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Hi There,
They say time flies when you’re having fun, so the fact that half of 2018 is almost behind us must indicate we’re having a LOT of fun!
It’s hard to believe so much time has passed since we rang in the New Year, and with the launch of our Inspirations 2019 Calendar in this week’s issue of All Stitched Up! it got us wondering where all the time has gone and whether we’ve made good use of it.
In Issue #122 of our newsletter ( HERE), the first for 2018, we shared the concept of choosing three words for the New Year. Words that have personal meaning that are used as guideposts to help shepherd us towards the lasting results we’re hoping to achieve this year. We wondered what would happen if we made this idea specific to our needles and threads - could three simple words bring about a new direction in our stitching for 2018? Then we encouraged everyone to choose their own words to help guide each of our journeys. |
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With just six months of 2018 left, we realised that if we’re going to achieve what we’d set out at the beginning of the year, it was time for an honest stocktake! |
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Had we taken the time to write down our three words and post them anywhere and everywhere so they became a part of our everyday decision making process? More importantly, had we allowed them to create focus for the goals we’ve been working towards, the choices we’ve made and the projects we’ve undertaken?
We don’t know about you, but it turns out we’ve got a little way to go before we can say that 2018 heralded in a new us! But instead of losing hope, we’ve chosen to start afresh and use the ‘pressure’ of the remaining few months of 2018 to ensure we’re working towards the new us we were hoping the New Year was going to usher in.
We all know that a journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s refamiliarise ourselves with the words we chose for 2018 and set aside the time to work towards them a little - or a lot, depending on what our days allow - and let’s make the last six months of 2018 count. Our stitching is depending on it! |
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Otomi embroidery is an embroidery style created by the Otomi people of central Mexico that has become popular in recent years. Often worked in a riot of colour, we can’t help but be amazed by the careful workmanship of this ancient and traditional style. |
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Otomi tenango from Mexico, courtesy Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences ( source)
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The colours are in such stark contrast to our surrounds here in Adelaide where, like other areas in the southern hemisphere, winter is encroaching, and everything is becoming greyer, darker and leached of colour. In response many of us unconsciously dress in colours that match the winter sky, relegating our vibrant summer clothing to the wardrobe for the duration of the season.
So if you, like us, need an antidote to the winter blues, or even if the sun is shining where you live and you’re looking for something to celebrate summer fun, the colours of the tenagos or embroidered textiles of the Otomi people are calling your name. |
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The Otomi have been embroidering for centuries, but the embroideries we see today evolved out of the desperate need of the people to find a source of income after severe droughts wracked the country in the 1960s. |
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The designs are filled with symbols based on native flora and fauna, local beliefs and even primitive cave drawings found in the Hidalgo region where many of the Otomi reside.
Animals, often thought to be the bearers of important news; stars representing the cardinal direction; flowers and plants representing fertility and nature and even spirits, both helpful and harmful adorn the pieces which are then made into tablecloths, bed linens or wall hangings to sell at the local markets. |
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Although there is often symmetry in each piece, no two pieces are identical, just as no two motifs within a piece are identical due to the importance of hand sketching the initial design. |
We know that embroidery takes time, but some of these pieces can take the makers months or even years to finish. |
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Nevertheless, imagine the joy in selecting the colours and the pleasure in seeing the completed work. Although genuine Otomi embroideries are available for sale in Mexico, the price one would pay would only represent a fraction of the time, creativity and soul injected into each piece. |
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Close up of the back of the Otomi tenango from Mexico, Courtesy Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences ( source)
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Despite the age of this traditional embroidery style, any of these pieces would fit into a modern home. It makes you want to discard your patterns, get out a pencil and a bag of mixed threads in a rainbow of colours and just let yourself go, doesn’t it? |
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Inspirations Calendar – July Project
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For better or worse, here we are… officially half way through 2018. There’s no going back now! Whether you are well pleased with how your year is progressing, or you’re in denial about yet another year being half over, the Inspirations Calendar has some hidden delights for you. |
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‘Hidden Delights’ by Deborah Love from Inspirations #93 is an enchanting Schwalm embroidery featuring a songbird framed by a heart. One of the hidden delights in the project itself is the cute little songbird sitting inside the heart. There is also another hidden delight which only appears on the July page of our 2018 calendar… some say it’s not so hidden, but we somehow missed it – we printed the wrong year!
