Embroidery

Execution

Embroidery as a calming ritual can be done both by freehand and after special patterns. The point is to focus, sit still, and concentrate on the needle, all of this as a sort of meditation.

While doing the embroidering, one usually hums a rhyme or a song. This can be done together, but it may not take enough of the focus away from the task in hand.

There are special patterns made specifically for the meditative kind of embroidery. They are often a mix of many different techniques and small details, often in symmetrical and/or naturalistic shapes. When one is finished it is common to unravel the image, but if it was an especially difficult but satisfying completion, the hoop can be hung as decoration.

Components and tools

To embroider you will need:

• Fabric to embroider on
• Thread
• An embroidery needle
• A wooden embroidery hoop

There are a lot of embellishments one can use, such as different colored threads or pearls, but those are not necessary for a simple embroidery. The calming effect of this craft is in the simple rhythm and focus, the repeating of the same and different stitches, not the end result.

Darta has had a long history of keeping sheep and growing flax. They are the main components in the embroidery; wool and linen. Wool is primarily used as a thread, but can also be woven into a fabric or felted into desired shape. Linen is spun and used both as thread and woven into a fabric. These two give the thread and fabric different qualities and traits, and it is important to learn about the components of your craft.

Participants

Everyone is encouraged to use embroidery as meditation, men, women and those in between. It is Dartas most common art form and they set pride in their talent.

Observance

This is a ritual you do when need arises. Alone in the middle of the night after a terrible nightmare, or together with your family to calm your nerves before a grand ceremony.

This article is made for Summer Camp, and may be incomplete, lacking both bits of text and images. This will be updated later!

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