How Embroidery Grounds Me During Overstimulating Days.

Since I was a child, I have loved watching movies from different time periods. I was always fascinated by how people would entertain themselves before technology. There was a book being read, an instrument being played, stories being told, and embroidery.

To see these women weave their thread back and forth and stitch by stitch would create something so beautiful. I knew I would one day try my hands at that skill. Fast forward to 2023, and I finally had the guts to try it. I was embroidering a simple flower on a dress of mine and one on my daughter’s sweater. I was HOOKED! Like with ANY of my hobbies, I read all I could, watched videos to learn techniques, and ordered what I needed to jump into head first.

I started by practicing different stitches. I learned from both being able to SEE the stitch and being able to do it in person. So I love that I can go online and search for a specific stitch that I am working on and see the stitches I need to do and then have the tactile feeling of practicing. Even with practicing, the simple needle movement in and out of the fabric calmed my mind. Everything around me grew quiet, and I was able to focus solely on the task at hand. As a woman with ADHD and Autism, it is very rare for my brain to be quiet. And with embroidery, I find myself just focusing on the stitch and watching what I am creating coming to life.

Being able to take a moment and focus on the beautiful colors and textures of my work helps to focus my attention. Following the pattern helps me to quiet my thoughts and but me into the mindset I need to be to take on the task of the day. It gives me the break I need.

All of us are very busy, and sometimes I can only take 15 min out of my day to embroider, but I make those 15 minutes count. Watching my masterpiece as it grows helps me calm down. I can physically see that I don't need to spend a lot of time creating beauty. I am reminded of the beauty that t small deliberate steps can have in life. And as a busy homeschooling mother of two, that is needed.

I get overstimulated very easily, but I have borrowed time from other things in my life to take this time. It is very important. For me to ground myself, I have found that hobbies outside of motherhood are very much needed. It was something I started doing in 2020, and I have continued, and I am proud of myself for sticking with it. Embroidery is something I can control. I get to choose the design, the color scheme, the texture, etc. In life, there are always things that happen out of your control, but for those moments I am embroidering, I have peace because it is something I choose to do and something I am in control over.

The beautiful piece I made is from a very talented artist, Jade, who goes by Naturesfaeuk on Etsy.

Have you ever used a creative hobby to calm your mind or find focus during overwhelming moments? Share your experience in the comments below - I’d love to hear how creativity helps you! And if you’re looking to start your own embroidery journey, check out my fave beginner-friendly tools below:

beginner embroidery kit, stick and stitch (this one is if you want to print your own designs) , Stick and stitch floral design , crafting scissors, extra embroidery hoops. I like to feel my embroidery floss and fabric, so I purchase those at local craft stores.

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