Soulful Slow Stitched Vessel or Wall Hanging

Join the slow stitch approach to sewing.

In a more mindful and contemplative way of spending time the slow movement embraces a more environmental and sustainable method of using what you already have rather than buying more.  

I see the practice of slow stitching as a moving meditation combining our hands and mind. The rhythm of our needles and thread creates a space of calm, slows our breathing and grounds us in the moment.

The texture and quality of fabric that we can create with slow stitching lends itself beautifully to exploring more three dimensional forms. In this workshop we will begin the process of making a soft fabric vessel or soulful wall hanging. 

We will begin with a patchwork or fabric collage base. I’ll demonstrate my use of the invisible baste stitch to secure our foundation. We will consider possible stitches, colour palettes, celebrate the mighty running stitch & sew intuitively responding to the fabric under our fingers. 

Will we explore different ways of adding text to our pieces, create focused areas of stitching, add imagery and work with thicker threads and couching techniques.

These vessels are ideal for honouring and storing personal objects in and the wall hangings for celebrating places or moments that are of special significance to us.

During the time we will spend together I will share some loving exercises for hand care. 

All levels and experience are welcome. 

Requirements list:

These are the basic materials and equipment I like to use when I’m sewing. But in the true spirit of the slow movement please bring what you have to hand.

A piece of base fabric – flannel or brushed cotton is wonderfully soft to stitch through and doesn’t create too much bulk or stress on our hands. You could also use fine wadding or a piece of well washed cotton.    

Fabric scraps, I love using softer washed and worn textiles (old clothes), fine lawns, vintage pieces, patchwork fabrics work equally well but are nicer to use when washed and any finishes/starch/treatments have been removed. For the class sample I used a limited colour palette but please choose a fabric scheme you love and are naturally drawn to. Some small pieces of lace & embroideries can also work well.  

Threads, Embroidery threads like DMC or Anchor, any monofilament threads cottons, silks or machine threads. For additional raised stitching I used a thicker thread like a cotton perlé size 8 or 12 for writing.  Yarn/wool scraps for couching. I love a good variegated thread for colour and texture too.

Needles, the most important thing to consider is can you thread your needle with the thread you’ve chosen? Can you see the eye of the needle and is it nice and sharp?

Pins will hold our fabric to our bases before we start stitching, safety pins will also work.

You’ll also need a pair of scissors. Please use a thimble or needle puller if you like to use these tools too.

Fabric Pencil or Pen: If you wish to add text or images on your vessel or wall hanging this is a useful item. There are several on the market, always test on a waste piece of fabric first to make sure the lines do disappear completely.

Extras:

Words of prose of poetry that you’d like to include, any simple images that you might like to transfer onto your surface. A small piece of paper & pen is handy for note taking and idea jotting.  

Finishing materials:

Wadding and a backing fabric; chances of needing these over the weekend is slim. I use a cotton batting and either linen or cotton fabric.