Krawczyk - Hand sewing magic: essential know-how for hand stitching: with pro tips, tricks, and troubleshooting ; master tension and other techniques ; 10 easy, creative projects

You may have heard the term slow stitching. If you dont know what its about, let me explain. Slow stitching begins with the overall theme of working with more intention and enjoying the process. So often, we try to rush through our projects to get to the end. Slow stitching is about taking your time and allowing yourself to bond emotionally with your work.

As a maker of handmade things, it can be easy to be overly critical of your work. I wish I could say I never fall victim to that kind of thinking, but its happened on more than one occasion and I expect its just part of the process of making things.

Pro Tip
LIZ KETTLE

Expression, not perfection! This is my guiding philosophy when it comes to hand stitching and life. A few years ago, I was handed an unheard-of and unpronounceable diagnosis with instructions to change everything in my life, starting with stress reduction.

I began a journey into meditation but always felt I was a complete failure at it. I knew I wasnt doing it right and I couldnt stick with it. Meditation was causing me more stress! Then one day, I created Stitch Meditation.

It is a daily creative and mindful practice where I stitch a 4-inch (10 cm) square textile collage. There are very few rules for these Stitch Meditations and the most important one is Dont take any stitches out! This rule allows me to focus on the beautiful whole rather than the imperfect one. As a result, my work has become much more free, experimental, and expressive.

Website: www.textileevolution.com

Early on in my stitching career, I decided that I needed to shift my mind-set to minimize that little voice that points out every flaw. I didnt want it to be the focus of my work or to steal my joy from the process. I wrote myself a little manifesto with all my declarations about my love for Slow Stitching and printed it out to hang on my wall. I share it here, should you need a little help silencing your inner critic.

I love the feel of thread and fabric in my hands.

I love the fluidity of my creative mind, allowing it to control the direction of my stitching as the project evolves.

I believe that all handmade items bear the memories and emotions of their makers.

I believe that work made by hand has a preciousness that can be felt the moment it is held.

I see my work as an extension of my ideas and thoughts.

I see my work as a way to create a lasting connection between myself and future stitchers.

I promise not to rush through my work.

I promise to reserve judgment as I work, to understand that imperfection is part of the soul of handwork.

As with every activity, you will find the tools that suit your personal sensibilities. However, there are some basics that cant be avoided. This chapter will help you get a good foundation for the materials and supplies that make hand stitching a breeze.