Part #3 will open when the community reaches 12 likes and 8 comments on this post. This isn’t about performance or pressure. It's simply a way for us to open the letter together, at a pace that reflects shared presence. You don’t need to write anything long. A single word, a short sentence, or even just a heart counts. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Loneliness Is Not a Personal Failure There is something I want to say because so many people carry this quietly. Loneliness is not a sign that you have failed. It is not a character flaw. It is not evidence that you haven’t tried hard enough or done enough “right.” Loneliness often comes from change—from bodies that no longer cooperate the way they once did, from relationships that shift or fade, from seasons where energy, mobility, or opportunity narrows. Many people who feel lonely are thoughtful, capable, generous people. They are often the ones who listen well, who adapt, who keep going. If you are lonely, I want you to know this: You are not broken. And you are not alone in feeling this way. When Health Changes the Shape of Life Health issues—especially ongoing ones—can quietly rearrange everything. They change how much energy you have. How reliable your days feel. How often you can show up, respond, or even think clearly. And yet, so often, the world expects you to keep pace anyway. If your body has become unpredictable…If pain, fatigue, or limitations shape your days…If you have had to grieve abilities you once took for granted… I want you to know: you are still fully worthy of belonging. You do not owe anyone productivity to justify your presence. You do not need to explain yourself here. This community is meant to flex with you—to be a place where your worth does not rise and fall with your capacity. The Human Need to Be Seen and Heard Being seen and heard is not a luxury. It is a basic human need. When we go unseen for too long—when our thoughts, struggles, and small victories pass without acknowledgment—it leaves a mark. Even when we tell ourselves we’re “fine.”

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Giveaway Ended: The winner is Kathy Shaull These fun buttons have been sewn to a 3" x 5" index card. They may be removed and used in other projects or used as ephemera for journaling, etc. Giveaway expires at 8:00 AM (CST - USA) on December 30th. Open to US and international members One winner will be selected by a random drawing How to enter: 1. Comment giving one reason this community is useful to you

Dear stitching friend, You’re invited to participate in a fun, low-pressure, creativity-sparking event: The 2026 Fabric Flip Swap! 🎉🧵 If you love slow stitching, upcycling, and turning “hmm” fabrics into “how did you DO that?” keepsakes, this swap is for you. Watch the video posted under 'Classroom".

Lynda the paperclip pen holder is such a great idea. I always wish I had a pen clipped to my notebook. This idea really speaks to me. Thank you for adding it into the classroom.