Another year begins, and along with it another round of daily stitching. Let’s see where this year takes us.
I know a lot of people find January very difficult (here in the northern hemisphere, that is) because it’s long and cold and still dark, but I like it. January is generally quiet, after the hectic days of Christmas and New Year, and not much happens – and that suits me just fine. I’ve kept the colour palette here fairly wintery and subdued but will begin to introduce some spring colours next month.
It’s really interesting to look at what you’ve stitched, and to reflect on what meaning you find there. When your mind is still but your hands are busy, a kind of magical insight emerges and you end up producing a pattern in which you can access your intuitive knowledge. We all know things without realising it, and sometimes it can be difficult to silence the chattering mind enough to see that knowledge. So far I see home, which is where I work now and my safe place, a light radiating peace and joy, a mountain to climb (good job I like climbing mountains) and I see paths leading to unknown places. As I continue to work on putting together an online course, I can see that my stitching absolutely reflects where I am.
Some days I prefer the back, which shows you how you got there:
I’ve been utterly delighted to see emerging stitch journals and hand embroidery from talented stitchers sharing their work in my private Facebook group. It’s becoming a lovely, thoughtful community of hand stitchers, of all abilities, connecting with and supporting each other, learning from each other, and generously sharing knowledge. If you’re working on your own daily stitching and you’d like to join, you will need to answer three simple questions and agree to some basic group rules. There are no right/wrong answers to the questions, but I do need to know a little bit about you before I can approve your request. This just helps everyone (including me) feel safe. If you’re in, you can be sure that you’re among friends.
These posts are inspiring and just so lovely. Thank you so much
Thanks so much, Deb ❤️
you steady, quiet way of going is an inspiration … thank you for the community of stitchers you have assembled in a private, safe place
having followed your blog for the last year, the mountain caught my eye, as well as the space below it which calls a topographic map to mind
as ever, thank you for showing the other side … de-mystifying it is sure to be a source of healing for many
Thanks so much, Liz. I think perhaps the whole thing is probably a kind of map. Every day a voyage into the unknown.
Your sewing looks very thoughtful and obviously means something to you. A very nice way to trace your thoughts. Good luck with the little community Facebook group.
Thanks so much – yes, I guess there are many ways to find meaning in what we do.
I am enjoying my spots of daily stitching. Last year I tried using stitched icons for each day, but the process felt more “contrived” and was time consuming. I think your method may just work well enough for me to become a regular part of my every day. Thank you!
Lovely! Thank you 🙂
It is interesting to see that some of the days get easily-interpreted pictures, and others are simply abstract patterns…
Yes, just the way it turns out on the day
I have tried twice to join the Facebook Group–once when early this week and again just now. Haven’t received any news that I am accepted. I already started my stitch journal.
I saw your name and just approved it for you now, Janet. Sorry it’s been difficult for you.