Making Fibre Magic: a Small Guide to the Therapeutic Arts

by Marina Hiebert

This book contains 4 art directives for folks who are interested in engaging in a self-reflective and expressive process through sewing. In my last zine, Making Magic, I talked about the magical qualities of making art. In stage magic, the magician applies an unseen process to a piece, often requiring hours of practice or problem solving, and reveals the final product as if it appeared effortlessly.

In art-making we get to be both the magician and the audience. Through noticing our process and then reflecting on the art afterwards, we get to see the magic in both stages. Sometimes in art therapy we make a piece that surprises us the same way an audience member might be surprised by the silks being pulled out of the magician's sleeve. Other times we have the pleasure of the process, and revel in the secret of intentionally folding and arranging our silk scarves in our sleeve, feeling empowered that we can choose when to pull them out.

Sewing is a special magic to me. I love the way a needle and thread can join two pieces of fabric to create something with substance and shape. As a child I sewed tiny pillows for my dolls, as a teen I impulsively sewed garments for myself, not paying attention to fabric type or following any patterns or rules. Now in my late 20's I enjoy the methodical process of tracing patterns, carefully placing my pins, and finishing my edges. It tests me, strengthens my patience, and sometimes frustrates me beyond belief. But I keep coming back to it because making something so tangible allows me to express myself and notice the ways I'm changing. I see myself so clearly in the things I make, and I hope you see yourself in your pieces too.