Place in a keepsake box of small projects to go through everytime you need some creative inspiration and a smile! While the commercialism of the crafting industry can get tiresome, you are still allowed to buy stuff for your projects. The main thing is you USE those supplies more than you just buy and collect them! The slow stitch movement was originally created by Mark Lipinksi, a well-known figure in the quilting industry. After some health issues he realized the need for slowing down – and the many benefits that can come from a mindful stitching practice. Embroidery Thread - Slow stitching might be about throwing convention to the wind, but you'll still need the basics like thread. Really, it’s a process, an idea, a feeling more than an actual outcome and thing. Of course, the beauty is that it encompasses both process-led-making and making for use.

Hand Stitched Buttons - Buttons might be small, but their uses are extensive. Hand stitching buttons can add a special layer of personalization and bring a big hit of interest to whatever project you decide to use them on.Other times, I don’t think about anyone or anything specifically, I just focus on the stitching. And don’t think this has to be limited to just sewing – you could always adopt the same practice for crochet, knitting, weaving, and more!

Slow Stitching is an emerging technique which is influenced by an era when we wish to recycle/upcycle old fabrics and learn how to enjoy theprocessas much, if not more than, the outcome. Hand embroidery is a technique that is naturally slow. It’s a repetitive process that requires you to be present but can also take you to a place of connection with your body, your materials, and your environment. Embroidery–and textile art in general–are historically recognized as practices performed in community to form memories. I use a combination of different threads and fabrics. Some because I love the material, the pattern, the way it works with the other ones I’ve chosen. With threads I like to use a combination so that I build up different textures in the work. Here are some of the many benefits of why slow stitching is good for you: No Fancy Supplies Required: If the lighting is good, if you're comfortably set up, and if there are no distractions around, you'll find it easier to get into a meditative state of mind. Consider lighting some candles, playing some relaxing music, or even burning some essential oils.

A movement that celebrates artisanal production values and a slower process of embroidery

The best part about slow stitching? You don’t necessarily need any expensive tools to get started. Some fabric scraps, a needle, and thread is all that’s really necessary – although there’s plenty of beautiful trims & embellishments that can be used to finish off a piece. The Benefits of Slow Stitching

There are all sorts of things you can use in slow stitching – much like I say when making junk journals – if you can glue it on, you can use it! In slow stitching, we just sew it on instead. 🙂 No Planning or Expected Outcome For a basic project, gather some foundation fabric {cotton muslin or quilt batting works great for this!} and some favorite fabrics from your scrap pile. You only need little bits, so don’t worry if your pieces are small. When you’re hand stitching you automatically slow down. The process of sitting quietly and watching needle pull through the fabric, makes you more conscious of the moment you’re in. This slows your breath down, meaning that you’re breathing deeper into your stomach. Rather than the fight-or-flight way that modern society forces us to live and breathe, you’ll find the sense of stillness settle over you. Breathing into your stomach allows your whole body to settle itself, to let go of the stress of everyday life, to repair and replenish itself from the fraught day. Slow stitch is a branch of the Slow Movement, which advocates a return to pre-industrial techniques and gradual processes that provide quality and personal value to objects. It is about slowing down and creating from a sustainable balance; about reusing; about doing things as well as possible and not as fast as possible; about savoring time, not counting it.I personally like to use upcycled fabrics from thrifted finds because not only are they are much more affordable that way, but also because it helps reduce landfill waste. My adventures in sewing other projects have not been so enjoyable. I’ve tried quilting several times over the past years. Cutting exact measurements, precision and those darn scant 1/4″ seams are all things you’ll never have to worry about again when you embrace slow stitching, which is why I think I like it so much! Fabric Scraps - If you don't already have some pieces of scrap fabric from past projects, the first port of call is your wardrobe. If you have any old clothes that have seen their better days, consider whether you could repurpose them for scrap material. Otherwise, take a look on Etsy or try your local fabric store for cheap fabric bundles. Step 2: Consider Your Surroundings The possibilities are endless for things you can add to a project. If you can sew it down, you can add it to your final piece. Like I said, this process is so much like art journaling, just with fabric instead!

Recently I’ve fallen in love with a new creative practice called slow stitching, and it fits so well with journal making I decided to start a whole new category here on Artjournalist just for textile arts. It is essentially a new form of mindfulness through sewingand, especially in these difficult times promotes wellbeing and calm Now that we’ve talked about what slow stitching is and how to get started, let’s go over some common questions I’ve been asked the past couple of weeks since I’ve become hopefully addicted to slow stitching. Common Questions & Answers About Slow Stitching Do I have to sew everything by hand? While you don’t have to go all minimalist, it’s nice to know that you can escape from having to lug around a sewing machine just to meet up with friends to do a little sewing together. It’s also great for travel! Slow Stitching is a Soulful Process I use what is called a running stitch, also known as a straight stitch. It’s the most basic of all stitches, but of course you can use other stitches if you want to try some more advanced embroidery techniques.Feel free to pour yourself a cup of tea, light some candles or diffuse your favorite essential oils to set the space for mindful stitching. You don’t have to have the perfect setup or even a studio – the important thing is you are comfortable and can be intentional in the stitching process. Slow stitching is a new art form built on old traditions. The movement was originally spearheaded by Mark Lipinksi, one of the quilting industry's most well-known figures. When we’re learning something new, sometimes we have to remember that the trying process…can be very trying indeed! With slow stitching, you can try those new techniques you’ve been thinking of, without necessarily having to worry about “ruining” anything. It’s Portable