Oh Emma... I've been binge watching your videos for the past 2 weeks repeatedly...may I add. I have an Autistic non- verbal child and my cousin that was literally like my sister(I'm an only child) just took her life on August 16th. So I'm just big ridiculous mess. And this video made me cry and really evaluate my life. I'm 45...not getting any younger and I'm as always on the go. You have 100% inspired me. I put my machine away and I got myself a little EPP kit to try. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. There is a purity in this sewing that gives me satisfaction that I just cannot describe. I want to thank you sweet girl for putting yourself out there and showing the true beauty of sewing. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I also ordered the book you suggested. I honestly found the calm in my river of chaos. I dont have alot of free time so i assumed that hand sewing would take forever. I WAS SO VERY WRONG. Thank you from across the pond!!
Oh Kelly, I am so so sorry to hear how awful things have been, I can't imagine what you are going through. I am glad this sort of sewing is giving you some comfort at this very difficult time. It is amazing how therapeutic hand stitching can be. Take really good care of yourself. I will be thinking of you. Thank you for leaving me this comment x
@Kelly Beckner. I’m so sorry to know that you’re life has been impacted by such a tragedy. I hope you continue to do the things that can help to bring calmness into your life. Hand sewing & enjoying what you’re sewing will definitely help you. Best wishes for you & your family.
I have just read your message, and sincerely hope that life has calmed down a little for you over the last months, and that you are still finding joy and relaxation in your hand sewing. May I suggest that you look at a channel called ‘the last Homely House’ I’m sure that you would find comfort from the things that Kate does, and the lovely way that she reaches out to her viewers. I look forward to meeting you on the lime green sofa! (You will understand if you watch the channel!) with every blessing, Chris X
It's been two years since you posted on Emma's 'How Slow Sewing Saved My Life' video. However, I want to thank you for thank you for sharing your raw vulnerability with us. Thank you for trusting in the kindness of strangers. This stranger is mourning the passing of a beloved church friend who loved us all through an autistic, non- verbal perspective. Slow sewing and posts like yours help. Also, I am learning that sometimes asking "How?" is much more helpful than asking "Why?" Wishing you every support in your life journey.
I too find stitching a relief of mental issues. It's real nice knowing others find stitching a healing factor in their lives. I'm binge watching your vids and seeing an amazing assortment of know how.
I’m and a new follower so my reply is current! I suffer with fibromyalgia which causes chronic pain. I e had it since 1987 and discovered several years ago exactly what you are saying in this video! Slow stitching the binding of a quilt or EPP distracts the pain signals and brings calm. I love your channel! So calming, peaceful , and informative! I live in the US in the Deep South state of Alabama on a small farm where we grow cotton, wheat, corn and soybean!Currently the fields are a brilliant bright green with a sublet season of wheat before the longer seasonal crops are planted. I love slow stitching on my front porch back patio and watching the fields, the planting/ harvesting, birds & surrounding trees. I have a new spring birds nest on my back porch eaves . Slow stitching is the perfect activity in spring and fall . Not so much in summer due to the stifling heat e have in Alabama from June- September. Have a lovely spring and continue to make your videos. Your voice is perfect for this type of stitching!
I just discovered your channel and I'm hooked! When I was a little girl in the 50's I had a seizure disorder called St. Vituses Dance. It is a horrible thing to have to live with and causes horrible anxiety after each episode since you are awake the whole time. Our doctor told my mother to teach me how to sew to take my mind off the episodes so she taught me how to darn, then embroidery, then paper piece. It was a .God send! I outgrew the condition but not my love for hand sewing. I can't do it any longer due to health issues so instead I watch videos like yours to give me that same feeling of peace and calm. God bless you dear heart.😏💞
Thank you so much for sharing your story with me Deb. I am sorry you had to suffer such an awful condition. I’m glad sewing helped you. Thanks so much for watching my video, take care x
Yes, the slow, rhythmic process of making stitches, whether they are sewn, knitted or crocheted, is definitely therapeutic. It works for me where nothing else could. Thank you for putting this into words. ❤❤❤
Thank you, Emma, for putting into words what a lot of people are feeling!! I’m with lots of other people that thinks your voice is so calming and it is able to make me slow down a bit and enjoy the moments!! You are so appreciated, thank you for everything you do!! 😍❤️
Thank you for sharing your journey. This is such a profound topic and video. I’ve found the same beneficial paradigm shift from hand crafts. I’ve been mostly bed-bound for the past 7+ yrs. Once a week I take a bunch of meds to be able to ride a cart around the grocery for 30mins & then collapse back home. Living alone & not being able to do much will drive anyone to depression and boredom. You get cabin fever times 1000. After missing sewing at my machine, I tried hand stitching quilt blocks. I went to the library when I could, grabbing a dozen books to last me until my next burst of energy. I found blogs & then TH-cam & learned about almost any craft, for free at home. That was a boon as I couldn’t go to paid classes. This all changed my quality of life. I learned about quilting, EPP & crochet. I picked up old hobbies like cross stitch & embroidery, trying whatever I could using what I had. These have all been amazing. I switch between all of it, being careful to prevent repetitive injury or stress. Using my hands every day helps keep my mobility with arthritis. My drs have seen improvement in my strength & dexterity. It shows actual, physical benefits. But these crafts also help ease my anxiety & depression. They have shown psychological benefits. Crafts are so beneficial. They are therapy, truly. I’m so glad you shared this. I’ve forwarded it to my mom. By you sharing this you will help those who need to hear this message, just as the book helped empower you to know the benefits you felt were real & scientifically proven. I know many people need to hear this, and you will be a part of their journey to help them. Hope you have a wonderful week. Blessings to you & your family.
Thank you so much for sharing your personal journey with me. I'm so glad the crafting content you found online improved the quality of your life. I'm a strong believer in crafts being accessible to all people which is why I put out more free patterns and tutorials than paid ones. Reading your words here, this has made me even more determined to keep doing this and to never lose sight of it. It is incredible how stitching has helped you with mobility and dexterity, I am so glad it has had this positive effect on you physically. And you are right, it truly is therapy, it is good to hear it is helping you with your mental well-being too, you've been through so much. I always worry and get nervous each time I put a video out. I really appreciate you telling me that what I am doing will help others. I never thought about it like that when I made the video. But I really do hope it helps other people to feel they aren't alone and to maybe encourage them to try crafts if they haven't already. Thank you for watching and for taking the time to leave me this comment. Take good care of yourself x
Emma Jones Vintage Sewing Box like Treebeardshome, i am mostly home bound but I’m not bed bound. I echo everything said about crafts improving my life 1000%. TH-cam is a huge boon to me as it allows me to learn at home, for free, and no one has to know if I’m in bed or not! All of the crafters who put content out for us are doing a huge service. Thank you. 💜
Totally agree with all you said Emma . As a crocheter snd knitter and now into epp too , I can completely zone out when working on these and my day is not complete unless I do some slow stitching of some kind ( today epp and crochet) and that is 365 days of the year !. I feel truly blessed that I have these skills and between that and gardening ( my other passion) my life has been enriched beyond measure and I have been able to see joy in the smallest of things as a result . As you say , it is to be recommended and is such a blessing . Carry on enjoying and please keep doing the podcasts as you are so calming and gentle to listen to 💕
Hi Caroline, it is so lovely to hear that you have these crafts to turn to and that they have this lovely calming effect on you too. The small things in life really are the greatest joys aren't they. Take care and thank you for watching and for your kind encouragement x
It really has been a bad year hasn't it. It can be hard to look after ourselves when we are looking after others but it is important we try to. Thank you for watching Nancy, take care x
That was beautiful to watch and calming to hear you. I feel really emotional having watched it. I identified with so much you said. I feel really happy that you have found an outlet, something you are clearly loving and we as viewers love watching and learning from you, I know that,you have sparked my interest in EPP It made me feel joy seeing you in your garden and realising the flowers can bring you peace and joy and that growing your veg is so satisfying too. Thanks for sharing, x
Another lovely vlog emma. Theres something very relaxing about your voice and watching your close up stitching. Just beautiful 😊. I agree that slow stitching is good for your mental well being, just lost in the moment, not thinking of anything else. Take care sue xx
That’s lovely to hear that it was relaxing to watch, thank you Sue. Slow stitching is definitely a good way to switch off from any worries. Take care x x
I'm 64, have been embroidery since I was 9 years old when my wonderful, amazing mom taught me how. I have always felt stress and anxiety relief when doing embroidery, hand quilting or crocheting.
