Slow Stitching

When I'm slow-stitching, my spirit becomes calm and centered. There is something mystical about the patterning of rhythmically moving the needle, in and out, through the fabric. I find this soothing cadence and practice to be comforting for my soul.

While slow-stitching, I always call to mind the names of my ancestors. Many women of my family were stitchers. They were from England and Paisley, Scotland. No doubt, they worked at the textile mills as weavers and such. Stitching, it seems, comes from the roots of my being.

Two years ago, I discovered Alabama Chanin. Natalie Chanin’s work has been a wonderful discovery and inspiration. I have ordered many of their fabrics and sewing notions from the Alabama Chanin School of Making.

Currently, I’m stitching a journal cover created from two pieces of Alabama Chanin cotton jersey. I stitch through the patterned design and second layer of fabic, with a simple running stitch. Next, I carefully cut away the inside of the stitched design (the top layer) to reveal the contrasting, solid colored fabric beneath. This process is called reversed appliqué.

When the cover’s stitching is complete, I’ll fold in the ends to fit the journal and stitch the edges. Lastly, the journal will be slipped into it’s new cover. Voilà! It will become a little “Commonplace” book to carry with me. I’ll write more about Commonplace books in another post.

Today, I’m taking the day to restore my spirit. For now, I’ll return to my stitching… whilst I sip rose tea and imagine future creations, yet to bring to life.