Community Makes from Making Zen

Another Making Zen Online Retreat has come and gone - I can't believe it's already over. The end of these events is always quite emotional for me; the days are admittedly long and tiring, and at the same time, all of the inspiration, making, and community sharing is energizing. It makes for a very bittersweet closing of the event, and I'll admit to getting a bit teary at our Wrap-Up Party! 

That may seem silly to some, but Making Zen is an extremely personal event to me, and the impact it has on fellow creatives really touches me. Comments like this one, from Diane F. in our Facebook group, make my heart sing:

"Kate, I can’t express how impacted I have been by the Making Zen Retreat this week. It was so professional, calming, welcoming, and fun. I have learned so much and am so inspired. I can’t walk out of my craft studio without needle, fabric, and thread in my hand. I am constantly looking at sessions, downloading more content (there is sooooo much), and enjoying more. This retreat will bring me unlimited hours of inspiration, creation, and fun for many, many moons. And for that, I thank you and your team from the bottom of my heart ❤️" 

This is exactly the kind of experience I want everyone to have with Making Zen, and it brings me so much joy to delight in the abundant inspiration and creativity with you.

Of course, next to all that joy of sharing, my favourite part of these events is seeing all the amazing things our community creates based on the retreat workshops. With this being our 10th event(!), we were fortunate to have more presenting artists than ever before, with 40 creators sharing their time and talents with us. That's a lot of projects, and our community did not shy away from the challenge of making them all - I wish I could share every single one with you!

Without further ado, here is a small gallery of some of the beautiful makes from our community. A big thank you to the folks who have shared their work, and we would love for you to continue doing so by posting in the Making Zen Facebook group or tagging @zenstitching on Instagram!

Deborah R. Meyer

Inspired by "The Living Line" with Jeri Bellini

MC Friedrich

Inspired by "Motanka Doll: A Mindful Ukrainian Textile Ritual" with Embroidery Art by Nat

Sue Stoney

Inspired by "Stitching a Fabric Scrap Owl Sachet" with Ann Smith, "Sew a Jersey Knit Top, Using a Tessellating Pattern" with Liz Haywood, and "Textile Vessels" with Ellie Beck.

Donna Davie

Inspired by "Layers of Light" with Debasree Dey

Suzanne DeAtley

Inspired by "Exploring Negative Space in Design" by Meredith Woolnough and "Water and Line" by Ozden Dora Clow
 

 Debbie Moore

Inspired by "Broderie Anglaise Scalloped Coasters" with Agy Lee and "Make a Japanese Rice Bag (Komebukuru)" with Pattie Klimek

Gail Chang

Inspired by "Exploring Negative Space in Design" with Meredith Woolnough

Beth McGee

Inspired by "Yunomi Pin Cushions" with Blair Stocker

Inspired by "Kawandi Style Quilting" with Jen Strauser

Nora Armstrong

Inspired by "Unwritten Folded Treasure Pouch" by Selina Ben

Sue Lewis

Inspired by "Sea Brooches" with Mirjam Gielen

Cassandra Edson

Inspired by "Make A Cathedral Square Pendant" with Megan Levacy