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What’s so great about Slow Sewing and Couch Craft?

July 31, 2016 By Lauren at Molly and Mama 6 Comments

Have you heard the terms Slow Sewing and Couch Craft recently? They seem to be buzz words right now. Everyone’s talking about their slow stitching. So what’s it all about?

Slow Sewing

Slow sewing is all about relishing the time taken to make something of value and of beauty. It’s about appreciating the process of sewing, and the skills involved in hand stitching, instead of focussing on the finished product, or completing a project quickly.

Techniques that make ideal slow sewing projects include English paper piecing, hand embroidery, cross stitch, crochet, knitting, hand quilting, and appliqué (to name a few). And all of these techniques can be used in portable sewing projects, that you can take with you.

hexies by Molly and Mama

Hand stitching hexagons is a lovely slow sewing project

Couch Craft

And here’s where couch craft comes in. Every now and then, it’s nice to relax in front of the television and watch a good movie. It’s made even better when you can use that relaxation time to sew while sitting on the couch. Hence the coining of the term ‘couch craft’.

Spring Posy Pin Cushion by Molly and Mama

Hand made felt flowers are the perfect way to decorate a simple hand-stitched pin cushion

I completely understand the appeal of slow sewing and couch craft. But when I hear those terms, it seems a bit silly. It’s like we’re the ones who have only just discovered it. Or made it up. And in some ways, I feel like it almost belittles the forms of hand sewing that were not only ‘fun’ for past generations, but in most cases, a necessity too.

Let me explain myself. If my grandmother Molly was here, she’d be telling me that she learnt these ‘slow sewing’ techniques from her mother and her grandmother. Only they weren’t considered slow in those days. They were just doing what needed to be done.  This was the time when many families had to ‘make do and mend’. So it seems funny that we’re now looking at quilting and hand embroidery as quaint little techniques which need to be applauded for their ability to make us slow down in our busy lives, and enjoy the process of creating with our hands.

We’re so lucky to live in today’s world, where so many of us have access to gadgets and gizmos that make our lives easier. We can achieve more, do more and make more. I have often lamented that as our lives have become busier, many of the traditions and techniques of old seem to be forgotten. So although ‘slow sewing’ might have a funny name, the premise behind it is lovely.

Slow stitching is all around us. And whatever you want to call it, I must confess I love it!

Molly and Mama Hexie Planner Cover

More hexagons! Aren’t they a beautiful addition to this diary?

Because at the end of the day, life’s really all about the journey, isn’t it? And if we can learn to appreciate the beauty and wonder that surrounds us, by taking time to sew and stitch, craft and create, then I’m all for ‘slow sewing’, ‘couch craft’ or whatever you want to call it! We learn so much by simply sitting down, and giving something a go. It’s wonderful. And it gives me hope that the practical and decorative sewing and craft skills that were taught to me by my mother, grandmothers and aunties, won’t be lost or forgotten. They’ll be relished!

Sleepy Cloud pin cushions by Molly and Mama

What do you think about ‘slow sewing’ and ‘couch craft’? Is there a special project you work on, or a particular technique you turn to, when you want to relax? I’d love to hear all about it. Please leave me a comment and share your ideas.

And happy sewing, Lauren x

This post was written by Lauren Wright and appeared first on Molly and Mama http://www.MollyandMama.com.au

Filed Under: This and That Tagged With: couch craft, slow sewing

Comments

  1. Melon says

    August 4, 2016 at 11:43 pm

    How funny – I’m the girl who made all those Christmas angels with your pattern last year, and I’ve invited a friend over tomorrow to teach me to use the sewing machine, as I’m a bit tired of doing it all by hand! I mean, I still enjoy it and won’t stop, but making cushions for the dogs by hand is becoming a bit much…

    Reply
    • Lauren at Molly and Mama says

      August 5, 2016 at 9:51 am

      So lovely to hear from you! I will always love hand sewing. It’s my favourite thing to do. But I agree that the sewing machine can certainly help make life easier. Aren’t we so lucky to have the best of both worlds? We have such amazing technology available to us, yet we can also continue to sew like Great Grandma did. Happy cushion sewing!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. The 'Quilt Petite' Blog Hop: Dresden Cushion - Molly and Mama says:
    November 13, 2016 at 6:46 pm

