Making a sensory fabric book with mindful slow stitching

Join me for some meditative sensory slow stitching as I reconnnect with my materials a make a fabric textile book out of some hand dyed fabrics! Learn how to untuitively put together fabric and thread and to just enjoy the act of stitching and creating without worrying about whether it's right or wrong, whether you have done it well enough or even what it's for!
You can check out more videos on slow stitching on my embroidery channel here:
/ sarahhomfray
And stick right here with me on my 'Creates' channel for videos on dyeing fabrics and threads.
Buy the rub on transfers here:
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Join me on my KZbin Sarah Homfray Creates community page or on instagram here:
/ sarahhomfraycreates

[@katetreick1646]

I’m learning so much from you, especially about creating something just for the joy of creating it. I am so glad I found your channel.

[@sharoncooper9593]

How lovely! Beautiful fabrics with such variety and class. My head is swimming with ideas thanks to YOU!

[@SusanMJB45]

My goodness....... my head is spinning with ideas. Your fabric book is gorgeous. I saw someone on a junk jounral KZbin channel incorporating slow stitching on her journal pages (stitching right in to the paper) and also doing small pieces of hand embroidery on fabric to cut into small pieces to attach as pocket trims or belly bands, etc. So last week, I went in search of a hand embroidery expert to learn some basics of embroidery and I found your embroidery channel and have been binge watching ever since. Then I saw your videos on that channel about slow stitching and then found this 2nd channel and.... voila.... a fabric journal. Oh my........ So now.... my head is spinning thinking about incorporating hand embroidery in my paper vintage journals and also making a separate fabric journal ........ oh my......... the possibilities are endless..... Thank you Sarah !!! You are the best. I love both of your channels. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm with all of us. In this crazy world that we live in, this is exactly what I need to stay sane........

[@judithhope8970]

Second time of watching, and I just noticed that the back of the eyelet stitches look like little shooting stars, lovely.

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

I shall go back and have a look Judith! 🌠

[@lifeofjoy9404]

Sarah, What I enjoyed most was watching you thoroughly enjoying yourself as you got to play with the fabric!! Your happy smiles and purrs of satifaction as you discovered sweet spots made me smile, too. I hadn't known how much delight professional embroiderers miss out on as a result of not being allowed to really touch the fabric and feel the textures of all of the stitching in order to keep things squeaky clean. You created something truly lovely - thank you for sharing your journey back to sensory fun!

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

It took me a long time to realise I had lost that connection with the materials (maybe I never really had it in the first place!) So it has been a joy to discover that yes. I still struggle that it isn't making the best use of my skills so feel slightly guilty about doing it!

[@user-mk8sh9tj8m]

Absolutely exquisite 💕💞. Thoroughly enjoyed this most relaxing and pleasant video. Your videos are awesome! Thank you☺️

[@Hexagonstitches]

Thank you for this lovely idea. My stepmother used to stitch and quilt but now has Alzheimers so I think this might be a lovely thing for her to hold and touch. Will be careful to make sure everything is well attached.

[@ginnymac7531]

Sarah you just gave me the idea of the gift I am going to make for a friend's 30th wedding anniversary..... I will embroidered their name: :C and B's 30th Anniversary Day'' and on each fabric page I will sew a piece of sturdy white handmade paper where she will be able to write the different moments of her day, leaving a flap on the last page to hide a very private discrete last comment (lol). 30th is the 'Pearl' so the will be sewed in with ribbons and laces. Much better idea than a plain greeting card..... THANK YOU ! Ginny from Prince Edward Island, Canada

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

That sounds beautiful! What a wonderful gift. You can make fabric pockets as well to slip pieces of paper in

[@suelisc2826]

Here we have an absolutely creative mind... Gorgeous idea!

[@MaidMirawyn]

I have some leftover bits of lace from my aunt’s wedding veil, as well as pieces of my mom’s prom dress. And I’m considering donating my wedding dress to be made into angel gowns. If I do, I plan to save some of the lace, beading, and fabric. This would be a lovely way to use that and other precious pieces! I am learning Tambour embroidery, and this would be a fun way to use my practice pieces. The beads and sequins are so pretty!

[@zelena3572]

I can see this brought you a lot of joy. I had 2 ideas. Tack the closing tie to the spine so it doesn't get lost. And use the extra ribbon as a bookmark, maybe with a charm or button on each end.

[@jeanzaebst8605]

Ohh! Such a sweet little book! I love it! I will have to try this with all my favorite fabrics I can’t part with! Thank you for sharing your marvelous talent!

[@sandrahickey3593]

Beautiful colors, pinks and browns and gorgeous fabrics. I'm a junk journaller so understand the embellishments.

