Aspects of this week’s All Stitched Up! centre around history.

As we look back into the past for the writing of these segments, we realised how often the events of history are told through needle and thread and we are reminded of the incredibly rich history of needlework itself.

Along the way, we found ourselves considering our own histories, especially that of our stitching. Some of our stitching records poignant moments in our own journeys, while at other times our stitching is inspired by moments in the journeys of those who have gone before us.

Some of us have a stitching history steeped in tradition as we’re able to look back and see the love of needle and thread passed down through many a generation before us, while there are those of us who have only recently picked up needle and thread and are beginning to stitch the history that future generations will speak of.

So, whether your stitching journey is well worn or you’re forging a new path for the generations to come, relish the rich history you’re creating and/or recording with needle and thread.

conversation | kɒnvəˈseɪʃ(ə)n - a talk, especially an informal one, between two or more people, in which news and ideas are exchanged.

We love that ‘Have Your Say’ facilitates conversations - conversations that may not have been possible before the internet made the world feel a much smaller place, or without All Stitched Up! creating connections with people who may never have found each other otherwise! This week ‘HYS’ continues a conversation we started some weeks ago in ASU Issue #135 (HERE) and starts new conversations as we look to the All Stitched Up! community to help Norah and Sarah below.

Thank you to everyone who jumped in on the conversations started in ASU #135, here are a couple of highlights of the many terrific responses we received:

Cate Longley asked, ‘How do people keep and store the half-used, left over threads during a project?’

Linda Kelly was one of many to offer sage advice to this popular question, even including a photo (see above) of how she tames the tangles!

Sherri Harris asked for suggestions as to needlework destinations to visit during her upcoming European holiday, including a few days in London, to which Jacqui suggested the London Bead Shop on Kentish Town Road. As London Bead are long-time supporters of Inspirations, we’d have to strongly echo that recommendation! Anyone visiting London should most definitely visit Faye and her team at their magnificent store, or check out their huge range of products online HERE.

You can read all the questions and wonderfully informative answers in the separate PDF document we have put together.

HAVE YOUR SAY CONTINUED – Download free PDF HERE

Here are two new conversations you might want to be a part of:

If you’d like to add something to any, or all, of these conversations, or perhaps you’ve got a discussion you’d like to get off your chest, we’d love to hear from you. Email news@inspirationsstudios.com – we look forward to facilitating your conversation!

History is a wonderful story teller. She has a treasure chest deeper than the ocean, full of fascinating tales from those who have gone before us, some of which even make for wonderful inspiration when designing a needlework project.

In her project ‘Gloriana’ from Inspiration #98, Betsy Morgan takes us back to the 16th Century and explores the interesting connection between Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scotland.

These two rival women were engaged in a very complex and volatile relationship, yet as cousins, also shared many commonalities. They were both Queens at the same time, both very young Queens, both laid claim to the same throne and were both prolific embroiderers.

To represent each of these Queens in her design, Betsy takes some of the iconic symbols, patterns and colours from the Tudor dynasty, and intertwines flora from the respective regions over which each monarch ruled at the time.

For Queen Mary, Scotland is represented by none other than the striking Scottish Thistle in all its purple glory.

As is trademark Betsy Morgan, this piece is meticulously designed and created using surface and counted thread techniques, stitched with silk and cotton onto evenweave linen with twisted cords and tassels to finish the bag and fob. The needlebook is also beautifully finished with a laced silk ribbon hinge.

Why the name Gloriana? Considering Queen Elizabeth I most famous nickname was Gloriana and Betsy has used predominately Gloriana threads through-out, it seemed a very fitting name indeed!

Did you know?

This week’s What Are You Stitching? celebrates the works of needle and thread that are steeped in history.

Patrina, you have chosen the perfect project to honour the history of your Grandmother’s Sewing Box! We appreciate your kind words about Inspirations and are honoured to have been a part of your stitching history.

Heather, you’ve represented Australia beautifully through your stitching. It’s amazing to think that this is just the beginning for what you’ve created with needle and thread – like you, we can’t wait to hear how its story ends!

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28 JUL TO 11 AUG

Buda Historic Home and Garden
42 Hunter Street Castlemaine, Victoria

NOW TO 31 MAY | GALLERY HOURS

SNAD's Stitch-at-Home Challenge: View from My Window

San Francisco School of Needlework & Design
Suite 604/360 Post Street, San Francisco

NOW TO 24 JUN

Art Gallery of NSW | Upper Asian Gallery
Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney

NOW TO 26 AUG

A major exhibition on the work of Jan Taminiau

Centraal Museum
Agnietenstraat 1, 3512 XA Utrecht, The Netherlands

9 TO 24 JUN

Zig Zag Gallery
50 Railway Road, Kalamunda WA
Glen Hall | 0419 931 676

16 TO 23 JUN

The Embroiderers’ Guild of Queensland
149 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley QLD info@embroiderersguildqld.org.au or 07 3252 8629

20 TO 24 JUN | CALL FOR ENTRIES

The Embroiderer’s Guild NSW

Craft and Quilt Fair Sydney 2018
International Convention Centre, Sydney

29 JUN TO 2 JUL