    […] Dresdens were hand stitched, they take a little time to sew. But I find slow sewing in the quiet of night is a lovely way to relax at the end of each day. And the finished effect is […]

    Reply
  2. The Hettie Hexie Mini Pattern - Molly and Mama says:
    March 30, 2017 at 8:47 am

    […] the hexagon panel is a terrific slow sewing activity and it’s also portable, so you can get started sewing this mini whether […]

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  3. Make a Heat Pack with Pretty Hexie Flower - Molly and Mama says:
    July 9, 2017 at 6:01 am

    […] really been enjoying my slow sewing in the evenings. English paper piecing is the perfect project for it! And as a result I now have a […]

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  4. The Flora Mini Quilt Tutorial - Molly and Mama says:
    February 23, 2018 at 12:37 pm

    […] Mini Quilt entirely by hand! What a great idea for when you are travelling or wanting to try some slow sewing. Head to her blog to see […]

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mollyandmama

Studio For Pretty Stitches
I’m so thrilled to be kicking off the #seworderl I’m so thrilled to be kicking off the #seworderly challenge I’m co-hosting with @arabesquescissors during February. Over the next four weeks Ali and I are planning to reorganise our sewing spaces and sort our supplies. If you’re in need of a tidy out, we’d love you to join in! Because it’s more fun if we encourage each other (and there’s some wonderful prizes up for grabs too)!

To start things off this week, we’re asking you to introduce yourself and the areas in your sewing space you need help with. It could be a photo of your room, or just a little view of some supplies you need to clean, reorganize or sort. Post the photo on your public instagram profile using the hashtag #seworderly. 

Join us each week as we tackle different areas and share different tips! Tag friends here who might like to join in. Read all the details on the blog (there’s a link in my profile). 

#mollyandmama #arabesquescissors #seworganised #seworganized #sewingroom #sewingstudio #craftroom #sewingspace #quilting #patchwork
After finishing my Summer Rose Pouch, I’m now wo After finishing my Summer Rose Pouch, I’m now working on a simple quilt made with @mabletandesigns new ‘Birds and Blooms’ collection with @pbsfabrics. I think it will be the perfect picnic companion. I love the way Mable’s prints and colours work together 🦜🌼. 

#mollyandmama #mabletandesigns #birdsandbloomsfabric #pbsfabrics #australianflorafabric #australianafabric #cockatoo #parakeet #parrot #quilting #quilt #quiltersofinstagram
It’s all in the details 🐰🌸💗 Ask for t It’s all in the details 🐰🌸💗 

Ask for the Easter Dilly Bag pattern at your favourite store (@creative_abundance can help with wholesale orders) or find the instant download pattern in my store(link in bio). Happy stitching! 

#mollyandmama #easterdillybag #tildahappycampers #drawstringbag #chocolatefreeeaster #tildahappycampersfabric #ilovetilda #twogreenzebras #tildaaustralia #devonstonesolids #tildameadow #embroidery #eastersewing #easterbag #easterbasket #easterdillybag #fabricyoyos #suffolkpuffs #yoyos #bunnyembroidery #flowerembroidery #creativeabundance
🪡NEW INSTA CHALLENGE! WHO’S IN?🪡 Like man 🪡NEW INSTA CHALLENGE! WHO’S IN?🪡

Like many of you, the new year has already begun with lots of sewing and fun in my studio. But sometimes the aftermath of all of that creating and making is overwhelming. I'm not convinced my sewing space is working for me, or that I have everything set up so that I can use my space, supplies and materials as easily as possible. I'd love to be more intentional about the way I use my sewing studio. My friend Ali from @arabesquescissors feels exactly the same way! 

For the month of February, Ali and I are going to co-host an instagram challenge that helps us sort out what's working in the studio, what's not, and what we can do about it. We'd be really thrilled if you joined us on the journey! We’ll be using the hashtag #seworderly to help bring you tips and tricks that are organised into weekly themes. We’d love to hear your tips too. Between all of us, we’re sure this amazing community can share some wonderful ideas! 

To celebrate the lead up to our challenge, we’re asking you to post a photo on your public profile using the #seworderly hashtag, and sharing where you’d like some organisational help. Who’ll share a ‘before’ shot of their sewing space 🙋🏼‍♀️? 

