A Mediterranean Summer

This hottest season has sparked my thoughts of bold, bright landscapes that show summer. With that in mind, I have started my first piece in the "Seasons Slow Stitch" series, which I've named "A Mediterranean Summer." This embroidered appliqué landscape piece, crafted in a hoop, will use solid bold colors to capture the spirit of this hot season.

This first piece in the series will serve as a sample for a class I'll teach on slow stitching next week. I look forward to seeing the creativity of my students.

The Inspiration Behind Mediterranean Summer

The Mediterranean region boasts breathtaking views, from azure waters to sun-drenched hills stacked with olive trees. My ambition with this piece is to capture that beauty using a fabric collage technique that focuses on bold colors rather than intricate patterns. I will create a piece full of life, vibrancy, and energy—just like a hot summer day.

I have decided to work with solid colors to create a bold, strong contrast that is visually striking. The deep blues of the ocean, bright oranges of the sun, and pinks and plums of the hills will stand out in this artwork. By utilizing solid fabrics, I aim to enhance the simplicity and beauty of the Mediterranean landscape, letting the colors speak for themselves.

The Process of Creating the Piece

Creating an embroidered appliqué landscape piece has for me, been a project in all senses of the word. I am used to sewing by machine and have had to force myself to step out of that box and slow down. I am used to sewing and seeing the results of my imagination come to fruition quickly. That is not the case with a hand sewing project. There are pluses, and one major one is that it can be a project on the go. I can take it with me when I travel and work, which is also meditative.

 This is what slow stitching means—taking time to savor the process and create something beautiful. I’m eager to share this experience with the children in my upcoming class because it’s essential they understand the joy of creating with their hands in a slow relaxed manner.

Teaching Slow Stitching to Children

Next week, I’ll introduce slow stitching to a group of young learners. I can already picture their excitement as they explore the world of fabric scraps and threads. My aim is to inspire them to express their creativity through hand sewing and appliqué techniques, to work in class and to continue the project at home.

In the class, I’ll guide them through the basics of slow stitching, stressing the significance of patience and enjoyment in the process. I'll encourage them to choose their colors and designs, allowing their imaginations to run wild. For example, one child might create a summer beach scene, while another could focus on an olive grove. Observing their unique interpretations of summer will be fascinating.

Teaching children the art of hand sewing not only sparks creativity but also nurtures patience and mindfulness. In our fast-paced world of instant gratification, slow stitching allows us to slow down, appreciate beauty, and connect more with our work and each other..

What to Expect from the Class

In the class, we will begin with an introduction to the materials and tools for slow stitching. Each child will receive a small embroidery hoop, a diverse selection of solid fabrics, and threads in various colors. We will discuss techniques like appliqué and embroidery stitches to help them bring their designs to life.

I plan to demonstrate how to create a simple landscape inspired by the Mediterranean theme. From there, children will have the freedom to create their own pieces, guided by their ideas. They always surprise me with their original designs, so I have much to look forward to.

The Joy of Creating Together

One of the most rewarding parts of teaching children is seeing their delight as they discover their own talents, and the way their faces light up as they stitch their pieces, transforming fabric scraps into art.

Stay tuned for updates on my progress with "A Mediterranean Summer" and the wonderful creations that will come from our class. Here’s to a summer filled with creativity, color, and the joys of hand sewing!