AUSTEN BOOKMARK CORNER
How lovely to have you here. A moment together to create calm through stitching.
This mindful sewing experience is a gentle introduction. Follow the video below for a step-by-step sewing guide, the mindfulness prompt in the sewing kit to make the moment even more relaxing.
TURNING STITCHING INTO A
WELLBEING MOMENT
1. Settle
Get comfortable in your chair and set up your sewing in front of you. A steaming hot cup of tea and a piece of your favourite cake would be lovely too.
2. Mindfulness
Creating a moment of inner peace. Read the mindfulness prompt card, and take a moment to let the thought settle in your mind. No pressure, keep it simple, light and uplifting – a touch of thankfulness feels so good.
3. Breathe
Close your eyes, breathe in slowly, and out. Repeat this five times going slower and deeper. Allow your body to release the tension, face, shoulders, arms, hands. Feel calm start to flow.
4. stitch
Pastoral embroidery has an artisanal charm, where a few wandering stitches add to the beauty. Let go of perfection and enjoy the journey. As you settle into the rhythm, let the calm flow.
5. Journal
Journal simply for just a couple of minutes, allow the thoughts and feelings to flow out. Thankful. Settling your mind and your heart.
6. FEEL THE CALM
Pause. Breathe deeply. Feel the calm.
You gave yourself this moment.
A few minutes each day builds resilient calm, helping you move through life refreshed and appreciative.
LET’S MAKE THE BOOKMARK CORNER
As you stitch, keep that lovely calm feeling you now have.
Thread your needle with two strands of embroidery floss.
(Beginner sewing fundamentals videos at the bottom of this page)
Embroider the front piece. Leaf design. (This is optional as you can leave the printed design if you prefer.)
Start with a knot. Use satin stitch as shown in the video below.
Sewing the bookmark together. Place the front onto the back, stitch them together with blanket stitch on the two straight edges, as shown in the video below.
HAND SEWING AND EMBROIDERY FUNDAMENTALS
If you need a little more guidance, here are some additional videos to guide you through hand sewing fundamentals.
FLOSS
Splitting the 6 strand embroidery floss
THREADING
Threading the needle
KNOT
Tie a knot