Beautiful video and so true, the joy of slowing down through hand stitching. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer and had to go through several rounds of chemotherapy, hand stitching helped me keep sane. Even though I hadn't been stitching in months, it was the first thing that came to mind to take with me to her sessions. A bag of scraps and a tumbler pattern which later turned into a mini quilt. ❤️
I'm glad some stitching was able to give you comfort during what must have been an incredibly difficult time. Thank you for watching my video. Take care x
I really enjoyed this video, I have some painful medical problems which have got worse and I find slow stitching has really helped with pain distraction. I've found when I turn to sewing the pain calms and I can really get lost in my project 😊 thank you again for this video!!xx
Oh I’m sorry you suffer with pain, I know what that is like as I have some health issues too. I’m glad you find slow stitching helps you, it’s helps me too. Big hugs
Good morning Emma!...I agree with you...I love slow stitching creative way of living as well as the old stitching creations and I fell so great joy when I come across with them!...I send you my love!...Eleni from Athens!...🙂
Emma, I too experience depression and anxiety and yes hand sewing and knitting and crocheting help me so much...your voice is so calming...I'm so glad I found your channel...God bless
Thank you so much! I really appreciate you being here watching my videos. I’m sorry to hear you suffer but I’m glad you found crafts that help you through. Take good care of yourself 🌸
I love hand sewing, nothing pleases me more than hand stitching a hem, I used to hand stitch quilts as a child, I thought that once you grew up you had to machine quilt. Which I don’t enjoy, I think you’ve inspired me to go back to hand quilting.
I recently came into slow stitching and am enjoying it thoroughly.. and today I found this video and it’s unbelievable how well you explain the calming effect it has also how enjoyable.. your work is beautiful and you are an inspiration.. God bless,
Oh thank you for leaving me such a lovely comment! I am so glad you've found slow stitching and that. you are enjoying it, it really is such a lovely hobby isn't it.
I agree so much with all you’re saying - sewing has improved my appreciation for process - I actually get sad when I finish a quilt, I enjoy the “making” so much I don’t like when it ends lol
Discovered your channel by accident. I began EPP for a trip I was taking. Little did I know my brother would pass away a month later at 50. EPP I feel saved me. It was now I grieved my only sibling. Spending months working on a quilt helped. A year later I have an amazing memory of my brother with over 3000 hexies hand stitched together.
I am so so sorry for your loss, I can’t imagine what that was like. I’m glad to hear that working on that quilt helped you during such a difficult time. Take care and thank you for sharing that with me
Your slow stitching and your comments are very helpful- the details made a difference in to make a good piece! instead of rushing to make the piece- so much better- I feel better my self - i want to make a Lucy Boston block and will take my time! Thank you, Emma🥰
I have just come across this video and totally agree 100% with everything you say.That desire to own fabric and covet it is something I have been dealing with for many years. The rush to make everything and finish it quickly so you can get onto the next project just seems to overtake the pleasure of creating it. I was making quilts all the time but never enjoyed the item once completed. I recently gave all but three quilts away to the Linus Project along with loads of fabric I had been hoarding. It was to say the least very therapeutic! This obsessiveness is not good for the mind or soul and you have hit the nail on the head with this video. Greetings from Norfolk!
Hi Sophie, thank you for watching. You've explained it perfectly there, it really can overtake the pleasure of making if we are always in a rush. I think you've done a wonderful thing by donating your quilts and fabric to charity, they are sure to make other people extremely happy and that is a very good thing indeed. Lovely to have 'met' you here. You live in a lovely part of our country, I went on holiday to Norfolk a few years ago and had the best time. Take care and thanks again for watching x
I'm also in Norfolk, Brancaster Staithe between Kings Lynn and Wells Next Sea. Where abouts are you? Only just found Emma and EPP mini. Take care and enjoy every stitch
@@mrsmiggins6435 In Norwich! When I lived near Fakenham, Brancaster beach was my favourite dog walking beach over 40+ years back. Great to hear from you Angela.
That's amazing. Staithe harbour is one of my favourite places on this planet! I only moved up here 8+ years ago and I love it. The people are lovely, the tourists not always lol, although I was one originally lol. Have you done EPP for long? If so where would I find charts please? Take care and stay safe, nearing the end of this dreadful Pandemic
@@mrsmiggins6435 I have been doing patchwork and many other crafts since my teen years and have always been drawn to anything creative! Try looking on Pinterest for inspiration and TH-cam has some great tutorials as well. Another great source for ideas is Instagram. Sometimes, I see an item and will translate the design to suit myself. I was once booking a holiday cottage in Devon, and saw this lovely patchwork quilt on a bed of which I did my own interpretation. When I finally got to stay at the cottage, I checked the quilt out and it came from John Lewis and was made in India! It was still beautiful but was not the handmade item I had thought it was. I wish you luck in your search for a design and it was great to hear from you.
I have to agree with you wholeheartedly. I love and work more than anything I do with quilting. I appliqué some and that has brought me great joy and also at the same time it’s been therapeutic. And when I saw you stitch I got the same feeling watching you. As I watch you I feel like I can find that same joy with English paper piecing that I do with appliqué and I’m very excited about that. Creating a whole quilt Gives me joy and a sense but handwork is so calming. Thank you so much for your insight.
Thank you for watching Judy. I love appliqué too, I think any type of hand work is really relaxing. I must do more appliqué, it’s such a lovely form of patchwork. Take care
What an absolutely beautiful video. Thank you so much. I long to have those quiet moments with my stitching to calm my mind. There are so many tangled messes in my life right now. I wish I could get all of my responsibilities taken care of so that I can sit down guilt-free and know I shouldn't be somewhere doing something that needs doing rather than what I want to do. This video is...I don't even have the words. Your voice and your beautiful accent are so soothing. The images of your gorgeous Lucy Boston patchwork of the crosses block is pure loveliness. I love your videos and your projects, but this video. It is truly inspirational. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing.
Oh Beth, this comment is everything to me, honestly, thank you. I hope you do get a chance to sit down with your stitching soon. It's so hard I know. Take care, thanks so much for watching x
Morning Emma , I have always struggled with anxiety all my life and when I had a stroke I had to slow down and since lockdown I have found the world of stitching thank you for sharing xx
Hi Emma. Yes I too enjoy handwork. When I was younger I went for speed couldn’t get enough things done. Enjoyed what I did. But now it’s not about how much I make but am I having a relationship with it. I look around and see all the nice things I made. Now it’s not about how much I make but the relationship that I develop from working on something. And then when I see it around the home when it’s done it really makes me feel happy. Years later I get up in the morning and I see the things that took me time and I just look at them. It’s nice to make your house into a home with you all over the walls of the furniture. I know the feeling it just makes you feel at peace. It’s so nice to to listen to someone who feels like I do. Thank you for sharing your feelings about your sewing.
Everything you’ve described is exactly how I feel too! It’s so nice to know there are others out there that enjoy the slow process too isn’t it. Happy stitching
I'm still new to EPP, but I have experienced an 80 percent decrease in my daily anxiety. May said a little dramatic, but this has changed my life, for the better. I have such a quiet ease to my slow sewing and feel it's healing that frantic part of my mind. Thank you for your videos, you've really helped a lot of us in this community of sewers.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings. Your words resonated with me, as I also deal with anxiety. I have found myself in a very stressful work situation recently. I cope by arriving early and crocheting or doing embroidery. Of course, spending time in my garden is a must as well. I look forward to watching more of your videos. Thank you🌷
Oh I am sorry to hear about your work situation, I have been in that position too. It's so hard. Keep stitching, gardening and positive. I hope things get better soon x
You are so right, the stitches are very soothing! We all need to slow down and not be so demanding of ourselves. Sometimes at work during the day, I can feel hopeful because I know I can sit down in the evening and sew, watching videos like yours.
thank you for watching Mel. It's lovely to have some stitching and things to watch to look forward to, to help us get through the working day isn't it.
A very interesting and inspirational video. I have subscribed because I want to hear more - I crochet, knit and watercolour , and it's the same thing, you get totally absorbed in the project. Thank you for sharing this, you have a very calming voice x
I agree with you. I know that my knitting, crochet or sewing is therapy for me. I look forward to doing it always because I know it is calming.🧵🧶🧵🧶🧵🧶🧵🧶🧵🧶🧵🧶🧶🧵🧶🧵❤️
I am a cross stitcher and that has been a blessing also. I tried EPP before and didn't care or it. But watching you and listening to your voice has inspired me to try again. Your work is beautiful! i just found your channel. I a binge watching you stitch.
Thank you for your thoughts on slowing down and living more mindfully. I have also found that getting out of my head and into my hands helps a lot when stressed or feeling ill. I knit, sew, crochet and draw ink line art. All of which help me to deal with daily pain and the stresses that brings.
Thank you. I enjoy the process. I never thought I would ever be able to stick with the process of building a quilt. After making so many quilts I'm ready to slow down and under take paper piecing. Stitching is very meditative for me. I did a lot of patching on some quilts and learned to darn socks after my dad passed away. My mind wanted those repetitive motions. It helped me through the grieving. Thank you for sharing how healing stitching is for you also.
Oh I’m sorry to hear of the difficult time you have been through. I’m glad you were able to get some comfort from stitching, it’s incredible how it can help us through such hard times. Take care and thank you for watching x
I completely agree with you. I only discovered the beauty of hand stitching because I wanted a portable project and thus discovered paper piecing. It was the biggest thing I learned intuitively that when I slowly stitched with care and love it totally calmed my mind. I wish every child could learn this in school. Think of what the frenetic video games do to the mind.
