We discuss how meditative crafting can help you to de-stress and relax, along with sharing lots of inspiring project ideas!
Thanks to Nomad Yarns for supporting Love to Sew! Get $5 off Beginning Knitting or Beginning Crochet kits from nomadyarnshop.com with the code “LOVETOSEW”. Plus, Use the coupon code “LOVETOSEW” to get a free knitting or crochet pattern of your choice!
Thanks also to Esther Fabrics for supporting Love to Sew! For the rest of June 2020, get 10% off on your next purchase from Esther’s Fabrics by going to esthersfabrics.com and using coupon code, LOVETOSEW.
Love to Sew episode mentioned:
- Episode 145: Mending
- Episode 132: Sewing Self-Care
- Episode 105: Speedy Sewing
- Episode 104: Sewing Through Cancer with Denise Archer
- Episode 88: Dress Up and Stand Out with Elisalex De Castro Peake
- Episode 74: Start Now with Elise Cripe
- Episode 58: Planning Projects
Caroline’s batch mask sewing:
- Helen’s striped sweater she is knitting (Pattern: Benton Sweater by Brooklyn Tweed):
- Caroline’s pottery:
- Helen’s garden:
Meditative Sewing
- Hand sewing
- Beginner Quilt Patterns and Free Tutorials by Polka Dot Chair
- Batch sewing simple projects!
- Bunting
- Coasters
- Scrunchies
- Reusable makeup remover pads (Use Helen’s Closet Patterns Tutorial!)
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- Tote bags
- Small quilted items like coasters, placemats, table runners
- Neckerchief
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- Mending
Knitting and Crochet
- Check out Ravelry.com to find knitting and crochet patterns
- Very Pink Knits on YouTube has great tutorials!
- Diagonal Comfort Blanket by Lion Yarn
- The Elementary Wrap by Purl Soho
- European Road Trip Shawl by Espace Tricot
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Weaving
- Basics Tapestry Tutorial by A Beautiful Mess
- Check out this Hey Lai blog post for some dreamy weaving inspo + weaving tutorial content
Punch Needle
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Embroidery
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Other mentions:
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Hi Helen and Caroline!
I really enjoyed today’s episode on meditative crafting. My meditative craft during social distancing has been knitting hexipuffs, little knit pillows in the shape of hexagons. They could be combined to make cushions or even a quilt (see The Beekeeper’s Quilt by Tiny Owl Knits) but honestly I like how making something kind of pointless takes the pressure off. Sometimes I put them where my cat is sleeping so she can use them as a pillow. I challenge myself to do some sort of making every day so that it stays a constant part of my life, and on days where I don’t have the time or energy for a big project I can still manage to knit a few stitches. And now I have about 70! I still don’t know what I’ll do with them, but having these little colorful pillows around makes me smile.
I loved all of your suggestions, especially ones for using scraps since I’m not able to order new materials due to covid restrictions where I live. Thanks again for this episode, it really resonated with me. Love the show!
Sara, thank you so much for the positive feedback and for sharing your meditative craft of knitting hexipuffs! We have seen this before and can totally see how knitting those little pillows can be so satisfying! Thanks for listening and supporting the show 🙂
Loved this episode! A few years ago I took up loom knitting. A loom can be bought at big box stores for not a lot of money. Easy to make hats for charity. As you learn more there are more complex patterns out there (check out loom knitting on Ravelry). That led me to try crochet, so now I have that hobby. I turn to loom knitting when I need something repetitive.
Cross stitch can also be meditative. I find it simpler than embroidery. Of course that depends on the pattern 🙂
Hope both of you will try quilting, both machine and hand piecing and quilting. Improv quilting is great fun.
Thanks so much for your message, Pat! It’s great to hear about your experience with loom knitting. We will have to give that a try along with some quilting too! Thanks so much for listening and supporting the podcast, and happy crafting 🙂
Hi Helen and Caroline, I love your podcast. You really inspire me to get in and try my hand at sewing and you make me laugh all the time.
For my meditative craft, I have been surprised lately how knitting has been so relaxing. I’ve been working on some simple knit and pearl cowls. When my husband was in hospital receiving treatment for cancer it was only think I could do or wanted to do, other than sudokus lol.
So thanks for sharing many other relaxing hobbies I could pick up and showing how they can have a modern twist.
Love Amy
Amy, thank you so much for your message and sharing how knitting has acted as a meditative craft for you during difficult times❤️ We hope you give some of our other meditative crafting suggestions a try too! Thanks so much for your support and for listening to the podcast!