Welcome to the world of mindful stitching!

In this self paced course, we will explore the art of hand stitching linen with a focus on mindfulness and improvisation. Mindful stitching is a practice that allows you to connect with your creativity, find inspiration, and experience a sense of serenity, and satisfaction while creating a beautiful piece of textile art.

Over the course of 26 lessons, I will guide you through the process and techniques I've used to create numerous pieces of textile art. One of the key aspects I will focus on is improvisation. Many people are intimidated by the idea of creating their own designs, but I believe that approaching stitching with a sense of freedom and improvisation can lead to truly distinctive and one of a kind textile art.

I will share my own experiences and show you how to embrace spontaneity in your stitching. I have been stitching on a near daily basis for the last four years, and throughout this time, I have learned countless techniques for creating stitched textile pieces that developed organically starting with a simple theme or subject that I wanted to explore.

As I take you step by step through numerous projects, both big and small, I will discuss my ideas and approach to designing each one using a combination of video, diagrams, and step by step photos with informative instruction on various techniques, with loads of design tips, as well as my thought process involved in creating every piece.

After the introduction and lessons on the health benefits of using stitching as a form of "active" meditation, the next section of the course covers the basics of stitching; supplies, working with color palettes, organizing a thread box,

the intriguing concept of making rules to stimulate creativity, using a 3 in 1 needle puller, and the benefit of using Sashiko style locking stitches to start and end a line of stitching.

example: front and back sides of a scarf using locking stitches as opposed to knots.

The third section, presents basic stitching techniques and locking stitches, the process of dividing up large areas into smaller more manageable areas to stitch, incorporating illustrative imagery and working with improvisation through the process of creating a large scarf over the course of five lessons.

The fourth section has 7 lessons, comprised of different projects with progress photos of how each one was made covering techniques and introducing valuable concepts and tips in each successive lesson, as every project has a new set of variables.

The fifth section covers a variety of smaller projects including wallhangings, infinity scarves and postcard size art in 7 lessons.

The sixth and final bonus section, applies everything I have learned to date about mindful stitching to create a one of a kind stitched garment using a felted wool substrate (instead of linen).

I hope you are excited to embark on this journey of mindful stitching with me and find inspiration, serenity and deep satisfaction while creating beautiful wall hangings and garments to treasure.