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Disability Dilemma
Creating things is a passion of mine. When Mom makes a quilt or sews together new couch cushions I want to do it as well. If you know how sewing machines work, they operate with a foot pedal. Not impossible, but also not practical using your forearm to control it. Years ago while browsing through a sewing center we came across a sewing machine that’s operated with a start/stop button. A dream come true! Using every penny from my savings, plus a little help from Mom, I purchased the sewing machine. I haven’t looked back.
As my disability progresses my projects are fewer and far between. Not only that, to keep projects manageable I keep them small. Because I need assistance periodically, my sewing machine is at Mom’s house. That way we can work on projects together. It’s actually been almost a year since I had my machine out, but I want to make coasters for Christmas gifts. I’m a bit hesitant because honestly I don’t know if it’s something I can still do, but I want to give it a shot.
With the machine set up and ready to go I press the start button. Nothing. Thinking I just didn’t press it hard enough I asked for a pencil with an eraser. Pressing it harder with the pencil, still nothing. Feeling defeated I’m thinking maybe it’s me. Asking Mom to press the button I expected it to take off, but nothing. Full disclosure, the start/stop button is temperamental after an incident involving my hand slipping on the joystick. But it’s never not worked.
Mom whipped together a handful of the coasters for me. Although I chose the colors and patterns a piece of me is bummed I didn’t make them myself. Here’s my dilemma. Do I spend the money servicing and repairing the machine not knowing if it’s even something I can do anymore? For the limited amount I’d probably use it I can’t really justify fixing it. However, knowing I’d never sew again if I don’t is kind of devastating. But then again life goes on.
Has there been a hobby you’ve sidelined because of your disability? What made you decide to hang up your hat?
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