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Hi There,
per·son·al (pûr′sə-nəl) | adj | done to or for or directed toward a particular person.
Sometimes our stitching is generic. We begin a project without a particular purpose or person in mind. Other times we stitch with intent, knowing exactly who the recipient will be before we pick up needle and thread. |
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It’s these times of ‘deliberate’ stitching that are often the most personal as we direct each push and pull of the needle and thread through fabric with purposeful intent. |
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Aside from intent though, what is it about these pieces that makes them so personal?
Is it the subject or design you chose, knowing it’s important to the recipient? Could it be the colourway we’ve used, a personal favourite of the receiver? Maybe it’s the inclusion of a handwritten note with the piece that gives our stitching meaning and context? Certainly though, including a monogram on your stitching gives it a subtle mark of ownership, making it an incredibly personal gift.
This week, we unpack these ‘subtle marks of ownership’ further as we highlight another project from Susan O’Connor’s book ‘Monograms - The Art of Embroidered Letters’, look at what monograms our Inspirations community have included in their intentional stitching and share a quote that highlights, with tongue in cheek, the importance of the monogram.
What is it about your stitching that makes it personal? We’d love to hear how you stitch with intent, so email us at news@inspirationsstudios.com |
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The Gentle Art of Honouring the Past
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Needlework by Hen of HenHouse, words by Donna Kennedy Fry. |
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I think a lot of us have a soft spot in our hearts for vintage textiles. You may be lucky enough to own some treasured pieces. Some come to us in pristine condition and add sparkle to our décor. I have purchased damask table cloths and napkins to use for special occasions and I know my mum owns embroidered table runners that she puts around the house for different celebrations. The embroidered work reminds her of beloved relatives and the places they lived. Out come the linens, and the good old stories. |
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Often, we like to use the perfect specimens. The pieces that remind us of the past, but still look tip top. |
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But what about the lurkers? You know what I mean. The not-so-perfect examples that show a few battle scars? It’s hard to part with these things because the embroidery may be in excellent condition, the rest…not so much. Pillow cases that have seen better days or doilies that need a little repair. These things sit in the cupboard for want of use, too nice to discard, too ‘patinated’ to use. What to do? |
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Instagram luminary @henhousehomemade has the perfect answer. These scraps of embroidery can be used in patchwork to create new textiles in an array of formats. From cushion covers to jumbo quilts. |
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By fussy cutting the embroidered sections and adding strips of vintage inspired fabrics a glorious new textile emerges and the embellishment lives again. A little bird tells me that clever Hen is working on a pattern that will make your life easy if you too would like to create a vintage masterpiece. Imagine wrapping a treasured child in a quilt that showcases your grandmother’s needlework, snuggling into patched pillows that feature a stitched flower border in the depths of winter or adding some border fabrics and framing the lot to put on the wall. |
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It’s time to liberate the lurkers! By doing so we will start the new thread of stories.
You can find Hen on Instagram HERE or visit her website HERE and if your thoughts stray to living surrounded by vintage goodness from time to time you could even stray HERE. |
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Not Just A Bag – A Yazzi Bag!
