Slowstitch 2024 - Week 20 - Desert Island Stitching

This week I want to address the issue that many of us have at one time or another of being overwhelmed, by 'stash', by projects in progress and by tools, materials and techniques. We are all going to have a little virtual mini-break on a desert island. I hope you enjoy it. ❤️
Here is the playlist of all the videos in the series, including the two part tutorial for the stitch journal
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I have a private Facebook group for my subscribers to share photos of their weekly slowstitch pieces and other items made following my tutorials.
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If you have a KZbin channel, and post about your pieces from this project, please tag me.
I hope some of you will stitch along with me. ♥️
I will do my best to upload the weekly video every Monday by 12pm GMT, rural French internet permitting 🤞
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Thank you for watching, happy stitching! ❤️
#slowstitch #slowstitching #handstitching #selfcare #overwhelmed

[@gailsmith-gv5zl]

I never feel forced to do your weekly projects. I pick and choose what I do while I swim along at my own pace. Your videos are a great inspiration and you are such lovely company as I make my journey. Thank you.

[@sabimidz]

Its my philosophy to say 'yes and thank you' whenever someone's grandma offers their things/materials to me, because then they can get rid of some guilt of maybe not crafting as much as they used to and decide who they want to give it to, and I am happy to spend the time to either use, rehome or recycle the things in a proper way, so they aren't just thrown away at a later time 😊

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yes that's a good point when you, the receiver are able to deal with it. 😊

[@fernandasevero434]

you are wonderful! ❤ perfect! 🌷 thank you very much!! 🇧🇷

[@amyspanne5629]

I do the same, even if it means driving by the Goodwill and dropping it off on my way home. It's relieving them of the burden and it's not like I'll get quizzed on what I did with the stuff. If asked, I'll say I passed it on to someone who needed it, which is true in a round a bout way.

[@k3n.clothtales]

@@amyspanne5629 yes, it's great and wonderful to do it as a favour to the giver, if you have the will and ability to pass it on straight away. ❤️

[@amyspanne5629]

@@k3n.clothtales Have you read the book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning? Even in English, I can hear my grandmother's gentle lilting voice, and it's a good read on the topic.

[@DEPurvis]

What a spooky coincidence. I’m in an airport lounge in Heathrow before flying out on holiday. I decided to watch your Monday video to pass the time and was amazed when you described this week’s inspiration. I had packed a little pouch of embroidery threads, an airline friendly sewing kit, and a project I’ve had for years and never started, in my hand luggage, to work on during the long flights and my trip. 😂😂

[@k3n.clothtales]

Perfect 😁 have a lovely holiday ❤️

[@AlisonGreenValleyCrone]

Intrigued by the airline friendly sewing kit. I’ve often wondered how i could take a small pouch of stitching on an airline…they’d take my scissors 😢 (I had my ancient and much-loved penknife confiscated the last time I flew - I fly so rarely that I’d forgotten how strict they can be)

[@DEPurvis]

@@AlisonGreenValleyCrone I bought a little thread cutter which caused no problems. You probably couldn’t cut fabric with it but I think you can take scissors under 6 cms in length.

[@k3n.clothtales]

@@AlisonGreenValleyCrone my Mum once accidentally had some hair dressing scissors that belonged to an Aunt in her bag, luckily she had a quick look through her bag while in the queue at Southampton airport and found them. My father had dropped her off and he'd already left, and no mobile phone then so she nipped outside, wrapped them in a plastic bag and hid them under a bush. They were still there a week later when she came back from her trip. 😁❤️

[@AlisonGreenValleyCrone]

@@k3n.clothtales Oh how hilarious! She could have planted a bomb there, got on the plane and flown away … glad that the scissors weren’t lost

[@bestcrossroad]

Oh my! I laughed loudly alone in the kitchen when I heard you explaining that we’ll be on an island 🏝️ for this sewing. Early this morning as I run the list of all the things I have to do today, I muttered to myself that a Mother’s Day present I really would appreciate is a week on an island all by my lonesome stitching away to my heart’s content. Yes, flowers, cake and food are sweet & appreciated but as the singer Miley Cyrus sang “I can buy myself flowers…” 😁. Anyway, I agree with you, Kathryn, the less one has, the more creative one becomes especially in day to day living. Thank you for continuing to stimulate and waken up our creative selves and bringing joy to what we could create. Warm regards, 🌸tess

[@jennywren2395]

The less you have the more creative you have to be. After a recent down size, at aged 74, before moving into a retirement village, I discovered how freeing and creatively stimulating it can be.

[@damienk5011]

Hiya jennywren😊I'm Julia and am in the midst of just this situation, having "saved" precious memories via materials via my lifetime& am trying to just select those ones that ld feel most lost without. Happily lve a few days to get sorted as l find my thoughts take over and l get lost in them!-just quietly contented- so enjoyable!😊

[@SusanMJB45]

ohhhhhh...... yes...... I have only watched the introduction so far this morning.... Yes.... I am thrilled to gather my 8 things and climb aboard the K3N Airlines magic carpet to whisk me off to paradise. Ahhhhhhhh........ perfect....... Real life beckons at the moment. I shall return this evening to watch the rest of the video. Thank you. This is delightful !!!!