[@barbaracabrera207]

I LOVE hand dyeing!! TFS Austin TX USA

[@shelleybent4574]

Loved the process❤

[@iwantmy_sk844]

That's just beautiful!!! I love hand sewing, and so I'm sort of investigating "slow stitching". I keep being envious of the stores of materials (+ not just fabrics) that people have to add interest. I had gotten rid of my "goodies", when I lost my sewing room and had to move from a house to an apartment, How long, I had collected at yard sales, auctions, clipping,...but YOU're so motivating with (our) shared style, and seeing your happiness with your project. Thank you for some completely different style of stitching with textures!

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

So much stuff can be overwhelming so perhaps go foraging and find a few pieces that really speak to you and go from there? X

[@tricialinden]

I so enjoyed watching you stroke and fondle your fabric. It's a textile art, and meant to be felt. Results are lovely, simply lovely.

[@terribradburn6685]

You rebel! Your instructors are hopefully closet slow stitchers! Your fabric journal/ needle book is beautiful! The colors you were able to achieve from the dye objects was gorgeous. Thanks for sharing as always!

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

Now I'm down that rabbit hole I can't stop!! 🤣

[@judyrobertson9479]

I love the phrase mindful slow stitching. To be here now. Gives meaning to your work. Thank you, lovely video

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

I'm really enjoying the slow stitching

[@ruthiams8165]

This video was so perfectly done Sarah, very inspirational and motivational! Thank you.

[@sandramyer7081]

I have enjoyed your details of hand-dyed scraps and small needle books- it ll watch it again and loves your do’s and don’t’s and those natural colors with fabrics are so subtle beautiful! 💕 Thanks from Sandi -from Florida

[@julieadams6073]

Hi Sarah. Really enjoyed watching your fabric book come to life. You are an inspiration.

[@JessicaGerald81]

Thank you for this demonstration and tips! This is beautiful!

[@donnadees1971]

Am impressed with your education…Omgosh are we lucky to have you teach us.

[@magnoliabird]

This is just so so beautiful

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Watching this while working on my slow stitch tree of life. Just adore your exhaust dyed fabrics and so happy you are honouring and enjoying them in this gorgeous little piece. A wonderful video sharing your journey - you’re an inspiration for my own videos. More slow stitch videos too please! Cheers, Christine

[@valeriecox4580]

Once again thank you Sarah for a very watchable video. I have been slow stitching for a while and enjoy the interaction with the materials. Like you I learned the 'proper' way so was amused to see you behaving like a naughty school girl as it can feel disloyal to the skills we've achieved. Thank you.

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

I do feel a bit disloyal yes!! You know yourself how long it takes to learn the skills so I guess it will take a long while to shake that feeling off....

[@DarcusParker]

I enjoyed watching this video it was very useful.

[@Angela-en6oh]

Thank you for a really interesting way of looking at “oddments” and showing how, with a little imagination, something unique and wonderful can blossom.

[@nansanfilippo7035]

Lovely idea and work. Enjoy your channel

[@bestcrossroad]

You always make simple things very beautiful! Thanks for showing us your techniques.

[@christinahoffmann3332]

this is so lovely! I love that you treat the fabric with the respect it deserves 😊Thanks for sharing and for the inspiration

[@maiaalaverdashvili274]

Rubia tinkorum - is the best plant to dye fabric, which gives it dark red color. We use it for dying Easter eggs. Thank you for your ideas. ❤

[@prympammi]

Oh my!! This was gorgeous 💗💗 I stumbled on this channel tonight I love it as well as last night!! Can’t wait to try this 💗thanks for sharing your talent with us 💗💗

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

Welcome prympammi!

[@sandrawhitehouse3998]

Simply Lovely ❤

[@Bunefoo401]

I love what you’ve started here. Lots of ideas swirling in my head right now. I need to hit up some of the thrift stores for old fabrics too. Thank yo7 for sharing

[@diannesadler5823]

You have no Idea how helpful this tutorial for me, thank you. I am going to be spending a year in thailand and was concerned about what I could do there that was going to be easy to pack, so finding this solved that, as I will only need sewing, not glue, papers, doilies, all the other bits and pieces that goes with journaling. I know I can buy what I need there, however, didn't want too as I have so much at home, most of which was purchased In Chaing Mai anyway, so don't need too much. Thank you, thank you, thank you for teaching in such a clear beautiful voice....🥰

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

That sounds like a wonderful adventure Dianne! Perhaps you can add little found things that you come across while you are there? X

[@julieagar4483]

So pleased I have found your second channel ❤

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

Welcome onboard Julie!