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Those familiar with Yazzi’s world famous craft organiser ‘Yazzi Bags’ will know how versatile and useful they are. In-fact, you can’t stop at owning just one, many of us have a whole collection in different shapes and colours! |
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Now you can join in on the Yazzi craze or add to your existing collection with a range of her bags available for the first time on our website. |
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Final Call - Issue 97 Kits
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With Inspirations Magazine #98 now on its way to subscribers, it’s time to say farewell to the kits for Inspirations issue #97. Some of the extremely popular #97 kits such as ‘Gillian’, ‘Marguerite’ and ‘Sunflowers and Daisies’ have been re-stocked for the final time and any kits now remaining or available on backorder, will be the last ones. Order your #97 kit today before they’re gone, gone, gone… |
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READY-TO-STITCH KITS |
Inspirations #97 |
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The Pillow - Monograms: The Art of Embroidered Letters
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From time to time you will see the internet ablaze with an idea for a new life hack. A life hack is the notion of a secret shortcut you can apply to daily tasks to make your life easier. From using frozen grapes as ice cubes in your wine, to turning on the seat warmer in your car to keep your pizza hot while driving home, the list is endless. |
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This week we’re bringing you a quasi-stitching hack for monogramming, courtesy of Inspirations Editor-in-Chief Susan O’Connor. The project we’re featuring is ‘The Pillow’ from her book ‘Monograms – The Art of Embroidered Letters’. |
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‘The Pillow’ by Susan O’Connor – from the book Monograms |
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Traditional monogramming features satin stitch, the application of which needs to be meticulous, with careful stitch placement, dead straight edges and a high degree of accuracy required to achieve well-formed letters that are finished with an even, smooth satin surface. Such is the challenge and thrill of the classic monogram technique. |
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But what if we told you there was another way to create beautiful looking monograms utilising a more forgiving approach? Raised Stem Stitch might just be the hack you’re looking for! |
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Susan created ‘The Pillow’ using raised stem stitch to demonstrate how laying stitches down parallel to the outline instead of at right angles to it, makes it much easier to achieve beautiful crisp edges on motifs and letters. |
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Start by transferring the outline of the design onto the fabric, you can then create a series of stitches evenly spaced at right angles to the edge of your outline. Once these initial stitches are correctly positioned, work rows of detached stem stitches, parallel to the outline, from left to right to fill in the shape (see diagram below). |
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You can see how this method lets the thread do the work of creating the edge, rather than the application of precise stitches. But wait, that’s not all! An additional benefit of using raised stem stitch is that it’s self-padding, thereby adding that lovely raised characteristic renowned in monogramming, as you go along. The closer and more tightly you pack raised stem stitch, the more height and padding you generate. All this without the need for the extra steps of adding padding or outlining your shape first.
To achieve a beautiful smooth satin surface finish, push the stitches down with your needle or thumb, and most importantly keep everything tight, but not so too tight it distorts. |
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By using raised stem stitch in monogramming, there is no outlining, no padding and less accuracy required in your stitching, compared to traditional monogram methods. For the time poor among us, or stitchers looking for a little short-cut here or there, this is a great needlework hack to have handy! |
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Did you know… when you see three monogrammed letters together and the centre letter is larger, this signifies the person’s last name. So, in the instance of Susan’s project ‘The Pillow’ she made it for her friend Gail whose full name is Gail Barbara Doane, hence the D taking prominence in the middle of the design. |
Make Your Own - The Pillow |
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The Pillow by Susan O’Connor is an elegant monogrammed pillow – the perfect welcome for a new baby, or a treasured gift for a bride or special friend. |
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PRINTED BOOK |
Monograms: The Art of Embroidered Letters |
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Looking for More Susan O'Connor?
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Warm Welcome: The Blanket |
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Warm Welcome: The Blanket by Susan O’Connor from Inspirations #91 is an elegant blanket with high relief monogram. |
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READY-TO-STITCH KIT |
Warm Welcome: The Blanket – i91 Kit |
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PRINTED MAGAZINE |
Inspirations Issue 91 |
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Serendipity by Susan O’Connor from A Passion for Needlework is two colourful pinwheels with Elizabethan inspired flowers and fruits. |
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READY-TO-STITCH KIT |
Serendipity | Rose and Heartsease |
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READY-TO-STITCH KIT |
Serendipity | Strawberry and Cornflour |
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PRINTED BOOK |
A Passion for Needlework |
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Chatelaine by Susan O’Connor from Inspirations #89 is an exquisite collection of sewing accessories in silk and gold hung from twisted cords. |
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DIGITAL PATTERN |
Chatelaine |
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Susan’s gorgeous needlework has been filling the pages of Inspirations Magazine since the very first issue, and now one of her all time, bestselling projects is making a comeback at Beating Around the Bush 2018. |
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‘Versailles Chatelaine’ is the latest design in Susan’s collection of this magnificent project. Stripes and florals are a match made in heaven with each piece featuring delightful tiny rose bouquets on a background of stitched pale blue and cream stripes. Finished off with a personalised monogram on the needle book, this stunning project along with two others, are being taught by Susan at BATB 2018. Book your classes now to avoid disappointment. |
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NEEDLEWORK CONVENTION |
Beating Around the Bush 2018 |
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In All Stitched Up! #130 ( HERE) we put out a call from Connie who was looking for some suggestions for stores, museums and/or exhibits that would help her indulge her love of needle and thread while she was on a short trip with her sister through Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Stockholm. We love that we’re able to point Connie in the right direction with these responses from our Inspirations community! |
Amsterdam |
‘As an avid reader of Inspirations Magazine for many years, let me make a suggestion for Connie who will be visiting Amsterdam in the near future - a must see is the: |
Tassen Museum Hendrikje Museum of Bags and Purses
Herengracht 573
1017 CD Amsterdam
The Netherlands.