I love this. It reminds me of my first two hand sewn items. The first a tiny ginger bread man at school aged 8 then a large stuffed elephant at 12 under the scrutiny and guidelines of my aunt. I used to love the concentration and quiet that comes with hand stitching. I guess that's why I love hand finishing the binding on my quilts. Thank you for your insight ❤
I just found you and I want to thank you for this lovely vlog. I just started epp this year, actually around April and it has given me such peace and calm during this time. Finding your vlog has also contributed to this and I now stitch while hearing your calm voice and it is a great start to my day. Thank you again ❤️
Oh that is such a lovely thing to say, thank you Suzanne, it really means a lot to me that you enjoyed my video. I'm so glad you have started EPP, it really is a wonderful pastime. Take care and thank you for watching x
TH-cam just suggested this to me. I adore the piece you are stitching. I lost most of my sight four years ago and am now registered blind and adore the tactile nature of hand sewing. Currently sewing simple hexagons hoping to try more complicated patterns too. Thank you for sharing. PS also enjoy machine piecing quilts using an AccuQuilt to cut my pieces and a home made guide on my machine to help me keep my seams accurate
Hi Lynne, thank you so much for watching my video. I am sorry to hear you have lost a lot of your sight. I'm so glad you can still enjoy hand sewing. I'd never thought about how tactile the shapes are and that this would help anyone with sight loss to be able to stitch. I think you are really inspiring. x
Emma Jones Vintage Sewing Box thank you. There’s no need to feel sorry for me I certainly don’t. For me it’s a nuisance not a tragedy. I’ve had worse things happen in my life so my perspective is different to how someone else might feel.
I love this video, I feel like this with Cross Stitch I just love the process and I am not thinking about when it is going to be done. I do tend to think like that with my knitting, I want to be finished! It hasn't been making me feel so good. I am so glad you are sharing your videos its so profound I watched it twice :)
I have just returned to needlepoint, (after about 20 years) not the same I know but your video was so relaxing and beautifully done I had to subscribe. 💕
Thank you so much for subscribing. I like needlepoint too. When the pandemic first hit I started a new needlepoint project. I love the simplicity of it and it felt lovely to do and really helped with calming the worries
It's so true how getting in our craft room and making something is very calming. You start to get so absorbed in what you're doing that all the troubles seem to fade away. And my desk faces a window and there's my garden right outside the window and so I have birds and butterflies and squirrels and beautiful flowers to look at and when the rain is coming down it's just even more calming to me.
Loved this video , I’m a fan of all you said! I love stitching fabric, quilting, knitting, crocheting and embroidery! I can relax and be away from the noise of life and it’s truly a blessing to me as it is for you. Thankyou for your thoughts, be safe and stay well and happy stitching friend! ♥️
My son took his life in 2019... I have longed to find peace again in my life...The gal who quilts my sewn quilts recommended EPP...so I jumped into it but I ran out and bought a pattern & fabrics...as I only got into sewing & quilting at the urging of a friend and it renewed my spirit, but I still longed for something. I plan to buy the book an I thank you for this lovely & loving Vlog. My Mum was from London, married my AmericanDad & did so many arts, as her family were all tailors/ seamstresses she a milliner. She would knit for hours in winter...her solace, for sure. Many thanks 😊
Hi Pam, I am so sorry to hear about your son. I hope you do find peace through stitching again. Thank you so much for taking the time to watch my video and leave me this comment. Take care x
I, too, appreciate the meditative nature of repetitive stitching. For me, it's the feeling of drawing of the thread through the fabric that I find the most calming. I have discovered that I don't need most of what I see online as the newest greatest thing. I learned that I can be perfectly happy as long as I have a really good needle and lovely thread to make the process even more enjoyable.
I absolutely loved this video. So true for me. Thank you for sharing. It’s exactly how I feel.....can’t wait to watch more of your videos. You are calming to watch. ❤️🤗
Thank You for sharing your struggles in life. Sometimes we think & feel like we are the only ones going through all the struggles. I do crocheting, sewing. I would love to try this. I will start with something small. So I know I can finish it. ❤️
Thank you for making this video. You are an inspiration. Your explanation of ‘slow stitching’ was very timely and something I’ve been feeling but couldn’t explain. Thank you for all of your wisdom and especially your videos. Stay healthy and keep stitching and we all will keep watching and learning.
Thank you Emma for your openness. Lovely to see your creations. You’ve inspired me and given me new ideas for my patchwork and embroidery. I look forward to seeing more of your videos.❤️
I'm so glad to have come across your video. I have an interest in english paper piecing, and want to give it a try. Your video hit me about all the feelings thats come about this past year. Thank you for making this video and plan to follow you. You are an angel.
Thank you so much for watching. I don’t know how I would have gotten through the last few months without sewing to distract me. Take good care of yourself x
Emma your video are sooo beautiful and so calming, i uesd to wake up early before my kids to have 15 minutes having my coffee and knitting few stches before the school run, that 15 minutes was so vital. Next week back to normal routine . Have a wonderful week 💐 , your garden is beautiful 🌹❤
Lovely video. I get the same calming effect from cross-stitch (especially large projects which I know will take months). That slow, repetitive stitching with no immediate goal in mind is like a form of meditation. It's very effective for resetting the mind in times of anxiety.
I've spent 4 years making an applique quilt all by hand, I'm quilting it now by hand, I have enjoyed every minute of it. I may not have a lot quilts but I have a truly beautiful heirloom quality quilt. Love every stitch :)
Really thoughtful and a Good reminder to be Aware of the beauty in Simple surrounding. I enjoyed this & your Philosophy. Your post Was wonderful & encourages me to go Back to the hobby of Quilting after a ten year Pause.
Emma, thank you for sharing how EPP has made a difference in your life. I would like to get the book and give it a try. I enjoy quilting and embroidery as well. You are so right that we all need to use our creative brain daily, if even for an hour or so with a cup of tea or coffee at the sewing machine or comfortable chair.
Love the honesty in your video Emma...you yourself have a very calming influence in the way that you film the stitches and talk about them. I am a knitter and crocheter and have recently started EPP and love how in the moments that I am working on projects it is time etched out of the day for me. I couldn't live without my hobbies/ past-times as like you say they calm me and re balance me when I need it. Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts...every time I watch your videos it inspires me to want to make some of my own...still need just a little more courage for that though.
I'm so glad you are enjoying my videos Katherine, it really means a lot to me. Thank you for such kind words. I am the same as you, I need my hobbies each day to keep me feeling calm. I hope you do start posting videos as I would love to see what you are making. Take care x
I think I saw this video before but I just watched it again. I do love the slow-stitching! I was surprised how therapeutic it felt to cur and glue the pieces, using hexi-foam. The beauty of a little block or group of pieces is incredible. Thank you for your gift of peacefulness and your gentle nature that you always share with us!
I enjoyed this video, thank you. I might have to give this a try sometime. I have found in the past that any time I did anything that involved using a needle and thread, by hand, that it was extremely relaxing. I have added the book you mentioned to my Amazon wish list.
This is the first time I have seen one of your videos. Your block is beautiful and your sewing box is so cute. I used to love doing EPP but I stopped sewing about three years ago, something I loved doing for over 50 years. Tragedy struck and my world stopped until recently. When covid-19 struck I started making some masks and lately I've thought about picking up my old EPP projects and working on them. I think it's amazing how things like your video are put in our paths at just the right moment. I have subscribed to your channel and look forward to your videos. Thank you.
Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to leave me this comment. I hope you do feel able to pick up EPP again and that it brings you some joy. Thanks so much for subscribing, take care x
Saludos y muchas bendiciones, Emma!! Ver el video y poder escuchar tus profundas reflexiones de ir despacio e ir disfrutando las experiencias que la costura te proporciona es muy relajante. Tu palabras tienen una profundidad que solo una persona que ha vivido y ha sido llevado por la prisa de la vida y que se ha detenido a tiempo puede ofrecer. Lo más maravilloso es que eres una persona joven que reflexiona, lo expresas y al verte realizando esa costura manual muestras la paz que disfrutas.
I gave it a go this weekend. I made two flowers using 1.5" hexagons. I really enjoyed it. However if the hexagons are any smaller, I think it will be uncomfortable. I reviewed this video several times throughout the day. I am looking forward to completing a project with my hexies. I found the slower pace and attention to detail as soothing as many other coping techniques I employ when feeling stressed. This particular type of sewing, I think I could do at my desk while working. I think the smaller scale of the hexagons will provide a needed stress breaker without taking up too much space. I also viewed several of your more recent videos. You have really grown with your skill and confidence. Thank you for continuing to post videos.
Have just found this video and I agree with you. Over lockdown I have finished a quilt for my bed, started a year ago but did have a few months break.it is paper pieced, mainly variations of Dresden plates. I did machine some of the sashing but it is about 96% hand made and the satisfaction I have at seeing it on my bed is so much more than if it had been done more speedily on a machine. As you say you have time to enjoy the process and the time to think about what you are doing and ideas come to you and you change things and have inspirational ideas which improve the finished project.
