Slow Stitching Class

Take pleasure in simple stitches and simple processes.

This workshop mixes the principals of eco craft with the ancient tradition of slow stitching. See how to slow down and experience more joy in your craft by trying simple techniques based on traditional practice, reusing and reinventing materials with limited equipment. Enjoy the sense of achievement that comes with producing your own unique and beautiful artwork.

Slow Stitch allows you to take time for yourself to relax and unwind. Using the practice of mindfulness, where you focus your full attention only on the present, experiencing thoughts, feelings, and sensations but not judging them, can reduce stress and physical pain.

This workshop will draw inspiration from the textiles of India and Bangladesh in Kantha work and Japanese Sashiko stitching and Boro mending as you take a mixture of repurposed, recycled, inherited, and vintage textiles to create the background for your artwork.

This is a slow, whimsical process, which results in a layered textile artwork which is unique to each maker. Throughout the workshop, we will explore the use of texture, stitch, and colour. Your piece could then be used to create a pouch, a sewing book, a bag or even added to an item of clothing - it's up to you!

Slow stitching centres around the “make do and mend” and “waste not, want not” ethos of yesteryear. It is a nod to the generations that came before ours in which reusing and recycling were necessary and admirable. This is not a complicated process which relies on numerous fancy, perfectly executed stitches and fastidious neatness, but rather, it's about embracing the timeworn nature of our materials, and the individuality of our stitching methods.

Slow stitching uses mindful and contemplative stitching as a way to engage with the textile artist within us in a creative and reflective way. It can become a gentle practice to connect you to the present moment, where you reuse old materials and make something beautiful or useful out of them.

There are no templates to follow and definitely no right or wrong way to approach your Slow Stitch project. Relax and unwind whilst experiencing the joy and gratification of being immersed in mindful creativity, hand stitching a personalised work of art. Gain the well-being benefits of mindful creating and crafting.

No stitching experience is required but is welcome. Just the aspiration to learn new skills and the desire to sit quietly creating with a bit of chatting and swapping stories. We will also enjoy stitching in silence for short periods to experience the act of stitching.
  You will learn simple running stitch techniques for connecting pieces to form a background, before adding a simple stitched silhouette, like a flower or foliage, as a finishing embellishment if so desired. Come, pick up a needle and thread and lose yourself in this meditative process where simplicity is key.
  Although all materials are supplied, you are encouraged to bring any textiles that you would like to incorporate into their finished piece.

• Any repurposed, recycled, inherited, and vintage textiles you may have
• Any thread you would like to use (embroidery thread, yarn, etc), - Personal sewing kit (scissors, pins and needles)
• Your imagination and enthusiasm

This would also be a lovely gift for her, gift for mum, anniversary gift or birthday gift.