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Hi There,
Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, Don Miguel Ruiz wrote 'The Four Agreements' - a book in which he unpacks four agreements he believes will lead us from self-limiting beliefs to true happiness.
The Four Agreements are: Be impeccable with your word. Don't take anything personally. Don't make assumptions. Always do your best.
It was the fourth agreement - always do your best - that caught our eye, especially in light of the time we spend with needle and thread.
It's easy to believe that always doing our best equates to perfection, but that couldn't be further from the truth Ruiz puts forward as he goes onto state that: |
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‘Your best is going to change from moment to moment. Under any circumstance, simply do your best.’ |
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It’s a call that reminds us to always do our best, no more and no less, and that our best is never going to be the same from one moment to the next. As frustrating as that may be, it will help us to process why some days spent with needle and thread are more productive than others and why the quality of our work will differ from one day to the next.
As we practice what Ruiz is preaching, we will find ourselves consistently more productive, kinder to ourselves and the self-judgement we may have previously imposed on our stitching has now given way to happiness.
And isn’t that exactly what the doctor ordered?! Ensuring our time spent stitching always provides the happiness and joy needle and thread can provide. |
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Based in Palmer, Alaska, The Magic Yarn Project’s mission is to bring magic into the lives of children battling cancer and inspire volunteerism to make a difference.
Through the gift of a comfy, soft and warm yarn wig inspired by beloved Disney characters, children are invited back to the world of play and daydreaming with the wigs becoming beacons of fun, laughter, and play during a difficult time. |
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How can you get involved to ‘Crochet or Knit it Forward’? From yarn donations right through to crocheting beanies and knitting wig accessories, the Magic Yarn Project welcomes any and all help! To find out more, visit their website HERE. |
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Inspirations Calendar – August Project |
August hasn’t always been August. The ancient Roman calendar comprised of only 10 months to mark one year, so back then August was the sixth month of the year and accordingly named Sextilis in Latin. Over time, 10 months become 12 then with the introduction of the Julian calendar in 45BC, Sextilis was renamed to honour Augustus Caesar who had several significant events in his rise to power occur in this month. |
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The name stuck and over two thousand years later, while today we use the Gregorian calendar, August is still August… until now!
According to the Inspirations 2018 Calendar, August could be renamed ‘Carolyn’ to celebrate Carolyn Pearce’s prolific contribution to needlework. |
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‘Violette’ by Carolyn Pearce - Inspirations #81 |
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Several of Carolyn’s designs have become bestselling books including ‘Home Sweet Home’ and ‘The Embroidered Patchwork Bear’ plus, more than 35 of her projects have featured in Inspirations Magazine over the years.
So why not celebrate the month of ‘Carolyn’ by stitching one of her fabulous projects. With so many to choose from, including ‘Violette’ as featured in the 2018 calendar, you’re sure to find something that will truly make the world more beautiful.
August Project - Violette
Three sweet needlework accessories by Carolyn Pearce embroidered with dainty violets. |
Carolyn Pearce Digital Patterns
Discover more projects by Carolyn Pearce now available as digital patterns. |
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DIGITAL PATTERN |
Carolyn Pearce Collection |
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New Projects Now Available |
Some say there is buried treasure in the early issues of Inspirations Magazine, and we reckon they are right! As we continue to work on creating digital patterns of as many projects from the Inspirations library as possible, this week two projects from right back in issues #9 & #19 have been added.
April Showers |
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April Showers by Beverley Sheldrick from Inspirations #9 is a magnificent cream cushion embroidered with silk ribbons.
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DIGITAL PATTERN |
April Showers |
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Labour of Love by Robyn Rich from Inspirations #19 is an elegantly embroidered scissor holder and pincushion. |
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DIGITAL PATTERN |
Labour of Love |
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After reading the article ‘Embroidery as Rehabilitation After WWI’ in All Stitched Up #143 ( HERE), Wendy Osborne went on to share a very personal connection she found within...
‘I thought you may be interested in a tapestry my father did while he was recuperating in hospital after he came home from the war. During WWII my father served in Borneo and Papua New Guinea and was hospitalised for many months upon his return to Adelaide. |
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He was given a tapestry to help pass the time and said that he was in hospital for such a long time that the pattern rubbed off and he had to make up most of the background! This fire screen is one of my most cherished possessions and looks as fresh as it did when it was completed.’ |
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Wendy, we love that you have such a cherished memory of your father and that needle and thread accompanied him through a lengthy recovery. |
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Saving Grace by Barbara Kershaw
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This week we’re starting a journey of stitching bliss as we begin featuring the new projects from Inspirations issue #99. Up first is the elegant linen cloth ‘Saving Grace’ by Barbara Kershaw. |
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We first met Barbara Kershaw back in issue #113 of our newsletter when, at the time, her debut project for Inspirations Magazine ‘Nöel’ had just been released. Her extensive knowledge and talent in whitework techniques such as Schwalm and Casaguidi are highly regarded and we were thrilled to discover Barbara for ourselves when she entered the stitching competition during her attendance at Beating Around the Bush in 2016. |
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At the time we became smitten with her work and promptly lined up some of her projects to feature in the magazine, the second of which is ‘Saving Grace’. |
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| Featuring classic Italian style drawn thread techniques to create magnificent patterns, this piece achieves the perfect balance of simplicity and elegance.