I love Dresden plates, it sounds wonderful. I've started a Dresden quilt, I must show it here one day. Many thanks for watching, lovely to hear you finished your quilt this year.
How beautiful! You’ve inspired me. I’ve been wanting to get back to the simple, old school way of life, and hand stitching is one them. Looking forward to getting the book! Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you for sharing Emma and I totally agree. My life changed 20 years ago when my back broke. With severe chronic pain and a dozen surgeries to date I had found slow stitching. It has been the best therapy for me. Take care sweetie🥰
Oh Yvette, you have really been through it. I'm so sorry you have suffered. Slow stitching really is good therapy isn't it, I'm glad it has helped you. Take care and thank you for watching x
I am so grateful to have found this video. First off, just listening to your voice has given me a sense of peace. I had decided (at the young age of 78) to learn to quilt and after a few weeks of cutting and sewing and making so many mistakes, and ripping it out, I just got so frustrated, threw everything away. I have done hand embroidery for years and love it and love incorporating it into table linens, like table toppers, napkins, placemats etc. I love country decorating and always thought quilting would fit in with my decor, but now I see epp will work too. I do foundation paper piecing but then it has to be sewn into something. I love listening to books on audible, and this would give me something relaxing to do while listening. Thank you so much. I have subscribed to your channel.
Hi Phyllis, thank you so much for watching and for subscribing, that really means a lot to me. I'm sorry you've had a bad experience with quilting, I know I felt disappointed with the first few quilts I made. I'm glad you are going to try epp, I think you will love it, especially if you like embroidery. I like listening to audio books whilst I stitch too, I never watch tv anymore! Take care and thanks again
Thank you 🙏🏾 for sharing. I have just started hand stitching now I want to hand stitch every quilt I do. I’m new to your channel thank you again. I hope you’re having a blessed day God bless you and your family
I speak a little english, but i understand your feelings and I agree with you. You are a wonderful person , my admiración for you forma Costa Rica!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇨🇷🇨🇷🇨🇷
Emma, so true. Applique is where I found that peace and the ability to just be. EPP is another place where this happens and just have a moment to be still and enjoy the quiet.
Thanks love this video. I did epp many years ago. I used to love taking it with me to the beach or camping. I don’t camp anymore but I still go to the beach. Thanks for reminding me I want to start epp again. I have to start from scratch but like you said it doesn’t really take much to start! I want more time away from social media. I dropped it all of social media it made me so depressed. But I still watch TH-cam!
I just discovered your channel and it's a real pleasure to listen to you. This video makes me really want to try this technique, but I've never done any sewing. I mainly do embroidery, cross stitch...
Hi Emma. This particular video that you made was really good. Having somebody else verbalize how sewing makes them feel is very encouraging especially if you have the same issues. I find my sewing to be extremely relaxing for me. It certainly grounds me.I just want to thank you for making such a nice video. I have a couple of friends I think I’m going to send this one to them because this will encourage them as well. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Jenny, thank you for such lovely feedback. I’m so glad sewing helps you too, it’s so nice to have something to turn to to help us relax isn’t it. Take care and thanks for watching 😊🌸
Hi Emma. Listening to you in this video reminds me of myself when I was first learning about quilting. I found myself wanting to make everything. Some I finished others I didn’t. What happened? As I evolved in my quilting so did my quilting. I love hand work for the same reasons. Yes I can still use my machine. But very little because the types of quilts have changed. I love my hand work. The fabrics that I got from patterns I sent away for will be used for something else. I kept the patterns probably will never do it but that’s OK. I’ve learned to so only the things that talk to me. If I’m not having a relationship with what I’m working on I don’t do it. It’s really nice listening to you.Continue to enjoy your passion for your and work. After years of living you’ll do like I do look back and see all the nice things you’ve made and know what you did with your time when you were younger. Yes making your house into a home with all your lovely things.
How beautiful, I have made one paper piecing project. I love hand sewing and I agree with everything you said regarding the calming effects of stitching. I must admit I get weary of seeing videos where excess in yarn and fabric buying is the theme.
I found you on TH-cam and especially happy to see the tiny prints! Just now I'm watching your 3/8-inch hexies Pincushion. Looks beautiful and a perfect example of tiny. I just started a hexie quilted wall hanging for my favorite Veterinarians with Fussy Dog & Cat prints. Best to you! P.S. I also save the tiniest bits of fabric. Ohio, USA.
What a wonderful post. I have the same experience with EPP. I have ADHD & anxiety, and don’t get the same effect from knitting or other craft/art forms. But I read the study that found EPP induces “flow.” There is indeed something unique to the process. I love it. And it does have a creeping, positive effect on how I approach other aspects of my life. 💗
You put into words what I have known for most of my life. My first quilt was all hand pieced and then hand quilted. I even used cardboard templates to cut out the pieces and drew in the stitch lines. Very therapeutic. I always loved that time of day when I was home from work, dinner done and my little girl in bed - then I could hand stitch. I am now doing EPP and find that the rhythm of the process is enough to refocus my thoughts from all the junk going on in this world to whatever I choose to think on. I like to pray for my family and friends and use the time to develop a closer relationship with the Lord. The busy lifestyles most of us have often make us feel too tired for the most important things we should be paying attention to. Thanks for doing this video!!
Oh Emma... I've been binge watching your videos for the past 2 weeks repeatedly...may I add. I have an Autistic non- verbal child and my cousin that was literally like my sister(I'm an only child) just took her life on August 16th. So I'm just big ridiculous mess. And this video made me cry and really evaluate my life. I'm 45...not getting any younger and I'm as always on the go. You have 100% inspired me. I put my machine away and I got myself a little EPP kit to try. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. There is a purity in this sewing that gives me satisfaction that I just cannot describe. I want to thank you sweet girl for putting yourself out there and showing the true beauty of sewing. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I also ordered the book you suggested. I honestly found the calm in my river of chaos. I dont have alot of free time so i assumed that hand sewing would take forever. I WAS SO VERY WRONG. Thank you from across the pond!!
Oh Kelly, I am so so sorry to hear how awful things have been, I can't imagine what you are going through. I am glad this sort of sewing is giving you some comfort at this very difficult time. It is amazing how therapeutic hand stitching can be. Take really good care of yourself. I will be thinking of you. Thank you for leaving me this comment x
@Kelly Beckner. I’m so sorry to know that you’re life has been impacted by such a tragedy. I hope you continue to do the things that can help to bring calmness into your life. Hand sewing & enjoying what you’re sewing will definitely help you. Best wishes for you & your family.
I have just read your message, and sincerely hope that life has calmed down a little for you over the last months, and that you are still finding joy and relaxation in your hand sewing. May I suggest that you look at a channel called ‘the last Homely House’ I’m sure that you would find comfort from the things that Kate does, and the lovely way that she reaches out to her viewers. I look forward to meeting you on the lime green sofa! (You will understand if you watch the channel!) with every blessing, Chris X
Here is an internet stranger that hopes and prays that things have been a bit easier the last few years.
It's been two years since you posted on Emma's 'How Slow Sewing Saved My Life' video. However, I want to thank you for thank you for sharing your raw vulnerability with us. Thank you for trusting in the kindness of strangers.
This stranger is mourning the passing of a beloved church friend who loved us all through an autistic, non- verbal perspective. Slow sewing and posts like yours help. Also, I am learning that sometimes asking "How?" is much more helpful than asking "Why?" Wishing you every support in your life journey.
I too find stitching a relief of mental issues. It's real nice knowing others find stitching a healing factor in their lives. I'm binge watching your vids and seeing an amazing assortment of know how.
Aww thank you Tina, I appreciate you watching my videos. I’m so glad stitching helps you too, take care x
I’m and a new follower so my reply is current! I suffer with fibromyalgia which causes chronic pain. I e had it since 1987 and discovered several years ago exactly what you are saying in this video! Slow stitching the binding of a quilt or EPP distracts the pain signals and brings calm. I love your channel! So calming, peaceful , and informative! I live in the US in the Deep South state of Alabama on a small farm where we grow cotton, wheat, corn and soybean!Currently the fields are a brilliant bright green with a sublet season of wheat before the longer seasonal crops are planted. I love slow stitching on my front porch back patio and watching the fields, the planting/ harvesting, birds & surrounding trees. I have a new spring birds nest on my back porch eaves . Slow stitching is the perfect activity in spring and fall . Not so much in summer due to the stifling heat e have in Alabama from June- September. Have a lovely spring and continue to make your videos. Your voice is perfect for this type of stitching!
