Slowstitch Week 40 - Ensō

[@ReallyJillRogoff]

Had not heard of ensō before. Lovely idea. Your piece is beautiful. I'm looking forward to trying this out over the coming day or so. This reminded me of the late Harry Chapin's iconic song: All my life's a circle, sunrise and sundown; The moon rolls through the nighttime 'til the daybreak comes around... ❤

[@CarolSouthworth-b3p]

I love how you say “ look up” when you’re showing something…..I’m very often just listening to your chatter while attending to my own stitching…so “look up” really helps.

[@alison64able]

I bless the day I found your videos and discovered the joy of hand sewing. Such a joy to have both my sisters and mom joining in. ❤❤❤

[@k3n.clothtales]

Wonderful for it to be a family affair 🥰

[@dotlewallen6565]

I understand what you are talking about being an over thinker. When I was doing dimensional bead embroidery for competitions, sewing was more of a heart pounding experience making sure everything went just a certain place for impactful WOW. I did love doing that and just adored the finished piece no matter the outcome of the challenge, but soon I realized do I need all that excitement and have a period of doubt and dread for the outcome of the competition. Well, no now that I am retired and just want to breath easy and enjoy as I let my hands automatically sew and create. Now my heart soothes and murmurs a more meditative experience

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yes I think I have had a similar journey ❤️

[@stanszalek4380]

I feel fortunate to have stitching friends online and offline. I am so grateful that you all are so willing to share your knowledge and experiences. Kathryn,you have so much to inspire us with,never heard of Enso. But I think I might do a few of them l love them Take care ❤🇦🇺🦘🧵

[@viviancothros5541]

This little piece it's so beautiful Kathryn, I can't find the words to describe what I feel when I look at it. It's moving. I have a book of Sumi-e, and I bought it thinking of doing little embroideries in the style of sumi-e. A project that is on pause right now. Your enso is very much what it's been in my mind. I love it! Thank you for doing it. It's more than inspiring. I feel connected with it, and with you. ❤

[@k3n.clothtales]

That makes me very happy Vivian thank you ♥️

[@SusanMJB45]

Lovely !! I had never heard of Enso, so thank you for introducing me to yet another tradition. I have learned so much from you since November 2023. So many different fiber art traditions from so many different cultures. Love it !!!

[@k3n.clothtales]

Glad you enjoyed it!❤️

[@lesleymccallion2185]

Dear K3n I have just finished watching this delightful video….the weekly stitching ideas of the past few weeks are all still waiting for me to begin them but that s really okay…I will be able to get round to them…some of them I m almost “saving up” as I am so sad at the thought of the weekly slow stitch coming to a close as we have the year end on the horizon. Thank you as always for everything you share. Sending love xxx

[@k3n.clothtales]

Hello Lesley, no need to be sad, there will be a brand new weekly project next year 😁 love to you too ❤️

[@lesleymccallion2185]

@@k3n.clothtales ooh happy happy happy 😊 🧡

[@tetchedistress]

I watched earlier today from my husband's phone. Haven't been able to stitch today quite yet. Am grateful for a little normalcy from England right now. K3N and all, you have been helping me so much. Thank You. It's time to grab a needle and thread for a few.

[@louannwilde6381]

Hello Catherine....I so enjoy Enso. . You have done a great job on your new home. I am so proud of you. I have fallen in love with cloth, thread, wonky stitches, frayed edges, etc. Thanks for my wonky world..

[@k3n.clothtales]

You are very welcome 🤗❤️

[@MoonandSixpence]

Awwww Kathryn, thanks for the shout out. So gracious ❤ Look forward to seeing your take on the rice bag with handles. I’ve been using mine since making that video and I’ve fallen completely in love with it. Do it!

[@k3n.clothtales]

You are welcome, it was truly genius ❤️

[@knuffelcavia]

Dear K3N! Time is a mysterious thing. When my children were small I had the idea that the days were endless, but the years short. Too short. Now they are 14 and 12, getting more independent every day… But I do not miss past times. I enjoy (almost) every minute with them. Helene

[@Iain-b5z]

The Enso so simple but so inspiring can’t wait to have a go! Studio looking Fab Kathryn! Crumpets- got to be savoury- laughing cow cheese with a sprinkling of black pepper! X♥️😜

[@k3n.clothtales]

If you say so, regarding the crumpets 😂❤️

[@roseboss5899]

My husband loves Vegemite and honey together on his crumpets! Sweet and sour. Love the ENSO concept. And all those lovely tins you keep your bits and bobs in ❤

[@k3n.clothtales]

Hmm both together might be a bridge too far 😂❤️

[@DianeJames-gz1tk]

Oh id love a live video!

