Hand Stitching

When I need to relax, I like to work with my hands. Something that has a bit of interest for my intellect, some textural interest, and that feels good in my hands. Hand quilting has it all, with the added benefit of being a warm cozy thing to spread over my lap since the weather is still wintry. The health benefits of manipulating fabrics and making something yourself have been well documented, and I for one am not immune to them. Once the Spring weather arrives I prefer to embroider or hand piece, as it can be overly warm to sit with a quilt on ones lap as the weather gets warm. (I go back to hand quilting when my husband is in control of the air conditioner) Working with fabric in hand and the simplicity of a needle and thread is an experience that is so elemental and basic that it consistently helps me reach a zen like state of calm. If you would like to experience this, join me for a hand quilting workshop on the 20 th this month. (10 am this Friday) Learning to run the needle and thread properly through the layers of fabric creates a wonderful and more textural stitch than machine work, and if you develop a good stitching habit you will avoid any discomforts that result from improperly used thimbles. With the ease of starts and stops of the thread lines, you have more creativity in design than most people realize with a hand quilted design. It is also much more portable than carrying around a machine. Come try it out.

Good ideas for hand stitching are everywhere. I keep a notebook with official quilting designs that I have collected from many varied sources, and I don't go anywhere without a sketchbook. Even just doodling while you are on hold or waiting for your appointment can give you a fruitful idea. To help in this regard, this weekend the special is on quilters sketchbooks. These books are made from recycled materials, have quilt block covers in nine patch or friendship star designs, and have a back section of 8 to the inch graph paper. They sell regularly for $14.95 and are a good buy at that price, but for this weekend they are on sale for 10.95. A good savings that will help you create more and release stress.