Hand Stitching Self-Care

Level: Beginner Instructor: Leah Tenney Age Range: 14+, Adults & Youth welcome Length: 2 hours Hand-stitching can become a soothing and meditative practice, allowing time and mental space to relax, process emotions and de-stress. The workshop starts with a short mindfulness exercise and conversation about the history of hand-stitching and correlations with self-care. Participants receive instruction in 3 beginner embroidery stitches and assistance with creating a small self-care stitching project plan. Participants might begin their project and take it home to continue working. They will receive a booklet of mindfulness prompts to use during their stitching time. Participants are free to attend a single session or return for future sessions (at additional cost) to continue their projects. Participants may choose between two project plans: Option A: Select a single word that encapsulates a current mood or emotion that the participant would like to focus on with hand stitching Option B: Create a freestyle/ abstract piece of stitching that allows the participant to move freely and experiment with color and stitch selection. Supplies/ Materials: All materials are provided. (If participants wish to bring their own, that's fine.) • Fabric • Small embroidery scissors • A variety of embroidery threads that participants may choose from • 1 embroidery hoop • Embroidery needles • Needle threaders • Booklet of stitch references and mindfulness prompts • Small gift bags to take projects home About Leah I’m a self-taught textile artist focused on hand stitching as an expressive practice. I work in embroidery, quilting, and mixed media. I have an educational background in natural sciences and museum studies. I love all things natural & historical! I use hand stitching to express my thoughts, fears, hopes, and dreams and believe in creating a welcoming & supportive environment for everyone to explore their creativity.