[@joannakracher9507]

It's so peaceful on your island... And there is so much sensitivity, and thoughtfulness in what you're saying... I could listen to you for hours.

[@jochalder-royle9130]

Thank you, that was both invigorating and liberating…. ‘the psychology of crafting, how to deal with overwhelming stash/ acquisitions’. Its nice to know others have the same feelings! 🤣🤣

[@EllenWalters-eo8xb]

As someone who has traditionally quilted for many years and consequently has a stash I could never use up in the years left to me, I love the idea of divesting myself of most of it and then making up random bundles with the rest. This project has shown me that you can rely then on your own creativity to make something rather than necessarily following a set design. Just see where your pieces of fabric, cloth and floss take you! The thought of sewing like that after all these years is actually very exciting as I never believed I could create something from my own head. Thank you Kathryn, I see now it’s never too late to start to “do me” and feel I’ve accomplished something and with little rather than lots. ❤

[@k3n.clothtales]

Hello Ellen, I am so pleased you feel like that and wish you much joy in your slow stitching ❤️

[@Salix631]

I was recently given an elderly lady's sewing room full of fabrics. Some I will use for the stitching group I organise, some was given to a couple of schools, some to a lady who made quilts for charity, and some I kept for myself. It was great fun and very satisfying. I have a 'stash' and don't see it as a burden, I use what I need and eventually (I am no spring chicken) it will all be redistributed to someone else who will enjoy it. I do do clearouts occasionally, I made up a dozen bags of pieces a while ago and the local charity shop happily took them.

[@AilsaLogue]

I also emigrated, nearly 8 years ago, to Australia. Being a Mum, teacher and crafter I had amassed a lot of ‘stash’. I just had to get rid of things as I was unsure what space we might have when we found a house. After 8 carboot sales and numerous visits to charity shops I still arrived with a small bedroom amount of craft materials! During Covid I followed a couple of You Tube yearly projects and only bought two reels of thread and used any supplies I already had. This desert island project will be very testing and I have paused the video! I usually watch them all the way through. Good luck to all!

[@SassySue67]

No worries with Stella’s barking, it’s pure gold to me.

[@frittiesnz8669]

This is fun! I paused last night as you suggested and even managed not to plan and scheme what I might bring with me on my magic carpet ride to a snowed in cabin by a river. Now it’s morning and before I’ve finished my first coffee I have collected: One 20 yr old well loved tea towel, a backing piece of old sheet, scissors, a needle, 2 pins, one neutral skein of stranded thread and a very small tangle. I wondered if I was cheating with the tangle and clearly decided not. You’re all queued up and as soon as I’ve made my next coffee I’m off on this amazing adventure wherever it may lead 🙌🔮🤩🪡

[@k3n.clothtales]

Have a lovely time, I like the sound of your cabin. It has a cosy, crackling wood stove that tends itself. 😁❤️

[@frittiesnz8669]

@@k3n.clothtales ooh that’s a luxury I didn’t consider!🩷 I did enjoy my stitching thank you, I think I was channeling the imaginary snow outside as i didn’t feel the slightest urge to use my colourful tangle. Quiet texture was the order of the day. I really enjoyed this episode k3n. I used to do the same massive rearrangement of my pigsty of a bedroom as a child. It would be so lovely for a few days until the floordrobe reared its head again 🤣 Thanks for today, lovely to be lead into a magical world by you 🩷

[@k3n.clothtales]

Floordrobe 😂 wish I had thought of that word at the time to justify the mess to my mum 😂

[@frittiesnz8669]

@@k3n.clothtales 🤣 ooh hindsight 🔮 I’m sure she’ll get a giggle out of it regardless! 🩷

[@rosywilson3076]

Well, that was interesting 😊 I drive past Lackham college every Monday and Wednesday on my way to a lovely sewing group 😊 I chose a 5” square of old sheet for my backing fabric, and a 5” sample of curtain fabric; scissors, needle, a pin, a hexagon shaped template, and 2 colours of thread. I didn’t use the template, as I was enjoying peacefully doing running stitch around the pattern on the fabric, and added some French knots. My magic carpet took me to the Isle of Man of course, so I could sit on the rocks where Nana used to sit, and listen to the waves and the gulls, and adjourn to the golf club cafe for tea and a scone 😊 Lovely. Thanks k3n. Just in case anyone has read this far and is interested, I’m taking a break from FB and Insta because I was getting overwhelmed with social media - but I need to stay here to see k3n’s posts! Which, by the way Kathryn, are not too overwhelming for me because I only try to follow the Monday prompts. I watch the others with interest, and enjoy them, but I know I haven’t the ‘Bandwidth’ to do everything!

