Knitting Slowly: The Joyful Rebellion of Mindful Making

Last time, I wrote about why I'm embracing the slow stitch, and wow, the response truly warmed my heart. There’s something quietly radical about choosing presence over perfection, especially in a world that urges us to keep moving faster, do more, finish now.

This past week, I’ve been leaning deeper into that intention, and I want to share what it has looked like in my world. Because slow making? It’s not just about how we knit. It’s about how we live.

The Rhythm of Slow: A Personal Journey

Two weekends ago marked the start of the Tour de France, which for many spinners also signals the beginning of Tour de Fleece. Now, I don’t join a team or try to log the most miles or skeins. For me, it’s not a race. It’s 23 days of gentle practice, of patience, and of reconnecting with fiber in a different way.

Each morning, I spending an hour with the race on in the background, spinning quietly as the riders move through the French countryside. It’s become a calming ritual. And a time for learning - I love seeing and hearing about the cities and regions they travel through. In the evenings, I prep fiber on my balcony, letting the evening breeze cool the day as I sit with my thoughts, the soft hush of combed wool in my hands, and the fading sunset. If I have enough time, I'll also knit a few rows or rounds on one of my current projects.

These small rituals, starting and ending each day in mindful reflection have grounded me. And they’ve reminded me that slow isn’t stagnant. Slow is sacred.

Letting My Creativity Wander

In addition to spinning, I’ve also been making space for other kinds of slow progress. I set aside my knitting needles for 20-30 minutes each day to read. Reading used to be something I devoured voraciously, but the busyness of life and the pull to always be "doing" with my hands has made it hard to sit still with a book. And yes I can listen but it's just not the same as holding that bounded paper in your hands. This week, that changed. I’m savoring pages again, letting stories unfold slowly alongside my stitches.

And then...a big one for me: I set my sewing machine back up and finally returned to a quilt top that has been languishing for over a year. It’s not done, but it’s growing. Stitch by stitch. Just like everything else.

Stitching Intention into Every Day

This season, I’m not trying to produce more. I’m trying to feel more. To be present in my making. To welcome slowness not as a limitation but as an invitation.

If you’re craving a bit more calm, more connection, or more space in your day...I see you. Maybe it starts with a few quiet rows. Or a book chapter. Or a soft pile of fiber waiting to be spun.

Whatever it looks like, let’s keep making with intention. One stitch at a time.

Cheers & Stitches,

Crystal

PS...I will be launching a new Mindful Making series on YouTube soon. It's Stitch by Stitch: A Slow-Making Podcast...subscribe to my channel to be notified of shows when they release.