Another week has passed, and it's time to rest, recover from the previous week, and prepare for the week to come. I do that by hand stitching... it's my meditation practice. I sit quietly and stitch. Sometimes I sew while watching TV with family in the evenings, but mostly I love to stitch by myself - no television, radio or music... no distractions of any kind.
I didn't have any embroidery projects to work on, so I started a new project that has been on my "to-do list" for a while. It is a free download pattern (thank you Amy!) which you can get over at Nana Company. I printed off the pattern on paper and traced it onto fabric with my Frixion pen.
For more information on meditation, check out this inspiring article by Joshua Becker called "More Meditation. More Gratitude. Better Living." After reading this, I decided not to grumble so much about shoveling snow and feeling cold, and decided to just wrap myself up in a quilt and do more slow stitching!
What are you stitching and meditating on today? Link up your blog post and share your hand stitching project with us.
On my way out today, to make baby quilts for the NICU. We have a workshop once a year to do this. A day of sewing with friends with lunch provided. Enjoy your day of relaxing!
ReplyDeleteYour Northern Blog Stalker
I remember seeing that embroidery pattern...it is lovely. Enjoy! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the quote from Mother Theresa! It is kind of how I approach quilting these days. I love when the house is quiet enough that the only thing I hear when I am stitching is my antique wall clock ticking. It really allows me to clear my head and just enjoy the stitching.
ReplyDeleteSweet embroidery pattern. I love Nana's designs. During daytime stitching I keep a clear mind. In the evening, I find I like to listen to radio. I never thought much about it until you mentioned this in your post. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI do love that little pattern...and you're right, it's the perfect sentiment for meditating on a quiet Sunday afternoon! :)
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ReplyDeleteGood word. I have a hard time not grumbling at this point of the winter! Love your embroidery piece!
ReplyDeleteMerci , pour ce texte, c'est la même chose pour moi, je médite en travaillant à la main.
ReplyDeleteBon dimanche.
Gisèle
Thanks for the link to the pattern. I like how she used it as a center to a Dresden block. Cute idea. Cute embroidery.
ReplyDeleteI like quiet when I do anything like garden or sew or even do dishes. I clear my mind that way after stressful days at work. But usually I do my hand stitching in the living room on the couch in the evening and my husband is never without the TV on.
I like the idea of meditation, especially on Sunday. I find that my knitting gives me the same peaceful feeling and I, too, most enjoy it when alone.
ReplyDeleteI will quietly be sewing in my studio. That's meditative for me. Also long walks...but too much snow for that.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link to the article on meditation. I used to meditate a lot and the practice has slipped out of my life.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with your embroidery... I have a cross stitch project left unfinished I wish I could get back into ... but it seems I only want to slow stitch right now... so away I go! lol Kathi
ReplyDeleteAT work today!! So no slow stitching...so I will cheer all of you on!!
ReplyDeleteLove your stitching meditation. Yes, it's a most fitting embroidery. My most contented moments are just me and my sewing: sewing something, anything, or nothing in particular. Just sewing. Thanks for the link, and for your beautiful post about it.
ReplyDeleteAny thing to do with needle and thread is meditative to my mind (notice I left out the use of a seam ripper). Very pretty project you've got started. Enjoy your slow stitching day.
ReplyDeleteI have pinned that pattern... love it! And it is so true. I savor my quiet time during the weekdays - like you it grounds me.
ReplyDeleteGreat little pattern. I like to sew with the TV on and with family or dogs about.
ReplyDeleteKathy, I hope you'll forgive me for linking up a "vintage" project :) I couldn't resist sharing with you my version of the "Do Small Things.." stitchery from Nana Company that I did last year. It is one of my favorite sayings and I was delighted to see that it is your new stitchery project!
ReplyDeleteNo slow stitching for me today I'm afraid, as I have already committed to do something else, but I'll enjoy seeing what everyone else is stitching and hopefully be back next week :*)
Stitching and meditating. Mmmm sounds good. I've been sewing in front of the tv watching the Olympics , not good for meditation, especially when uk won it's first ever medal on snow!
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy, this is my first time to join your sweet party.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting the link up party. If I hadn't had the motivation to do some stitching and then link up, I'd have missed a very beautiful moment this afternoon. It is good to sit down and breathe and be in the moment while doing the hand stitching.
ReplyDeleteI remember this pattern from Teresa's blog. I really like it!
ReplyDeleteLook at all the links!! : )
a good read on slowing down and meditating and i so agree with the idea that gratefulness makes us happy. i know it makes a difference in my life when i pause and reflect on the gifts within my life.
ReplyDeletenot linking up this week but still love coming to see what you and others are slow stitching. i hope to join up next week.
:-)
libbyQ
That is a Beautiful block, and you are right about it being something wonderful to meditate on. Slow stitching is a great way to meditate especially in inclement weather.
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