Looking at my past Slow stitching project & finding inspiration for a new project

Finding inspiration from past slow stitching projects to create new ones is a wonderful way to build on my own creativity. So I am glad i document in photos of what I do.

Here’s how you can reflect on your previous work and use it as a springboard for new projects:

Steps to Find Inspiration from Past Projects

1. Reflect on Your Previous Work

Review Your Projects: Take some time to look through your past slow stitching projects. Notice the techniques, colors, patterns, and themes you used.

Identify Favorites: Pick out the projects you enjoyed the most or those you feel were particularly successful. Think about why you liked them – was it the color palette, the texture, the pattern, or the overall design?

Note Challenges: Consider any challenges you faced during these projects and how you overcame them. This reflection can provide insights into new techniques or improvements for future work.

2. Extract Key Elements

Techniques: Identify the stitching techniques you used (e.g., embroidery, appliqué, beading) and decide which ones you want to incorporate again or explore further.

Color Schemes: Look at the color combinations that worked well and think about how you can use or modify them in your new project.

Patterns and Motifs: Consider the patterns and motifs that were effective or particularly pleasing. Can these be adapted or expanded upon in a new piece?

Textures and Fabrics: Think about the different fabrics and textures you used. Mixing different materials can add depth and interest to your new project.

Remember to take your time, 

because TTT - things take time

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes.

Art is knowing which ones to keep." – Scott Adams

"The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas." – Linus Pauling

I am not a big planner, rather more intuitive that leads me into the variation of project from drawing to stitching to making books, painting and watercolor. Its a meditative blissful, and sometimes pineful journey

If you are in the middle of your journey, take all the time you need to learn and grow. Success is replicable. But views along the way aren’t.

Make each day the best day of your life

Winnie the pooh said:

Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved.

When life throws you a rainy day, play in the puddles.

We didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.

Sometimes the thing to do is nothing.

Doing nothing often leads to the very best of something.

 

Slow stitching can be time-consuming, but it's also deeply rewarding.

 

Slow stitching can be time-consuming, but it's also deeply rewarding.

The slow, deliberate pace allows you to fully immerse yourself in the process, savoring each stitch and moment of creation.

While it may take longer to complete a piece, the journey itself becomes a form of meditation—a chance to slow down, be present, and find joy in the act of creating.

Remember, the value of slow stitching lies not just in the finished product, but in the mindful and meaningful experience of crafting something by hand.

Some of my past projects. Its pouches, journals, and journal pages, stitches on paper, bohemian style and my style. Sometimes i wonder how many hours i have spent stitching, but i have never counted. To much fun, to much joy in each piece of work.

"In the pages of a diary lies the untold stories of a life." - This evokes the idea that a diary holds the narrative of our journey through life, preserving memories, experiences, and moments that may otherwise be forgotten.

"Through a diary, we immortalize our thoughts and emotions." - This beautifully captures how a diary serves as a timeless repository of our innermost thoughts, emotions, and experiences, preserving them for posterity and allowing us to reflect on our journey through life.

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”
― John Keats, Endymion: A Poetic Romance

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile,

 but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh

Half an hour's meditation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed. - Saint Francis de Sale

https://www.instagram.com/janemonicatvedtart/reels/

Slow stitching - be happy in the moment

Slow stitching can indeed contribute to happiness and overall well-being in several ways:

Mindfulness and Relaxation: Engaging in slow stitching encourages mindfulness, as practitioners focus on the present moment and the rhythmic motion of stitching. This meditative quality promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of calm and tranquility.

Creativity and Self-Expression: Slow stitching provides an outlet for creativity and self-expression. It allows individuals to explore different techniques, colors, and textures, and to express their unique artistic vision. The process of creating something beautiful with one's own hands can bring a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Appreciation for Slowness and Simplicity: In today's fast-paced world, slow stitching offers a counterbalance to the constant rush and busyness of modern life. It encourages individuals to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the beauty of simplicity. This mindful approach to crafting can lead to greater contentment and a deeper appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

A handstitched pouch for my friend

Shape the Heart: As you bead, shape the heart by adding beads along the outline and filling in the center. You can use larger beads for the outline and smaller beads for the interior to create contrast and definition.

“Be happy in the moment, that's enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.”
― Mother Teresa

"With needle and thread, I mend not just fabric, but also the fragments of my own heart, stitching together healing and hope."

"In the stillness of slow stitching, I find sanctuary, a sacred space where time stands still and my soul finds peace."

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

"Slow stitching is a gentle rebellion against the chaos of modern life, a reminder to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of creativity."

"Slow stitching is my meditation, my prayer, my way of connecting with the world and myself in a deeper, more meaningful way."

My linktree: https://linktr.ee/janemonicatvedtart

If you want to see my photos on flickr:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/189114409@N02/albums

 

Slow Stitching is embracing the journey of creation and finding joy in the simple act of sewing by hand.

 

Slow stitching is a form of textile art that emphasizes mindfulness, creativity, and the meditative process of hand sewing. Unlike traditional sewing, which often prioritizes speed and efficiency, slow stitching encourages a slower, more deliberate approach to stitching and textile work.

"In a world that's constantly rushing, slow stitching reminds us to pause, breathe, and find beauty in the present moment."

"With each stitch, I find solace in the rhythm of the needle and thread, weaving moments of peace into the fabric of my life."

In slow stitching, artists use simple hand-sewing techniques such as running stitch, backstitch, and embroidery to create intricate designs and patterns on fabric. The focus is on the process rather than the end result, with stitches often visible and celebrated as part of the finished piece.

"Slow stitching is not just about making something beautiful; it's about nourishing the soul and finding joy in the gentle art of creating."

This art form promotes a sense of mindfulness and relaxation as practitioners engage in repetitive stitching motions, allowing them to slow down, connect with the materials, and be present in the moment. Slow stitching is also a sustainable and eco-friendly practice, as it often involves using upcycled or repurposed materials and reducing waste.

Overall, slow stitching is not just about creating beautiful textile art; it's about embracing the journey of creation and finding joy in the simple act of sewing by hand.

The very first junk journal i made 

"In the quiet of slow stitching, I discover the whispers of my own creativity and the power of mindful presence."

"Each stitch tells a story, weaving together the

threads of my life with love, patience, and intention."

"Through the simplicity of slow stitching,

I find profound beauty in the ordinary, and magic in the mundane."

I hope you find some inspiration today.

Be creActive and mindful

❤❤❤