Hand-stitched tactile textile
Stillness began with the feeling I experienced while embroidering. I found something peaceful in the repetition of one small stitch after another, watching the surface of the linen gradually change. As the piece took shape, I began to hope that someone holding it might experience a little of that same peacefulness.
One side is covered entirely with seed stitch, embroidered in a pale natural thread, close to the colour of the linen. The thread catches the light slightly, giving the surface a gentle sheen. The other side is left plain, offering a smoother contrast.
Inside, a separate pouch holds small pellets and soft filling. The piece is softly cushioned, with a little weight and movement. As it is handled, the pellets shift beneath the fabric, making a faint sound. I liked the idea of the small stitches on the surface being echoed by the pellets moving inside.
At approximately 15 × 15 cm, Stillness can be held in one or both hands, or rest on the lap. The embroidered surface can be rubbed, pressed or explored with the fingers, while the pellets offer another sensation to discover. There is nothing to follow or complete.