Drawn thread refers to the process of cutting away and withdrawing selected threads within the weave to open up a pattern. In Saving Grace, Barbara uses surface embroidery for further embellishment as well as helping to stabilise the fabric. Arching threads, knotted in dainty lines, are then added to create a spectacular lace border. |
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The placement of the knots dictates how the patterns are formed and to help ensure the knots are held in place firmly, Cordonnet thread is best used as it provides better grip than perle thread. |
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Adding satin stitches with bullion knots gives some lovely raised elements to the design and the table cloth is finished off beautifully with Peahole hem stitch, another classic Italian technique. |
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It sounds like there is a lot going on, and there is, however the scale of this project means it’s quite easy to work, and the stitches used are more straight forward than you might think. |
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We know this first hand because our in-house stitching guru, Ellaine, has created over 30 step-by-step photographs to make re-creating this project as easy as possible and while some of it was new to her, once she got started it all came together very quickly. |
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Whether you decide to create a set of the world’s most beautiful placemats for your dining table, or just a single linen cloth to decorate your favourite piece of furniture, Saving Grace by Barbara Kershaw will bring sophistication and beauty to wherever and however it is used. |
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Make Your Own Saving Grace |
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Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions
Saving Grace by Barbara Kershaw is an elegant linen cloth embellished with drawn thread techniques. |
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PRINTED MAGAZINE |
Inspirations Issue 99 |
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DIGITAL PATTERN |
Saving Grace |
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Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit
The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Saving Grace includes everything you need to re-create this stunning linen cloth: Fabric (unprinted), embroidery threads and needles. |
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READY-TO-STICH-KIT |
Saving Grace |
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Looking for More Barbara Kershaw
or Table Mats?
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Noël by Barbara Kershaw from Inspirations #96 is a superb whitework Christmas stocking with Schwalm embroidery. |
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PRINTED MAGAZINE |
Inspirations Issue 96 |
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Queen of Hearts by Kim Beamish from Inspirations #86 is an elegant Hardanger mat ideal for beginners. |
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PRINTED MAGAZINE |
Inspirations Issue 86 |
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Enjoy counted work with this graceful Hardanger design, Resting Place, by Kim Beamish from Inspirations #90. |
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PRINTED MAGAZINE |
Inspirations Issue 90 |
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Bianca by Patricia Girolami from Inspirations #66 is a stunning Hardanger mat with delicate lacy edging borders and an intricate Maltese cross design surrounding the central motif. |
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Heart’s Delight by Kim Beamish from Inspirations #94 is a charming pulled thread mat with heart motifs. |
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DIGITAL PATTERN |
Heart's Delight |
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Just as our best differs from moment to moment, so does what is produced by needle and thread. This week we look at the variety of items that have been produced by the needles and threads of the Inspirations Community. |
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Cushion | Kathryn Nielsen |
‘You showed my cross stitch in All Stitched Up! #127 (HERE) and said that you were looking forward to seeing the finished cushion. Well, here it is, all handed in ready for the exhibition!’ |
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Kathryn, we love that you were able to finish your cushion in time for the exhibition and hope you’ve found another piece to replace this long-term project you’ve been working on whilst chatting with the ladies at the Guild! |
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Dress | Gill Duncan |
‘In the 1990’s I joined the Embroiderers’ Guild and became a member of the smocking branch. It was there that I came across Australian Smocking & Embroidery and started my collection. |
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I have made many gifts for family and friends such as this Little Bird dress from AS&E issue #98. I love it when my daughter’s friends have babies so I can smock for them. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to develop my passion for needlework.’ |
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Gill, you’ve done a fabulous job developing your passion for needlework and we hope there’s many more babies to come so you can continue to pursue your love of smocking! |
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Needlecase | Liz Williams |
‘This project is a blast from the past - The Beehive Needlecase from Inspirations #29 which I just love and have used ever since!’ |
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Liz, we love that you’ve been using your needlecase ever since Inspirations #29. It’s fabulous that we can create such beautiful and useful items with our needles and threads. We really are able to make our lives more beautiful one stitch at a time! |
Wedding Accessories | Christine Bruce |
‘I have recently finished shoe stuffers and ring cushions for my daughter’s wedding. It was great fun making them! A tip for anyone contemplating shoe stuffers though is to keep in mind the size of the shoes, as these were made exactly to pattern and ended up just a little large.’ |
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Christine, what beautiful keepsakes you’ve poured your time and talent into for your daughter’s wedding! They will be well used for generations to come.
If you’d like to create your own beehive needlecase, full instructions including project requirements and pattern sheets are available by purchasing ‘The Beehive Needlecase’ digital PDF download. |
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DIGITAL PATTERN |
The Beehive Needlecase |
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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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Find Your Stitching Bliss |
‘Stitching Bliss’ is what Inspirations issue #99 is all about, featuring a range of superb projects to cater for any stitching mood, from relaxing and meditative to fun and adventurous. Single copies of this new issue are now available to order online. |
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Issue #99 Digital Patterns |
Did you know that many Inspirations subscribers purchase a printed copy of each issue to hold and treasure, then also purchase either a digital copy or digital patterns to work from? Digital patterns of each project from issue #99 are now available to purchase for your convenience. |
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DIGITAL PATTERNS |
Browse Patterns from issue #99 |
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Issue #99 Ready-To-Stitch Kits |
13 brand new kits from issue #99 have also now been added to our website! |
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READY-TO-STITCH KITS |
Browse Kits from issue #99 |
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Embroidery by Caroline Madaher |
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‘Excellence isn’t being the best; it’s doing your best.’ |
~ Unknown ~ |
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NOW TO 11 AUG |
Contemporary Textiles Exhibition |
Buda Historic Home and Garden
42 Hunter Street Castlemaine, Victoria |
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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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7 TO 9 SEP | 10:00 TO 4:00 |
Romancing the Threads Exhibition |
E.A Hunt Hall, Tocal College
Tocal Road Paterson, New South Wales |
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15 TO 22 SEP |
FACT and Friends Exhibition |
Fibre Artists Cape Town
Nova Constantia (next to Buitenverwachting)
Cape Town, South Africa |
| sheilaq@telkomsa.net |
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© 2018 Inspirations Studios
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