Sewing in the Sun

There is something very calming about sewing while sitting in the warm sun. Sitting in my garden surrounded by palm trees, with the sea just a five-minute walk away, creates the perfect setting for a meditative slow stitch practice.

 This intuitive slow stitch process helps me clear my mind and enter a calm state. The repetitive motion of sewing combined with the gentle warmth of the sun creates a soothing rhythm which is much needed in these hectic days.

One of the significant advantages of slow stitching is its portability, which makes it an ideal craft for those who enjoy creating on the go. The beauty of this method lies not only in the meditative process of stitching but also in the ease with which one can transport the necessary materials. I pack my fabric scraps, needles, and threads into a small upcycled plastic bottle, specifically one that once contained Atlantic Salt, which I use a lot so I have many plastic bottles in this size.

This flexibility means I can sit in my garden or walk to the sea and continue stitching. Having all my materials ready to go makes it easy to fit sewing into moments of free time.

Working with fabric scraps also keeps my projects manageable and flexible, which is an essential aspect of my creative process. By utilizing smaller pieces of fabric, I can engage in projects that do not require a large workspace or a significant time commitment. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in today’s fast-paced world, where finding uninterrupted time for crafting can be a challenge. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of starting a large quilt or a complex garment, I can focus on small, achievable pieces that easily fit into my daily life.

I can experiment with different textures, colors, and patterns without the pressure to produce a finished product quickly. This approach makes slow stitching enjoyable and allows me to work on more than one project at a time without feeling pressured.

I can easily switch between different pieces based on my mood or the time I have available. For instance, if I have just a few minutes to spare, I can pick up a small scrap and add a few stitches to a patchwork piece, or if I have a longer stretch of time, I can dive deeper into a more intricate project.

If you are a sewer, embroiderer, or fabric artist looking for a way to slow down, I encourage you to try slow stitching outdoors.

Find a sunny spot, gather your favorite fabrics and threads, and let your hands move intuitively. You don’t need a big project to start; even small embellishing pieces can offer a meditative experience.

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Find slow stitching guides here on the site - https://www.priganart.com/category/all-products

and here on Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/PriganArt