My love for needlework, needlepoint and cross stitch began in my early teenage years. I was fascinated by the variety of threads and fabrics, their vibrant colours, the variety of patterns and textures, and the beautiful work that skilled hands can produce with them. My grandmother taught me the first hand embroidery stitches: satin, split, French knot, chain stitch etc. Then my mother invited me to enrol for sewing classes with her. We both went to dress making classes together. I must confess I was 12 years old and only learned the basics then, but I loved doing something with my mom and I treasure those memories. Then I discovered crochet, cross stitch, and huckaback. I enjoy working with all of them in my handcrafts but cross stitch is my favourite. It allows me to combine two of my passions: embroidery and nature landscapes to produce wall art and tapestry.
Nothing helps me relax more than cross stitch. Now I have some free time during the semester break, I can complete my embroidery project I started back in February. I found this gorgeous cross stitch pattern on Pinterest, the warm sunshine over a tranquil field of poppies and daisies, and trees reflecting on a peaceful river inspired on the watercolour painting ‘Summer Meadow’ by British painter John Clayton. I loved it so much I had to embroider it. My husband reckons the trees resemble the Australian landscape with gumtrees.
I was ready to start my project, when I realized the pattern was the exact same size as a country clock pattern I had (140 stiches by 140 stitches). I thought to myself, what a nice project it will be to combine both and embroider a gorgeous clock face. Indeed, the task was challenging! First, I followed the clock pattern to embroider the numbers, then I could start the landscape and fill in around the numbers. As difficult as it was at first, I have thoroughly enjoyed the process and I am thrilled how beautiful my project is coming together. Once it is complete, I’ll be able to enjoy my work whether I need to check the time or just appreciate the serenity and beauty of the landscape.
What is your favourite hobby? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Whether you enjoy collectibles such as stamps, stones, figurines, or activities such as reading, gardening, cooking, fishing, bushwalking, painting, photography, sewing, quilting, to name a few. There are many health benefits of practicing a hobby or leisure activities you enjoy:
1. Stress-relief – a hobby allows us to have a break from work and responsibilities to practice an activity that is pleasurable and relaxing, and focus our minds on something we enjoy. A Japanese study found the practice of hobbies help to reduce stress, increase quality of life, and protect against cardiovascular disease (Saihara et al. 2010).
2. A moment for introspection or socializing and connecting with others – some hobbies allow us to have some quiet time on our own company, which can be a good moment for reflection and introspection. Other hobbies allow us to engage with others, spend more time with our children and share common interests, develop new friendships or deepen existing ones.
3. New skills – a hobby can encourage you to acquire new knowledge, learn a new skill, or build on existing ones. Learning new skills is a good way to challenge the brain and stimulate its plasticity. Our brains have this amazing ability to change and reorganize itself throughout life if we provide the right stimulus. The challenges of learning a new hobby can help protect the brain as we age, and prevent dementia. For those affected by dementia, practicing a hobby that reinforces skills already learned helps to provide engagement and keep them connected to the moment, and restore order in the brain (Yatczak 2011).
4. Build self-esteem – as you become better at doing something for yourself, you can discover how good you are at a new skill, feel good and proud of yourself and the work of your hands!
5. Express your creativity – hobbies such as playing an instrument, card making, scrapbooking, embroidery, crochet, knitting, quilting, painting, drawing, gardening, and cooking are activities that allow you to express your creative genius.
6. Improve body physiology and fitness – physical activities such as bike riding, bushwalking, dancing, surfing and many others which require engagement in movement and exercise may help us to improve many body functions, and connect with nature and others at the same time.
7. Connect to cultural roots – hobbies are cultural activities and helps a person to connect with his or her background, family roots, and the community (Yatczak 2011).
As part of self-care it is important to take time to do things we like to have a balanced life. So, keep enjoying your hobbies and leisure activities as often as you can. More recently, my sister has inspired me to take up dress making again. If you feel up to the challenge, try an activity you resonate with, pursue a creative interest or learn a new skill, and you will be on the path to discover new passions.
References:
Saihara, K, Hamasaki, S, Ishida, S, Kataoka, T, Yoshikawa, A, Orihara, K, Ogawa, M, Oketani, N, Fukudome, T, Atsuchi, N, Shinsato, T, Okui, H, Kubozono, T, Ichiki, H, Kuwahata, S, Mizoguchi, E, Fujita, S, Takumi, T, Ninomiya, Y, Tomita, K, & Tei, C 2010, ‘Enjoying hobbies is related to desirable cardiovascular effects’, Heart and Vessels, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 113-120, < http://www.ebscohost.com >
Yatczak, J 2011, ‘The Power of ritual and hobbies: Engaging in favorite pastimes can help people with Dementia’, Generations, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 71-73, < http://www.ebscohost.com >
