Once you have decided that you would like to do some Slow Stitching, the next question to ask is “What will I make?” This is important to ask, because it will direct the next question, “What will I need?”
Just like with Writer’s block, however, given the freedom that Slow Stitching offers, Stitcher’s Block is a very real thing when asking the question “What will I make?”
So how do we overcome the paralysis born of too much choice? By asking a few questions, you can narrow down the options, and find something just right for your Slow Stitching efforts.
Size – large or small? The bigger the project, the more stitches may be required, the longer it will take. How much time do you want to dedicate to this?
Purpose – Do I want to make something that I will use, or something that I look at? Well, here you can do both. Also, you can decorate something ready-made if you don’t want to start from scratch. If an item is to be used, that will impact how much decoration is appropriate while still remaining functional.
Number of stitches – regardless of size, the number of stitches can vary in a project as some are stitched more densely than others. Unless you have a planned project, with Slow Stitching, it can be tricky to determine just how much stitching coverage your project requires. Sometimes less is more, and sometimes the more the better.
If you are just starting out, then small abstract or decorative items might be a good way to go. What to do with tag-sized stitching samples? Stick them to gift tags or cards for really personal gift giving. Turn them into a mini-journal or busy book – the texture of stitched items is lovely to touch. Put them together for a patchwork wall hanging. Or just leave them as tags that document your slow stitching journey.
Make it personal – by combining an object that is needed with customised stitching, you can create truly personalised items that bring you joy whenever you use them.
Make it special – a plain item becomes something special and unique expression of your creativity.
Fill a need – fingers getting scorched by the take-away coffee cups? A coffee cosy keeps your coffee warm and your fingers cool.
Add decoration to function – functional doesn’t need to be boring. Yarn keeps rolling away when you knit? A yarn bag doesn’t need to be plain or boring.
Making decorative functional – something that doesn’t seem to have much use can become functional with the right twist - gift tags, cards, wall hangings
Out projects span a wide range of items from garments to household objects, gifts and accessories, sewing tools to decorations. If you can pass a needle through it, you can slow stitch it.
Just starting out? A low risk project is decorating a second-hand garment. Spend a little time practicing your stitches on scrap, plan your project and get started without thinking too hard about success or failure. Just take the time to slow down the world around you.
Watch our Video - Slow Stitching Part 2 Where will I make? on YouTube