[@k3n.clothtales]

Hello Rosie, I completely understand taking a break from social media. Wave at Lackham from me next time you pass. 😁❤️

[@lightbulbnirvana]

Hello! You are aware dear K3N that one of the innate desires when on a deserted Island is to build a boat to get off of it.. And you've done that for your stitching project! LOL TFS as always ❤

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yes 😂 subconsciously but isn't it interesting? 😉❤️

[@jezanne]

I’m watching this just before leaving for a 3 days trip with bird watcher. Yesterday I decided to pack a small bag of stumpwork for a future rice instead of packing a book. Then I watch your intro… my bag have the right size but I have 11 items. 1 needle, 1 frame, my cloth, my rice bag panel, embroidery scissor and six color of floss. I watch at all my item, what I could leave behind? I do me and I illegally sneak extra items. I would look at the rest of the video later. Now I’m off to spend time in nature with wonderful people to enjoy the migration of small birds. In the evening we will have wonderful conversations about what we see while I do some stitching.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Have a wonderful time with your smuggled extras 😁❤️

[@jezanne]

Met wonderful people and 72 species of bird 🐦🦆.

[@k3n.clothtales]

How fabulous 😊

[@craftyazshabbyshacjude3297]

Hi Katherine, totally agree with you, for 4 yrs now the stuff I have collected while working and then retired and thrown it all into my craft room has stuffed up my creativity, and now just craft and create in a totally different room creating another problem. If I showed you a photo of my crafty space you would think how the Hell can you craft in that ciaos lol. Hate the word Stash as well. Thank you for this video. Huge Hugs and I'm stitching along with you.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you so much Jude, happy stitching enjoy your time on your island 😁❤️

[@kathavalon19]

I did smile as you described me, on holiday in Cornwall, sitting with a view of the sea with seagulls overhead. But in a bungalow rather than a hut! I have my little tupperware box with 7 items including my 6" WIP stitching along as I listen to you 😁

[@k3n.clothtales]

Perfect, we can be next door neighbours 😁❤️

[@kathavalon19]

​@@k3n.clothtalesI'd love that! We're staying in Porthleven and it was raining this morning, which gave me the perfect excuse to sit and stitch with you! Now the sun is shining and we've just come off the beach. If you were next door we could have let Stella and Bebe have a run round together 😊

[@SaraKelly-ze4zz]

Thank you for your explanation on how you downsized your collection of fabrics etc. I am also moving on from quilting and other primarily machine sewn endeavors to more peaceful hand stitching. But I've been stuck on how to go about releasing what I no longer use. You reminded me it's not Mt. Everest and I can start with small steps. Phew!

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yes! Good luck, don't overwhelm yourself, you will get there. ❤️

[@debzehr3244]

I am one with too many choices as a former quilter. You’ve encouraged me to make bundles and close the door to my fabric closet. I’m happy. 💖💖💖

[@JournalBreezeYT]

So much goodness in your tales today Katherine!! Too bad I can't remember the few things I wanted to comment on, but they made me laugh in knowingness and I didn't want to miss the next pearl so I let it go. Suffice it to say, it's been fun. I may or may not do this project, but I resonate with the overwhelm dilemma or too many choices being a reason to step away. I do like having a lot of choices though and letting go of what I know I'll never use. I covered a small box as my project today. it will hold things I make. I used 7 things, 2 pretty papers, 1 cardboard for templates, (I plan to do more), a pencil, scissors, glue and the box. It's beautiful and very arty!

[@k3n.clothtales]

It sounds perfect ❤️

[@anneclements2473]

I can remember once being in front of the ham fridge in a mega Tesco. I was paralysed and couldn’t choose. So I know what that feels like. .

[@suethompson8538]

During Lockdown I looked at my accumulated st#*% and experienced that overwhelm you describe so well. I have found a happy accommodation by now calling it my ‘treasure trove’ and confining ‘should’ and ‘finish’ only to my paid work. I do have many projects on the go and sometimes that to can make me feel overwhelmed, but I remind myself that I craft for fun and if I choose to work on this one today or even start another, that’s fine. It’s the process that gives joy, though often the end gives pleasure.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Love your use of those adjectives, the process gives joy, the end gives pleasure. Perfect way to put it. ❤️

[@juliegolub2602]

K3n always enjoy you and your videos. Your wittering is so good ❤

[@theresavandervliet6687]

What a wonderful beginning to the week, our ‘desert islands’ await us… it will be so interesting to see what everyone designs. Another big thankyou to you. I have been organising my sewing room for ages, and as you say sometimes the begs, drawers, trunks filled with treasured fabrics do prevent creativity. Now to watch the rest of your Monday creativity.❤😊

[@louisetonks5599]

This video helped me focus after a panic attack, so thank you. I chose a pair of scissors, a needle, cotton thread and cream floss, white cotton sheeting, tea dyed cloth and onion dyed cloth.

