Mood Scores from workshops 21/11/13, 30/11/13 & 4/12/13

In all of these results we can see that throughout each workshop there was an overall improvement in mood. Maybe not a consistent result throughout each workshop as it is determined subjectively, but for this shows I’m heading along the right track.

I’ve chosen to lay the graphs out as a line graph because it shows the progression visually for the whole group and connects all the participants together. I think the connective line has a nice air to it when showing that this is a community derived workshop. Participants sit in groups, in close proximity and are encouraged to engage in conversation if they so wish.

One result that I highlighted was a score reflecting a drop in mood during the mindful stitching.  I asked the possibilities as to why to this particular participant (Participant F, 21/11/2013)  who explained that they did not have a history in crafts and felt their skills were limited; it was out of their comfort zone.  This participant chose a woollen scarf fabric that had a grid pattern for the sample on the arm.  Using this fabric, the participant felt that the lines acted as a guide to stitch along, but would this kind of subconscious influence lead to a more or less mindful approach? From my interview with University of Huddersfield embroidery technician, Melissa Fletcher reflects on her experiences of leading embroidery workshops and observes that together both embroidery and flowing conversation as a partnership helps to improve mood as a whole, however Fletcher adds that a lot can depend on the individual. This particular participant could find comfort through some alternative emotional outlet or mindful practice.

Participant F 21/11/13 Sample on the arm

Some people’s moods were consistent from beginning to end, and others felt their mood raise during the making, but then their mood returned to a lower score because they had stopped making.n So does this prove that it is the process of making that lifts the mood? when stopped does reality set back in….would that happen so quickly?

Over time and repetitiveness can we train our minds to stay in that rested place even after making has stopped…so that the making becomes almost a booster to mood but it is training our cognitive behaviour and response overall that will lead us to control our mood, stresses, anxieties and depressions. I think maybe there should be a leaflet explaining more about mindfulness practice as a whole that participants can take away and use in their day to day living.

Mood scores for workshop held at the Subversive Stitch Revisited conference at the V&A 30th November 2013

Mood scores for workshop help at The Pack Horse Center Gallery on 21st November 2013

Mood Scores from workshop held at the dance studios on 4th December 2013