Sunday, April 07, 2024

Slow Sunday Stitching

Welcome to the weekly celebration of the art of slowly stitching by hand! We encourage you to slow down, breathe deeply, take a few stitches, and enjoy seeing the slowly created projects of hand stitching gurus from around the world. 


I came across a lovely quote this week: 

"Focus is how you knit the hours of the day together. With focus, the day becomes a beautiful tapestry. Without focus, you end up holding a bundle of loose string." (James Clear)

My days have been bundles of loose string lately due to caretaking responsibilities. It is my privilege to be in this role, and I do it without regret, however it does sometimes become overwhelming when demands exceed capacity.

I was so happy to finish a cross stitch project for my Mom's birthday gift. The pdf pattern was purchased on an Etsy shop and was easy to follow. (You can watch the designer Sarah's flosstube video here). I used DMC variegated thread 4240 and it is stitched on 32 count Belfast linen.

I finished it into a pillow filled with poly pellets. It has a nice weight to it and I really like it. 


I recently joined a book club with a flosstuber named Katie (whose channel is The Novel Stitcher). She picked a book for everyone to read, which is called "A Single Thread" by Jennifer Chevalier. And when we start the book, we start a new stitching project of our own chosing. I am starting the Modern Folk Embroidery's free design called "Light a Single Candle". I am stitching it 1 strand over 1 square with a variegated floss on 25 count Lugana.

It is so sweet and so tiny, and also very challenging. The top border is stitched and it is just over 3" wide! I am also really enjoying reading the book and stitching the design I have chosen to work on while I read. Obviously I'm not doing the reading and stitching at the same time! LOL 

I feel very connected to Violet who is the main character of the book - she is learning to embroider on Cathedral kneelers in 1932. She did a lot of ripping out of stitches, and so am I! If you would like to learn more about the "stitches and pages" book club, click here. Feel free to join us!

What are you hand stitching this week? Please link up your blog post below and share your projects with us - we love to see your slow progress!

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12 comments:

Kim said...

Your mother's birthday gift is beautiful. Such lovely stitching and looks wonderful made up as a pillow. I love this quote. Your stitching book club sounds interest. I think we all can relate to Violet spending a lot of time ripping out stitches.

Gretchen Weaver said...

The cross stitch gift for your mother is lovely! She's going to be very pleased with this beauty, happy stitching!

The Cozy Quilter said...

I’ve read that book! It made me want to go to the church to see the kneelers that they had made. Caregiving is a privilege but it is very draining. I’m glad to see you are able to do a bit of stitching to restore your soul. Beautiful projects. Have you considered listening to the audiobook while you stitch? Take care. Gail

Kate said...

That is some tiny stitching! Enjoy your book and your slow stitching time.

Dotti in CT said...

Just finished that book. Enjoyed it. Amazing how many threads there are that create such beautiful creations. Dotti in CT

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

I have a caretaking role for my mom, too, and demands definitely do sometimes exceed capacity. Stitching and sewing are good therapy when that happens! "It is well with my soul" is a lovely finish, Kathy. Your book and stitching group sounds wonderful - I'll have to check that out. Have a wonderful Sunday!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

I read that book in 2021, and reviewed it on my blog. I didn't care for it, finding it boring. I hope you enjoy it more than I did.

Sarah said...

I really enjoyed that book. If I remember rightly it's based around Winchester which is about 40 miles from where I live. It's a lovely city! Nice finish for your mums birthday gift. Your new project is tiny!

Angela said...

You have such a beautiful attitude about caregiving. It certainly isn't easy but you will never regret being there.

CathieJ said...

Being a caregiver is hard. I know how you feel. Your mom's birthday gift is very pretty. I will be looking into that book and the book club as I am an avid reader. I like your latest project. 32 count is challenging. Enjoy your reading and stitching!

grammajudyb said...

The finish for your Mom is just lovely. I'm sure she will enjoy it.
Caretaking is hard for sure. But as Sata said, Never regretful! . Interesting concept- a read along combined with a stitch along. Very creative.

Andree G. Faubert said...

Hi Kathy, I managed to miss your party again. I've very intrigued by the book club and will definitely join up and read. No cross stitching here but it will be fun to stitch along while I watch the party. I'm always looking for books to listen to, so these will be perfect. Take care of yourself - caretaking is rewarding but can be so hard on you if you're not careful.