New benefit from cross stitching

carolyn61 · Post by **carolyn61** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 5:09 pm

I've read many posts on the wonderful benefits of cross stitching and needlework, but I have one that may have been overlooked. After a very long absence from cross stitching due to illness and related complications from the many, many meds I was taking, I started digging my way out. Cross stitching helped me retrain my brain to focus and concentrate. It helped me stay sane while detoxing from all the pain medications and other various prescriptions I was on. But the best benefit was that I not only lost the 30+ pounds I had gained but 10 more to boot. Stitching is about the only activity I do that absolutely restricts me from snacking. Reading, baking, cooking, all the other things I love to do all leave my hands free to nibble and munch. Even with horseback riding I manage to take goodies or hard candies along (saddlebags are great for sneaking stuff). So another plus for stitching! It's a wonder all the diet-crazy media and industry hasn't picked up on this treasure. My doctor is thrilled. I wonder if he could write a prescription for materials (cloth, floss, whatever) and call it therapy? LOL

Jilly · Post by **Jilly** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 5:15 pm

It's wonderful to know stitching has helped you so much, it sounds like you have been through a lot, I am so pleased you are recovering so well.
It is hard to snack and stitch, and I find I can't be bothered to go and find food when it involves unearthing myself from all my stitching. Free stash.... we can but dream

mags · Post by **mags** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 5:15 pm

Good for you about the medications and also the weight thing

I'm afraid I find it all to easy to put my stitching down, go get something and then pick it up again

carolyn61 · Post by **carolyn61** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 5:49 pm

How about this? The whole of needleworkers gather and publish a book on the miracle wonders of stitching and we market it world wide. Everyone starts sttiching, LNS thrive and prosper and the whole world is at peace. Pretty good dream, yeah? And just in case you might be wondering, I am not a ditsy blonde, just an aging optomistic brunette. Maybe it's something in the water or chemicals in the air. After all, I do live in the valley.
Lets hear one for the dreamers of the world.

Genevieve · Post by **Genevieve** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:43 pm

Good for you, Carolyn with your medication and your weight loss. It never ceases to amaze me how many people benefit from the theraputic aspects of stitching. I think it should be on prescription too.

And yes, if only all the world leaders stitched, it may well be a better world.

sammy_v · Post by **sammy_v** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:00 pm

Well done first of all im really pleased for u for doing so well. I completly agree about stitching should be on prescription lol.

Ernie2jess · Post by **Ernie2jess** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:09 pm

You know...that's something that I have to think about. In the past two years, I've gained almost 50 pounds while on an anti-depressant. I'm too scared to come off of the medication for fear of panic attacks coming back. I used to suffer through panic attacks almost everyday...so scary. I wonder if focusing on stitching would help me. Carolyn, can you pm me some more advise on this? I'd really like to get back to what I used to be before I got sick (healthwise, weight).

Serinde · Post by **Serinde** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:37 pm

I discovered exactly this fact: linen and chocolate: DO NOT WANT. I would rather stitch than eat, that's for sure. In the UK, it is possible for doctors to prescribe exercise and gym memberships. I don't need stash (although I would never consider refusing genuine offers!

), but why not a prescription for the time to do my stitching, and having the pals around to stitch with? Do wonders for blood pressure...

I'm so happy that you have discovered the therapeutic value of needle, floss and fabric. Even better, the praise and feelings of satisfaction when a project is finished! This forum specialises in praise for all stitching: and the good thing is -- everyone's gallery or WIPs or cleverness with riddles is absolutely worthy of the praise. In return, I receive the genuine delight of seeing beautiful, funny, cute, magical pieces of art made by pals.

coffee_freak · Post by **coffee_freak** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:35 pm

exactly! when i was bed bound after my hysterectomy..i stitched! that was the only way i didn't have snacks in my hands while watching tv...
and every time I get a craving for bad foods, I dig out my cross stitch and make myself stitch until something comes up to take my mind off the craving..then the craving is gone!

~threadbear~ · Post by **~threadbear~** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 11:16 pm

It is for sure theraputic and soothing. I have found concentrating on projects, even small ones like my dolphin at the moment, really give you some focus and especially when you going through stressful times. It has really helped me, as you can just lose yourself in your stitching and then have the pleasure of sharing it with others who can appreciate your efforts.
I 100% think it should be available on prescription!

Congratulations though Carolyn, it seems you have really worked hard to get yourself in a good place and you have done amazingly well to get yourself off the medications you were on.
40lbs is a real achievement!

Angel · Post by **Angel** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 12:18 am

Ooooh so that's what my magazine was talking about! I was reading a new magazine and they're doing a stitching diet, but I don't have the issue where they started it. I get it now.

It would be great if doctors could perscribe stitching materials. I'd so be more willing to go to my doctor if he could.

Rose · Post by **Rose** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:02 am

Well I am in the minority then as I do tend to snack while I stitch. Not candy so much but nuts and chips. (Baked so they are not so greasy) I am bad I wish I could find a rolling frame so I could stitch and walk at the same time.

Angel · Post by **Angel** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:05 am

I eat while I stitch too *munches a cookie*

**HEART OF MY HOME** · Post by **HEART OF MY HOME** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 3:44 am

I too revisited my stitching after a hysterectomy and was amazed at how much you can do in one day! I love stitching for the therapy and for the joy of watching the design come to life. I have something from the heart to give to my cherished friends and in return I get hugs, tons & tons of hugs. We both win.

Stitching is the most inexpensive activity out there in my opinion. Such simple supplies, with the cost of framing being the most expensive part of the craft. It is so portable...just some good lighting and your basics. You are never done buying things for some crafts or hobbies like stamping or scrapping. Stitching is peaceful and requires so little, you can talk while doing it, watch a movie (I watch Gone with the Wind almost monthly) just so I can stitch for a long time.

Long live cross-stitch for the benefits that help us thrive!

wendywombat · Post by **wendywombat** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 10:17 am

I took up stitching at the end of my nursing career. I was Stressed! I found that reading helped but I needed something productive too. I saw a disabled lady stitching the most beautiful things and thought ...'I can do that!' I taught myself with the help of magazines and now about 15years later and retired I still find that stitching is a wonderful way to relax productively! And meet like-minded people too! Look at this Forum for instance!!

I don't snack and sew though! So, yes it's good for dieting too!

To get to the point!!!! Really pleased that you have found relief from pain and troubles through your stitching and the ability to live a better life!

coffee_freak · Post by **coffee_freak** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 11:25 am

let me just say yesterday i had a very bad day..lots of things going on..so after my kids where in bed i really wanted to attack my hubby's HUGE bag of doritos..but i grabbed my stitching bag and went into my bedroom, got comfy and started stitching..i felt so much better and best of all..

no dorito bloat!

carolyn61 · Post by **carolyn61** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 5:24 pm

I hate that Dorito bloat too! Of course that doesn't always stop me from indulging. Chips are definately my weakness. Mmmmm salt. Stitching is the perfect answer as oil and salt doesn't work well with fabric and floss.
Thanks for all the input everyone. This is a terrific group.