Embroidery stitched by Laurel H. Campbell.

Laurel H. Campbell

Teaching embroidery comes from a deep-seated desire to slow down the hurried nature of our lives. In gathering together to learn the art, we begin to share a practice of meditation and mindfulness, or being in the moment. Our love is expressed through the need to create and give gifts. Using specially woven cloth and colorful threads, we can create beautiful works of art to hang on the walls of our homes. This activity, which has been practiced for many decades, is now sought after by fiber artists of all ages.

One Stitch at a Time
I began embroidering many years ago after discovering the slow and patient nature of the craft. Time seems to slow down, and one can easily become enthralled by the calming and repetitive movements, one stitch at a time.

A stitching project of mine was recently featured on the cover of Art Education from the National Art Education Association. I used a running stitch to create circles and lines in a freehand style. I have also used embroidery kits with my own thread selections for fun, and as gifts for friends. I prefer to teach students how to create their own patterns using special water-soluble pens to draw on the fabric.

An Evening Embroidery Class
Fiber artists recently enrolled in an evening embroider y class I taught at a midwestern university. Students ranged in age from fifteen (accompanied by a parent) to sevent y-f ive. The excitement was palpable as we studied traditional and contemporar y stitches and considered which patterns we could create.

The power of slow stitching and the meditation and mindfulness practices it invokes is often overlooked.

Students could design their own patterns or use stencils I purchased in a variety of shapes and sizes. Many were beginners who needed a practice cloth for experimenting with the stitches before creating their projects. Students could also try a freehand project without a pattern to stitch over.

It became so quiet in the classroom that only the sounds of the needles moving through the cloth could be heard. Students were in the moment and acutely aware of their craft practice, but they were also lost in their work. We talked a bit to each other at times, forging new friendships. In fact, the group met together a few extra nights after the class ended, and everyone vowed to start a stitching club in the fall.

Reflection
It is immensely important that art educators consider adding handwork projects to their curricula, which could turn into a lifelong skill for students. The power of slow stitching and the meditation and mindfulness practices it invokes is often overlooked. It provides a few moments in the day where one becomes lost in the art, creating a space for quiet and calm. Students and artists of all ages can benefit from an artful interlude in our busy lives.

Laurel H. Campbell is an associate professor and director of art education at Purdue University in Fort Wayne, Indiana. campbell@ipfw.edu