It’s time to sew!
Since I started sewing and writing my blog I’ve tried to keep my own personal issues in the background. Mainly because you come here for sewing not to hear me complain. But this post is special because for the first time my sewing life and my personal life have clashed. I’ve entered the MS Mega Sew Challenge! Can I sew for 12 hours – I certainly hope so?
What is the MS Mega Challenge? It’s a way to help raise funds for those living with MS. The money will also help organisations such as MS Plus, who offer advice and support services for people living with MS. Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease. There are different types of MS and no two people’s journey will be the same. Many people are diagnosed in their 30’s – 40’s. There currently is no cure.
So hands up – I’ve got MS 🙋♀️ – and I don’t usually talk about it. There are some things in life you have no control over and MS is one of those things. My life has turned upside down. But I’m also very lucky. Because my life’s filled with people who love and support me. So now it’s time to challenge myself to help other people like me who aren’t as fortunate.
When I was young I raised money for MS by reading. But with the MS Mega Challenge – I choose to sew!! The challenge can be anything you want it to be – swimming, running, reading, cooking, sewing. I’m going for the 12 hour challenge – which is definitely a challenge for me. Tiredness and exhaustion are some of the MS symptoms I suffer from. There are a few that I’ll have to overcome in order to complete this challenge. Plus I’ll be doing the whole thing solo (instead of in a team). It does put extra pressure on – so hopefully I can handle it.
What will I be making? I’ve decided to sew a Sunshine Crossbody Pouch by Bagstock designs. In order to save some time I’ll be choosing and cutting out my fabric pieces beforehand. As well as attaching all interfacings and stabilisers. That way I can start sewing the moment the challenge starts. Afterwards (if the bag is good enough) I’ll be selling it and donating the proceeds to MS Plus.
If you would like to donate to my MS Mega Sew Challenge – click here. I’ll try and keep fundraising to a minimum going forward. Because this website is meant to be all about sewing (bags mainly 😂). Although this is technically about sewing too. And who could pass up the opportunity to raise money for a good cause? When your sewing life and your personal life clash together like this – you just need to take the opportunity!
All the best to you and both of your challenges! Hugs
Thanks so much! 😊
Me too and I hardly ever talk about it either. You go out there and do it girl. I sew when I have time and the energy. Love it and it definitely keeps me sane. Alison xxxxxxxxxx
Thank-you for sharing 🥰. I certainly know what you mean about needing the energy – this challenge is not going to be easy. Thanks so much for your support! 🥰
If you can choose what you sew, choose things that you really love in material you love and listen to music and make sure you have your favourite foods and lots of hot drinks – I am only allowed decaff but I always have some on my table and some chocolate.
Do you get to cut and prep before you get going?
Do it because you love sewing and because you create beautiful things and just enjoy yourself.
If you have some music on you can have a little dance and stretch your feet under the table.
Make sure you have enough light as well because that effects your energy.
I am so very proud of you. What an incredible challenge.
A x
Thanks so much! 😊
Yes I’ve set out on my donation page that I’m planning on cutting and interfacing my material beforehand so that I can start sewing straight away 😁
I’ll definitely have coffee on hand – I did give up caffeine for about 6 years and then realised that life was too short 😂 and some sweet treats.
Thanks I’ll have a good think about lighting. Luckily we are getting longer days for summer – it always helps to have natural light for as long as possible.
It feels like I’m about to run a marathon – except I get to sew instead!😆
Sew for 12 hours? In a row? I couldn’t do that and I don’t have any illnesses that I’m aware of. Are you allowed to have breaks?
There doesn’t seem to be many rules for people who are doing it solo like me. There are a few outlined for those competing in teams. So, instead I’ve outlined on my donation page that I will take a few short breaks during my time. And since I’m making a bag there will be times that I’m not at my machine specifically (like when ironing or attaching hardware). It’s definitely not going to be easy!😅 But sewing is my happy space and I’m hoping that will help keep the pain and tiredness at bay.
I’m planning to live stream it to my facebook (if I can) so people can check in on me whilst I sew. My next post will be an update & will contain more info. 😁