Connecting the ancient craft of embroidery to modern well-being and the slow living movement. De-stress and reconnect with your hands.
At Podere Cerbaia, surrounded by the quiet hum of the Tuscan countryside, I’ve discovered the meditative power of hand embroidery. It’s more than just a hobby, it’s a way to reconnect with my hands, my home, and the slow rhythm of nature. The Gentle Art of Stitchwork: A Path to Presence
In today’s fast-paced world, finding a moment of calm can feel like a luxury. We’re constantly bombarded with screens and deadlines, and our hands, so often glued to keyboards and phones, rarely get to create something tangible but what if the secret to mindfulness was hidden in a simple, ancient craft?
My aunt’s piece of art from the XX century
The magic is in the simplicity. With just a needle, some thread, and a piece of fabric, you enter a quiet world where the only thing that matters is the next stitch and the repetitive motion of pushing the needle through the cloth and pulling the thread tight becomes a calming ritual. It’s a gentle rhythm that soothes the mind and allows you to slow down and truly be present. Patience Woven in Thread: Mindfulness in Every Stitch.
This isn’t about perfection, don’t worry, because it’s about the process. A crooked stitch, a slightly uneven line these are not mistakes, but marks of a handmade creation. They tell a story of patience, focus, and a small act of rebellion against the pressure of a digital world.
Embroidery also connects us to history. For centuries, women have gathered to embroider, sharing stories and creating beautiful, lasting pieces. Think of the delicate linens and ornate tapestries passed down through generations. When you pick up a needle, you are part of that long, beautiful tradition. Have you ever tried?
So, if you’re looking for a way to find a bit of peace, consider picking up a needle. You might just discover that the quiet joy of a single stitch is all you need. The Quiet Art of the Needle: A Meditative Craft
be creative!
my own idea to use the piece of embroidery for a moment of relax
Art of Patience and hand embroidery
Here, at Podere Cerbaia, our own home is filled with these silent stories. The rustle of ancient linen, the intricate patterns on a forgotten pillowcase—these pieces remind us that some of the most beautiful art is created slowly, stitch by stitch. I love cross stich and my mum loves knitting. My little niece and my daughter love crochet … each of us has her favourite colours and patters, what we all love is showing our art to one another.
In nearby village of Tavarnelle, a special type of embroidery was invented at the beginning of the XX century, to decorate religious garments as well as the creations of the then emerging Italian fashion. Punto Tavarnelle: il merletto del Chianti amato dalle griffe.
Famous ‘artisans’ like Salvatore Ferragamo used to come from Florence to Tavarnelle and spent time with the locals in order to chose the right piece of embroidery for his shoes Archivio della mostra | Museo Ferragamo.
In 2024 the local Municipality has organised training sessions to revitalize this old technique and I have enjoyed so much these informal meetings to share sketches, threads, colours and ideas! I have created my own and I am now challenging myself to produce a pair of earrings
Personal experience with Embroidery
“Mum, what can I use today for our table?
Let’s try the white crochet, we may stich them together like small floating flowers!”
Which is your favourite technique? Share a photo or a pattern you are working on and comment if hand embroidery is an Art of Patience! Contact us to organise your time at Podere Cerbaia Contact us, reserve your stay in Chianti | Podere Cerbaia