[@minkaf4243]

❤ Love this! ❤

[@AnnaYV]

Absolutely love fabric books🥰🥰 this is beautiful as always! I love how you’ve been instinctive about your choices with this and how your allowing yourself to enjoy the process too. Thankyou for this video 🥰

[@create.channeleileenelias4795]

Hello Sarah it's great to share you having fun with your fabric I too have dyed lots of bits and pieces but not actually created a book Enjoy ❤❤😊

[@karynpitman-vo3ib]

Sarah, what a little delight this book is. I’m going to give the colouring of the fabrics a go too. So inspiring, thank you for sharing.

[@marlenebrockmann1553]

Thank you so much for this video. I have a lot of smaller fabrics, laces, and buttons with which I haven’t been able to part so this has been very inspirational.

[@thewanderingbean88]

I’m making a needle book and needed an idea to hold some buttons, the little bag is the perfect thing. Love the colors in your book!

[@MaidMirawyn]

Absolutely beautiful! A good option for rubbing on transfers is a bamboo point turner and presser. The bamboo has just a bit of give, which is great for rubbing onto textured surfaces. Bone folders work great, of course. Don’t use a coin if you have other options. The hard edge can mess it up. And if your coinage has toothed edges (like US quarters), that’s worse.

[@pamgrover9910]

Love your wee book,fabulous

[@joditraub6827]

Nice! Thanks for sharing.

[@misslindalou6479]

Inspired over here!

[@judymarkel8029]

I absolutely love this. Thank you for showing me how to do this little book

[@elizabethsawyer5906]

Really lovely just so wanted to touch it😀 Thank you💕

[@janetnovember8106]

Love this video. I will have to try and make one of these booklets.

[@danielesinhorelli4083]

Love it so much! It’s so beautiful and calming and fun. Thanks, Sarah! ❤

[@thepenclw]

Hello Sarah, I have just found you, I love this beautiful little book you just made, the colours are gorgeous. I’ll be following you, love your work..

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

Thank you for watching!

[@shabbymaverick7975]

So beautiful. Have been saving & collecting fabric for years & could never figure out why i couldnt part with them. Onebof my favs was a cotton madras blend. Oh i can see im gonna have so much fun now. Thank you so much for inspiring me. ❤🎉❤

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

Now you know what you have been saving it for! X

[@fayneilly833]

I love this tutorial, I think it must be difficult for you to make the stitching very plain as you are an amazing embroiderer.

[@beckyberquist1340]

Hello ! I have just subscribed, and I just loved it. You explain the instructions great. I can't wait to make one, thank you my friend. I will be checking out your other videos

[@sshaw4429]

Just beautiful!

[@lizgorley]

Beautiful. Inspiring. Simple( I think I can actually do something like this). I'm a super beginner and not sure where to start or what to make. Thank you so much for your patient, clear, and engaging videos. 💜

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

Check out my videos on slow stitching on my embroidery channel Liz, they might help you to get started...

[@lucindawilson5510]

worthwhile ans so interesting plus fun thank you

[@juliegolub2602]

Absolutely beautiful ❤️. Beware! Slow stitching is very addicting 😍

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

Too late....🤣

[@deborah5221]

Gorgeous colors!

[@judithhope8970]

I'm so glad you ironed it, as a patchworker who meticulously irons every scrap and seam I was quite troubled by all those wrinkles! 😅

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

My two bug bears in life, blunt pencils and fabric that hasn't been ironed! 🤣

[@margaretlayhe6188]

Sarah I really love your sampler book. Each page is incredible. This is also a delight. Am stocking up with bits and bobs to help with this type of project. Not brave enough to dye yet! Thanks a million for super inspiration. 👌

[@alisonmary1443]

Really enjoyed that, super tutorial. I have pieces of special fabric, lace and button treasures, this would be perfect way to use them. Appreciated and Thank you.

[@chantallefebvre9838]

So So lovely !!!

[@marlenejones6266]

Ooooooo. I love this look. You are extremely good at making the right choice of enhancing pieces. Im impressed Sarah

[@FiberDesignsbyAnn]

So beautiful, inspiring, and so many good ideas! I paint fabric (they're usually still soft) more often than dyeing, so I'm excited to use them in slow stitching. I'm glad you mentioned taking a photo of the layout for reference, I've been telling my viewers to do that for a long time (it's especially helpful for those of use filming a project). More great ideas left here by your viewers too! Thank you!

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

Thanks Ann!

[@marlenejones6266]

Im now a subscriber and i cant wait

[@lornaking1825]

This is so delicate, thanks for sharing x

[@nancystrebel3339]

Thanks for sharing, I’ll have to try this out❤️

[@debra5483]

Absolutely gorgeous! I love the colors and design. Thank you for sharing this idea with us. Have a lovely day! USA

[@jayneelinor]

So delicate and beautiful, the colours and fabrics.