We’re calling it a hidden delight as in a way it makes you feel a whole year younger, that said we do apologise for the error and hope you can please forgive us! |
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One thing is for sure though, regardless of what year it is, the project Hidden Delights makes for a beautiful image to have on your wall, and even more beautiful to behold in real life with the digital pattern now available for purchase from our website. |
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DIGITAL PATTERN |
Hidden Delights |
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Clearance Sale: Books
To make space in our warehouse for our new upcoming titles, we’re clearing out old stock. Brand new copies of some older publications are now available at less than half price on our website. |
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Check out the new Clearance section on our website and grab yourself a bargain today. |
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CLEARENCE SALE |
Quality books at clearance prices |
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Adelaide Craft Fair: 6-8 July
For those who live in our home town of Adelaide, you can join in on the clearance fun at our warehouse sale during the Adelaide Sewing Stitching and Hand Craft Show July 6th to 8th. |
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Come and visit us at the Adelaide Showgrounds where you’re sure to find a bargain, or just stop by to say G’day. For details click HERE. |
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Extreme Knitting Pt 2
In All Stitched Up! Issue #132 ( HERE) we brought you news of the extreme knitting craze. First it was about size, from gigantic to the miniature, this week it’s about the use of extreme materials.
Knitting with Noodles |
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Who needs to worry about the cost of yarn, when you can save yourself hundreds by using noodles! Not only are noodles cheaper, they are also must faster to prepare requiring just 2 mins in the microwave and DING! all ready to knit. Don’t just take our word for it, check out the Huffington Post story about Cynthia Suwito HERE.
Knitting with Teabag Strings |
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Left: Teabag string scarf. Right: Irene’s collection of teabag strings. Images courtesy ABC Mildura-Swan Hill: Alexandra Treloar |
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Another way to save money and recycle at the same time is to knit with teabag strings. Irene from Kerang in Victoria, Australia reports it takes her more than 2,000 teabag strings and the same amount of cuppas to make one of her teabag string scarves. You can read more about her story HERE. |
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A-Z of Knitting contains everything you need to know in one easy-to-use, comprehensive manual for beginners through to the advanced. However, instructions for using noodles or teabag strings are not included, sorry! |
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PRINTED BOOKS |
A-Z of Knitting |
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As we continue to relish the ‘in-between’ we find ourselves in before the launch of Inspirations #99, we thought we’d pick up where we left off last week and keep unpacking some of the conversations we’re yet to share.
This week we point you in the right direction if you’re lucky enough to find yourself in London or Turkey and hope someone in the Inspirations Community can point Pat in the direction of a needlework shop or two for her upcoming trip to Belgium. |
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London | Anne Lockett |
‘For those stitchers visiting London, I can recommend the Fashion & Textile Museum located at 83 Bermondsey Street, just near London Bridge Station. It is a small museum which has some interesting exhibits & classes.’ |
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Images courtesy of doitinlondon.co.uk, tripadvisor.com & englishgirlathome.com |
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Turkey | Dima Santina |
In Issue #126 of our newsletter ( HERE) Dima started a conversation about her upcoming trip to Turkey. Since returning home, Dima has documented some of the details of her time abroad that will be of interest to all needle and thread enthusiasts, the details of which can be read on her blog HERE. |
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Images courtesy of Dima Santina |
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Bruges | Pat Taylor |
‘As a long time reader of Inspirations, I always enjoy reading where stitchers are traveling to and everyone’s suggestions as to where they can shop whilst they’re there. Now it’s my turn to ask a question! We are going to Bruges in Belgium and I am interested in finding a shop in the area that specialises in all things needle and thread. I’d appreciate any suggestions from the wonderful family of stitches all over the world.’. |
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Images courtesy of Studio Koekoek & steemit.com |
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We hope you’re lucky enough to find your way to the Fashion & Textile Museum in London or to one of Dima’s ‘Turkish Delights’ and if you’re able to point Pat in the right direction for her upcoming trip to Bruges, email news@inspirationsstudios.com, we know Pat would love to hear from you!
Just before we finish Have Your Say for this week, a most useful quote to remember from a Dutch Embroidery Teacher courtesy of Joke Koolschijn... |
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‘If it can't be the way it should, then it should be the way it can.’ |
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As we enter the second half of 2018, things are really starting to ramp up here at Inspirations. Over the past six months we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for a huge end to our anniversary year including Inspirations Issue #100, a brand-new A Passion for Needlework book, the 10th Beating Around the Bush and more… so the best is definitely yet to come.
In fact, there is so much yet to come, we’re getting started right now by launching our 2019 wall calendar TODAY! |
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Why a Wall Calendar?
