Garden Threads, A Slow Stitching Retreat

Welcome to Garden Threads, A Slow Stitching Retreat! I’m Susan Ernst, artist, horticulturist, soul care practitioner and creator of this course. In this course I share how I approach my slow stitching projects. I demonstrate a variety of stitches and different ways to use them for different effects. Slow stitching lends itself easily to contemplative or mindful time. I discuss that too and give you a variety of contemplative prompts to use as you like. I enjoy online classes best when there is a live component, so I’ve created a community for us too. We have a group on this platform where we can share with each other. No more groups on Facebook where we get distracted before we even get to the group! I will also host monthly contemplative stitching circles. In those, we meet for a half hour. I will provide a quote for us to contemplate as we stitch. In the last ten minutes we can share what came up for us as we were stitching. Please fill out the questionnaire in the next lesson indicating the days and times that are best for you. If you have any questions, please put them in the comments section below this video. Thanks for joining and I look forward to seeing you inside.

Here is the Supply List Backing fabric: cotton or linen, medium weight 9”x12” or smaller Fabric scraps Embroidery floss – DMC is recommended Embroidery needles (I use size 5) assorted sizes are available Cosmetic sponge, bottle cork, or pin cushion Scissors Straight pins Fusible hemming tape Iron 2 pieces of 9”x12” cardboard or thick paper (the back of a drawing pad is good) Reference photos or flower bouquet Optional supplies Embroidery hoop Yarn or ribbon Beads, buttons, other embellishments Small decorative box, tin or basket to hold your supplies Ruler Pencil

In this video I share the story of how I got into slow stitching. Here is what the July prayer flag looked like before I hung it outside. Tell us your journey into slow stitching in our group. Below is the Stitching Prayers ebook.