A stitch in time
A couple of years ago, I stumbled across a women’s stitching group when I was searching for some toilets in an art gallery. The host invited me in, explained the purpose of the group and asked if I might be interested in coming along on a regular basis. For me, the answer was a no-brainer: “YES!” And I’ve been a regular attender ever since.
Three things struck me instantly about this group:
- the skill sets among the women was immense, diverse and inspirational
- many of the women were from other parts of the globe, so we didn’t all speak the same language, and
- the atmosphere was warm, friendly and sharing – despite some of our language barriers.
I was amazed to find out how many women made their own clothes, often from resourceful gathering/reworking of fabrics, yarn and other materials. I also learned that something functional doesn’t need to look dull; it can be highly decorative utilising multiple fibres and fabrics despite its modest use as, say, a plant holder or a storage vessel.
What’s more, I got to learn about visible mending from the very best (I am, of course, talking Celia Pym here), slow stitching, abstract needlework, making twine, creative approaches to knitting and many other adaptations of basic materials. I even had some of my own modest work in a large ‘stitching’ exhibition. Perhaps more fascinating, group members delighted in sharing their incredible histories with making and mending.
Within this group I really feel as if I have touched base with something much greater than the sum of its parts. I have learned the true meaning and real value of craft. I have also learned that, however I may be feeling at my point of arrival for a group “session”, I certainly leave having had a massive dopamine hit. And there are several good reasons for this …
The science of stitching
It has been proven that the repetitive actions within most forms of crafting – knitting, stitching, rug-making, sashiko, etc. – not only temporarily release us from the curse of technology, they also:
- take us into a steadier, more relaxed, flow of breathing
- declutter our minds and help us to release stress
- make us more focused and mindful
- improve our hand-eye-brain coordination and sensory awareness, and
- release neurotransmitters such as aforementioned dopamine and good old serotonin.
In addition, we know that socialising is extremely important for our wellbeing – particularly as we age or perhaps became involuntarily isolated because, post-pandemic, we now work at home rather than in an environment with others. In a stitching group, for example, we connect with those who are like-minded. We share information – about skills, and often things that are more personal. We feel valued for what we contribute. We feel noticed. And those things are really important.
There are other benefits, too. Stitching, mending, creating and crafting allow us to:
- express ourselves – through personalisation and design choices
- embrace sustainability – through using and re-using things that we already have
- enjoy producing/making something without worrying about perfection.
So, with those things in mind, I’ve written a couple of guidelines for myself for the rest of 2025 relating to craft and preloved clothing. I hesitate to use the word ‘resolution’; it sounds so definite and doesn’t give me any leeway. And I do want to enjoy the process of working within my own guidelines. Here goes:
Target 1: In terms of knitting, sewing, crochet, braid-making plus all the new skills I have encountered in recent times, my plan is to use and create only from what I already have. No more buying pretty sock yarn; stepping clear of the seduction of silk threads and linen fabrics; avoiding the lure of hunting for vintage buttons. And here’s why: like others, perhaps, I began to accumulate at an alarming rate during the pandemic and have consequently acquired what I believe is referred to as SABLE: Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy! A grim thought that does not sit comfortably.
Target 2: In terms of my wardrobe, I intend to loosen up and become a bit more adventurous. Put me next to Jane of Trash Chic Towers, and you certainly wouldn’t get us confused. Jane is gloriously, admirably, confidently “out there”; I’m the one in a striped tee and baggy jeans. So, yes, definitely time to loosen up! Non-negotiably. I’m a big girl now (well, not literally – I’m actually quite short), and it’s my time to make a noise. I’m digging out those bright-coloured fabric offcuts and threads, and adding them to my wardrobe basics (“basics” being code for “lots of black and striped stuff”). Think large floral cuffs, loud ruffles down the front of a plain top, huge attention-grabbing pockets where you wouldn’t normally expect to see one … just for starters.
I will continue going to my stitching/crafting/creating/making group, and would strongly urge any makers or potential makers to seek the rewards of something similar in their own areas. For example, close to Trash Chic Towers you will find Backstich at Burwash Manor if you have a desire to learn some of the basic skills. There’s also regular evening yarn sessions in central Cambridge at SewKnitCraft. Finally, a good friend and fellow mask-maker of Jane’s runs a group called Sew Positive, which aims to nurture the mental health of vulnerable people through free sewing and stitching tuition.
And if stitching isn’t your thing but fashion/clothing definitely is, there are still options to get involved. Many moons ago, I worked in charity shops behind the scenes and absolutely loved going through the clothing donations, pricing
and displaying them. Chatting to others about vintage, particularly, was great fun, as were my days ‘on the road’ with Jane when she first started Trash Chic.
Most of all (and I’m a bit late to this party), have fun with your clothes. If you live in the Trash Chic Towers area, you may want to check out Jane's upcoming events – a great opportunity for your own 2025 wardrobe rethink.
Until the next time, here’s raising a sartorial New Year’s toast to all of us …
Sandra Stafford is an author, editor and long-time Trash Chic customer.