I just discovered your channel and I'm hooked! When I was a little girl in the 50's I had a seizure disorder called St. Vituses Dance. It is a horrible thing to have to live with and causes horrible anxiety after each episode since you are awake the whole time. Our doctor told my mother to teach me how to sew to take my mind off the episodes so she taught me how to darn, then embroidery, then paper piece. It was a .God send! I outgrew the condition but not my love for hand sewing. I can't do it any longer due to health issues so instead I watch videos like yours to give me that same feeling of peace and calm. God bless you dear heart.😏💞
Thank you so much for sharing your story with me Deb. I am sorry you had to suffer such an awful condition. I’m glad sewing helped you. Thanks so much for watching my video, take care x
Yes, the slow, rhythmic process of making stitches, whether they are sewn, knitted or crocheted, is definitely therapeutic. It works for me where nothing else could. Thank you for putting this into words. ❤❤❤
You are so right. Thank you for watching
@@emmajonesvintagesewingbox it was a pleasure.....and will be again, I have no doubt. ❤❤❤
Thank you, Emma, for putting into words what a lot of people are feeling!! I’m with lots of other people that thinks your voice is so calming and it is able to make me slow down a bit and enjoy the moments!! You are so appreciated, thank you for everything you do!! 😍❤️
Oh Cathy! What a lovely comment, thank you, I really appreciate it 🌸😊
Thank you for sharing your journey. This is such a profound topic and video. I’ve found the same beneficial paradigm shift from hand crafts.
I’ve been mostly bed-bound for the past 7+ yrs. Once a week I take a bunch of meds to be able to ride a cart around the grocery for 30mins & then collapse back home. Living alone & not being able to do much will drive anyone to depression and boredom. You get cabin fever times 1000.
After missing sewing at my machine, I tried hand stitching quilt blocks. I went to the library when I could, grabbing a dozen books to last me until my next burst of energy. I found blogs & then TH-cam & learned about almost any craft, for free at home. That was a boon as I couldn’t go to paid classes. This all changed my quality of life.
I learned about quilting, EPP & crochet. I picked up old hobbies like cross stitch & embroidery, trying whatever I could using what I had. These have all been amazing. I switch between all of it, being careful to prevent repetitive injury or stress. Using my hands every day helps keep my mobility with arthritis. My drs have seen improvement in my strength & dexterity. It shows actual, physical benefits.
But these crafts also help ease my anxiety & depression. They have shown psychological benefits. Crafts are so beneficial. They are therapy, truly.
I’m so glad you shared this. I’ve forwarded it to my mom. By you sharing this you will help those who need to hear this message, just as the book helped empower you to know the benefits you felt were real & scientifically proven. I know many people need to hear this, and you will be a part of their journey to help them.
Hope you have a wonderful week. Blessings to you & your family.
Thank you so much for sharing your personal journey with me. I'm so glad the crafting content you found online improved the quality of your life. I'm a strong believer in crafts being accessible to all people which is why I put out more free patterns and tutorials than paid ones. Reading your words here, this has made me even more determined to keep doing this and to never lose sight of it. It is incredible how stitching has helped you with mobility and dexterity, I am so glad it has had this positive effect on you physically. And you are right, it truly is therapy, it is good to hear it is helping you with your mental well-being too, you've been through so much.
I always worry and get nervous each time I put a video out. I really appreciate you telling me that what I am doing will help others. I never thought about it like that when I made the video. But I really do hope it helps other people to feel they aren't alone and to maybe encourage them to try crafts if they haven't already.
Thank you for watching and for taking the time to leave me this comment. Take good care of yourself x
Emma Jones Vintage Sewing Box like Treebeardshome, i am mostly home bound but I’m not bed bound. I echo everything said about crafts improving my life 1000%. TH-cam is a huge boon to me as it allows me to learn at home, for free, and no one has to know if I’m in bed or not! All of the crafters who put content out for us are doing a huge service. Thank you. 💜
Totally agree with all you said Emma . As a crocheter snd knitter and now into epp too , I can completely zone out when working on these and my day is not complete unless I do some slow stitching of some kind ( today epp and crochet) and that is 365 days of the year !. I feel truly blessed that I have these skills and between that and gardening ( my other passion) my life has been enriched beyond measure and I have been able to see joy in the smallest of things as a result . As you say , it is to be recommended and is such a blessing . Carry on enjoying and please keep doing the podcasts as you are so calming and gentle to listen to 💕
Hi Caroline, it is so lovely to hear that you have these crafts to turn to and that they have this lovely calming effect on you too. The small things in life really are the greatest joys aren't they. Take care and thank you for watching and for your kind encouragement x
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Thank you for puting this in a video it has been a bad year for most people and we need to slow down and have sometime for ourselves. Take care xx
It really has been a bad year hasn't it. It can be hard to look after ourselves when we are looking after others but it is important we try to. Thank you for watching Nancy, take care x
That was beautiful to watch and calming to hear you. I feel really emotional having watched it. I identified with so much you said.
I feel really happy that you have found an outlet, something you are clearly loving and we as viewers love watching and learning from you, I know that,you have sparked my interest in EPP
It made me feel joy seeing you in your garden and realising the flowers can bring you peace and joy and that growing your veg is so satisfying too.
Thanks for sharing, x
Ahh thanks for such lovely words, it’s nice to appreciate the simple things isn’t it. X
Another lovely vlog emma. Theres something very relaxing about your voice and watching your close up stitching. Just beautiful 😊. I agree that slow stitching is good for your mental well being, just lost in the moment, not thinking of anything else. Take care sue xx
That’s lovely to hear that it was relaxing to watch, thank you Sue. Slow stitching is definitely a good way to switch off from any worries. Take care x x
Love this, I started slow stitching about a year ago , what you’re saying is so true. Praise God thank you for putting it into words 💛🦋
Thank you so much Helen. I am so glad you have found slow stitching too, it really is a great hobby isn't it
I'm 64, have been embroidery since I was 9 years old when my wonderful, amazing mom taught me how. I have always felt stress and anxiety relief when doing embroidery, hand quilting or crocheting.
This is so true, this explains why I love doing it and not even caring about the end product. ❤
Beautiful video and so true, the joy of slowing down through hand stitching. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer and had to go through several rounds of chemotherapy, hand stitching helped me keep sane. Even though I hadn't been stitching in months, it was the first thing that came to mind to take with me to her sessions. A bag of scraps and a tumbler pattern which later turned into a mini quilt. ❤️
I'm glad some stitching was able to give you comfort during what must have been an incredibly difficult time. Thank you for watching my video. Take care x
I really enjoyed this video, I have some painful medical problems which have got worse and I find slow stitching has really helped with pain distraction. I've found when I turn to sewing the pain calms and I can really get lost in my project 😊 thank you again for this video!!xx
Oh I’m sorry you suffer with pain, I know what that is like as I have some health issues too. I’m glad you find slow stitching helps you, it’s helps me too. Big hugs
Good morning Emma!...I agree with you...I love slow stitching creative way of living as well as the old stitching creations and I fell so great joy when I come across with them!...I send you my love!...Eleni from Athens!...🙂
Thanks so much Eleni, I really appreciate you watching and leaving me a lovely comment. Have a great day
Emma, I too experience depression and anxiety and yes hand sewing and knitting and crocheting help me so much...your voice is so calming...I'm so glad I found your channel...God bless
Thank you so much! I really appreciate you being here watching my videos. I’m sorry to hear you suffer but I’m glad you found crafts that help you through. Take good care of yourself 🌸
I love hand sewing, nothing pleases me more than hand stitching a hem, I used to hand stitch quilts as a child, I thought that once you grew up you had to machine quilt. Which I don’t enjoy, I think you’ve inspired me to go back to hand quilting.
I am so glad you are going back to hand quilting, it is so lovely to do. Thanks for watching
I recently came into slow stitching and am enjoying it thoroughly.. and today I found this video and it’s unbelievable how well you explain the calming effect it has also how enjoyable.. your work is beautiful and you are an inspiration.. God bless,
Oh thank you for leaving me such a lovely comment! I am so glad you've found slow stitching and that. you are enjoying it, it really is such a lovely hobby isn't it.
I agree so much with all you’re saying - sewing has improved my appreciation for process - I actually get sad when I finish a quilt, I enjoy the “making” so much I don’t like when it ends lol
I’m exactly the same! I think that’s why I have so many things nearly finished but not quite!
Discovered your channel by accident. I began EPP for a trip I was taking. Little did I know my brother would pass away a month later at 50. EPP I feel saved me. It was now I grieved my only sibling. Spending months working on a quilt helped. A year later I have an amazing memory of my brother with over 3000 hexies hand stitched together.
I am so so sorry for your loss, I can’t imagine what that was like. I’m glad to hear that working on that quilt helped you during such a difficult time. Take care and thank you for sharing that with me
Your slow stitching and your comments are very helpful- the details made a difference in to make a good piece! instead of rushing to make the piece- so much better- I feel better my self - i want to make a Lucy Boston block and will take my time! Thank you, Emma🥰
I’m so glad you want to make a Lucy Boston quilt too, it’s such a lovely pattern. Thanks for watching Sandra
I have just come across this video and totally agree 100% with everything you say.That desire to own fabric and covet it is something I have been dealing with for many years. The rush to make everything and finish it quickly so you can get onto the next project just seems to overtake the pleasure of creating it. I was making quilts all the time but never enjoyed the item once completed. I recently gave all but three quilts away to the Linus Project along with loads of fabric I had been hoarding. It was to say the least very therapeutic! This obsessiveness is not good for the mind or soul and you have hit the nail on the head with this video. Greetings from Norfolk!
