Slow stitching is a relatively new form of creativity that is steeped in ancient practices. The slow stitch movement is an art form where ancient hand stitching traditions intersect with creativity. Basic supplies such as thread, needle and scraps of fabric (that can be found around your home or purchased from a thrift or consignment shop) are the only items needed for a slow stitch practice. Sustainability, upcycling and recycling of materials is in the spirit of this simple stitching movement.

 

Some of the known ancient practices of stitching that the slow stitch movement is steeped in are Kantha quilts (Bangladesh), Boro mending  (Japan), Sashiko (Japan) and Quilting (USA). These practices in ancient times grew out of necessity to repair and mend fabric due to scarcity and culturally poor conditions. The stitching techniques use simple straight stitches that hold together several layers of fabric to create patching, mending or layers of fabric for warmth.

 

The purpose of contemporary slow stitching is to carve space to slow down, create room to take deep breaths, and to come into the enjoyment of the present moment with each individual stitch. When slow stitching, you mindfully stitch with awareness and place your intention and focus on the process rather than the final product or result of a piece. The practice is to enjoy stitching one stitch at a time and to let go of outcome and perfectionism along the way. 

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​Why Create In Community?​​​​​

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It has been my personal experience that creating handmade textiles in a safe container with community is incredibly nourishing and healing. I have become passionate about holding stitching circles and workshops to teach this meditative way of creating slow stitched art.

 

The process of slow stitching with others fosters a deep sense of belonging and opens gentle ways to navigate the landscape of our many layered emotions. This way of working offers space to find a more settled body, heart and mind and continues to help individuals to metabolize feelings of grief and experiences in life that do not have words.

 

I am not certain how this work moves people so deeply, but I witness it has everything to do with the hands and heart moving together simultaneously in a safe container with community. Something about this handicraft brings together the heart and mind in the most harmonious and beautiful ways.

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The slow stitched pieces that are created during the time together serve as a metaphor for community and echo the reality of our interconnectedness. We all matter and have a place in this world. Each stitch in the artwork is like a single person, but as the multiple pieces and layers are stitched together, the fabric becomes a tapestry that is stronger and more tightly knit. These art pieces are made in a simple way, using only straight stitches, but the repetition of stitching creates a beautiful complexity of imperfection.

 

I hope to stitch with you soon. 

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My Approach 

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"The act of sewing is a process of emotional repair."   -- Louise Bourgeois --

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Stitching is a form of meditation and a practice for me. Creating handmade textiles puts me in touch with stillness and deep wisdom. The pieces I create are the natural rhythms that have evolved and emerged from engaging in a stitching practice daily, weekly and monthly over time. I discovered this way of working during the pandemic. It was introduced to me by fellow artist Emma Freeman

@deeprootedhealing and the style of this work is part of the slow stitch movement. 

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My stitched art pieces are intended to gently and quietly witness and affirm those that feel invisible and are silently suffering with anxiety, grief, isolation, depression and other mental health challenges and issues. So many wonderful humans are challenged with mental health concerns in these years since the pandemic.

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I create stitched art pieces as a way to connect with my community and to help educate others about how art can be a practice to work through emotions and soothe mental anguish and suffering. ​I often use monochromatic colors in order to communicate that strength can come from quiet places too. I enjoy how monochromatic color themes often bring harmony and feelings of calm to myself and those viewing the artwork. When I do choose to use color in my work, I intend for the colors to uplift and enliven, hopefully helping the viewer to find more joy within their lived experience.

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Although my art pieces present as contemporary, they are steeped in the ancient traditions of stitching that the slow stitch movement is based upon, like Kantha quilts (Bangladesh), Boro textiles (Japan), Sashiko stitching (Japan) and Quilting (USA). 

 

I am beyond grateful for having found this way of working with fabric, thread and a needle. This style of work has helped me to step into a more whole and complete acceptance of myself and the world around me. I witness slow stitching to be magical in bringing mindfulness and awareness alive through its practice, and I vow to bring this experience to life for others through sharing my artwork and teaching mindful stitching classes. My work is deeply inspired by the quote below.

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“Each of us is an essential thread in the tapestry of life, and peace is our strength.”

 --- Nuestro Nanamoli ---

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​Artist Bio

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Lynn Salmon-Easter is a native to the Midwest and was born and raised in Appleton, Wisconsin. Currently residing in Minneapolis, Lynn works as a Reiki practitioner and textile artist. Slow stitching was introduced to her during the height of the pandemic by friend and fellow artist Emma Freeman.

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The practice of sewing and stitching is a form of meditation for Lynn. She finds slow stitching to be magical in bringing mindfulness and awareness alive through its practice. Lynn has become passionate and inspired to awaken a similar experience in others by showing her artwork and teaching slow stitch classes in her community.

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Over the past four years, Salmon-Easter has created stitched art pieces which she has displayed and sold to support local non-profit organizations. She has shown her artwork and taught mindful stitching classes through wellness clinics, yoga studios and Hosmer Library in Minneapolis.

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Lynn was originally trained in interior design and received a B.A. from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Prior to becoming a Reiki practitioner, she worked in advertising as a photography stylist for more than two decades in New York City and Minneapolis.

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​Photos of artwork by Kerry Kresl Photography​