Slow Stitched Cloth Journals

 In December, one of the women from the art gallery next to the library asked me about the possibility of teaching a series of workshops this year. She said to have a think about what I'd like to teach, so I let it simmer over the holidays. When we left for Killybegs, the gallery was still closed so when they opened, I emailed her and suggested a series of workshops on slow stitched cloth journals. 

I wrote:

These could be created in various formats, depending on what the stitcher wants--scroll, bell pull, book, individual piece, or whatever else they could think of. It would all be done by hand--slow stitching--and would incorporate whatever cloth has meaning to the stitcher, scraps, upcycled cloth of various kinds, perhaps some pieces of embroidery or lace created by a person of a previous generation, etc. Embellishments could be anything, including bits of deconstructed jewelry. Photos and other meaningful paper (or other material) objects could be incorporated in various ways. Pockets could be included to stick things in, for example. Or individual pieces could be made and then mounted into an artist sketchbook, leaving some blank pages/areas to write down memories or stories.

I see this as being a project that could be made for a specific event, such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, or as just a sort of memory journal. I was describing the idea to a friend and she immediately thought of doing one for her granddaughter's birthday, making each page structured around one letter of the girl's name and including pockets to tuck in photos of the child's father (my friend's son) in the pages and possibly stories about his childhood. 

I think there would be a fun social aspect to this as well, as participants could share ideas, stories, and even swap fabric scraps while they stitch. That's one facet of such a project, but it would also include upcycling, slow stitching, life story writing (if desired), sharing of memories and stories, and time to slow down and play with colors and textures in the cloth. There is no need for perfection and precise sewing--it's all about the process of the stitching and all skill levels would be welcome. If someone wanted to do all simple running stitch, something lovely could be created. If someone is really into embroidery, they could do that and something lovely could be created.

She loved the idea and was going to work on a grant to fund materials and things. I understood that we were waiting to see if the funding came through to know whether or not the class would happen. One day I saw that the class was scheduled to start next month. I didn't have any photos to send her so she could use them in advertising and since I was away from home, my supplies were limited. Fortunately, we had gone to a charity shop where I found some good cloth for slow stitching--fleece scarves, flannel sheets, cloth napkins, and a bag that was labelled 'material' but when I opened it, it was pillowcases. Fine with me. I went rummaging around one of the project pouches I had with me, grabbed a couple scraps of ribbon yarn left from a kumihimo braid I'd made, and started thinking about how to at least make a cover so I could at least create a cover. I'm quite happy with the results!

front cover

back cover

I'm calling this journal 'She Makes Things' and it's honoring the work of women from previous generations, especially their handwork. While I'm including things from and a tribute to several women, some who I knew and some who I didn't, it's primarily an homage to my Nana. When I was little, and at school or somewhere, I was asked who I admired most or some such question. While I don't remember the exact question, I do remember my answer, 'My Nana. She's so cool. She makes things.' I still think Nana was cool. Now I make things. And I'm making this slow stitched cloth journal for myself both as a tribute to all those women like Nana and as a reminder of where I come from and who I am today. 

I'm just about done with this journal and I'll post more about it when it's complete.

Update: Sorry about that white box above. I can't seem to get rid of it. 

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