Mental health is becoming more into focus within the media. I felt impassioned to write this mini blog. For those that normally follow my blogs. They know that I look at ways to enjoy this wonderful world of textiles without breaking the bank.

I was bored the other day so I figured I would see what was on offer over on those television-crafting channels, the presenter introduced a new – named designer – range, total cost for ten meters of this fabric £159.95. No wonder people who want to start this hobby think it is for the super rich and very elite. In my current financial situation, had I just been starting out and wanting to learn this craft; I would have chosen to venture no further. Over the years, I have been able to acquire a good sewing range of items, such as sewing machines, embroidery machines, fabric and notions. These are now my lifelines.

Yes, there is a market out there for good quality designer fabric. However, for the novice this can be very off putting. Thank heavens for Aldi and Lidi, they along with other brands have made crafting more affordable. Not to mention my favorite, those charity shops –thrift-stores – great for bargains.

I digress and must get off my soapbox. Thus, returning to the topic at hand.

There are many forms of windows. For example; the eyes are said to be the windows to the soul, the windows in your home and electronic devices are windows to the World Wide Web.

If you are reading this then you already have access to the Web. It is great. Pour yourself a beverage and come in through the window for a chat.

I am currently in a situation where we are struggling to make ends meet on a very serious scale. My husband works full time; I however, cannot work due to my health and disability. I am not after a pity party. It currently is what it is. This has now left me lonely and housebound.

Social media gets a certain amount of negative press, and blamed regularly for the lack of social personal interaction within today’s young people.

My family – my husband, 21-year-old daughter, 17-year-old daughter and myself – are guilty of using our phones while waiting for meals at restaurants. However, once food has arrived we laugh share and enjoy each other’s company. Nevertheless, to anyone watching we must appear very rude. My youngest has Aspergers, she cannot handle social situations, my eldest is like myself and enjoys the endless quest for knowledge; my husband works full time and catches up with friends because he’s too tired when he comes home during the week. If I am not on the internet learning then I am on the internet teaching or guiding others.

Although I had been sewing for over twenty years on and off, before I purchased my first embroidery machine, I found myself on a new learning curve.

The internet was great. I joined Facebook groups tailored for my machines model, to help me learn it. Embroidery groups so I could speak to and learn from like-minded people; as well as software groups for the software, so I could use that too. Without the Web, I would have struggled to get anywhere, fast.

Learning is a passion of mine, I want to learn and expand my horizons all the time. Through this I also like to spread my knowledge, if I can help others learn too than I am inspired to learn more. Therefore, when asked to write for the United Kingdom Quilters United website I was at first a bit afraid. However, failure to me is never trying. This has been great. It has opened another window to me.

Swap groups have also been a delight. When the drop of a package comes through the letterbox it makes my day, compared with bills or endless piles of junk mail. For those that don’t know what they are, swap groups are where a group of like-minded people making something based on a theme and send that out to another member of the group – swap partner – and in turn you make and send something out as well, in fact, it is some of those groups that have kept me sane.

Then there are those time zones. I have recently been chatting and helping a young person in Ghana. He needed help with some software issues. I was pleased to share my knowledge, through my window while we messaged.

Where does looking through your windows take you? Who do you, share a drink with from the comfort and safety of your own home?

Onto safety, I am very careful what information I share. I belong to mainly closed groups. I would highly recommend if you were not already internet safety aware, reading up about how to keep yourself safe while online. Do not be fooled however into having to buy this, that, and the other software to do it; as some of this software maybe itself a trap.

Do not let this put you off, there are far more good, gracious and generous souls out there, who are more than willing to share their passion, knowledge and just plain love of the craft.

Chatting and reading messages online will not always help with the feelings of isolation, desolation and depression that we feel when we are lonely, nonetheless it may go somewhat to alleviating those feelings.

So, pull up a chair, set up your crafting materials, I have whatever beverage you have in your kitchen.

Ready, now let us share the journey together.

Related posts:

The Cheap Procrastinator – All the small things you can do; Boro Part Two The Cheap Procrastinator – All the small things you can do; Boro Sashiko Starter Kit – Sew Easy: Product Review by Denise Inkson Aka The Cheap Procrastinator The Cheap Procrastinator: Hints and Tips from a Hospital Bed – A4 Presentation Portfolio Folder.