We’ll be sharing more in the coming week about how to join in and as a little incentive there’ll even be some prizes up for grabs! Follow @mollyandmama and @arabesquescissors to stay in the loop. I’m really looking forward to getting #seworderly! Are you? 

#mollyandmama #arabesquescissors #seworderly #sewingroomcleanup #instachallenge #instagramchallenge #loveyoursewingspace
✨🐝🌼 This was the very first prototype for ✨🐝🌼 This was the very first prototype for my Serious Sewist’s Pin Cushion. There’s something so warm and peaceful about those lemon tones. And I just love the addition of the sparkly gold thread! ✨✨

This sewing pattern now comes with a matching scissor charm too. So sweet! Check out the listing in my store for more details 😄

#mollyandmama #serioussewistsset #libertyfabric #libertytanalawn #iloveliberty #vintageliberty #felt #woolfelt  #feltapplique #appliquebee #feltbee #hexies #hexagons #englishpaperpiecing #epp #handstitched #slowsewing
Well my sneak preview has turned into a pouch! I d Well my sneak preview has turned into a pouch! I decided to use @mabletandesigns’ fabric ‘Birds & Blooms’ (with @pbsfabrics) to sew a new ipad cover using my Summer Rose Pouch pattern. But once I was finished, I realised it was perfect for a portable sewing kit too. I’m starting on a new colourway of the Nan’s Garden Stitchery in the hoop here. @creative_abundance wholesale the preprinted linens and creative cards for this project. But I will also have the PDF pattern ready to go in the next week! 

#mollyandmama #summerrosepouch #pouchpattern #nansgardenstitchery #creativeabundance #mabletandesigns #birdsandbloomsfabric #pbsfabrics #australianflorafabric #australianafabric #cockatoo #parakeet #parrot #aurifilthread #aurifloss #aurifilartisan #embroideryfloss #aurifilfloss #ipadcover #ipadpouch #hoopart #embroideryhoop
🐰🌸 Who’s thinking about Easter sewing alre 🐰🌸 Who’s thinking about Easter sewing already? I designed this little Easter Dilly Bag pattern as a cute little egg holder for chocolate egg hunts (see those front pockets?). But I’m realising that it will also be perfect for storing my #bittybunnies and the #rosierabbitornament collection, after Easter too! I also created a Christmas version to hold my felt gingerbread ornaments (scroll down my feed to see). 

You can find this pattern in my shop and stores can order wholesale from @creative_abundance 🐰🌸 

#mollyandmama #easterdillybag #tildahappycampers #drawstringbag #chocolatefreeeaster #tildahappycampersfabric #ilovetilda #twogreenzebras #tildaaustralia #devonstonesolids #tildameadow #embroidery #eastersewing #easterbag #easterbasket #easterdillybag #fabricyoyos #suffolkpuffs #yoyos #bunnyembroidery #flowerembroidery #creativeabundance
🐝🌸 You’ve seen my pretty floral Serious Se 🐝🌸 You’ve seen my pretty floral Serious Sewist’s Set, but here’s a sweet Liberty Wiltshire version. I love @libertyfabrics tana lawn, especially when it’s paired with linen.

Find out more about this new pattern in the listing details. Tap the photo or head to the shop link in my profile. 

#mollyandmama #serioussewistsset #libertyfabric #libertytanalawn #iloveliberty #libertywiltshire #felt #woolfelt  #feltapplique #appliquebee #feltbee #scissorkeeper #scissorcharm #hexies #hexagons #englishpaperpiecing #epp #handstitched #slowsewing #aurifil #aurifloss #aurifilfloss #embroideryfloss #aurifilartisan
I’m loving @mabletandesigns new collection ‘B I’m loving @mabletandesigns  new collection ‘Birds & Blooms’ for @pbsfabrics. And hand quilting with @aurifilthread embroidery floss is a dream! Can you guess which of my patterns this will become? 

#mollyandmama #mabletandesigns #birdsandbloomsfabric #pbsfabrics #australianflorafabric #australianafabric #cockatoo #parakeet #parrot #binding #summerrosepouch #fatquarterbundle #fabriccollection #fabricpull #aurifilthread #aurifloss #aurifilartisan #embroideryfloss #aurifilfloss
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