In the digital age we live, wall calendars are an endangered species, along with their cousin, the paper diary. Yet as needleworkers we believe there are still good reasons to own one. |
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| Permission to Flaunt
You may not have posters of needlework stuck all over the walls of your sewing room like a teenager’s bedroom, but it’s important to keep your passion top of mind. A wall calendar is a very socially acceptable way for adults to flaunt their hobbies, some of our readers go all out and have an Inspirations calendar in their kitchen, laundry, bedroom, even their husband’s shed (ok that one is probably taking things a little too far!). Anywhere you spend a lot of time is the perfect place to add some needlework inspiration to your life, even if for some of us it’s the restroom! |
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You Are What You Watch
If you want to create beautiful things with your needle and thread, then immerse yourself with images that will inspire you. Our eyes are the windows to our souls, so let the light of the world’s most beautiful needlework shine in. |
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Still Not Convinced?
Here is an extract from the welcome page inside the 2019 Inspirations wall calendar:
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‘Beautiful – it immediately arrests your attention. Distractions become peripheral, everything slows down and in a moment, you are taken by beauty. It seduces you and captivates your senses. Nothing else matters. Resistance is futile. Beautiful has won... it always does. |
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Let beautiful take over your life with the 2019 ‘World’s Most Beautiful Needlework’ calendar by Inspirations. 12 gorgeous projects hand-picked for the sole purpose of inspiring you to pick up your needle and stitch, which in turn makes the world a more beautiful place.’
Need we say anything further? |
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Can’t Wait to Get Started?
The project featured on the front cover of the 2019 Inspirations calendar is ‘All Tied Up!’ and as we still have a limited number of kits available, for anyone interested in getting a jump start on 2019, today is your day! |
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Make Your Own All Tied Up! |
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Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions
All Tied Up! by Gioja Ralui from Inspirations #94 is a handy fabric tray with tied corners worked in Sardinian embroidery. |
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DIGITAL PATTERN |
All Tied Up! |
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Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit
The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for All Tied Up! includes everything you need to re-create this handy tray: Fabrics (unprinted), interfacing, ribbon, embroidery thread and needles. |
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READY-TO-STITCH KIT |
All Tied Up! |
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Looking for More Italian Embroidery?
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Su Caboniscu | Sardinian
Punt´e Nù |
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Su Caboniscu by Gioja Ralui from Inspirations #87 is a handy book weight worked in a traditional Sardinian stitch. |
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PRINTED MAGAZINE |
Inspirations Issue 87 |
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With This Ring | Punto Antico |
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With This Ring by Patricia Girolami from Inspirations #74 is a beautiful ring cushion featuring a Punto Antico white work design. |
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DIGITAL PATTERN |
With This Ring |
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PRINTED MAGAZINE |
Inspirations Issue 74 |
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Stitches from the Heart | Deruto Sfilato |
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Stitches from the Heart by Maria Elide Melani from Inspirations #97 is a charming little sachet, in shades of blue and white - the perfect introduction to the technique of Deruta Sfilato, drawn thread work from the heart of Italy. |
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PRINTED MAGAZINE |
Inspirations Issue 97 |
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DIGITAL PATTERN |
Stitches from the Heart |
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Renaissance | Estense Embroidery |
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Renaissance by Elisabetta Holzer Spinelli from Inspirations #74 is a stunning biscornu pin cushion featuring Estense embroidery in vivid colours. |
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DIGITAL PATTERN |
Renaissance |
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PRINTED MAGAZINE |
Inspirations Issue 74 |
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One of the things we love about creating the Inspirations wall calendars is they give us the opportunity to revisit past projects. This week we’re doing just that in What Are You Stitching? as we share what’s been created from the pages of Inspirations Magazine and our book, A Passion for Needlework by the amazing needlework community. |
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Capucines | Margaret Cobleigh |
‘I recently completed Catherine Laurençon's Capucines from Inspirations #93. Thank you so much for publishing Ms. Laurençon's designs - I have been a fan of her work for a long time and thoroughly enjoyed stitching her magnificent nasturtiums.’ |
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‘I am a long time subscriber to Inspirations and look forward to each and every issue. I have several Inspirations kits - among other things - in my stash that I am looking forward to completing. To that end, I started a blog HERE to share my projects with other embroiderers around the world and also, I think, to encourage me to work through my stash. Keep up the great work - you have definitely inspired this embroiderer!’