[@k3n.clothtales]

I am sorry Louise, I can relate. I am glad you refound your focus. Much love to you ❤️

[@gailcolvin1640]

Your conversation about being down, overwhelmed with stuff (and projects, which you just said!) is very helpful and encouraging to me right now. Thank you 💚

[@k3n.clothtales]

My pleasure, I am happy it helped you 🙏❤️

[@marykmcgraw7691]

Your introduction really resonated with me. I taught jewelry for 15 years and decided a few years ago to go back to my textile roots. So now I have a shed studio full of jewelry making supplies, plus paper craft supplies that over whelm me every time I go in there. I am slowly sifting through these so I can get rid of most of it, but it does take away from my creativity as it always is on my mind and I’m often torn between working in the shed or stitching.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Hello Mary, I have every faith in you that you will sort through it all at your own pace. I hope it helps to see that you are not the only one. Hugs ❤️

[@Craftylisa69]

You’re baskets are utterly scrumptious 🥰

[@SandraPujari-Harrian]

This stashing is destructive - I know it personally - I get overwhelmed and don’t know what to do first. I can’t get rid of it. Too attached. But I’m not adding on to it. My way was cancelling my credit card. I am forced to use what I have, with the finances I have, and no more. What I’m doing now is one project at a time, complete and move on. I’m ready for the magic carpet ride. ❤ Thank you. You help me in many ways.

[@ruthiephelps5901]

I'm very proud of you You saw you needed to change things and you made a drastic change. Now you have cut a burden of a credit card off your neck and given yourself some breathing room in your craft room as you play in your favorite place. Pat yourself on your back for me. You are an inspiration to others.

[@k3n.clothtales]

That's a brave move, we are bombarded with pressure to buy and accumulate stuff aren't we? I am pleased you have found a way through. ❤️

[@SandraPujari-Harrian]

@@ruthiephelps5901 thank you. Yes, drastic was needed. I’m way too impulsive.

[@SandraPujari-Harrian]

@@k3n.clothtales especially bombarded with teaching videos. That’s where my problem started. Those “essential” products were not needed at all.

[@randicolberg1687]

I’m only three minutes and 15 seconds in, and all I have to say is “you nailed it!“ I’m just sitting here shaking my head in agreement to everything you have said up until three minutes and 15 seconds. It’s so nice to know that it’s a real thing, is what I’m trying to say. Thank you . Now on to the rest of the video. 😊

[@Jane-js2nl]

This is a lovely episode. Thank you for your thoughtful nonjudgmental discussion about the abundance of choices and materials for making. There is food for thought here. I live in Nebraska, the middle of the US, and have used and heard the expression, "three sheets to the wind" but did not know the meaning of the "sheets." Tidying and organizing a space is something I also do when I feel upset, although I don't rearrange furniture. I just straighten up the clutter.

[@dianebrown8748]

What an interesting episode Katherine and so very thought provoking. I completely understand where you are coming from and it has had me rethinking my so-called stash. You are right it does get all too overwhelming and I realized when you were speaking that I am in that space now. Thank you for the AH Ha moment. I am so grateful. What an amazing lady you are. I also loved the video of the Exhibition. You were speaking to us as if we were your family or best friends. It made me so happy, and the work was amazing. Thank you again. ❤ Di

[@k3n.clothtales]

My absolute pleasure Di, I am so pleased you enjoyed the exhibition, I wanted to share it with you all ❤️

[@ReallyJillRogoff]

Have only just started watching. The cottage with a garden will do me fine. K3n airlines sounds like the best! Love this idea, and am looking forward to this experience. ❤

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you Jill, enjoy your cottage garden ❤️

[@periknows]

Another great exercise! I only “ brought” two neutrals and dark blue backing cloth with cream thread. As the improv piece evolved, I wished I had brought a dark thread for a bit of couching. I solved the problem by pulling a few strands from the dark backing cloth and am so pleased with the result. One of my favourite pieces so far. So, yes necessity is the mother of invention :) Thank you Kathryn for reminding us that less is more🐸 Cath from Australia

[@k3n.clothtales]

My pleasure Cath I am happy you enjoyed it 😊

[@theresavandervliet6687]

What a good idea…I am going to pause you and go and collect my eight pieces for my pouch ready for the magic carpet and return later.

[@judithgrace8359]

I laughed about rearranging your house when stressed. My mama did the same, mostly for the fun of it, though. Sometimes I’d come home from school and my bedroom was no longer where it had been when I left in the morning, it had been exchanged with my brother’s or with my parent’s, or sometimes the living room became the den and the den became the the living room. Mind you, she moved the furniture by herself, no one was home except her. She’d put heavier furniture on throw rugs and move the stuff that way, she’d remove all drawers and mattresses to move beds and chest of drawers. We got used to it after a while, coming home to a different looking house.

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Enjoyed your reflections on “stash” and hearing about your approach. Most of my supplies are second hand and I do have a decent sized stash but I also never go out and buy anything for a new project. I shop my stash at the start of a new project and also keep a mixed box of supplies next to me which I reach for and draw from as I work (like your baskets). Works for me but as you say we each need to find our own way. Cheers, Christine

[@janetburgess5781]

I feel you were talking about me when you were talking about cleaning and organizing your room. Even when I was working my class room was organized. My house is so unorganized that I can't get motivated to craft. I just look around and see things everywhere. I do kind of understand how it got this way. I have been in pain for a while and have been diagnosed as having chronic fatigue. Just can't get up to do it. I have been working on little areas for as long as I can and stop when I need to. As always, I love your project and talk.

