People who enjoy stitching have for a long time known the
benefits needlework brings. There are many reasons why
people choose use their leisure time to stitch, but there are
also many reasons why this is good for them!
Engaging in a craft such as needlework causes the
embroiderer to slow down, and concentrate on the task at
hand. With such busy lives, many of us find that such
opportunities are precious. They help us to relax, give our
hands the chance to work, while our minds can be at rest.
Sure, needlework requires concentration, but some
needlework falls into a rhythm, which allows our brains to
disengage while our hands’ muscle memory does the work.
In his book “In Praise of Slow”, Carl Honore explains why
slowing down is important, and how in our culture of speed
we need to take opportunities to slow down. Needlework is
a great way to do this. It takes time. It is not something that
can be mastered overnight, nor are most projects
something that can be done overnight. Needlework
develops fine motor skill, but also more intangible skills
such as delayed gratification and persistence.
Needlework allows for expression of creativity. We can use
our embroidery to express ourselves. I do embroidery
because I must be creating something. For me, it is
something I am driven to do. If I do not create, I feel that
something is missing. For me, and many others, the action
of creating something contributes to our mental well being
and feelings of fulfilment.
I feel that there is something spiritual about creating. Made
in the image of God, we share some of His likenesses. God
created everything. When I create, for me it is an act of
worship. Its me saying “God, you are the ultimate creator.
Here is my feeble attempt as an offering to you.”
I often find that many of the students in my needlework
classes have health problems. Needlework classes are an
opportunity for students to completely lose themselves in a
task, forgetting their problems, while enjoying the wonderful
social interactions that embroidery classes typically provide.
One of my students once commented that getting together
with a group of women to sew is better than paying $50 to a
therapist any day! And at the end they have something that
they have made to show off or even give to their family and
friends. The benefits of building social connections and self
esteem like this are enormous.
It seems that many people agree. Attendance at the craft
shows around the nation is up, with many spending up big
on a range of crafts in which to immerse themselves. New
craft magazines are appearing on the newsagency shelves
all the time. The message that “craft is good for you” is
getting through.
It is clear that needlework fills a void in people’s lives: for
social interaction, for expression of creativity, and for giving
people something meaningful and enjoyable to do.
We can now enjoy the knowledge that research backs up
these experiences: participation in the textile arts brings
many benefits, particularly for health and social wellbeing.
Frances Reynolds, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the
Department of Health and Social Care, Brunel University,
UK has published a paper entitled Textile art promoting
well-being in long-term illness: some general and specific
influences.
“It fills occupational voids following early retirement and
enables social contacts. Textile artwork also stimulates
learning and personal development. It draws upon rich
social traditions, facilitating social contact. Many forms of
textile art making are highly time-consuming, fostering
a future orientation, and the creative process is often
socially visible within the home, with positive consequences
for self-image.” says Dr Reynolds.
So as you enjoy your embroidery, rest easy in the
knowledge that what you are doing is good for your health.
And you could even use it as an excuse to buy more craft
supplies and add to your stash… “But its good for my
health!”
Yvette Stanton is an embroidery teacher and the author of
the books “Mountmellick Embroidery: Inspired by Nature”
(2004) and “Elegant Hardanger Embroidery” (2002, 2005).
http://www.embroidery.more.at
