Slow Down your Stitching

Are you tense, overworked, or overcommitted? Do you constantly multi-task or wish you could?

Me too.

But there is great virtue in learning to slow down.

Because I’m a prototypical Type A person, I find this difficult to do, but my health has forced me to learn to slow down.Even so I’d like to do better. I find that when I stop and stitch, especially if I do it mindfully, I feel better, I’m less harried, and I sleep better.

How much more of this would I get if I did slow stitching more often?

A new movement, the Slow Stitching Movement, has started bringing together needleartists in many media who are purposefully slowing down.

It was founded by quilter Mark Lipinski. Modeled after the international Slow Food movement, The Slow Stitching Movement is open to all fiber and needle artists and will prepare you for a higher form of creativity and important work in the needle and fiber arts, be it quilting, knitting, crochet, tatting, embroidery, rug hooking, weaving, needlepoint, cross stitch, etc.

Following the tenets of The Slow Stitching Movement you will:

• Approach your creative art-making in a totally different way.
• Recharge your passion for the needle fiber arts.
• Engage the connection between your body, your quilts, and your legacy.
• Expand your creativity, self-esteem and even your spiritual journey.
• Tap your right brain, to train and develop your imagination.
• Find the creative genius in you.
• Implement your creative thought in today’s too-fast world.
• Heal your life, emotions and boost your physical health.
• Create groups and habits to support your creative vision.

One way to indulge in slow stitching is to become part of a slow stitching salon where you stitch with similar people. Even if you can’t find one, try this in your own stitching, I am.

Thanks to the folks at DMC for bringing it to my attention.