Event Description

An experimental, slow stitch session using locally eco-dyed cloth and thread from The Sutton Community Dye-Bed within Oru Space Rooftop Garden.
Slow stitching is a mindful needlework process, it’s a chance to doodle with threads and experiment with patterns and textures. It offers a unique opportunity to slow down, relax and not worry about creating a product, but enjoying a mindful needlework process that focuses on intention and the joy brought from the process, helping us to unwind and be present, it allows the busy mind to rest through the act of sewing and can aid good mental wellness.

It isn’t about being perfect, or even making a cohesive final piece (although many pieces do turn out beautifully!) – the intention is to enjoy the process one stitch at a time, using basic hand embroidery stitches applying this technique as a meditative practice, taking some time to slow down and appreciate the beauty of simple things.

Event Partner

About the Slow Stitch Session Leader Zoe Hannam is an active follower of the slow stitch movement, a mindfulness and well-being practitioner specialising in mental health. She works within national healthcare settings and community organisations, Zoe is interested in how creativity can positively impact on carers wellbeing and finds experimental slow stitch a perfect medium for mindful creativity. Combined with her love for the natural world she holds mindfulness sessions in Nonsuch Park enabling a positive connection to nature when she works. Her own practice incorporates daily meditations, eco-dying and slow stitch journaling using fairtrade, reclaimed and second-hand materials to increase sustainability. About The Sutton Community Dye-Bed Project As part of South London Listen’s Be Well Hub Programme Zoe is working in collaboration with Sutton Mental Health Foundation on ‘The Community Dye Bed Project’, which provides a safe space for the general public plus those who experience mental health distress and their carers to come and talk about mental health whilst participating in nature based mindful activities.