I choose to do things that make me feel good. A trip to the gym class leaves me feeling pumped and energised; a swim refreshes me and provides time to be at one with myself and I stitch because it is mindful, focused and leaves me feeling accomplished.
I’ve been struggling to find my inner creativity. It’s something I believe all artists struggle with at some point in their lives. But like a poet with no words can sometimes address writer’s block by putting a pen to paper and write anything, allowing the words to flow until it makes sense, an artist needs to dip their brush in paint, metaphorically of course because I have to thread a needle and just stitch.
You can’t beat a good running stitch, it doesn’t matter where you go – just stitch. Start in a straight line, then flow, curve, loop. Allow it to turn into seed stitch or stem stitch; make flowers, leaves, random lines but by creating a focus on the rythym of the needle, everything else can fade from your mind.
We had an amazing trip to Angelsey at New Year, now that has really inspired me and I want to make 3 large pieces. So I’ve started a new journal for this year. A stitch journal. My aim is to stitch everyday on one long continuous piece. Everyday to be represented by a few stitches that reflect my mood, or the weather or a small sketch of somewhere I’ve been (see January 1st image). It’s easy to be over-faced by a big piece of fabric so I’m starting small and will join as I go.
Words and pictures copyright Carolyn Trafford 2023
This will ultimately become the sketchbook of ideas I work from. I’m very excited about it as a project.
Want to join me, leave a comment, am happy to share tips, help you get started or just be someone you show it to. It doesn’t even matter that you didn’t start on the 1st January, today is after all the 1st day of the rest of your life.
Carolyn Trafford is a Creative Life Coach, supporting others in reaching their own goals in a creative way sine 2010. Author of “Don’t Just Dream It – Achieve It!” (A great way to kickstart those goals). This interactive book is available from her online shop: https://carolyntraffordart.ecwid.com/Dont-Just-Dream-It-Achieve-It-Book-p196854491) . She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer on the 20th September 2021 following her first routine screening with the NHS at 51.
No responses yet