Margaret, we love your rendition of Catherine’s Capucines - your stitching is every bit as detailed and intricate as her original! We look forward to seeing what’s next completed from your stash. |
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Cornus | Heather Seamons |
‘I thought I would share the present I made for my dearest friend for her 70th Birthday. We have known each other since we were 17 and over the years I have made her many stitched presents and a few special bears as well. This year I launched into the cover project - Cornus by Julie Kniedl - from A Passion for Needlework.’ |
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‘In preparation for finishing the project, I had one of the members of our local men's shed, which was started by my husband, make the pin cushion base. I made a piece of felt in wool with silk smatterings throughout and decided to use only one flower and three leaves to balance the piece. Inside there is a magnet for a needle minder as part of her present were some Tulip Hiroshima appliqué needles and glass head pins as she is an avid quilter. I love adapting the projects from Inspirations to suit my needs!’ |
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Heather, what an incredibly thoughtful gift for a friendship that has spanned a lifetime! We love your adaptation of Julie’s Cornus and are sure it’s much admired by your friend with each use. |
Rustle of Winter | Elisabeth Lebedel |
‘I live in France near Nantes and I have been embroidering since I was eight years old. I stopped stitching for a long time when I worked as teacher and then had my two children. I first learned to embroider from my grandmother Madeleine and now like to make different things with needle and thread. This is my lastest piece - an immense pleasure to stitch!’ |
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Elisabeth, we love that you’ve found your way back to needle and thread after all these years! Your version of June’s ever-popular field mouse is as every bit as gorgeous as her original that appeared in Inspirations #37 all those years ago.
If what’s been created by the needles and threads above has inspired you, the following links will help you on your way to creating your own version of these timeless Inspirations projects. |
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READY-TO-STICH-KIT |
Capucines |
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PRINTED MAGAZINE |
Inspirations Issue 93 | Capucines |
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PRINTED BOOK |
A Passion for Needlework | Cornus |
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DIGITAL PATTERN |
Rustle of Winter |
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Subscribe to Inspirations Magazine
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Not a Subscriber? Join Today!
Become part of the Inspirations family by subscribing to the magazine... we'd love to have you join us!
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Lovable Bears by renowned Australian artist Jenny McWhinney features twelve unique and irresistible embroidered character bears. The book includes full-size patterns, stitch diagrams, step-by-step photographs for each bear plus construction guide for the quilt. |
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PRINTED BOOK |
Lovable Bears |
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Warm Welcome: The Bears by Nancy Lee from Inspirations #91 are easily constructed bears featuring pretty embroidery and a monogram. |
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PRINTED MAGAZINE |
Inspirations Issue 91 |
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READY-TO-STITCH KIT |
Warm Welcome: The Bears | Blue |
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The Loved Ones by Jan Norman from Inspirations #9 is a pure wool blanket with endearing hand appliquéd honey bears and soft pastel flowers. |
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DIGITAL PATTERN |
The Loved Ones |
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Dear Heart by Beth Allen from Inspirations #57 is a sweet little felt bear to keep your precious sewing accessories safe. |
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PRINTED MAGAZINE |
Inspirations Issue 57 |
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DIGITAL PATTERN |
Dear Heart |
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Enfant Cherí by Marie-Pierre Théus from Inspirations #76 is a charming cushion decorated with embroidered circles and cute teddy bears. |
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DIGITAL PATTERN |
Enfant Cherí |
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PRINTED MAGAZINE |
Inspirations Issue 76 |
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Just so very sweet by Trish Burr |
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‘Time is a gift that most of us take for granted.’ |
~ Cheryl Richardson ~ |
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29 JUN TO 2 JUL |
Alice Springs Beanie Festival |
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NOW TO 26 AUG |
Jan Taminiau | Reflections Exhibition |
A major exhibition on the work of Jan Taminiau
Centraal Museum
Agnietenstraat 1, 3512 XA Utrecht, The Netherlands |
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NOW TO 31 AUG |
Hanging Thread: Gillian Creelman |
San Francisco School of Needlework & Design
Suite 604/360 Post Street, San Francisco |
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1 JUL | 10:00 TO 3:00 |
Learn to Smock Day |
Smocking Arts Guild of NSW
Dence Park Community Centre
26 Stanley Road Epping, New South Wales
0417 431 387 |
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17 TO 22 JUL |
Bridging Stitches |
Bridging Stitches / Un pont entre les points | EAC Seminar 2018
University of Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada |
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20 TO 25 JUL |
Days of Vines & Stitches |
Days of Vines & Stitches | Greater Pacific Region of the EGA Biennial Seminar
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park California, USA |
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26 JUL TO 1 AUG |
Exhibition: “I walked out and was inspired” by The Five Muses |
Days of Vines & Stitches | Greater Pacific Region of the EGA Biennial Seminar
Snape Maltings | The Quay Gallery
Next to the River Alde, Snape, Suffolk |
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28 JUL TO 11 AUG |
Contemporary Textiles Exhibition |
Buda Historic Home and Garden
42 Hunter Street Castlemaine, Victoria |
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© 2018 Inspirations Studios
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