[@JoCahill-z7z]

Only just managed to finish watching this week’s project. Another great one Kathryn. Can’t wait to sit down and get started. Don’t want to over think but I need to slow my brain down before I start. 💕

[@k3n.clothtales]

Hope you enjoy it! ❤️

[@cosmiccoyotedog-doreenb9605]

Kathryn, you enlighten my wonky mind in so many ways during this lovely video. It would take me pages and pages to write all the answers to your questions and thoughts that were generated. This will be a Great day as I think about these things during today and probably for days afterwards. Thank you. 💙💚💛

[@k3n.clothtales]

Hello Doreen thank you so much, it's my absolute pleasure ❤️

[@katethompson2818]

As you talked about your leaking pipes in the kitchen, I remembered one of the hard adjustments when I became single after marriage was that now I had to take care of every single detail of life -- every repair, every phone call, every decision. In those moments it felt quite overwhelming, and then I got used to it and noticed the power and strength I had to do what was required. Learning, learning and growing. In the parts I've lived in in Canada and the US, I carry a purse that contains a wallet that holds the money, cards and medical info; the purse as a whole also holds the miscellany of life. A man carries a wallet or billfold in his pocket. When I get tired of carrying the purse, I put a small wallet in my pocket and head out the door. 🙂 I love your idea for the 53rd week, to have no plan whatsoever and simply stitch.....unless you get closer to the time and want to finish with another idea. Let's be in the now, k3n, including future nows. 😄😍

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yes indeed Kate, stay in the now. 🤗 And the decision making is both scary and empowering at the same time at the moment. I think the empowerment will win in the end 💪❤️

[@brendaguerin5423]

Kathryn you have just dropped me into a rabbit hole! Thank you for that🖤

[@michieleelliott1619]

Lovely video. You are wonderful, stitching, wittering and sharing your process and thoughts.

[@charmaineotto-h6g]

I can hear the dripping in the background 😊anyway love this video, and the teaching of the meaning of words, love 💕 it, thank you …

[@k3n.clothtales]

I am sorry, I hope it wasn't annoying ❤️

[@PatLightbody-em7go]

luv the journal.....hopefully you feel the joy of your work, to the level of joy that others receive from it. 🤔❤️🤗

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you Pat ❤️

[@maureenlatta6376]

Oohh live....sounds exciting...challenging...I say why not! I have started to wonder what you would come up with for the final week. I am enjoying this chatter today, you are being adventurous letting ideas float out here in the world of the cyber elves. Toodle Pip.

[@debzehr3244]

Especially enjoyed today and look forward to Wonky Wednesday. 💖💖💖

[@k3n.clothtales]

I am so pleased Deb ❤️

[@jackieokcal4888]

I have to laugh when you said “ look up and watch me couch!” I looked up straight away. hahaha

[@k3n.clothtales]

Good girl! 😁❤️❤️❤️

[@susanbaker3078]

Hi Kathryn❤. While listening to you, I'm working on an elbow patch for an old ragged sweater that I wear to bed in chilly weather. I have other "bed sweaters" and could put this one in the trash, but I tend to become attached to favorite garments like they're old friends. It makes letting go of things especially difficult!! I love your cheese box shelves, and am inspired by all you've accomplished in your recent move. Your woods are beautiful! Best wishes to all of us in managing the broken bits in ourselves and in our lives. May we learn to be gentle and love ourselves through it all, no matter what. Hugs❤ Susan P.S. I love hearing about Stella and Fredfred! My indoor/outdoor cat spends hours outside away from home, usually at night. I have a dog door in my kitchen, but I have to keep it shut at night. Unfortunately, I've discovered various 4-legged visitors inside in the middle of the night. Much to my displeasure, I've had a racoon three times, an opossum once, and a strange cat at least three times. I do love animals, but there are limits!😮 😂 Best wishes!!