www.tassenmuseum.nl/en/ |
Besides having a diverse collection of 3,500 plus bags and purses, they also have on display, a wonderful collection of early handmade/embroidered sweet bags. They even allowed me to take photos these bags to bring back and show my embroidery friends in the US! The museum was originally founded by a lady who collected these early sweet bags/purses and it took off from there. The museum, which is within walking distance of the city center, also has a wonderful coffee shop where you can purchase lunch or just a cup of coffee as the need may be. Happy travels Connie, Brenda.’ |
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image courtesy: worldfortravel.com |
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‘I hope that I can help Connie with a couple of special places I know of in Amsterdam. There is a fabric shop that sells wonderful silks from India. Most of them are richly embroidered, some even made by hand with pearls, beads and flower motives. They are available in every colour imaginable! |
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Image courtesy: edeltraudmitpunkten.blogspot.com |
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For people who love textiles and embroidery there are two quilt shops right next to each other - Birdblocks and Den Haan and Wagenmakers both of which can be found at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 99, 1012 RE Amsterdam |
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Den Haan and Wagenmakers - images courtesy: quiltsonbastings.blogspot.com.au |
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I am living in Germany and have improved my school English by reading Inspirations Magazine and your wonderful newsletter which I love and read every week. Enjoy Amsterdam Connie! Andrea.’
‘If you have time to visit Utrecht (just near Amsterdam), I have a few suggestions:
There is currently an exhibition of Jantaminiau’s couture fashion designs that runs from April until August which you can read more about HERE.
A visit to the passementerie, Baars & vd Kerkhof. Don’t know what a passementerie is?! Well, it’s a shop specialising in decorative trimming such as tassels, braid and fringing that is often used on furniture and clothing. You can read an article about the shop HERE.
Carol Cox is a patchwork shop located in the beautiful Utrecht Museum Quarter, you can visit their website HERE. |
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I wish you a nice trip! Kind regards, Lenie.’
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Copenhagen
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‘If you are an enthusiastic embroiderer you really must see The Queen’s Tapestries in Christiansborg Palace. They were given to our queen - Queen Margrethe II - on her 50th Birthday in 1990 and are designed by a Danish artist. You can read about them HERE. Kind regards, Jette.’ |
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Connie, I think there may be enough suggestions to fill your entire travel itinerary! We wish you safe travels and look forward to hearing about your adventure abroad. |
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This week’s What Are You Stitching? is all about the monogram! The stitching is sure to inspire you to include a monogram in one of your future pieces and the stories of intent behind the stitching will challenge you to personalise something for someone you hold close. Enjoy…
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Alexandra Durazzano | USA |
‘I have recently completed a ring pillow I made from scratch using my newly acquired skills including a jour (objects that are pierced, perforated or decorated with an openwork pattern), making corners and shadow stitch. I used lace from the bride’s mother’s wedding dress, which I soaked in Oxy Clean to bring it back to white. The lace has been stitched to the bottom layer of linen. I also incorporated a band of grosgrain ribbon so the child carrying the pillow would not drop it on the way! It has been a labour of love.’
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Alexandra, your pillow is a labour of love indeed! Your newly acquired skills have served you well and the inclusion of the heirloom lace adds to the intent with which you stitched. |
Amy Haffling | USA |
‘In 2008, I was commissioned to make a table runner by my hair dresser at that time. He had an elderly friend who he considered to be his Guardian Angel. This friend collected table runners and he asked me to make one for her. |
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He wanted the first initial of her last name to be the center of the piece and also wanted to include a bow and angel wings. I designed the wings myself, using some metallic threads to make them sparkle.’
