Invocation Before the First Stitch

I sit with thread and cloth in hand,
and welcome those who helped me stand—
whose lessons live in fiber's grace,
whose presence time cannot erase.

Ancestors, mentors, family, friends,
whose love in fabric never ends—
be with me now, around, within,
as thread meets cloth, let us begin.

For every lesson passed in grace,
each shared mistake, each slow embrace,
for hands that showed, and eyes that knew,
I sew in thanks, and sew with you.

Let each stitch hold more than thread—
a word unspoken, a tear once shed.
Let laughter, love, and humble dreams
be tucked and folded deep in seams.

I honor all that brought me here:
the joy, the loss, the craft, the cheer.
With every piece, I sew a prayer—
that love endures, that hearts repair.

Sit with me now, unseen but near,
Guide my hands, and steer me clear.
May what I make be strong and true—
A gift of all I am, and you.