[@bevricker4812]

Glad Stella went with you on the magic carpet

[@k3n.clothtales]

She wouldn't be left behind 😁❤️

[@Sa_Stafford]

OK - I’ve paused. I have NO IDEA what’s coming next, so I hope my desert island choices work!!! I have: (1) a tatting shuttle, to make decorative lace edgings; (2) a lucet, to make cord with thread; (3) a small pair of scissors; (4) a sewing needle; (5) a small piece of silk that I can eco dye with plants on my island; (6) a plain piece of cotton fabric which would double up as foundation cloth; (7) some multi-purpose thread; (8) my glasses!! (Added later: My hut would be pretty similar to yours, located on Exmouth estuary. Bliss.) What an ingenious idea. I love it. 👏❤️🙏 Now back to the video.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Love the sound of your choices ♥️

[@nancydale7367]

You are the best teacher. Just the best.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you Nancy, you are so kind ❤️❤️❤️

[@evocationart8370]

I could come out with so many stories that came up from this video, but I won’t because I would overwhelm you ! But I will be listening again and again while I stitch. As I said earlier I felt you were speaking just to me. Eveything you said resonated. My mind and heart are willing but my body is weak. However I’m going to stop procrastinating and DO it. My thousands of books and magazines, my tools and equipment and shed loads of fabrics and threads, not to mention about 30 x crate size boxes of vintage linens which are in a storage unit along with boxes of wool !! Must decrease as I want to move house ! You are so right about the gifting when people know you make stuff, they kindly give you more and it’s hard not to offend. I used to make large scale installations and yarn bomb trees, where now I sit and stitch bits in an armchair, which does make me happy and keeps me sane, but I just don’t need the hoard. I’m going to my island, thank you Kathryn. 😊❤❤

[@k3n.clothtales]

My absolute pleasure and hugs to you ❤️

[@sandrasydneygirl8866]

I loved this week - it was so much fun travelling on a magic carpet to a desert island to do some stitching! Much better than going to work xx

[@LynnH-l9d]

Hello Kathryn Challenging idea… I like it…I will pause the video until tomorrow but will gather my 8 things Have a great and safe trip to England!

[@ninaindoorssinging4715]

This came at just the right time for me, because I have ideas for projects bubbling up, which is unusual for me in terms of making things. I love the Desert Island Discs idea, having listened to the programme on and off almost all my life. And I have often thought, on holiday, that we manage very well in a smaller space, with hardly any stuff, in a holiday let. It is nice to take a holiday from stuff without having to leave home! Thank you, Kathryn. I hope you are having a nice time in England, rain and shine.

[@k3n.clothtales]

I am thank you, enjoy your holiday at home 😁❤️

[@jacquelinestrand6283]

I'm only a few minutes into the video but had to stop to make a comment: I so agree with you about having stash. I recently retired and am being much more practical about what I can actually create in the time I have left. It may be 20 or 10 or 5 years - who knows? But I don't want to be surrounded by stuff I probably won't use. And I also feel that it stifles my creativity. And most of it was given to me. I am in the process of decluttering and as I get rid of it, I feel freer and so much more in control.❤️❤️❤️

[@k3n.clothtales]

I am pleased it resonated with you. ❤️

[@AlisonGreenValleyCrone]

Totally agree. Having read The Swedish Art of Death Cleansing I felt strongly that I did not want to leave a burden for my children when I’m gone. The lightness is wonderful.

[@Joan.Sandmoor]

I know exactly what you mean about collecting (hoarding) fabric (and wool). I've moved fairly frequently, reducing my stash each time, only to build it up rapidly.

[@SilviaTopf]

When I struggle with my bigger and bigger grown stash I often think about Diogenes... the flying carpet is a good alternativ to begin letting loose

[@susankrzywicki]

I also feel bad when people say they want to "bust" their stash or they want to just quickly "use up" their stash without it being an inspiration, which seems kinda negative. And people say that they are "getting rid" of stuff which also sounds sad. Your term, "re-home" is so much more gentle and positive.

[@kellywilkinson292]

My desert island has a lovely oversized sofa chair, and a fireplace…that’s about it. I pretty much do this anytime I go on trips, because I like to work on fun new things, rather than dragging along a current project that might feel like an obligation. It makes it more fun.

[@annagray4208]

I'm travelling in a caravan at the moment for a few months in australia. and have only taken a tiny pretty basket of clothes so that I can join in every Monday. I look forward to it so much. Thanks, Kathryn.

[@kerrimackay7932]

I am also in a caravan in australia. Getting my fabrics and stuff from op shops and local quilting groups for their scraps

[@mindym.1166]

This has come at the perfect time for me because I am leaving Thursday to go to Florida to help my sister care for our mother, for two days while our father is away, then after that my husband and I will have two glorious days to ourselves on the beach! I was already mulling around in my mind what I would bring, but now I guess I’d better pare it down to eight items! 😊

[@pamfrank3962]

You previously mentioned that you usually used running stitch most of the time with occasional blanket stitch, seed stitch, French knots..and how it freed your mind. I started doing that and it does give your mind a sense of peace and freedom ✨️ of choices which I have enjoyed.