[@k3n.clothtales]

I too have favourite garments. I have a bed shawl, much mended that I wouldn't part with. I am relying on Stella to keep nightly visitors at bay, though here it would only be strange cats. 😁♥️

[@dawnshipman4783]

I love this video, thank you. I dont know if i became too zen, but when you did your needle weaving, it felt like a symbolic healing of a wound, encircled in a safe place. Sending much love ❤

[@k3n.clothtales]

Hello Dawn, I think we need all the zen we can get in these times ❤️❤️❤️

[@dailydoseofpaper]

For years I have been planning to paint ensos. I even bought a beautiful brush for it about two years ago. That brush is so beautiful that I have been looking at it, thinking it is too beautiful to use. Last week I put it on my desk so I could get used to the idea that I AM actually going to use it soon. This might be the time Kathryn, thank you!🍀💖

[@k3n.clothtales]

That's wonderful Machteld ❤️

[@pamfrank3962]

A nice enjoyable stress free morning stitching ❤

[@AnneGinders]

This is lovely. I've been away for a bit. Life stuff This is one of my favourite NZ artists Max Gimblett Now I will finish watching. Thank you for being you.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Hello Anne, welcome back. I don't know that artist I will look them up ❤️

[@Victoria-oq7vn]

Ahhh. The fine line between good planning and over thinking 😉☺️

[@christinawatson6048]

Thank you Kathryn for another fun, educating and relaxing video this morning. Since I have discovered your channel the house work is put off for another day(s) the dog walk is getting later and my brand new notebook just for slow stitching is filling up fast. At the moment I have numerous projects on the go - no time for anything else. 😊

[@k3n.clothtales]

You are so welcome though I am a little sorry for the poor doggy 😁❤️

[@martaaldama6419]

So interesting. I didn’t have black embroidery floss, and last Thursday, I bought some. My spirit knew I was going to use it today. ❤

[@lesleynitschke4858]

In Oz we have a handbag that holds all bar the kitchen sink, including a purse which holds money, notes, coin, cards etc. A wallet is generally the male equivalent of a purse. Same as the UK. Actually back to my crumpets l put Vegemite on mine sometimes but for lunch l like mine toasted and then some fruit chutney and melted cheese

[@k3n.clothtales]

I sometimes have butter and marmite on toast with a piece of cheese on the side 😁❤️

[@janew3368]

Just been excavating the boxes in the spare room, those fabric crayons rang a bell and yes!!! Along with lots of other things I'd completely forgotten about 😄

[@k3n.clothtales]

Excellent 😁❤️

[@TinekeGelder]

Thank you I enjoyed the whole video ❤Tineke

[@kathleenbaden7686]

Mending within the circle is a wonderful metaphor for what you are doing now in your life. Take care.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yes thank you ❤️

[@Dollylit1]

Oooo love you making it up on the spot! That would be amazing…..no pressure 🥴😂😂

[@k3n.clothtales]

What have I let myself in for? 😂❤️

[@rosywilson3076]

Good morning Kathryn 😊 ‘Liked’ before watching!

[@k3n.clothtales]

@@rosywilson3076 thank you ♥️

[@rosywilson3076]

I've come back to add to my comment now I've watched it all! I had to take notes to remember everything I want to say 🤣 Am I the only person who has grilled cheese on crumpets? It was a staple tea time as a child, but we called them Pikelets 'cos Dad was from Yorkshire. 🤔Guess what I'm having for tea tonight?! I get told nowadays that I can't make decisions - which isn't true, I can make huge life decisions like getting divorced (yes I've been there too 🙁) but can't decide what to have for tea unless someone brings it up on a sewing video 😜 What ex-hubby used to say was "you're over-reacting". Grr, no I'm not, I'm reacting. Kathryn you mentioned a 'make it up as you go along' week, and we sort of did that with Monochrome last week didn't we, and I for one enjoyed it! Happy to do that again, even more ad-hoc 😀 I kept hearing your tap drips and thinking they were mine 😂 Also, I can hear your clock ticking sometimes and I love it xx

[@k3n.clothtales]

@@rosywilson3076 a few other people have mentioned cheese on crumpets, I will try it. Though my mum made something she called 'pizza crumpets ' with tomato pasta, dried herbs and grilled cheese and I wasn't keen on those. 😜 Yes , being told we're overreacting when we are merely and justifiably reacting. I know that thing. Kind of passive aggressive and gaslighting behaviour. Glad you don't have to put up with it anymore 🥰