Hi Sophie, thank you for watching. You've explained it perfectly there, it really can overtake the pleasure of making if we are always in a rush. I think you've done a wonderful thing by donating your quilts and fabric to charity, they are sure to make other people extremely happy and that is a very good thing indeed. Lovely to have 'met' you here. You live in a lovely part of our country, I went on holiday to Norfolk a few years ago and had the best time. Take care and thanks again for watching x
I'm also in Norfolk, Brancaster Staithe between Kings Lynn and Wells Next Sea. Where abouts are you? Only just found Emma and EPP mini. Take care and enjoy every stitch
@@mrsmiggins6435 In Norwich! When I lived near Fakenham, Brancaster beach was my favourite dog walking beach over 40+ years back. Great to hear from you Angela.
That's amazing. Staithe harbour is one of my favourite places on this planet! I only moved up here 8+ years ago and I love it. The people are lovely, the tourists not always lol, although I was one originally lol. Have you done EPP for long? If so where would I find charts please? Take care and stay safe, nearing the end of this dreadful Pandemic
@@mrsmiggins6435 I have been doing patchwork and many other crafts since my teen years and have always been drawn to anything creative! Try looking on Pinterest for inspiration and TH-cam has some great tutorials as well. Another great source for ideas is Instagram. Sometimes, I see an item and will translate the design to suit myself. I was once booking a holiday cottage in Devon, and saw this lovely patchwork quilt on a bed of which I did my own interpretation. When I finally got to stay at the cottage, I checked the quilt out and it came from John Lewis and was made in India! It was still beautiful but was not the handmade item I had thought it was. I wish you luck in your search for a design and it was great to hear from you.
I have to agree with you wholeheartedly. I love and work more than anything I do with quilting. I appliqué some and that has brought me great joy and also at the same time it’s been therapeutic. And when I saw you stitch I got the same feeling watching you. As I watch you I feel like I can find that same joy with English paper piecing that I do with appliqué and I’m very excited about that. Creating a whole quilt Gives me joy and a sense but handwork is so calming. Thank you so much for your insight.
Thank you for watching Judy. I love appliqué too, I think any type of hand work is really relaxing. I must do more appliqué, it’s such a lovely form of patchwork. Take care
What an absolutely beautiful video. Thank you so much. I long to have those quiet moments with my stitching to calm my mind. There are so many tangled messes in my life right now. I wish I could get all of my responsibilities taken care of so that I can sit down guilt-free and know I shouldn't be somewhere doing something that needs doing rather than what I want to do. This video is...I don't even have the words. Your voice and your beautiful accent are so soothing. The images of your gorgeous Lucy Boston patchwork of the crosses block is pure loveliness. I love your videos and your projects, but this video. It is truly inspirational. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing.
Oh Beth, this comment is everything to me, honestly, thank you. I hope you do get a chance to sit down with your stitching soon. It's so hard I know. Take care, thanks so much for watching x
Morning Emma , I have always struggled with anxiety all my life and when I had a stroke I had to slow down and since lockdown I have found the world of stitching thank you for sharing xx
Thank you for watching Anita, I am glad you have stitching to help you through. Take care x
Hi Emma. Yes I too enjoy handwork. When I was younger I went for speed couldn’t get enough things done. Enjoyed what I did. But now it’s not about how much I make but am I having a relationship with it. I look around and see all the nice things I made. Now it’s not about how much I make but the relationship that I develop from working on something. And then when I see it around the home when it’s done it really makes me feel happy. Years later I get up in the morning and I see the things that took me time and I just look at them. It’s nice to make your house into a home with you all over the walls of the furniture. I know the feeling it just makes you feel at peace. It’s so nice to to listen to someone who feels like I do. Thank you for sharing your feelings about your sewing.
Everything you’ve described is exactly how I feel too! It’s so nice to know there are others out there that enjoy the slow process too isn’t it. Happy stitching
I'm still new to EPP, but I have experienced an 80 percent decrease in my daily anxiety. May said a little dramatic, but this has changed my life, for the better. I have such a quiet ease to my slow sewing and feel it's healing that frantic part of my mind. Thank you for your videos, you've really helped a lot of us in this community of sewers.
I can totally relate to what you are saying and I am so glad it has helped you. Take care and thanks for watching
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings. Your words resonated with me, as I also deal with anxiety. I have found myself in a very stressful work situation recently. I cope by arriving early and crocheting or doing embroidery. Of course, spending time in my garden is a must as well. I look forward to watching more of your videos. Thank you🌷
Oh I am sorry to hear about your work situation, I have been in that position too. It's so hard. Keep stitching, gardening and positive. I hope things get better soon x
You are so right, the stitches are very soothing! We all need to slow down and not be so demanding of ourselves.
Sometimes at work during the day, I can feel hopeful because I know I can sit down in the evening and sew, watching videos like yours.
thank you for watching Mel. It's lovely to have some stitching and things to watch to look forward to, to help us get through the working day isn't it.
A very interesting and inspirational video. I have subscribed because I want to hear more - I crochet, knit and watercolour , and it's the same thing, you get totally absorbed in the project. Thank you for sharing this, you have a very calming voice x
Thank you Jo, I really appreciate you being here
Emma … thank you so much! I’m here with tears in my eyes after watching this video. Your words hit me straight to the heart … thank you! 🌺🍀♥️
Thanks for watching Julia, sending big hugs
@@emmajonesvintagesewingbox 🥰
I agree with you. I know that my knitting, crochet or sewing is therapy for me. I look forward to doing it always because I know it is calming.🧵🧶🧵🧶🧵🧶🧵🧶🧵🧶🧵🧶🧶🧵🧶🧵❤️
So important to have those calming outlets isn’t it. Thank you for watching
I am so glad I have found your website. I enjoy watching the items you are working on and helping me to slow down, not just with sewing. Thank you.
I am so glad to hear that Rachel. Take care and thank you for watching
I am a cross stitcher and that has been a blessing also. I tried EPP before and didn't care or it. But watching you and listening to your voice has inspired me to try again. Your work is beautiful! i just found your channel. I a binge watching you stitch.
Oh thank you Chris! I love all types of hand sewing and have done a fair bit of cross stitch myself over the years
Thank you for your thoughts on slowing down and living more mindfully. I have also found that getting out of my head and into my hands helps a lot when stressed or feeling ill. I knit, sew, crochet and draw ink line art. All of which help me to deal with daily pain and the stresses that brings.
I can totally relate to that, I am so thankful for having this hobby to help with stress. Take care
Thank you. I enjoy the process. I never thought I would ever be able to stick with the process of building a quilt. After making so many quilts I'm ready to slow down and under take paper piecing. Stitching is very meditative for me. I did a lot of patching on some quilts and learned to darn socks after my dad passed away. My mind wanted those repetitive motions. It helped me through the grieving. Thank you for sharing how healing stitching is for you also.
Oh I’m sorry to hear of the difficult time you have been through. I’m glad you were able to get some comfort from stitching, it’s incredible how it can help us through such hard times. Take care and thank you for watching x
I completely agree with you. I only discovered the beauty of hand stitching because I wanted a portable project and thus discovered paper piecing. It was the biggest thing I learned intuitively that when I slowly stitched with care and love it totally calmed my mind. I wish every child could learn this in school. Think of what the frenetic video games do to the mind.
I totally agree. I am so glad it calms your mind too. Take care and thanks for watching
I love this. It reminds me of my first two hand sewn items. The first a tiny ginger bread man at school aged 8 then a large stuffed elephant at 12 under the scrutiny and guidelines of my aunt. I used to love the concentration and quiet that comes with hand stitching. I guess that's why I love hand finishing the binding on my quilts. Thank you for your insight ❤
That is a great way to describe hand stitching, concentration and quiet, exactly why I love it too. thank you for watching Alison
Emma…my goodness….you are delightful! I love watching your videos. They are so informative and soothing to the soul. Thank you!😊
Thank you Valerie, that honestly means the world to me 🤗
I just found you and I want to thank you for this lovely vlog. I just started epp this year, actually around April and it has given me such peace and calm during this time. Finding your vlog has also contributed to this and I now stitch while hearing your calm voice and it is a great start to my day. Thank you again ❤️
Oh that is such a lovely thing to say, thank you Suzanne, it really means a lot to me that you enjoyed my video. I'm so glad you have started EPP, it really is a wonderful pastime. Take care and thank you for watching x
TH-cam just suggested this to me. I adore the piece you are stitching. I lost most of my sight four years ago and am now registered blind and adore the tactile nature of hand sewing. Currently sewing simple hexagons hoping to try more complicated patterns too. Thank you for sharing.
