Living with Stitch

I'm pondering the difference between the process of creating stitched pieces and working with media on paper. There are no quick gestural strokes with stitch. It is a process of making design choices and then stitching. While the stitch is happening there are small strokes and dawning ideas. Wandering, meandering. 

And time to ponder. Jude Hill called it "ripening" recently. 

There is a deep intimacy with stitch as you handle the fabric, the threads. The needle is the only tool between you and the piece you are working on. There are no fast ways (with hand stitch) and there are no tricks. Simple ages-old techniques that you only need to be reminded of and instinct.

A constant touching, feeling. I'm sure to need a break from all of this pondering and get back to the action-oriented random acts of journaling and art making. Perhaps tomorrow. Taming the Critic is up tomorrow.