No matter the technique (plastic canvas, crochet, embroidery, knitting, cross stitch, etc), needlework promotes emotional and mental health for all ages.
2020 was a complete dumpster fire. But it really made me sit down and reflect. What's important. Things I can and can't change. Connections. And so on.
Full disclaimer: I'm a nerd. I love to read. I love to research. I love to read about research. And then diagram the research (okay, so maybe I'm exaggerating a bit...but you get my drift).
Regardless, my point is as I was getting into the why stitching was so relaxing, I kept coming across more information. More studies. More connections to the positive associations related to needlework and other creative fields.
And age didn't matter. And skill or exact technique didn't matter. This is a participation award that I'm on board with!
Did I mention I like to research? You can find a lot online, but I came across a couple articles that really resonated with me and thought I'd share:
This articleexplores the science behind art therapy in general. Doodling beside your notes, sculpture, puzzles, soap making....it's all relative. Working our minds and hands and funneling that focus into something creative.
The feeling of nostalgia and inspiration from the colors of floss describedin this articlestruck a chord with me. Loved her story about growing up in post-war Britain. Did you know that doctors encouraged returning soldiers to embroider to help cope with PTSD? Or that there's a program in Britain for inmates to embroider and needlepoint? Fine Cell Work. Why don't we have programs like this in the States?!
