The Power of Community Creativity

It is undeniable that the world is feeling rather unsteady lately. In these times when things feel particularly heavy, there is a special kind of comfort that comes from being in community - and even more so when the healing power of art becomes part of the equation. Whether the winter is personal, political, or simply seasonal, I am continually reminded that creating something together, even in a virtual room or in silence, can be almost medicinal.

Putting Down the Phone

As much as I hate to admit it, I know that when I'm feeling distressed or powerless, I often turn to my phone. I might flip through Instagram Reels to distract me, or I might give into doomscrolling as an attempt to feel informed. Neither of these options really help me process what I feel, or leave me feeling particularly fulfilled afterwards.

What I have noticed, though, is that the act of creating helps me with both of these things. As my hands work, it gives my mind a chance to process what I'm feeling. On top of that, the sensory experiences of feeling the fabric in my hand and pulling the threaded needle through help me feel more grounded and present. Perhaps I get a little bit of a sense of control, too, for being able to create something no matter what is happening. And it doesn't hurt that I get to see visible progress on the thing I'm making, too.

And it's not just me - I see other creators talking about how important it is to make things, too. Some are making to process emotions, and some are making as a form of resistance, stitching messages to wear at protests and events.

The Medicine of Community

I have found that an excellent antidote to a dark, heavy day is community. 

Have you ever been having one of those terrible days, when it feels like nothing is going right, and then you have a nice conversation with someone and it feels like the whole day has turned around? I know that I have - and in fact, if I'm feeling particularly grumpy, I always ask myself: have I eaten, have I slept, and have I spoken to anyone? If the answer to any of these is no, that's typically the cause of my grumpiness!

There is something inherently soothing about seeing familiar faces around you, and sharing gentle conversation. We are social creatures - even us introverts - and connecting to the people we share things in common with helps us feel like we belong.

The Magic of Creating Together

Knowing that we feel better when we create, and that we feel better when we gather, combining the two is a bit of a know-brainer. Just having a number of perspectives in a shared space, whether virtual or physical, means that when a problem comes up, there are automatically a number of ways to view it. Plus, as we speak to each other and say our ideas out loud, we get 1) the power of communal brainstorming, and 2) we feel even more committed to our projects, because we've discussed them with others. Basically, creating together invites participation, which often feels restorative and fulfilling.

I know this from experience, with the monthly gatherings that we hold inside the Sashiko Stitch Club, or the regular gatherings we hold during Stitch Challenges and other events. Someone feels like it is impossible to progress on a project, the group talks about it for a few minutes, and suddenly there are infinite ways that the project can be taken forward. Not only that, but connections are made between all the people contributing, and they become a part of the project too, in some small way. Trust is also built this way, with people being open and accepting of suggestions and ideas. It's a beautiful thing to see, and it feels so nourishing to be part of a community like that.

An Invitation to Connect and Create

If you are craving some community creativity, I invite you to connect with us for the next Sashiko Stitch Challenge, happening from 2-6 February 2026. We'll be learning to stitch the Juji Hana Zashi variation (Flower Cross Stitch) pattern together, and in doing so we'll make a mini hana fukin together that has a slightly different design on each side. We'll take it one step at a time and learn together without judgement or overwhelm. And of course, we'll have virtual gatherings so that we can enjoy the most important part: our community. Get all the details to join us here! 

Whether you can join us for the Challenge, or organise something close to home, I hope that you find a way to connect and create with someone soon. The world can feel heavy, but it doesn't have to be carried alone. 💙