PS also enjoy machine piecing quilts using an AccuQuilt to cut my pieces and a home made guide on my machine to help me keep my seams accurate
Hi Lynne, thank you so much for watching my video. I am sorry to hear you have lost a lot of your sight. I'm so glad you can still enjoy hand sewing. I'd never thought about how tactile the shapes are and that this would help anyone with sight loss to be able to stitch. I think you are really inspiring. x
Emma Jones Vintage Sewing Box thank you. There’s no need to feel sorry for me I certainly don’t. For me it’s a nuisance not a tragedy. I’ve had worse things happen in my life so my perspective is different to how someone else might feel.
I love this video, I feel like this with Cross Stitch I just love the process and I am not thinking about when it is going to be done. I do tend to think like that with my knitting, I want to be finished! It hasn't been making me feel so good. I am so glad you are sharing your videos its so profound I watched it twice :)
Oh thank you so much Carly! I love cross stitch too, I must get back to it one day. Thank you for watching, twice, that really means a lot to me. x
I have just returned to needlepoint, (after about 20 years) not the same I know but your video was so relaxing and beautifully done I had to subscribe. 💕
Thank you so much for subscribing. I like needlepoint too. When the pandemic first hit I started a new needlepoint project. I love the simplicity of it and it felt lovely to do and really helped with calming the worries
It's so true how getting in our craft room and making something is very calming. You start to get so absorbed in what you're doing that all the troubles seem to fade away.
And my desk faces a window and there's my garden right outside the window and so I have birds and butterflies and squirrels and beautiful flowers to look at and when the rain is coming down it's just even more calming to me.
Oh it sounds wonderful in your craft room. Thank you for watching
Loved this video , I’m a fan of all you said! I love stitching fabric, quilting, knitting, crocheting and embroidery! I can relax and be away from the noise of life and it’s truly a blessing to me as it is for you. Thankyou for your thoughts, be safe and stay well and happy stitching friend! ♥️
Thank you for watching and for this lovely comment. I'm so glad you find solace in stitching too. Take care, happy stitching x
My son took his life in 2019... I have longed to find peace again in my life...The gal who quilts my sewn quilts recommended EPP...so I jumped into it but I ran out and bought a pattern & fabrics...as I only got into sewing & quilting at the urging of a friend and it renewed my spirit, but I still longed for something. I plan to buy the book an I thank you for this lovely & loving Vlog. My Mum was from London, married my AmericanDad & did so many arts, as her family were all tailors/ seamstresses she a milliner. She would knit for hours in winter...her solace, for sure.
Many thanks 😊
Hi Pam, I am so sorry to hear about your son. I hope you do find peace through stitching again. Thank you so much for taking the time to watch my video and leave me this comment. Take care x
I, too, appreciate the meditative nature of repetitive stitching. For me, it's the feeling of drawing of the thread through the fabric that I find the most calming. I have discovered that I don't need most of what I see online as the newest greatest thing. I learned that I can be perfectly happy as long as I have a really good needle and lovely thread to make the process even more enjoyable.
I couldn't agree with you more Jan, it really is the most wonderful thing isn't it. Thanks for watching
That book got me too. I agree totally, such a sense of soft purpose, relaxation, so calming.
I think it is the loveliest craft book out there. Thank you for watching Cat x
Thank you Emma for reminding me that its OK to slow down, enjoy the process as well as the finished item, crafty hugs and stay safe
Ahh thank you so much for watching. Enjoy your stitching time and take care 😊
I absolutely loved this video. So true for me. Thank you for sharing. It’s exactly how I feel.....can’t wait to watch more of your videos. You are calming to watch. ❤️🤗
oh thank you! I am so glad it resonated with you
Beautifully and eloquently put Emma x Big hugs x
Thank you so much Fleur, take care x
Thank you for sharing your perspective and your lovely handwork. I’m so grateful that I found your videos!
Oh thank you! That means a lot
Actually your voice and your tutorials are so cool. It will motivate us to do this type of work slowly and steadily. Thankyou so much .Stay safe.
Ahh thank you so much
Thank You for sharing your struggles in life. Sometimes we think & feel like we are the only ones going through all the struggles. I do crocheting, sewing. I would love to try this. I will start with something small. So I know I can finish it. ❤️
Thank you for watching Artie. You are right, it can feel lonely sometimes but we have to remember we are not alone.x
Thank you for making this video. You are an inspiration. Your explanation of ‘slow stitching’ was very timely and something I’ve been feeling but couldn’t explain. Thank you for all of your wisdom and especially your videos. Stay healthy and keep stitching and we all will keep watching and learning.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your lovely words here. Thank you. I'm so glad what I said resonated with you. Take good care of yourself x
Thank you Emma for your openness. Lovely to see your creations. You’ve inspired me and given me new ideas for my patchwork and embroidery. I look forward to seeing more of your videos.❤️
Ahh thanks so much Liz, I really appreciate this lovely comment. x
I'm so glad to have come across your video. I have an interest in english paper piecing, and want to give it a try. Your video hit me about all the feelings thats come about this past year. Thank you for making this video and plan to follow you. You are an angel.
Oh thank you for watching and for leaving this lovely comment! I’m so glad you enjoyed it and that you love slow stitching too 😊
You have the most calming voice. Thank you for sharing.
thank you so much Paula
Thank you so much, you are right, crafting has that magic effect, it has been really tough year 💐❤
Thank you so much for watching. I don’t know how I would have gotten through the last few months without sewing to distract me. Take good care of yourself x
Emma your video are sooo beautiful and so calming, i uesd to wake up early before my kids to have 15 minutes having my coffee and knitting few stches before the school run, that 15 minutes was so vital. Next week back to normal routine . Have a wonderful week 💐 , your garden is beautiful 🌹❤
@@shethasimon3441 Thank you Shetha, you are right, those few minutes of calm are really vital aren't they x
Lovely video. I get the same calming effect from cross-stitch (especially large projects which I know will take months). That slow, repetitive stitching with no immediate goal in mind is like a form of meditation. It's very effective for resetting the mind in times of anxiety.
It's been a long time since I did some cross stitch but you are right, it is such a calming craft, I must get some out again. Thank you for watching x
I've spent 4 years making an applique quilt all by hand, I'm quilting it now by hand, I have enjoyed every minute of it. I may not have a lot quilts but I have a truly beautiful heirloom quality quilt. Love every stitch :)
beautiful words and beautiful hand work . Thank you .
Really thoughtful and a
Good reminder to be
Aware of the beauty in
Simple surrounding.
I enjoyed this & your
Philosophy. Your post
Was wonderful & encourages me to go
Back to the hobby of
Quilting after a ten year
Pause.
I am so happy to hear that! Enjoy your stitching time
What a peaceful, relaxing voice you have.
Oh thank you! 😊
Emma, thank you for sharing how EPP has made a difference in your life. I would like to get the book and give it a try. I enjoy quilting and embroidery as well. You are so right that we all need to use our creative brain daily, if even for an hour or so with a cup of tea or coffee at the sewing machine or comfortable chair.
so glad it resonated with you Stacie, I hope you enjoy the book. Take care and thanks for watching
Thanks Emma! I have picked up an engish paper piecing I set aside before my Mom passed away in 2019. It’s helped me a lot as well. ❤
I am so glad to hear it's helping. Take care x
Thank you for sharing your story and experience. I have been captivated lately by paper piecing videos. I think I will give it a try.
I hope you love it when you give it a go. Thank you for watching 😊
I am so glad I found your videos. Everything is beautiful.
Thank you so much!
Love the honesty in your video Emma...you yourself have a very calming influence in the way that you film the stitches and talk about them.
I am a knitter and crocheter and have recently started EPP and love how in the moments that I am working on projects it is time etched out of the day for me. I couldn't live without my hobbies/ past-times as like you say they calm me and re balance me when I need it.
Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts...every time I watch your videos it inspires me to want to make some of my own...still need just a little more courage for that though.
I'm so glad you are enjoying my videos Katherine, it really means a lot to me. Thank you for such kind words. I am the same as you, I need my hobbies each day to keep me feeling calm. I hope you do start posting videos as I would love to see what you are making. Take care x
Very good advice. I knit and crochet and find both are calming and relaxing.
Such relaxing hobbies aren’t they
I think I saw this video before but I just watched it again. I do love the slow-stitching! I was surprised how therapeutic it felt to cur and glue the pieces, using hexi-foam. The beauty of a little block or group of pieces is incredible. Thank you for your gift of peacefulness and your gentle nature that you always share with us!
thank you Mel, it really is so therapeutic isn't it
I enjoyed this video, thank you. I might have to give this a try sometime. I have found in the past that any time I did anything that involved using a needle and thread, by hand, that it was extremely relaxing. I have added the book you mentioned to my Amazon wish list.
Such a lovely and honest video. Thanks for sharing. Love your channel and videos. Keep up the great work.
