I began cross stitching as an exercise for my brain after suffering a brain injury at the end of 2013. My doctor agreed that having something to force my mind to concentrate would help with my healing processes, and I thoroughly believe that cross stitching helped to aid in my recovery!
I have noticed I lean towards stitching animals. My favourite thing to do is embroidered designs onto sweatshirts and bags! My most popular post was a design from LaSelva that I stitched onto a jumper. I loved it and is one of my favourite pieces!
We both did the Caterpillar Cross Stitch Deck the Halls stitch-a-long last year, just both completed a full year of small cross stitch pieces and now she has inspired me to do Stitch-Maynia (which means we both have 15 cross stitch projects going now, working on 1 a day) This is the year project that we just finished!
I remember going to craft fairs where my mom bought beautiful handmade bits that filled our home and she occasionally sold pieces she had made herself. Like on the top of a mason jar filled with baking ingredients or a piece finished in a hoop with fabric around the border.
Most importantly, I would also tell fellow stitchers or those wanting to stitch that stitching should be non-stressful and can be a great coping mechanism to help manage stress and anxiety! I make time every day to stitch and use it as my time to reflect on my day and process my emotions.
Here’s a little Hula girl I just did so I can look forward to going to Hawaii in October for my best friend's wedding (where I’ll be a bridesmaid!) I love cross stitching because I find stitching so meditative and relaxing and the patterns are so beautiful. There’s such a sense of accomplishment when you’re done too!
I have one large cross stitch project on the go which is this gorgeous kit that is 8 cats bundled together in a basket of wool, I can't wait to be finished with it and I hope to have it finished and framed ready to put in our new home!
For me, stitching is much more than just a hobby - it helps with my horrible anxiety and sometimes depression and although my main source of pride is of course, my daughter who is now 12, it also brings me so much pride, peace and a sense of calm which is something a person with anxiety doesn't get often.
I can't believe how things have changed. No more backstitching (or very little), they used to recommend that you wash your project in a gentle soap and press it dry. Don't hear of that anymore either . . . several other little things, but things tend to move forward and I sure love what I have started up again!
