People who enjoy stitching have for a long time known the benefits needlework brings. There are many reasons why people choose use their leisure time to stitch, but there are also many reasons why this is good for them!

Engaging in a craft such as needlework causes the embroiderer to slow down, and concentrate on the task at hand. With such busy lives, many of us find that such opportunities are precious. They help us to relax, give our hands the chance to work, while our minds can be at rest. Sure, needlework requires concentration, but some needlework falls into a rhythm, which allows our brains to disengage while our hands' muscle memory does the work.

In his book "In Praise of Slow", Carl Honore explains why slowing down is important, and how in our culture of speed we need to take opportunities to slow down. Needlework is a great way to do this. It takes time. It is not something that can be mastered overnight, nor are most projects something that can be done overnight. Needlework develops fine motor skill, but also more intangible skills such as delayed gratification and persistence.

Needlework allows for expression of creativity. We can use our embroidery to express ourselves. I do embroidery because I must be creating something. For me, it is something I am driven to do. If I do not create, I feel that something is missing. For me, and many others, the action of creating something contributes to our mental well being and feelings of fulfilment.

I feel that there is something spiritual about creating. Made in the image of God, we share some of His likenesses. God created everything. When I create, for me it is an act of worship. Its me saying "God, you are the ultimate creator. Here is my feeble attempt as an offering to you."

I often find that many of the students in my needlework classes have health problems. Needlework classes are an opportunity for students to completely lose themselves in a task, forgetting their problems, while enjoying the

It seems that many people agree. Attendance at the craft shows around the nation is up, with many spending up big on a range of crafts in which to immerse themselves. New craft magazines are appearing on the newsagency shelves all the time. The message that “craft is good for you” is getting through.

It is clear that needlework fills a void in people’s lives: for social interaction, for expression of creativity, and for giving people something meaningful and enjoyable to do.

We can now enjoy the knowledge that research backs up these experiences: participation in the textile arts brings many benefits, particularly for health and social wellbeing. Frances Reynolds, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the Department of Health and Social Care, Brunel University, UK has published a paper entitled Textile art promoting well-being in long-term illness: some general and specific influences.

“It fills occupational voids following early retirement and enables social contacts. Textile artwork also stimulates learning and personal development. It draws upon rich social traditions, facilitating social contact. Many forms of textile art making are highly time-consuming, fostering a future orientation, and the creative process is often socially visible within the home, with positive consequences for self-image.” says Dr Reynolds.

So as you enjoy your embroidery, rest easy in the knowledge that what you are doing is good for your health. And you could even use it as an excuse to buy more craft supplies and add to your stash... "But its good for my health!"

Yvette Stanton is an embroidery teacher and the author of the books "Mountmellick Embroidery: Inspired by Nature" (2004) and "Elegant Hardanger Embroidery" (2002, 2005). http://www.embroidery.more.at

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