Thank you for such lovely, supportive comments, that really means a lot to me
This is the first time I have seen one of your videos. Your block is beautiful and your sewing box is so cute. I used to love doing EPP but I stopped sewing about three years ago, something I loved doing for over 50 years. Tragedy struck and my world stopped until recently. When covid-19 struck I started making some masks and lately I've thought about picking up my old EPP projects and working on them. I think it's amazing how things like your video are put in our paths at just the right moment. I have subscribed to your channel and look forward to your videos. Thank you.
Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to leave me this comment. I hope you do feel able to pick up EPP again and that it brings you some joy. Thanks so much for subscribing, take care x
Lovely, encouraging video. Thank you. You have encouraged me to focus on the process not the end result.
So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching 😊🌸
Saludos y muchas bendiciones, Emma!!
Ver el video y poder escuchar tus profundas reflexiones de ir despacio e ir disfrutando las experiencias que la costura te proporciona es muy relajante. Tu palabras tienen una profundidad que solo una persona que ha vivido y ha sido llevado por la prisa de la vida y que se ha detenido a tiempo puede ofrecer.
Lo más maravilloso es que eres una persona joven que reflexiona, lo expresas y al verte realizando esa costura manual muestras la paz que disfrutas.
Que hermoso comentario, muchas gracias por tomarse el tiempo de ver el video
I gave it a go this weekend. I made two flowers using 1.5" hexagons. I really enjoyed it. However if the hexagons are any smaller, I think it will be uncomfortable. I reviewed this video several times throughout the day. I am looking forward to completing a project with my hexies. I found the slower pace and attention to detail as soothing as many other coping techniques I employ when feeling stressed. This particular type of sewing, I think I could do at my desk while working. I think the smaller scale of the hexagons will provide a needed stress breaker without taking up too much space. I also viewed several of your more recent videos. You have really grown with your skill and confidence. Thank you for continuing to post videos.
thanks so much for watching my videos and leaving me a lovely comment
Have just found this video and I agree with you. Over lockdown I have finished a quilt for my bed, started a year ago but did have a few months break.it is paper pieced, mainly variations of Dresden plates. I did machine some of the sashing but it is about 96% hand made and the satisfaction I have at seeing it on my bed is so much more than if it had been done more speedily on a machine. As you say you have time to enjoy the process and the time to think about what you are doing and ideas come to you and you change things and have inspirational ideas which improve the finished project.
I love Dresden plates, it sounds wonderful. I've started a Dresden quilt, I must show it here one day. Many thanks for watching, lovely to hear you finished your quilt this year.
How beautiful! You’ve inspired me. I’ve been wanting to get back to the simple, old school way of life, and hand stitching is one them. Looking forward to getting the book! Thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks for watching, the simple things in life are the best
Thank you for sharing Emma and I totally agree. My life changed 20 years ago when my back broke. With severe chronic pain and a dozen surgeries to date I had found slow stitching. It has been the best therapy for me. Take care sweetie🥰
Oh Yvette, you have really been through it. I'm so sorry you have suffered. Slow stitching really is good therapy isn't it, I'm glad it has helped you. Take care and thank you for watching x
Thank you for you honest and inspiring story. I wish you much success. I thoroughly enjoy your videos and you have been an inspiration for me.
thank you so so much
I am so grateful to have found this video. First off, just listening to your voice has given me a sense of peace. I had decided (at the young age of 78) to learn to quilt and after a few weeks of cutting and sewing and making so many mistakes, and ripping it out, I just got so frustrated, threw everything away. I have done hand embroidery for years and love it and love incorporating it into table linens, like table toppers, napkins, placemats etc. I love country decorating and always thought quilting would fit in with my decor, but now I see epp will work too. I do foundation paper piecing but then it has to be sewn into something. I love listening to books on audible, and this would give me something relaxing to do while listening. Thank you so much. I have subscribed to your channel.
Hi Phyllis, thank you so much for watching and for subscribing, that really means a lot to me. I'm sorry you've had a bad experience with quilting, I know I felt disappointed with the first few quilts I made. I'm glad you are going to try epp, I think you will love it, especially if you like embroidery. I like listening to audio books whilst I stitch too, I never watch tv anymore! Take care and thanks again
Thank you 🙏🏾 for sharing. I have just started hand stitching now I want to hand stitch every quilt I do. I’m new to your channel thank you again. I hope you’re having a blessed day God bless you and your family
Oh thank you so much! Take care
This video is perfect. Second time watching, and will return again. Thank you for your insight and encouragement, based on your real experience.
thank you so much, that really means a lot to me as it's the first time I've really spoken about this publicly.
I speak a little english, but i understand your feelings and I agree with you. You are a wonderful person , my admiración for you forma Costa Rica!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇨🇷🇨🇷🇨🇷
Thank you so much! That's very kind.
Emma, so true. Applique is where I found that peace and the ability to just be. EPP is another place where this happens and just have a moment to be still and enjoy the quiet.
Absolutely, hand stitching is so therapeutic isn't it. Take care and thanks for watching.
Thank you Emma! Just what I needed to hear today ❤
Thanks love this video. I did epp many years ago. I used to love taking it with me to the beach or camping. I don’t camp anymore but I still go to the beach. Thanks for reminding me I want to start epp again. I have to start from scratch but like you said it doesn’t really take much to start! I want more time away from social media. I dropped it all of social media it made me so depressed. But I still watch TH-cam!
Social media is not a fun place to be sometimes. Sorry you had a bad experience with it. I hope you love taking up epp again
I just discovered your channel and it's a real pleasure to listen to you. This video makes me really want to try this technique, but I've never done any sewing. I mainly do embroidery, cross stitch...
Thank you so much! I think if you can do cross stitch you will be able to do this, it’s not tricky 😊🌸
Thank you Emma for your help,I just ordered my Hexiform today, looking forward to seeing your next podcast, blessings from Scotland
Thank you Margaret, I hope you love it! Take care
Hi Emma. This particular video that you made was really good. Having somebody else verbalize how sewing makes them feel is very encouraging especially if you have the same issues. I find my sewing to be extremely relaxing for me. It certainly grounds me.I just want to thank you for making such a nice video. I have a couple of friends I think I’m going to send this one to them because this will encourage them as well. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Jenny, thank you for such lovely feedback. I’m so glad sewing helps you too, it’s so nice to have something to turn to to help us relax isn’t it. Take care and thanks for watching 😊🌸
Hi Emma. Listening to you in this video reminds me of myself when I was first learning about quilting. I found myself wanting to make everything. Some I finished others I didn’t. What happened? As I evolved in my quilting so did my quilting. I love hand work for the same reasons. Yes I can still use my machine. But very little because the types of quilts have changed. I love my hand work. The fabrics that I got from patterns I sent away for will be used for something else. I kept the patterns probably will never do it but that’s OK. I’ve learned to so only the things that talk to me. If I’m not having a relationship with what I’m working on I don’t do it. It’s really nice listening to you.Continue to enjoy your passion for your and work. After years of living you’ll do like I do look back and see all the nice things you’ve made and know what you did with your time when you were younger. Yes making your house into a home with all your lovely things.
I recently discovered your channel, Emma, and I just wanted to thank you for this lovely video - a lovely message.
You are so welcome! I appreciate you watching. 🤗
I’ve never tried this but really would love too. Thank you for sharing I will research and try now 😀
Thank you so so much Zena
How beautiful, I have made one paper piecing project. I love hand sewing and I agree with everything you said regarding the calming effects of stitching. I must admit I get weary of seeing videos where excess in yarn and fabric buying is the theme.
Thank you Daphne. I am not a fan of seeing excess either, far better to watch what people are making rather than buying. thanks for watching
I found you on TH-cam and especially happy to see the tiny prints! Just now I'm watching your 3/8-inch hexies Pincushion. Looks beautiful and a perfect example of tiny. I just started a hexie quilted wall hanging for my favorite Veterinarians with Fussy Dog & Cat prints. Best to you!
P.S. I also save the tiniest bits of fabric. Ohio, USA.
Oh your project sounds lovely Nancy! Thanks for watching my videos 😊
What a wonderful post. I have the same experience with EPP. I have ADHD & anxiety, and don’t get the same effect from knitting or other craft/art forms. But I read the study that found EPP induces “flow.” There is indeed something unique to the process. I love it. And it does have a creeping, positive effect on how I approach other aspects of my life. 💗
Oh I’m so glad you find it helps you too. It is quite magical how it works isn’t it. Take good care of yourself
You put into words what I have known for most of my life. My first quilt was all hand pieced and then hand quilted. I even used cardboard templates to cut out the pieces and drew in the stitch lines. Very therapeutic. I always loved that time of day when I was home from work, dinner done and my little girl in bed - then I could hand stitch. I am now doing EPP and find that the rhythm of the process is enough to refocus my thoughts from all the junk going on in this world to whatever I choose to think on. I like to pray for my family and friends and use the time to develop a closer relationship with the Lord. The busy lifestyles most of us have often make us feel too tired for the most important things we should be paying attention to. Thanks for doing this video!!
You are so right, it is so important to slow down and pay attention to what's going on around us isn't it. Thank you for watching
Emma, you are an inspiration. God bless you. Susan.
Oh that is so kind of you Susan, thank you