[@rosywilson3076]

@@k3n.clothtales yes exactly, thanks Kathryn x

[@kayk8123]

😂😂 Crumpetgate! You are so fun.❤

[@emiliabarbosa8835]

Open circles through and through, always better than any "huit clos". Wishing you a great week, K3N ❤

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you! You too! ❤️

[@annagray4208]

A fabulous new page again. Loved doing it. Thank Kathryn. 😊

[@deborahrivers3033]

Stitching is a form of meditation 🧘‍♀️

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yes, I thought afterwards about my stitch meditation scrolls.. ❤️

[@lindateaman9289]

Love the idea of a live video

[@EllenWalters-eo8xb]

Oooh can’t wait till WW!! Sounds really interesting - you are amazing Kathryn!!🥳

[@angiekay9020]

Thanks Kathryn for all your wonderful video's x

[@mariannavacratsa3451]

❤❤❤just love you 💐💐 thankyou beautiful video

[@ramyavanmaele9643]

Good morning Kathryn and thank you

[@nancybecker1173]

Love that you left behind the “over-thinking” mug. Good on you!

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yes, now I wish I had smashed the thing. 😁❤️

[@roxannelawrence8962]

So, having watched this and having a renewed sense of wanting to create.. I stopped by a local antique shop for hoping to find some beading things but didn't, but.. what I did find at 50% off was an antique jade handled calligraphy brush. so my dear, thank you so much and I shall be making circles... and dedicating at least one to you in honor of all connectiveness amongst us women..lol. Blessed be!!

[@k3n.clothtales]

How wonderful Roxanne, it was waiting for you 🙏❤️

[@judithgrace8359]

I’ve always loved the song “The Windmills of Your Mind” which to me describes the many different kinds of closed ensos. Round like a circle in a spiral, like a wheel within a wheel Never ending or beginning on an ever spinning reel Like a snowball down a mountain, or a carnival balloon Like a carousel that's turning running rings around the moon Like a clock whose hands are sweeping past the minutes of its face And the world is like an apple whirling silently in space Like the circles that you find in the windmills of your mind!

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you Judith, I actually sang that in my head while reading. Yes it could absolutely be about ensō ❤️

[@kathleenmarch5211]

Those pencils for fabric are definitely still available. I have a set. Derwent inktense also works, but of course are more expensive. The colors are activated with water and become ‘intense’. There are also inexpensive water-soluble oil pastels that work well.

[@gilltaber2187]

Yep, I'm the one who spent 5 minutes searching her house for the phantom drip.... despite having sat here and listened to you talking about your drip. My brain bluescreened 😂 I'm looking forward to sitting quietly and completing my Enso tomorrow . I'm being called to red at the moment so we shall see what happens!

[@k3n.clothtales]

I am sorry Gill 🤭❤️❤️❤️

[@fayecook9171]

Love your little book and your stitched piece. Ive drawn and stitched Enso's in the past ,but you've yet again inspired me to stitch another one 😀

[@annrubino6252]

Loving this - another respectful expression of a cultural element. This one deserves an entire book of Ensos. Or maybe the metamorphosis of a circle into a spiral into.... ammonite, paisley, Mandelbrot? I want to follow this path, even knowing there is no end. Pathways are another enticement with warnings of 'there is no end'. You, K3N inspire so many thoughts and visions. Great ideas for the book finale. It's really all good. Into every life must entire a leaking tap - rats!

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yes, a few years ago I made a quilt of a Fibonacci spiral, also an ammonite. I love the shape, never ending as you say ❤️

[@AnneGinders]

Oh NZ, handbag, abbreviated to just bag, because we all love our cross-body bags. Purse lives on the bag. But then there is the 'evening purse' - a pretty little clutch that goes with posh evening attire.

[@christinasevaistre7265]

Excellent idea to sew something live and on the spot...why not?

