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One of the questions I forgot to address during the Q&A after my 1st ever Virtual Trunk Show with the Erin Village Quilters was about stitch meditations. I have been stitching albeit very slowly. This 100 Day Stitch Meditation Journey was to be a project that I could work on without becoming stressed. So, if it didn’t happen every day that was OK. There were supposed to be 2 evenings a week – Tuesday and Thursday that I was going to sit quietly and hand stitch. I assembled a kit of hand-dyed fabric scraps, thread, needles, pins, 5 inch squares of muslin to be used as the base. All of these were placed in a large plastic bin that I could pick up and move around.

I began my first post with this:

“2019 will be a year of slowing down and being more productive. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but my hope is that planning, prioritizing and scheduling will keep me motivated in creating artwork and spark some new ideas.” — December 27, 2018.

Well, slowing down and taking time to reflect is happening. This pandemic has really changed how, and when I do any of my stitching! Sitting quietly to reflect is so very difficult during this time. My mind can’t settle, it flits over a million things. The constant barrage of news is distracting and causing stress. I don’t have the news or any TV programs on while I am at home alone, but when my husband is working from home it’s on all day long.

There is more order and routine now when working from home. It was an adjustment!

Now, there is more space in my mind to be able to create. I am reaffirming my intention and determination to continue with stitch meditations. I have completed more than half of the 100 I set out to do. I am not giving up!

Stubbornly continuing — one stitch at a time!

There is no secret that I love colour – however it’s spelt 🙂 Blocks of colour pieced together to create design and impact.

Held together with basic stitches – made by hand.
Irregularities, imperfections are expected when a piece is created by a person not a machine. They exist and and remain to indicate the maker.

Looking back at the ninth month:

• week 17 – Days 59 & 60
• week 18 – Days 61 & 62
• week 19 – Days 63 & 64

Colour and waiting til it’s complete – one stitch at a time!

Always drawn to colour! When colour is present, the design can be simple.

Creases, folds even holes left from the scrap’s previous incarnation. Where did this piece come from, what was it’s purpose? Left to be discovered by those who stop and look.

Stitch Resources

• Website: Color in Art. By Thaneeya McArdle.

Adding colour — one stitch at a time!

I am very interested in modern art. There is something about the colours and design that really appeals to me. Specifically minimalist art. I find myself looking at these pieces much more than others. Some reach out and speak to me while others quietly whisper. It forces me stop, to listen, and think.

I had only stitched the orange blanket stitch and thought it was complete. Yet, I kept putting it back into the container to wait. I stitched a few others. Then it popped to the surface and I added more stitches. Now its journey is complete.

French knots and a Y-stitch on hand dyed cotton sprinkled with salt. Is it the ocean or the sky?

Stitch Resources

• YouTube: Handiworks. Hand Embroidery for Beginners: 10 types of leaves. (starts with fly stitch)

Waiting and stitching to the finish — one stitch at a time!