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‘The monogram and bow were part of a design from Susan O'Connor's book ‘Monograms - The Art of Embroidered Letters’. The blanket stitched, scalloped edging was also inspired from her book. It is about 32” x 17” (80cm x 43cm) and is worked on Irish linen which I ordered from the Williamsburg Linen & Lace Company in Virginia. I am very happy that it turned out so nicely!’ |
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Amy, we love that you’ve taken inspiration from Susan’s book to make an incredibly personal piece that celebrates the life of a Guardian Angel! Your design is unique and meaningful and would have been a gift well treasured. |
Andrea Ocello | Italy |
‘The drawing for this monogram comes from an ancient embroidery album - Sajou Dessins de Broderies. |
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The embroidery is very small, measuring just 13cm and is made with a very thin thread on cotton batiste. Best regards, Andrea Ocello.’ |
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Andrea, what incredibly precise and detailed stitching to have produced on such a small scale! We love the monochromatic colourway and dimension of your monogram. |
Lisa Ronald | New Zealand |
‘I have been embroidering for just over a year and as you can see, love your Inspirations projects! The monogrammed L is from the Love Letters projects in Issue #89. I wasn't brave enough to attempt the cushion, so just framed the piece! |
I've loved working on the project and look forward to each new issue of Inspirations, excited to find inspiration for my next embroidery challenge.’ |
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Lisa, you’ve done a beautiful job of recreating Elisabetta Sforza’s Love Letters - your flowers are every bit as colourful and generous as her originals! |
Maureen Sharkey |
‘I love, love, love your weekly email 'magazine'! I also follow you on Facebook and love the pictures you post there. A cousin sewed together my late husband's ties into a terrific design. The ties were silk and since they were so slippery, my cousin had to put iron-on interfacing on the back of each tie so she could sew them together. I had originally wanted to put a bit of embroidery ‘bling’ on the piece - pictures of the things he liked best such as a kitty and stack of books. Unfortunately, the interfacing made trying to stitch anything on them impossible so I had to content myself with putting in pins and tie tacks. It still looks nice, just not what I originally had in mind.’ |
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‘The R in the middle is made from my husband, Randy's, favorite tie and my cousin put piping around it. This piece has a monogrammed tie clip at the top, and two buttons that he wore, depicting some of his favorite things/interests.’ |
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Maureen, what a creative and unique way to honour the memory of your husband! Your piece is the epitome of stitching with intent.
Do you have some ‘personal’ stitching to share with us? We’d love you to email us at news@inspirationsstudios.com so we can see the photos of what you’ve created with needle and thread and hear the story of intent behind what you’ve stitched. |
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Cherry Delight by Jane Nicholas is a superb stumpwork roundel with goldwork and beading. |
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PRINTED MAGAZINE |
Inspirations Issue 97 |
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Kits are available for ‘Cherry Delight’ (also known as Cherry Flower Roundel) from Jane Nicholas direct via her website HERE. |
Harvest |
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Harvest by Susan O’Connor from Inspirations #63 preserves the fresh, wholesome beauty of favourite fruits and vegetables – including cherries - by capturing them in stitch. |
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DIGITAL MAGAZINE |
Inspirations Issue 63 |
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Cherry Ripe by Nikki Delport-Wepener from Inspirations #81 is a magnificent botanical study of ripe cherries created with dimensional stitches and ribbons. |
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DIGITAL PATTERN |
Cherry Ripe |
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Cherry Pie by Martha Broyles from Australian Smocking & Embroidery #96 is a pink piqué bishop dress with mock yoke smocking design and plump picture smocked cherries. |
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PRINTED MAGAZINE |
AS&E Issue 96 |
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DIGITAL PATTERN |
Cherry Pie |
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What an absolutely gorgeous quilt!
What do you think? |
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“Oh honey, a monogram makes everything better.” |
~ someecards ~ |
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NOW TO 30 APR | GALLERY HOURS |
Hanging Thread: Featuring Laura Tandesky
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San Francisco School of Needlework & Design
Suite 604/360 Post Street, San Francisco |
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NOW TO 24 JUN |
The Lady and the Unicorn Tapestries |
Art Gallery of NSW | Upper Asian Gallery
Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney |
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14 TO 21 APR | 10:00 TO 4:00
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Unchartered
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Unchartered | Textile & Mixed Media Works from Collective Notions
Steps Gallery
62 Lygon Street Carlton South, Victoria
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28 & 29 APR | CALL FOR ENTRIES |
Shoreline Stitchers’ Showcase |
Shoreline Stitchers’ Showcase | A Judged Needlework Exhibit & Boutique
South Coast Botanic Garden
26300 Crenshaw Blvd Palos Verdes, California |
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© 2018 Inspirations Studios
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