4 Unforgettable Writing and Life Lessons Learned From Making Embroidered Wall Hangings
If there are two things I enjoy doing, almost equally, they are writing and embroidering. While one is a rewarding career choice, the other is a cherished hobby that has taught me some amazing life lessons.
For as long as I can remember, I have been a firm believer in the benefits of having a hobby, and I’m lucky to have found a pastime that not only gives me creative satisfaction but also teaches me important life lessons, enabling me to shine in my career. As surprising as it may sound, embroidering has made me a better writer.
What Is An Embroidery?
The term ‘Embroidery’ is derived from the French word ‘broderie’, meaning embellishment.
Simply put, embroidery is the technique of decorating materials, such as fabric or canvas, with a needle and thread. It is a creative work of art, capable of bringing any pattern or background design to life in minutes.
The art of embroidery dates back as early as 30,000 BC. Since then, it has been appreciated and celebrated across diverse cultures worldwide, including India, China, the Middle East, ancient Persia, Japan, Medieval England, and Europe.
According to Greek mythology, Goddess Athena was exceptionally skilled in weaving and embroidery, and it was she who was challenged to a competition by a mere mortal, a maiden named Arachne.
Interestingly, embroidery is a great art form for kids too, as it strengthens hand-eye coordination, promotes creativity, improves concentration, and teaches them essential life skills like patience and hard work.
Different Styles of Embroidery
Though there are many sewing techniques available (Cross Stitch, Running Stitch, Stem Stitch, and Chain Stitch), I find the Long Stitch to be one of the easiest forms of needlepoint canvas embroidery.
In the past couple of years, I have had the opportunity to stitch many long stitches, embroidered wall hangings that continue to add beauty and character to my living abode. Though the process is tedious and time-consuming, it has been an immensely fulfilling, rewarding, and learning experience.
What Embroidering Has Taught Me About Writing & Life
1. Finish What You Start, Always
As much as I like selecting new and uncommon embroidery patterns, occasionally, I end up choosing a design that is exceptionally pretty but overwhelmingly complex. Often, it’s only when I begin working on the design that I truly realize its complexity and level of difficulty.
Stopping midway and giving up is an easy choice, as I can always find another design. But having the determination to continue and finish what I have begun has always been the right choice.
In fact, I’ve done some of my best handiwork when I’ve had the drive to complete what I’ve started and the perseverance to move past self-doubt.
‘Perfect Paradise’ is a superb example of this positive mindset.
Having the discipline to bring each job to fruition is an essential life skill, especially for a freelance writer.
Whenever I’m hit by the notorious ‘Writer’s Block, words simply refuse to flow, and I’m tempted to leave a write-up midway. It is during such times that I practice perseverance and self-belief, a skill I have honed through embroidering ‘The Perfect Paradise’.
ALSO READ: Writing When You Do Not Feel Like It
2. If at First, You Feel Overwhelmed, Try A Different Approach
When you have the drive to finish what you’ve begun, you’ll find it easier to work through any self-imposed feelings of doubt or insecurity. The moment you feel intimidated by a task, take a break, and come back to it later to give it another shot. Look at the problem from a unique perspective, and you are sure to find an apt solution.
While working on ‘The Front Door’, I felt overwhelmed, just looking at the intricate design of the creepers and the quick colour variations.
I could hear my inner voice, loud and clear – I can’t do this. This is way too complicated. What was I thinking when I chose this design?
A few minutes passed, and my better judgment took over. I wasn’t going to give up without trying a different approach. After studying the design in detail, I decided to tackle the difficult portions first, one colour at a time. This gave me a lot of free hand to work through the complex portions of the design with ease, then move on to the rest. This systematic approach worked like magic! Within two weeks, I completed the design, had it framed, and gifted it to my mother, who loved it instantly.
Writers, too, must always find the best approach to handle a difficult writing job, a demanding client, or that overactive inner critic. These simple yet powerful words always boost my morale –
I have done it before, and I will do it again. I can do this. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or doubtful, I look at this picture of ‘The Front Door’ and feel confident, instantly.
3. Patience Pays
We live in a world where we are conditioned to seek instant gratification. From posting pictures on social media and expecting immediate reactions to contacting friends within seconds, life seems to be programmed to the fast-forward mode, and there seems to be nothing we can do about it.
It is no wonder then, that patience seems to be a lost virtue, and this is where embroidering has helped me the most. I don’t think I’ve done anything in life that has required as much patience as embroidering! Working on a large, blank canvas, one stitch at a time, along a faintly visible pattern demands every ounce of patience I can muster within me. And no siree. There is no shortcut or quick fix to motor the process; just plain simple hand movement from the first stitch to the last.
Often, it is the urgency to see what the design will look like upon completion that keeps me motivated to keep going, stitch after stitch, and bring the embroidery to fruition.
Whenever I gaze at ‘The Village Fields’, my heart swells with happiness, pride, and contentment. It reiterates my belief in these two simple words – Patience Pays.
Every writer, especially a freelance writer, must have loads of patience to make it on their own in the immensely competitive world of online writing. Success is never guaranteed, and it may take years to make one’s presence felt and start receiving paid opportunities.
What’s more, bagging a freelance writing opportunity requires patience, too. Right from pitching for a job and negotiating rates to agreeing on terms and finally, receiving an advance payment, there are several steps to complete before you can actually start working on a project.
Whenever I begin to feel impatient, I look at ‘The Village Fields’ and remind myself to trust the process. Savour the waiting. All in good time, I say!
4. Everything is Falling in Place – Keep the Faith
Embroidery has taught me that it is just as important to look back as to move forward, and to always believe that everything happens for the best.
To complete one long stitch, I must work the needle through the front of the canvas to the back and come back to the front again, and as I work my way forward, one stitch at a time, I can’t help but notice how the reverse side of the canvas looks far from pretty.
There are ugly knots, trailing threads that need finishing, and numerous complex, multi-coloured threads crossing over one another in carefree abandon. However, despite the mess at the back, the front is slowly taking beautiful shape and coming alive!
Come to think of it, isn’t this the story of our lives? If we look back, we can surely identify at least a couple of events and situations in each of our lives that made little sense and left us feeling confused, unhappy, and even hurt. But looking at the larger scheme of things, we will realize that the mess of the past was giving shape to the beauty of today!
When I look at the beauty of ‘The Journey Homewards’, I can’t help but appreciate its complicated reverse side, which, though nicely concealed behind the frame, has been instrumental in giving shape to this stunning piece!
Writers, too, must have complete faith in the writing process and believe that any struggle they’re facing right now is shaping a better, brighter, and more successful writing future.
So, whether I’m overwhelmed by the complexity of the client’s brief, feeling the pressure of working for a referral client, rattled by the hours of research that must go into writing that perfect piece, or bothered by writer’s block, I always tell myself –
It’s all going to come together beautifully, you’ll see!
Each time I come across a difficult artwork or demanding writing task, I remember this line I read somewhere -When faced with an uphill struggle, think of the view from the top.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Having a hobby is a fun experience and a habit that everyone should try to inculcate. While embroidering might seem an ordinary passtime, it can teach some valuable lessons if you take the time to think about it.
So how do you motivate yourself? What is your favourite passtime or hobby? Do you have a hobby that makes you happy and teaches you something valuable? I’d love to hear about it! Do share your comments in the section below.
Photo by frank mckenna on Unsplash | Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