[@cosmiccoyotedog-doreenb9605]

Thank you, Kathryn. Ha my Scottish mum would mention 3 sheets to the wind about my dad, a lot. (11yo(unfortunately). But fun times happened when you had me remember cleaning and sorting my room. It made Mum happy. Still today I always make the bed and tidy my room. (71yo) Thanks Mum and K3N for awesome imaginations.

[@TinekeGelder]

I never had problems choosing , I know what I want and thats it. But believe me that can be a problem too. When I was young I did a course for craft teacher. One day the teacher showed us a piece of thin wood to work with. Immediately I knew what I wanted to do with it but than the teacher told us we could only use tools and paint. Not enough for what I wanted 😅, made me feel a bit frustrated. It came out fine but I wouldn’t have been overwhelmed by a lot of other materials 😂

[@k3n.clothtales]

😂 It really is personal choice and is also different for every project as well I think 😉

[@EllenWalters-eo8xb]

Thanks Kathryn. It’s thanks to you. ❤

[@gaylecmiel8221]

Pondering again and again your stories and sense abilities…. Love my Monday mornings . Gayle in Minnesota. Xxxx

[@IsobelBews]

Thank you. You are my God send. Made me laugh and release stuff in my psyche. I can spend my me time sorting the stuff😂. Cleared and dusted my desk. You even helped my gardening tasks. ❤❤

[@k3n.clothtales]

☺️ I am happy to help ❤️

[@lesleymccallion2185]

I ve paused after your introduction, partly because work now beckons… not the stitching kind… so I often watch in little bursts. I love the desert island idea. It s a great way to help with choices and less is so often more isn t it. I ll watch again when I ve worked and assembled what gives me joy, as do your videos, your encouragement and tuition and the group on FB. Thankyou k3n🧡

[@hoomalumalu]

12 mins. into this and have no idea where you're going but i have put my stitching down long enough to type this. Back to work now

[@alison64able]

Your process is exactly what one goes through when creating abstract art. Problem solving. Such a useful skill to practice. All your videos are so encouraging. Thank you Katherine. ❤

[@jameswaterman2829]

Hi stella nice seeing you. Hello, from USA... I watch you're human to see you.

[@artistgrly]

This video really resonated with my current fabric situation. When I went to visit my daughter, I could only take a small bag of fabrics. I was very creative the whole 3 months I was there. Now that I'm home, I'm stiffled again. Thank you for this video. I do believe you have rescued my mojo!! Hugs ❤

[@jonnawyatt]

Yay, southern hemisphere evening k3n.😊

[@SilkeJennen]

How funny 😂 My creativity gets challancend by having so few material 😊 And it works, although every piece looks alike the one before. It gives the impression of a "theme". Thank you for sharing youre thoughts and for talking so thoughtfully... It's makes it easy to listen, even one is not an native speaker ❤ 😊

[@k3n.clothtales]

I am so pleased you find me easy to understand, thank you ❤️

[@barbarabeckman6722]

I love when you said "pin on a smile", I certainally can relate to that reaction.

[@cawenz4840]

I am soooo there! Count me in!

[@lucillecash3046]

OK, I've paused you, Kathryn, until tomorrow when I can collect my 8 things, then I'll watch the video. Very intriguing to see what we have to stitch in our seclusion. ❤

[@Craftylisa69]

I still need to pause and stop myself buying during wonderful creative videos . I’ve so much “ stuff” it calls to me and I’m so overwhelmed. Your wisdom is helping me to realise it’s the process and the less you have the more relaxing it is. Thankyou K3n xxx

[@cathyanderson622]

Ahh now I understand the message you put out there, as I have just finished watching this particular project. I do wonder k3n if people are actually not listening/ watching your post all the way through because you very gently expressed your view on people being overwhelmed with stuff and how to deal with it. A wonderful subject. I hope that you are not put off by people’s not understanding where you come from and continue ‘whitter’ on and not be guarded in your sharing. I can only speak for myself but I love to hear your perspective on many subjects and it does give me pause to ask myself “what do I think about that”? Many have said it but I want to express my gratefulness in your sharing with us. Now onto my next project because I want to🌻🌻

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you Cathy for your gentle understanding ❤️

[@cathyanderson622]

@@k3n.clothtales❤

[@katethompson2818]

I metaphorically clapped with delight as you explained this week's piece! I knew instantly I'd use some treasured bits left over from the only fat quarter bundly I've ever bought...because I truly could not/ would not resist it at the time. My imagined remote desert island is influencing my piecing and decorative stitching, which is very interesting. And thank you for your clear and full discussion of the ideas of overwhelm and creativity and quantities of stuff. Your words both echoed and enriched my thoughts about those concepts and realities. Thank you once again, k3n!

