Today’s post is from Michelle Hufford the owner of Come to the Point in San Rafael, Ca. She wrote this in her most recent newsletter.
This is the opening paragraph of a recent President’s Letter from Marin Golden Threads, our local Embroiderers Guild of America chapter. I thank Velma for her permission to quote this.
I was recently asked by one of my non-stitching friends (yes – I really do know people who don’t stitch!) why I stitch. After thinking about it for a few seconds I replied – because it brings me joy! Stitching gives me time to sit with friends and catch up with what is going on in their lives, it gives me the opportunity to calm and center myself, it gives me something to occupy my hands when I am watching that show that gives me such guilty pleasure on TV, it brings me joy to be able to give my family and friends lovely home-made gifts, it gives me the opportunity to customize something to the specific shape and color and texture that I am looking for, and above all else – because I can! So – now you have my answer – what is yours?
A related question is “why should you stitch?” By that I mean what benefits do you get out of it? Are there any good reasons to stitch above and beyond everything already covered?
Indeed there are!
In the spirit of the Twelve Days of Christmas, here are a dozen fabulous reasons to pick up your needles.
Stitching helps to:
Improve your eye-hand coordination. Do you have a friend who is unhappy with her golf handicap? Send her to Come to the Point.
Improve your math skills. This is especially true with knitting and crochet. Miscalculations mean the garment won’t fit.
Improve your concentration.
Keep your hands limber.
Stitching allows you to:
Focus on something other than the issue at hand. In stitching, you may find the answer you seek.
Create something unique. Even if someone else stitches the same design, their work is not your work.
Learn something new. Even if it’s “I am NEVER doing this again!” that is a valuable lesson.
Contribute to a good cause. Knitted scarves and embroidered baby blankets are always needed.
Get whatever is in your system out.
Share your passion with others.
Watch something come to life through your hands.
Finally, with stitching you will:
Leave your mark. No matter who ends up with your work, you have made something permanent.
Thanks Michelle for giving me permission to post!
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
Long time stitchers know all of this, but it is good to remind ourselves!!!