Hand Embroidery And My Wellbeing
I wanted to take this opportunity to formally introduce myself now that my blog is officially up and running. It's important for you to gain insight into the individual who founded Zenf Embroidery. My journey with hand embroidery began in my early twenties, during a period when I was living abroad with a military partner. I initially delved into cross stitch as a means of occupying my time. Looking back, even during those early days, I could sense a significant enhancement in my overall well-being through the art of cross stitching. Feeling alone in a foreign land, I discovered that the simple act of stitching brought me immense joy and comfort. Over time, it became a source of anticipation and delight, eagerly awaiting the moments when I could lose myself in the rhythmic beauty of needle and thread. Stitching then became a popular topic of conversation with other wives, opening doors for me to connect with new people. I discovered that stitching provided a unique way for me to engage in conversations and form meaningful connections with others.
Over time, my hand embroidery skills have developed and expanded beyond basic cross stitching on 16 - 22 count aida fabric. Seeking greater challenges, I transitioned to working on finer 50 - 52 count linen, marveling at the way the threads interacted with the delicate weave of the fabric. I found immense satisfaction in the intricate nature of this new technique, pushing myself further in my craft. Further insights into the nuances and characteristics of counted cross stitch fabrics are detailed in the resources provided at the conclusion of this article.
Jumping ahead to approximately 2013-2015, I found myself confined to my bed because of knee issues, enduring daily pain. Needlework became my solace during this period. It was during these years that I was offered the opportunity to join as a model stitcher for a renowned sampler reproduction company. I hand embroidered daily, finding solace in the intricate stitches that transported me beyond the confines of my humble abode. Each sampler held a captivating tale of bygone eras, instilling in me a deep sense of reverence for the skilled hands that had meticulously crafted them centuries ago. As I delicately recreated these historical pieces, I felt a profound connection to the past, weaving a thread of tradition into the fabric of my present existence. It was during this period that I realised I would be reliant on a wheelchair for the long term. In the midst of this realisation, my hand embroidery became not only a source of solace but also a means to convey my emotions and find solace in the intricate stitches that I created.
Using a powered wheelchair allowed me to gain more confidence in my abilities. However, it was through the art of hand embroidery that I found the courage to take a significant step forward by applying to university to pursue a degree in textiles. I began my textile degree journey in September 2017 in Sussex. After two years, I made the decision to relocate to Cardiff to restart the process in September 2019. There, I delved deeper into the world of Textiles, leading to my graduation with First Class Honours in 2022. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience studying Textiles. Throughout the course, I dedicated myself to hand embroidering each project, finding immense gratification in pursuing my true passion. As I approached the conclusion of my degree, I increasingly delved into pushing the limits of my artistry, venturing into uncharted territories with threads as my companions. The enduring allure of nature served as my steadfast muse, an instinctive and harmonious choice for my expressions through the intricate craft of hand embroidery. Designing and creating three-dimensional pieces that bring me immense joy and happiness to embroider, I decided to sell my creations so that others could potentially experience the same emotions I do when I gaze upon my handiwork. The satisfaction of experiencing delight and contentment by simply looking at, then engaging with, each piece, recognizing the effort, craftsmanship, and enjoyment infused into every artwork.
My personal wellness has significantly improved through the simple act of engaging with needle and thread. I have noticed a remarkable enhancement in my ability to focus, as well as a profound sense of tranquility that lingers even after I finish my hand embroidery sessions. Hand embroidery has been intertwined with my life for more than three decades. Its calming and immersive nature draws me in, allowing me to lose myself for hours in a state of flow. During these moments, the only thing that truly matters is the rhythmic dance of the needle through the fabric.
Moving forward to the present time, I have aspired to establish my own website as a natural evolution from my Etsy shop. This would centralise all aspects of my hand embroidery work at Zenf Embroidery, offering a cohesive online platform for my creations. While also providing me with a platform to express my discoveries, latest artworks, and innovative projects, I am eager to initiate and unveil several concepts to engage with and involve all of you. This new chapter I've embarked on fills me with immense excitement as I delve into sharing and advocating for wellness through each intricate stitch along the way.
Sources
https://www.thecrossstitchguild.com/cross-stitch-basics/fabric-basics-for-cross-stitching.aspx
https://www.seamwork.com/articles/finding-flow