[@neilstephen6761]

You make sense but I cannot bring myself to clear out accumulated stash and part with many of my books. Again thank you for the exhibition video your work is beautiful. Have a pleasant week.

[@k3n.clothtales]

It was absolutely not my intention to suggest anyone should get rid of things if they are happy to keep them. 😁❤️

[@neilstephen6761]

I wish I could destash but find when I do the following week I need what I have removed. Sods Law

[@evocationart8370]

I feel you are speaking to ME directly! I’m pausing to do tai chi which will calm my mind before I do this challenge. 😊❤

[@k3n.clothtales]

Good idea ❤️

[@AnnaPaterson-uy8ph]

What a great way to start the week, I love listening to you! Thanks for all your creative ideas Kathryn, enjoy your stay in the UK. XA

[@Joan.Sandmoor]

Good morning, looking forward to today's demo xx

[@dailydoseofpaper]

Kathryn….I would not mind at all if you would come to my house to check on me if I am up to speed with all your projects (I am not but look forward to each and every one of them)😀I admit I am a bit of a collector (not really a hoarder but eeehhhhmmmm….). I see a possible future artwork in many things I’m afraid. But when overwhelmed I give it away just as easily and start again. I do like to see what I have (books, paper, textile, paint) and get inspired that way. Going to a desert Island sounds absolutely wonderful (preferably on one of your wallhangings as my magic carpet, if possible)! I would probably forage things to create with. Another lovely prompt, thank you!🍀💖

[@k3n.clothtales]

Hello Machteld, of course you can fly on one of my wall hangings. I have missed watching your videos, looking forward to catching up when I am back in France ❤️

[@amyspanne5629]

I've heard the interpretation of Frost's poem that you mention, in essence, it really didn't matter which road you took at the end of the day, it is what it is. It's interesting to me that in America, when the poem is quoted, the emphasis is always on the idea that I made the choice not to conform, the less travelled road. The "I did it my way" ethic is really hammered in to our heads in our culture. It's also an emphasis of outcome or product: I had this choice, I took the road less travelled and look at me today, how great I am. Rather than emphasizing the process, the crises everyone might experience at the fork in the road, and how that feels. Makes me say, "huh" when I hear you emphasize the other interpretation from across the pond. Oh, and as a mother of an Eagle Scout, I would never leave home without a Swiss Army knife! 🙂I can always estimate a circle by folding the fabric in quarters & pinching out a curve, using the needle as a radius.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yes, to me there is no right or wrong road, I could also witter about parallel universes , in one I went left and in the other, I went right and what ensued. 😉 It's interesting the different interpretations of the poem, which Frost wrote about his English friend who literally couldn't decide which physical road to take, and we overlay our own meanings, informed by our cultural contexts, life experience, whatever. A Swiss army knife is permitted on the magic carpet, unlike conventional flights where it wouldn't be. 😁❤️

[@amyspanne5629]

@@k3n.clothtales I appreciate the lack of TSA, and I'm sure your safety standards are perfect! 🙂 I'm working on my genealogy these days. My grandmother's brother was here in Seattle, living with her in the 1910's & 20's working as a sailor. He filed Naturalization paperwork and was prepared to be an American, but then took a trip home to Stockholm. On the way he met a girl, also returning from working in Chicago. They married & stayed in Stockholm. I think of that as another parallel universe story of how my cousins were raised & what happened to them v what happened to my mother & family here. We're in touch on Facebook & have visited some. But I wonder what would have happened if he & his wife had returned, or if my grandparents had also decided to move back to Sweden.

[@k3n.clothtales]

So interesting, those forks in life's roads when we chose one path or the other ❤️

[@maz3002]

Oh and btw i love nag champa too!! I pop the empty boxes in drawers and in amongst my fabrics. I'm an older hippie than you ~ a flower child of the 60s 🌼✌️🥰

[@k3n.clothtales]

❤️❤️❤️

[@minimalist279]

Very calming. Could listen and stitch. Kept with running stitches. Tried not to have a destination in mind, layers do melt into one . Guess you are right scarcity of choice leads to being forced to find more interesting ways to do with the little one has. Bless.xx

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you I am so pleased you enjoyed it 😊

[@mariannavacratsa3451]

Best island trip ever ❤❤❤❤ even though I actually live on a Greek island....throughly enjoyed highly interesting and very surprised what limited choices can do ....blessings ❤❤❤❤

[@Bunefoo401]

Wow … I have collected my 8 objects at the time you “cut” your video, and am now getting around to watching it … promised myself I wouldn’t change what’s in the pouch I have. I’ve been slow stitching yet another meditation scroll while listening/watching you, and can NOT believe how much time has flied. My quiet place is a screened in veranda on the beach a couple of stories above (not a real place, but MY place). Had to laugh when you talked about Stella barking … was she part of your 8 things you brought with you on your travels? ❤❤❤ as always

[@k3n.clothtales]

Hi Collette, I love the sound of your quiet place, enjoy your stitching ❤️ ps Stella was a stowaway 😂

[@donnadees1971]

You are couching that little wisp of a thread. Kudos.

