When I’m worn out. And hot. And out of sorts. And just generally bummed out . . . There is one “Rx” that nearly always does the trick for me: COLOR. Lots of color. (And some cheerful stickers go a long way, too.)
Just before we left last week, I pulled out my embroidery thread and “shopped” for the brightest, cheeriest, garden-iest colors I could find. I created a colorful basket/tray for storing them and keeping track of them. And then I started in on this design (scroll down) from Dropcloth Samplers. I’ve said it many times before (and I’m sure I’ll say it again), I love Rebecca’s samplers – and her whole stitching vibe. She provides the samplers; you provide the magic. It’s like coloring in a color book . . . only with thread instead of crayons. It’s fun, it lets your imagination run a little wild, and it’s great for achieving that creative “flow state.”
I didn’t bring this project with me as we traveled (too many parts), but I did dream about getting back home to pick it up again. (I did pack along my baby sweater knitting, but – as is usually my way – I didn’t knit a stitch during our travels.)
Bright colors make me smile. They add joy and an upbeat feeling. (And we can all use some of that right now, I’m thinking.) And when I use those bright colors to stitch a garden-y theme – with butterflies! – it does seem to help lift the clouds. At least a little bit.
Just stitching that little pod-like flower (see photo below) made me feel a whole lot better this morning. Even the muddled back-of-the-project view brings me joy.
These days, it’s all about the little things.
How about you? What helps you get through the rough times?
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I know it’s hot and the news is bleak . . . but don’t forget to play along with my Summer Vibes Scavenger Hunt! (Because . . . heck. Who doesn’t need some ice cream these days?)
Yes to color and meditative stitching. I recently watched an interview with Kaffe Fassett. He said the two things that help him maintain wellness are color for joy and energy and Pilates for balance and strength. Love that!
I feel the same way about weaving colorful potholders – the brighter the better! I made several neutral (and slightly boring) ones for gifts, but I love the colorful ones the best. Your stitching is lovely (and I really like the stickers)!
Here’s the quote I received today from “quote for the day” … “In times of strife, we have our imagination, we have our creative impulse.” Patti Smith
I thought it was rather appropriate for your colorful & creative blog today, Kym!
My striped socks get me through every.little.thing. I escape into them and just watch the colors as they change to something new. Mesmerizing, I’d call it. The garden is a good place to pick up color whether you pick it or not. There are always yellow flowers, orange tufts, and something red to draw the eye. I also watch birds and love especially, the little yellow pops as they go from feeder to leafy protection. Your sampler is so sweet and I love the variety of colors you’re using.
A big yes to stitching saving my life right now (and poetry… lots and lots of poetry!)
I love how this looks so far!
Color and stitching sound like the best antidote to gloom right now!
I love your stitching, that looks so cheerful! What gets me through the rough times is escaping into books.
What a great sampler. I love all the colors (and love seeing all of them in your basket and nifty box…with the cat sticker!!). Joyful color is a great way to get through these trying days.
I do love when you share sampler stitching-in-progress – it helps me picture the process, and for sure, the colors & textures set my imagination off, too. I’ve been taking walks with Lucy and connecting with friends … talking about books, knitting, sewing, kiddos, things that I can do … and it’s helping.
I saw a woman on a tourist bus once with an empty seat beside her where she had laid out all her embroidery materials. She was stitching away and looked as happy as she could be. For me it’s knitting and walking. Which also involve all kinds of color. Would watermelon count? We are limiting our ice cream consumption these days. The one day I walked along a riverfront with a scrumptious cone it was so hot the whole thing melted in 5 minutes. No fun! (My husband was smart. He stayed inside.)
Color is magic for sure. I love looking at the backs of embroidery projects so thank you for sharing yours. I’ve been enjoying some slow stitching projects. Making of all kinds and walking and the garden are getting me through this season of discontent.
Whenever I read one of your posts and embroidery is the subject, a little niggle in my memory remembers that in my much younger (college) days, I started out with embroidery. I kept thinking I might get back to it, but this post about color and making magic with thread convinced me to go to Dropcloth Samplers and order a kit. Having got rid of all my thread and needles years ago, I ordered the kit and am anxiously awaiting its arrival! Thanks for the little push (even though you didnt know about it) to help me get reacquainted with embroidery!