The official definition of a French Knot describes it as a stitch where the thread is wound around the needle, which is then passed back through the fabric at almost the same point, creating a small, rounded raised dot. But to me, these tiny stitches represent so much more than just a technique.

A HIDDEN MESSAGE

Some time ago, I discovered that French Knots worked remarkably well with the collage work I was immersed in. As I layered clear transparencies over my paintings, certain sections began to lift. To secure them more firmly from behind, I devised a hidden language—a secret message embedded within the membranes of my canvas. Not only did the French Knots address the practical issues at hand, but in their raised dot form, I arranged them into Braille letters. These letters transformed into Braille words, which then became encrypted messages that only someone blind or familiar with Braille could read!

A TURNING POINT

It was a turning point in my collage work. And many years later, I still marvel at the remarkable ordinariness that something so simple as a threaded stitch could turn into something so extraordinary!

Recently, after completing a series of daily sketches through my kitchen window of Lion’s Head at different times of the day, I felt inspired to incorporate these lovely stitches once again. Using my favourite shade of brick red embroidery thread, I stitched the Braille message, “reclaiming wonder.”

How often do we, as sighted people, become blind to the beauty and wonder surrounding us? I’ve found that if I don’t intentionally look at the world through fresh lenses each day—training myself to seek beauty in unexpected places—I risk being blinded by the weight of brokenness, heartache, sadness, and pain. Thus, I’ve embarked on a self-induced quest to reclaim wonder in my life.

Living this way doesn’t make the problems disappear, but it certainly makes it easier to cope in a world that often feels chaotic. Through the lens of wonder, I find strength and resilience, and I invite you to join me on this journey of discovery. Let’s embrace the extraordinary in the ordinary, one stitch at a time!