[@k3n.clothtales]

What could possibly go wrong? 😁❤️

[@frittiesnz8669]

Your enso piece is really beautiful and although I was aware this shape was a ‘thing’ I didn’t know anything about it. Thank you so much for yet again educating me and offering beautiful inspiration in the process. For as long as I remember circles have featured heavily/prominently in my work whatever medium I am using at the time. I was working on in a stitched circle earlier today, now I know what comes next!😢 With thanks and love 🧡

[@helenwratten6470]

I think it would be lovely for the last week to be live and free

[@k3n.clothtales]

I really hope I can do it, I think it would be a lovely way to end the year. I will have to look into timeframe to suit everyone around the world. ❤️

[@HulyaDemir-e6c]

Güzel çalışman ve paylaşımınız için teşekkürler ketrin👏💐😊🙋

[@julia-ql3kr]

Thanks

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you ❤️

[@НинаГороховатская-э2ш]

❤

[@neilstephen6761]

Beautiful little piece. Hope you are getting stronger each day. Thank you for sharing

[@LuciaVandenbergh]

Great idea this enso,for stichting of drawing ...I love your little book (taking time every day to do some mediation)🙏

[@carolbyrne3241]

That was so relaxing really enjoyed it and loved stitching along with you, first time I have done it. Quickie regarding crumpets, I have cheese put under the grill to melt and peanut butter which are both yum ❤ A live sounds great and making it as we go along would be a amazing finish to this enjoyable end to the 52 weeks adventure ❤

[@helenbrown2001]

I call my handbag just a bag here in Oz and I have a small red leather purse that rarely has cash in it anymore, just cards. Although, we should really all try and use cash or we will become a cashless society. My bag always has tissues, Panadol, band aides, glasses, drawing paper and pens and pencils for some sketching and ventolin plus a myriad of other things. Oh and always some sort of little treat for my grand daughter. 😊 No wonder I can never find my car keys! Thanks again for your great video. Your studio looks lovely and sunny and bright. X

[@rosywilson3076]

My bag contains similar stuff! I carry biscuits for me, but yesterday I gave them to the man in the seat next to me on the train 'cos he said he was starving 😂 My good deed for the day!

[@nancydale7367]

"that's me basted" made me laugh because I was imagining how you might give yourself permission to have a Crabbie or two - definitely deserved after the leak 😂💚

[@k3n.clothtales]

😂 a group of friends years ago used to come up with different silly words for being 'basted'. My favourite I can remember was 'tractored' because a friend had one wine too many in our local social club and her husband who was a farmer and had been out late haymaking, picked her up in the tractor. He had to get his shoulder under her behind to get her up into the cab. It was hilarious. 😂❤️

[@rosywilson3076]

🤣🤣🤣

[@delphine997]

I've drawn Ensos without realising the significance of what I was doing. It started off with ammonites, then I was simplifying the line and it seems I drew Ensos while I was in the doodling moment. I also like the paisley shape and ended up with some Enso shapes when simplifying those too. Funny how things come together.

[@k3n.clothtales]

It's a universal shape I think. Ammonites around here of course. I just remembered I have one and it got left behind in France. I will have to ask my daughter to get it for me. ❤️

[@viviennebinge7040]

I have marmite not butter on crumpets topped with smashed avocado. Yummy!

[@catehobbs4640]

I like Vegemite on mine or peanut butter!

[@pamcox8582]

In reply to your comment about having days you can't thread the needle...we all have them for one reason or another. You have the most sympathetic followers on needle threading.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you 🙏❤️

[@Marysharp6366]

That’s is a very good idea for your last one😂

[@evasvensson8521]

I like open circels for things to be able to come in and for other things to be able to get out

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yes I agree ❤️

[@judymarkel8029]

Oh yes. I keep my money in a wallet. And my wallet goes into my purse and Haha my purse goes into my bag that also holds my water bottle and sun glasses and all the other things I need that dont fit into my purse haha😂 This is a cool video. Thank you for the meditation thoughts. I look forward to a video of your new walking place

[@PatLightbody-em7go]

diggin the enso....the circle is different daily

[@anitajansen5610]

Like it👍🧡💐

[@louisetonks5599]

Buttered crumpet and grated cheese 😍

[@k3n.clothtales]

Now I have tasted and liked them with marmite I will try them with cheese 😁❤️

[@ninaindoorssinging4715]

Crumpets and marmite? I’m glad you have discovered how yummy this is. I was giggling to myself at your account of cutting off a little slice of crumpet, in case you didn’t like it! So happy for you that you found a new walk. I hope the dismaying drip is fixed soon. That must have been very disconcerting, and maybe more upsetting than you expected, because you have worked so hard to make your home all secure and tickety-boo, then this happens. I have been watching/ listening to you, and starting a new rice bag, but I shall have to stop soon as my eyes have gone all fuzzy!