[@corrinneloudon525]

Thank you, this is amazing! I've not seen anything like it before... Now to raid my stash and see what there might be to play with 🙂

[@debrastulik9039]

I have a solar dye pot cooking in the sun with Avacado and onion skins and I believe you said to leave in three months in the sun. How long do you leave the fabric in the exhaust dye bath? I love your you tube videos thank you for sharing.

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

Until you get a colour you like Debra! Or it starts to go mouldy whichever comes first!

[@SusanMJB45]

I'm back... a month after my first time watching this video and having been playing with some slow stitching on my own. As someone new to embroidery and to slow stitching, I had to come back and watch this wonderful video again. I have learned so much more this second time around. Love this fabric book, just as it is. Personally, I would not use it as a needle book. I think it is a work of art and beautiful on its own. Thank you Sarah........

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

Thank you Susan!

[@laracraft82]

Beautiful well done love how you experiment on this channel and as a mixed media artist I love to explore fabrics, stitching too ❤😊

[@diane2941]

Enjoyed this very much. Beautiful book.

[@teresacrowell7787]

Sarah you are so inspirational. Thank you for sharing your work and the process. You make me so happy. Hope you have a wonderful weekend 💕

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

Thank you for watching Teresa!

[@cathiespalding2083]

So very lovely, I love slow stitching !

[@lyndawadland5453]

So relaxing and enjoyable. Loved it! Thank you.

[@Debdebberdebbest]

This is such an inspiring little project, Sarah. Thank you for sharing the process and beauty of it all. :)

[@sharonparks8144]

Beautiful ❤️

[@stanszalek4380]

Love your creative sewing 😍

[@donnaogorman4935]

Thank you so much. I have and am learning so much.Thank You.🇨🇦

[@Louisavanderwalt123]

Beautiful love watching you make it. Tfs.

[@tricianilsson6870]

Gorgeous! I also will take this idea to make a book with bits and pieces i have from my mother, maybe print a couple of pictures on fabric to attach to pages. Thank you!❤️😊

[@normajefferson6683]

Wonderful little book will try to make one thank you 🦋🦋 45:44

[@diannesadler5823]

I will, Thank you ❤

[@sueclark1550]

I have been wanting to ask about the stitched mandala on the wall behind you: I love that! Do you sell a pattern or have a video on that. Looks amazing. I love the sensory book idea. Can't wait to start and your classes have been such an inspiration for me. Stitching is very meditative, especially without the rules or following a pattern. great job!

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

The piece on the back wall is a piece of beetle wing embroidery from my collection Sue! Glad you are enjoying the videos, thanks for watching x

[@claudiaforrest6669]

Very lovely!

[@albysyannettemartinez-abre7811]

❤

[@joanwilson2934]

Thanks

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

Thank you Joan x

[@kellystallard9062]

You do make me laugh- 'don't want to go too far' then at the end, I might add some beads, so lovely to see you again and another wonderful video. Are you planning on doing a retreat at some point? that would be fun x

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

That would be fun, I've been looking for venue's but it's hard to find the right thing

[@robinhere4230]

Thank you. This was lovely. I have in mind to make fabric books for my sisters with old family photos in them. Any suggestions on getting the images onto fabric pieces?

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

videos on that on KZbin Robin using white glue! Just search image transfer

[@jacquelinerobert3648]

Hello Sarah, beautiful piece as usual. Can you tell us what the thread you are using is? Thanks

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

The white thread is a cotton a broder Jacqueline

[@jacquelinerobert3648]

@@sarahhomfraycreates thank you.

[@wendyschmidt4339]

💕🙏🏼🌷

[@loismiller4031]

It looks like so much fun, but not sure I want to learn a whole new technique. However, I plan on taking a one-class here locally on dying fabric!! Totally ambivalent! Are all of the fabrics, threads and ribbon white to begin with??

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

Yes Lois, all white before I start! It can get very involved if you aren't careful🤣

[@jacquipalmer1634]

Can you explain the difference between slow stitching and a regular running stitch

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

Slow stitching is the state of mind you stitch in as much as the stitches you use Jacqui! Check out my video all about what slow stitching is on my Sarah Homfray Embroidery channel

[@jeanzaebst8605]

Where do I find the source for the flowers? Those are lovely!

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

The link is in the description below the video Jean

[@sandramyer7081]

I would like your resources for flowers, too

[@conniefirestone752]

Beautiful, but what is done with finished product?

[@sarahhomfraycreates]

I used this as a needle book (I think I show that in the video?) But it was really a project just to enjoy the materials and the process. Video on what to do with your slow stitching coming on Friday on my embroidery channel