Holiday Self-Care for Quilters and Sewists
Dressing Well, Feeling Better, Living Confidently
Treat Yourself: A Holiday Reminder to Celebrate YOU
The holiday season is always a whirlwind. Quilts need to be finished in time for Christmas gifting, decorations are going up, and if you’re like me, you’re also trying to sneak in a little cookie-baking between deadlines. Somewhere in the middle of all that hustle and bustle, it’s so easy to forget about ourselves.
Recently, while reorganizing my studio, I stumbled across an old pamphlet that stopped me in my tracks. It was from the 1950s and proudly declared:
“The modern woman is demanding… She wants her clothes to fit well… She loves fine fabrics… But she is resourceful and practical.”
At first, I laughed. The ad on the back claimed that the two most popular pastimes for women were reading and sewing. If you asked the average woman today, I don’t think those would even make the top five answers. Still, that phrase—“she wants her clothes to fit well”—kept rattling around in my head as I sorted fabric and moved bolts around.
The Clothes We Choose
Let me be clear: I am not suggesting that we all return to the days when women wore petticoats, stockings, and hats just to go to the grocery store. I don’t miss scratchy nylons or worrying about perfectly matched gloves. But I do think there’s something to be said for being intentional about how we dress and how it makes us feel.
I’ll admit it: right now, I’m not very happy with how I look. I’d like to lose around thirty pounds. Instead of motivating me to dress well, those feelings often lead me in the opposite direction. Baggy sweatshirts, stretchy pants, oversized sweaters. If it hides me, it’s fair game. I used to cringe at the thought of leaving the house in sweats. Now I barely think twice.
But then I remembered my younger self.
Rediscovering Style
Back in high school and college, I didn’t obsess over weight. But I did obsess over style. Growing up in Grand Island, Nebraska, I sometimes wore things that were a little “out there” for a small town. Hats were my thing—fun, funky, different. I didn’t care what anyone thought because dressing in a way that felt unique made me feel cool and confident.
Somewhere along the way, that part of me slipped quietly into the background. Motherhood, work, schedules, bills; it’s easy to see how practical replaced playful.
And yet, as I looked at that old pamphlet, I realized how important it is not to lose sight of that feeling.
A Memory With Lady
I came across a picture of myself with my horse, Lady, around age 21 or 22. I’m wearing a hat, smiling, and radiating confidence. The outfit wasn’t “perfect” in the traditional sense. But it was perfectly me.
It struck me that back then, I never waited to feel a certain way before giving myself permission to dress up. I didn’t think, once I lose ten pounds, then I’ll buy something fun. I didn’t worry whether I was overdressed or underdressed. I just enjoyed how it felt.
Dressing for Ourselves
I spend most mornings in my studio. Since it’s usually just me and my longarm, I reach for sweats and a ballcap without a second thought. It’s comfortable, practical, easy.
But here’s the truth: I’m not actually dressing for other people. I’m dressing for me. So why am I sending myself the message that comfort can’t also be pretty, flattering, or fun?
The holidays, with all their stress and sparkle, are the perfect time to flip that script.
Why Do We Wait?
These days, I often tell myself I’ll wait until I lose the weight to buy new clothes. But here’s the thing; life doesn’t wait. And neither should we.
Wearing something that fits well, is colorful, or drapes beautifully can make you feel good right now. That little boost of confidence? It spills over into everything else: the energy you bring to your quilting, the patience you have with family, the way you walk into a room.
So why do we keep putting it off? Why do we let the “someday” version of ourselves get all the good stuff?
The Holiday Lesson
We spend December making everything magical for everyone else. We quilt gifts for loved ones. We decorate our homes so they shine. We bake treats, wrap presents, and check every item off Santa’s list. But what about us?
This year, I’ve decided I’m giving myself permission to treat me.
I’m not going to wait until I’ve lost thirty pounds. I’m not going to hide behind baggy sweaters. I’m going to wear my “Flower Power” coat and my favorite hats—on a random Tuesday if I feel like it. Not just for special events. Not just when I think I’ve “earned it.”
Because the truth is, every woman deserves to feel beautiful, confident, and special—today. Not someday.
Looking Ahead: My New Year’s Resolution
Christmas always seems to roll right into New Year’s, and with it, the inevitable talk of resolutions. For years, mine have circled around one thing: losing weight. And while I’m still committed to taking care of myself, this year I’ve decided to look at it differently.
My resolution is not to be skinny. My resolution is to be healthy. To move more. To eat better. To feel stronger and more energetic. Whether that translates into ten pounds gone or thirty, I’ll take it as long as it brings me joy and vitality.
And here’s another resolution I’ve been putting off: making my next custom coat I’ve been designing. I’ve told myself I should wait until I’ve lost weight. But you know what? No more waiting. If I make it now, it will fit me now. Later, if I need to, I can adjust it, or make another. Why shouldn’t I feel fabulous today in something I’ve dreamed of creating?
So that’s my 2026 promise to myself: health over skinny, joy over waiting, and a brand-new custom coat to start the year.
My Challenge to You
So here’s my holiday challenge to you:
Find one item in your closet that makes you feel like royalty. A scarf, a pair of boots, a fun necklace, or maybe a quilted jacket you made yourself. Whatever it is, wear it this week. Don’t save it for “the right occasion.” Put it on while you’re wrapping presents, baking cookies, or heading to the grocery store.
Let yourself feel like a queen—because you already are one.
Why It Matters
When we treat ourselves with kindness and care in little ways, it changes how we show up in the big ways. Think of it like quilting: every single stitch adds up. One day, you look down and realize you’ve created something beautiful.
The same goes for self-care. When you take small steps, like dressing in something that makes you feel good, you build momentum. Confidence grows. Energy shifts. And before you know it, you’ve pieced together a new version of yourself.
Wrapping It All Up
As we move into Christmas and the New Year, I encourage you to treat yourself as thoughtfully as you treat others. Buy yourself that fabric you’ve been eyeing. Wear the hat that makes you smile. Start the project you’ve been “saving” for later. Celebrate where you are right now, not where you think you should be.
Because the most modern woman of all? She knows her worth doesn’t come from the number on the scale, the size on the label, or the opinions of others. It comes from how she feels in her own skin and in her own clothes.
So this Christmas season, my wish for you is simple:
Treat Yourself to Something That Supports You (Not Your To-Do List)
If you’re craving a little boost of motivation heading into the new year, I want to invite you to check out my brand-new book, Stress Free Quilting: How to Lose Weight While Quilting.
This book was born out of the same philosophy as this holiday self-care guide—small, sustainable steps that fit into the life you already have. No guilt. No overwhelm. No impossible resolutions that fade by February.
What about you? Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Share in the comments one thing you’ll do for yourself in 2026—big or small—that makes you feel fabulous.
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Wow, Kris!! I just love your attitude and challenge to all of us Quilters for 2026. Yes!!! Let’s wear something we love now and feel good today!!
Thanks for your inspiration!
Thanks I try. Some days it’s easier than others, but I’m always trying to stay positive. Send me a picture of what makes you happy when you get a chance.