[@k3n.clothtales]

Oh no, fuzzy eyes isn't good. Yes I am hoping Dan Dan the Lavatory Man can make it this week, though I have got a bigger jug under it which lasts 8 hours. Dreadful waste of water though. Look after your eyes ♥️

[@kamahskreations1260]

Here in Oz, we ladies have handbags to carry all our ‘stuff’, a purse is for change, notes, credit and debit cards, your driver’s licence and at least a dozen old unnecessary dockets. Handbags can be any size, and carry all the things you might need, and can be handheld with little handles or worn on the shoulder ar across the body.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Then that's the same as here, isn't it funny how some of us English speakers have words for the same things and others use them slightly differently.. ❤️

[@rosywilson3076]

Sorry, what's a docket? Is it the same as a receipt in the UK?

[@kamahskreations1260]

@@rosywilson3076 yes, the receipt be receive when we buy goods,

[@CarolynHeldon-fl3to]

Love the idea of the live one and working on a piece together. Then we can actually talk amongst ourselves and shout at you (not that we would shout....)

[@k3n.clothtales]

You might have to type in caps otherwise I wouldn't be able to read the comments 😂❤️

[@janillingsworth5347]

Once I drew an enso every day for 6 months. I used a brush and black ink. I think your enso book is gorgeous and love the words you chose too. I n New Zealand we call both a handbag and purse. Not many of us have money purses anymore more. I am sorry about your leak. I know how upsetting things like this can be when we are a bit fragile. I love crumpetgate. It made me laugh.❤

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you Jan for the sympathy and the laughter ❤️❤️❤️

[@janillingsworth5347]

@@k3n.clothtales you are truly welcome.😃❤️

[@DaisyDebs]

💐x

[@MegRyan-sn3eq]

Loved, loved, loved this video. Thank you for introducing enso, which I had not heard of. I would love to see a video of how you bound your enso journal. Also, I understand entirely your feeling slightly besieged by your kitchen drip - ever since my husband died, I am mildly exasperated by minor domestic hiccups. It’s not that I can’t cope, but I dislike the fact that I have to tackle everything on my own. In fact, I have to buy a new fridge tomorrow when I would much rather be stitching or painting.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Hello Meg, yes I think there will be a video about the book at one point, a few people have asked. It takes some getting used to indeed, being responsible for everything. Hugs to you ❤️

[@robinmccamont]

Never heard of Ensos before your video… I love the concept, but especially the “open” enso because it makes me think of the possibilities that still exist in life. A “closed” enso makes me think that there are no other options. Perhaps an overly simplistic way of looking at it. It’s just my first impression! Thanks for sharing it with us though…! ❤

[@k3n.clothtales]

I think the same 😁♥️

[@kathyffarney-keck8593]

In Kentucky, we call it a handbag, and we also sometimes suffer from decision fatigue. It makes us cranky

[@del1336]

Hi Kathryn, I’ve been holding back from mentioning this since I first heard you talk of your aversion to ironing - I’m also a person that doesn’t do ironing, although I have got an iron and an ironing board, I iron only when the threat of the world ending persuades me to do it 🤷🏻‍♀️ Anyway, I’ve held off mentioning this because I felt sure that I can’t be the only person that does this as an ironing cheat - I’ve got an electric hair straightener, with a thermostat, and I use that for ironing small things. There! I’ve said it. Phew! 😮‍💨 …And, yes. I too am an over-thinker and often get frozen by it, so I know exactly what you’re feeling. I had my Hell Week last week, where everything that could go wrong, seemingly went wrong. I often blame the moon for affecting us, because, often when I mention it to people they’ll say that they had a week like that too. That reassures me that it’s not just me, which, in turn , helps to put the brakes on the whole self-flagellation malarkey. It very much sounds to me, from small things you mentioned throughout the video, that you may be suffering from overwhelm at the moment. Please don’t forget to take some time out for yourself / self-care. I am, historically, very bad at taking time out for myself and prioritising me. I’ve recently got an App to gently kick my bum and remind me to do that, so I’m gradually getting better at it. As I’ve mentioned previously, I’m currently in a life-changing situation similar to yours. There just seems to be too much that needs to be done in order to take the time-out from it that one desperately needs. Last week’s string of ‘molehills’ wiped me out. I took the weekend as rest days, but I tried to deal with a relatively small task this morning, and it literally morphed into Mount Everest before my eyes!!!! Now I find myself sitting here, rambling on to you about it, but I also find that it’s easier to notice difficulty and offer compassion to someone else, than I do to offer it to myself. Take care, Kathryn ❤

