Second in a series of articles about stitching and other creative arts during RV travel.
By Diane L. Murtha, F465708
September 2022
Not only do our hobbies provide entertainment, but they actually are good for us! Similar to yoga or aerobic exercise, mindful quilting and stitching activities have a meditative quality with health benefits.
Many studies tout the health benefits of aerobic exercise. More recent studies also identify benefits of slower-paced activities, such as walking, yoga, and meditation. Other activities with mindful repetitive motions, such as baking, needlework, quilting, knitting, crocheting, beading, cross-stitching, and embroidery, also have been reported to yield results similar to meditation. These activities can improve your mental and physical health, sharpen attention, and dissolve stress. I know I am happier after a self-proclaimed “time out” in my RV sewing space.
So, regular crafting can yield benefits. Even a 15-minute session could have effects similar to a day of vacation. Therefore, you can improve your health by quilting and crafting often! And there are bonus health benefits if you engage in your hobbies while enjoying your RV and the outdoors.
When crocheting, each stitch is finished before the next one starts, while knitting has many stitches open at once.
For me, walking is a great stress reliever. While traveling in the RV, I’ll break to get my 10,000 steps, do stretches, and complete my early morning “boot camp.” But now, I also recognize and reap the benefits of the meditative humming of my sewing machine and the peace found in my RV dinette sewing space. Whether you realize it or not, as you stitch, your breathing slows, you are calmer, and stress is released — it’s a quilter’s Zen. The same thing occurs if you are crocheting, knitting, or engaging in any other hand crafts.
I’m all about challenges: challenging myself and others to improve our quilting through continual learning. I am challenging you in a new direction. Set the stage for your own Zen-like quilting and crafting with these tips.
Declutter
Improve the serenity of your sewing/crafting space by really making it a retreat. Life in an RV is all about having a dedicated storage place for almost everything, so you are already almost there! I make sure all the dishes are put away and the counters are clear. I’ll get out only my current project and the specific tools it requires. If I’m crocheting, I pull out just the one skein of yarn. Even with limited space and supplies, I still get frustrated when I can’t find something. I now straighten up and repack my fabric storage bag after every sewing session.
As quilters, we need a lot of stuff. But, if you have leftover fabric that no longer makes you happy, give it to a new quilter or donate it to charity. You’ll feel good, and it will make your RV sewing space even more welcoming.
Work Slowly And Deliberately
Put your mind completely on a specific task, whether it’s cutting fabric or sewing. Pay attention to the basic seam allowance; stitch slower and straight. As you concentrate on what you are doing, your breathing slows, and your problems may just slip away. Another result is that your quilting will be more accurate. If you are hand stitching, notice the feel of the yarn or thread. Appreciate the color. Breathe.
Do And Plan Less
I’m a Type A person and I love my lists, but I often feel stressed and unsuccessful if everything doesn’t get done. Be realistic with your quilting and crafting “to do” list. Allow yourself a more relaxed schedule that includes wiggle room in case something takes longer than expected. Let’s be honest; something always takes longer than expected. How many projects have you brought along on an RV trip only to drag back home untouched? And would it be a tragedy if you really did complete all that you brought with you? Oh, no . . . you’d be forced to take a walk or sit outside with a good book. The horror!
When crafting on the go, make sure to pack the supplies needed for your project.
Establish Positive Rituals
Set the stage for mindful quilting and crafting by surrounding yourself with joyful things like instrumental or meditative music, or a scented candle. I have learned not to get out the sewing machine or my beading project and set everything up unless I have a couple of hours to spend playing before I need to pack it back up for meal prep. I also like to open the RV window near the space where I am crafting. The sound of birds singing, the wind in the leaves, and the outdoor smells are delightful and soothing.
Practice your quilting design before jumping into the actual project, or sew a test block. These are good practices I previously didn’t take time to do, but they improve the success of my quilting and reduce frustration — more Zen, thank you. I used to turn the TV on the minute I started stitching. I didn’t think it was distracting. But try stitching without it; I find that it’s very relaxing. If my husband is watching TV, I’ll use ear plugs or my iPod to help eliminate distractions.
Designate Time For Certain Things
What’s your prime time for specific activities such as cutting fabric, quilting, reading pattern instructions, making fabric selections, designing, or solving problems? Is it early in the morning or late in the evening? We all have different times that work better for us for performing certain tasks. Be sure to recognize and honor that. I’ve learned the hard way not to read instructions and cut fabric at night!
Designate time for other activities, too. Spark creativity by reading your quilting and crafting magazines. Enjoy doodling quilt designs; it’s soothing and improves hand-eye coordination and muscle memory.
There are many ways to peacefully craft, and these ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. Find what works for you. Now relax and enjoy the positive impact of total mind-body wellness through your quilting and crafting hobbies. You deserve it!
Diane L. Murtha is a quilter, fiber artist, lecturer, and instructor. Quilting for over 30 years, she gravitated to art quilts 10 years ago and discovered she loves challenges. Her quilts are included in books, magazines, juried exhibits, and international shows. Learn more at www.dianeLmurtha.com, follow her on Instagram @dianelmurtha, or email dlmurtha2018@gmail.com for more information.