Meditation Pillow
By Bernadette Noll and Kathie Sever
Future Craft Collective
Future Craft Collective is still on the road this week – with Kathie and I visiting the coasts of our youth. She west and me, east. We’re kind of enjoying this current process of project making – photos sent and project written. It’s fun but I am definitely missing our together studio time. Making and scheming and writing and having a good old time in the same space. But, in the meantime, we are appreciating the modern inventions that make this kind of working together possible.
This week we’re going to help you create your very own meditation space – for kids and grown ups alike.
Here’s what Kathie has to say about it:
So the crafty part of this project I actually started just for myself, to make myself a super foxy meditation pillow for my bedroom, with some of the left over mod green pod fabric I got from making Rodney’s shirt. (He’s the partner of Nancy Mims, the co-founder of Mod Green Pod organic textiles.) But as the summer has worn on, I have realized that it’s not just me that needs a sacred space for clearing my head and grounding…the whole family could use it. So I finished the pillow and decided to create an area (in my room, so as to keep it out of areas where there is more frequently other stuff going on) that could be requested as solo time. The kids have been needing lots of solo time in the midst of this action packed summer. It’s also tool for when they’re arguing, to ask if anyone needs some solo time “on the cushion” (which is also what is called “meditation time” in some of those kooky circles in which I run). When they both request time on the cushion, I just set a timer and give each of them around 20 minutes – enough time to decompress. It works for them, and it works for me, too. I can tell them I’m taking 20 and for the most part they’ll respect the time I’m on the cushion.
Surely after reading that, you’re itching to make your very own meditation cushion and space. The space itself doesn’t require a lot – a few feet will suffice. It’s the intention of it that matters, not the size. So take a look at the pictures. Use what resonates, and leave out what doesn’t. Kathie’s space has got a journal for each member of the family. A basket to hold finger knitting and colored pencils. And a small gong to signify the beginning and end of each session.
If you have a special something you do in times of meditation, incorporate that into your space – a sketchpad, watercolors, a journal, etc. You can either make the cushion below, or use something you have. It’s the sacredness that matters – not what’s in it. If ever there was a time to make a project yours, this is it. If you do make it, we’d love to hear what elements you added. Each one can be so unique.
Materials:
Several ratty old sweatshirts
2 scrap fabric pieces approximately 3′ x 2′ Preferably a bit heavier than your average cotton quilting, but cotton quilting will work too.
Polyfill taken from a couple of large stuffed animals
Cotton string for quilting
Sewing machine
Thread
Fabric for piping (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Cut off the sleeves of your sweatshirt and open them up by slicing them lengthwise.
Step 2: Cut the remaining torso piece into a large rectangle approximately 3′ x 2′. Smaller is okay, you’ll take care of that in the next step.
Step 3: Layer the flattened pieces of sweatshirt into a rectangular shape until you have a thick pad. Quilt them together by running them through the machine. This will give you a sort of futon like pad.
Step 4: Cut your fabric pieces into 3′ 2″ x 2′ 2″ rectangles.
Optional Step: To the top piece of fabric, attach a strip of piping.
Step 5: Sew your two fabric pieces together, good sides together. Leaving a small opening. Turn it right side out.
Step 6: Insert your sweatshirt futon into your cushion cover.
Step 7: On top of the sweatshirt fabric, stuff a layer of polyfil to provide a bit of cushioning.
Step 8: Sew shut the opening.
Step 9: Quilt the entire pillow with ties cut from cotton string or any string you’ve got around the house.
Now it’s time to create your very own sacred space. What will you put in yours? Let us know!
Next week we might be taking turns on the project. Might not. The only way to find out for sure is to come back and see! Today I rode a horse for the first time in my entire life. When was the last time you tried something new?
About the Authors:
Future Craft Collective is brought to you by Kathie Sever and Bernadette Noll. Kathie is an accomplished seamstress, creator of Ramonsterwear Custom Western Wear, artist, and mother of two. Bernadette is a writer, co-founder of Slow Family Living, and mother of four. They have found renewed energy in their collaboration and are continuously amazed by the ideas, inspiration, and a-ha moments that have come from this shared effort.
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