[@k3n.clothtales]

I am so sorry you are also overwhelmed. I try to just face one thing at a time but then unexpected things crop up and it's like the proverbial straw.. Self care is the most important thing, I am trying to have little treats, sofa sleeps, nice walks, French toast crumpets for breakfast. And just putting one foot in front of the other. I hope you can be kind to yourself. Sending you lots of love ❤️

[@AlisonGreenValleyCrone]

Glad to hear that you’ve had the heating on, even if the reason is a bit annoying

[@juliaogara8794]

Good morning. I love listening to you and learning about things I have never heard of. Could ypu please do a video making a book? I know these others out there, but your ways of explaining make sense. You are also mindful of keeping what you are doing central. Best wishes to you and your companions. You brighten days for many of us in this video land.

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you Julia, I have done a couple of book making tutorials, a commonplace book and some stitch journals. I do hope to do more book making in the future as it's my other passion after stitching. ❤️

[@lisbethdegn-dragenkunst]

Here in Denmark we call it (translated directly) Nuts with Dance. All this food talk is totally not understandable for a Dane, never heard of the things mentioned. So I stick to my oatmeal 😊

[@k3n.clothtales]

😁❤️

[@AlisonGreenValleyCrone]

The ‘x’ story hit a nerve; I’ve long tussled with the fact that the surnames in UK are patriarchal. First my father’s surname, then my husband’s…my mother’s maiden name was her father’s etc etc…so that in the end Alison became MY name and the surnames were for ‘form’. My middle name starts with G but is less me than Alison, so my initials became Agx and that is how I sign my pieces

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yes, I have a little bit the same feeling. One of the reasons for using k3n... Although I have mixed feelings about that now as my ex invented it. 🙄❤️

[@mjemyers]

Another delightful project - thank you! Could you share more information about the bookbinding technique used in the book you showed at the beginning?

[@k3n.clothtales]

A few people have asked so I think there will be a tutorial at one point but essentially it's a visible or open spine binding. You construct the spine in the normal way but just with a hole in it. ❤️

[@Sa_Stafford]

Hope you can get your plumbing fixed quickly. ❤ Take care

[@suzibaker1749]

Or, as Harry Chapin famously wrote - “All my life’s a circle, sunrise and sundown, moon rolls through the nighttime, til the daybreak comes around.”🥰

[@healgrowlovecommunity8397]

The simplicity of the enso is very beautiful. I would love to know how to make the enso journal - it's gorgeous! Mary x 💟

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you Mary, it's a binding I have only done once but I think it wasn't as difficult as it looks. I hope to do more bookmaking in future on here so I will show you one day ❤️

[@jangibson1373]

You reminded me of a great song Circles by Eddie Brickell.

[@nataliaprizant6097]

You amazing lady 🪷

Thank you Kathryn! I love watching you. "Stay in the now" is an amazing practice. Do you know Eckhart Tolle and his book "The Power of Now"? X

[@k3n.clothtales]

I don't know it, I will look it up thank you ❤️

[@sherrydarling9626]

I read that book years ago when I was going through REIKI II training

[@jakifae]

Try crumpets and brie. 😋❤xx

[@k3n.clothtales]

@@jakifae ermmm not sure about that! But the next time I have both in the same room, I will 😁♥️

[@brendaguerin5423]

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause numerous health problems, but Marmite may provide a solution. Our favourite savoury spread is fortified with B12 (it contains 116 times as much as peanut butter, in case you're interested), providing 40pc of your recommended daily allowance with a single serving.

[@periknows]

Love this so much🌻 In the first image of your book on the cover, is that a stitched background or print. I’d like to do something similar as it speaks to me on so many levels. 💜Cath

[@k3n.clothtales]

Thank you, I printed and stitched the cloth. A few people have asked so I will do a tutorial one day ❤️

[@phoffman-p8b]

....... can you see the lady's face to the right of the opening in the circle (when that side is to the right .......

[@k3n.clothtales]

Yes! And the darn is an eyebrow. ❤️