[@sherylesp2272]

this was just a wonderful journey❤❤❤

[@hilaryblackwell1453]

Definitely on board fabulous idea.

[@karenb1073]

Ok - stopped the channel. Now must collect. Must does not mean I have to, it means I want to. Must is different now that I am over 65 years of age. Must means this is important to me right now. Other things can wait.

[@k3n.clothtales]

That's a fabulous definition of 'must' I love it ❤️

[@SusanMJB45]

I totally agree. Now that I am a senior citizen and retired, "must" means "this is something that I really really really WANT to do 🙂

[@EllenWalters-eo8xb]

Ditto!!!

[@ChrissieCph]

Big motovation for me for continueing getting organised. Thank you ❣

[@sandrapaterson1750]

Thank you Katherine

[@ingeleonora-denouden6222]

Thank you. I stitched along with you, only pausing for a short time to find my '8 things'. What 8 things I took I'll show in the FB group (I made a photo). Now you're finished, but I'm not yet. I'll go on, because you did give us as many time as we wanted. Maybe I'll only finish this piece of embroidery floss that's in my needle now ... maybe I'll do more. Thank you too for things to think about for my 'stash' and my 'craft studio'.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Looking forward to seeing what you took and what you made ❤️

[@cristinahewer5710]

Truly amazing project, great idea… I’m very excited to participate in this project ❤

[@CarolMcCracken-r8g]

K sorry not joining the carpet ride..not a sun person. Tip for next trip. Take an all purpose army knife with you. ..there is one with a tiny pair of scissors, knife etc. use nature for your design..leaves, stones . Oh an borrow one of your guest scissors? Love watching you.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you, that would have been a good idea ☺️

[@angiekay9020]

Ok ! All packed and ready to go 😆

[@k3n.clothtales]

Have a good trip ☺️

[@bossieackerman1067]

Many thanks for sharing...I have to de-clutter as well...struggeling with it a bit no a lot. I know I will feel better I just have to take it one step at a time. x Blessings x Mariana UK xx

[@k3n.clothtales]

My pleasure Mariana, yes, baby steps, wishing you strength and courage ❤️❤️❤️

[@donnadees1971]

Great ideas for the rest of us.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you 😊

[@lyndaholloway5469]

Would be interesting to try. But I am not a hoarder, I am a curator of fine or not so fine crafting supplys. What I did learn is that one needs to be very careful in their choice of items to take. I will remember to take some thing to cut with. The best to you.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you Lynda ❤️

[@theresamitchel7056]

OMG this gives me anxiety I apparently am a hoarder 😂 jk but I chose a spool of thread😂😂 scissors ( I was shouting at you to get scissors 😂 needle 5 folded up fat quarters😂 see I am a hoarder. I'm on an island as well. Thank you for challenging us to think outside the box.

[@k3n.clothtales]

I am sorry to give you anxiety. 😉 I should have taken scissors and not my paper circle 😁 hope you enjoy the challenge ❤️

[@sparkylechien]

I have "stash" that does to me exactly what you call paralysis of (fill in the blank). For me my hoard stops me from doing ... I don't know where to start. So thank you for bringing this subject up and giving us your insights. I now desperately want to have less .... not desire more.

[@k3n.clothtales]

My pleasure, I hope you will find a way to manage what you have so it no longer restricts you. ♥️

[@carolsparrow9331]

I started gathering items and of in my sewing room with all those choices, I commenced to make a pile of STuff and my head full of ideas and tangents. Then it dawned,on me to stitch my view on Friday night, can you guess?? The Northern Lights! Aurora Borealis! In central North Carolina USA in my very own yard(garden)😊 I did it in a minimalist way 4 cloths, running stitch,seed stitch, french knots. I enjoyed sewing and listening to your video. I am at a point in my sewing journey where I have several quilt tops that need quilting and am thinking of hand quiltting two of them..I have a lot of fabric and it can be very messy! You reminded me of time when I was a young teen and I cleaned and rearranged my upstairs room, my Daddy came to the door stuck his head in and said "Oh! You made path!" I watched the exhibition video last night was struck by the giant spool scroll. I bought a giant spool at a local charity shop with thoughts of making all a scroll with different quilt blocks in different fabrics all with hand quilting. Thanks for the videos and as always the inspiration to stitch!

[@k3n.clothtales]

Hi Carol I think I just saw your lovely northern lights piece in the group. Love the sound of your quilt block scroll. ❤️

[@sandrahickey3593]

I'm on my hols in Spain, and I've brought along a little pouch thingy of stitcheries, threads, scissors. What a coincidence. I've run out of thread colours I want though, not enough pink and blue. So I'm doing just this, my desert island is my hotel room after our evening meal, we're fully inclusive so meals all there for us. I need my needle threader, and my reading glasses as I can't see close up anymore. I wore my glasses, lol so they didn't count. Fun idea.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Have a lovely holiday 😊

[@Lisa-16]

I so enjoy listening to you and watching you stitch. 😊