress than reading and playing video games. Sewing enthusiasts engage their full concentration when working on quilting projects. When you’re quilting, your brain doesn’t stray to thoughts that cause anxiety and worry.

If you’re an expert quilter or just beginning to take on this relaxing hobby, Olive Juice Quilts has everything you need to sew beautiful, heirloom-quality quilts. Serving sewers in Onalaska and La Crosse, WI, they carry a wide array of quilting fabrics and kits. They also sell and service sewing and embroidery machines and host classes for all skill levels. To learn more about their machines and classes, visit their website, or call (608) 782-3257 for more information.