Are you a big picture thinker or detail-oriented?

Whilst most of us would naturally lean toward one of the two, there are times in our lives that call on us to be a little of each and sometimes both at the same time!

Over the past couple weeks, the Inspirations Team have been immersed in photography for Inspirations #101 as well as a new book that is scheduled for release early 2019.

Once the projects have been chosen and the location set – the ‘big picture’ – it’s time for the details. Sourcing props that complement each of the projects. Finding that just right spot on location. Then pouring over each element on screen to ensure that each photo is as close to perfect as we can possibly get it.

Sometimes it’s the smallest tweak of colour, lighting or position that make the biggest difference to the end result and that’s when we realise it’s all about the details! Yet, to arrive at that point, there had to be a big picture creative who cast vision over the project as a whole.

We’re thankful that the Inspirations Team is a fabulous mix of both big picture and detail-oriented thinkers and rarely do any of us have to try and be both at any given time.

What about you? Do you relish the creative or find comfort in the minutiae?

At Inspirations we love hearing about new things happening in the world of needlework. From discovering new designers, seeing a twist on a traditional technique or just taking an existing idea and making it your own, there is strong spirit of invention within the stitching community.

Several years ago an ambitious plan was hatched to start a brand new needlework and design studio in the heart of one of the world’s most creative and eccentric cities. A place voted by Bloomberg Businessweek as America's Best City - San Francisco.

Lucy Barter and Ellice Sperber started the San Francisco School of Needlework and Design in 2015 as a non-profit organization committed to preserving and promoting the traditions of hand embroidery.

Some of the Inspirations team had the privilege of visiting Lucy, Ellice and the SNAD gang at the school in San Francisco, where we experienced first-hand their passion, enthusiasm and the impact they are having on the city. Located right in the very heart of Union Square, the school is so contemporary they encourage local business people to come in for a stitch-n-chat during their lunch break.

When the opportunity arose to feature a project in Inspirations Magazine designed and stitched by Lucy, we saw it as a wonderful way to celebrate both Lucy’s accomplished skills as a talented teacher and needle artisan in her own right, plus raise awareness of their wonderful new school.

‘Touch of Gold’ is a delightful floral study worked in goldwork and stumpwork. The stylised floral image incorporates several metal thread techniques to create a variety of surfaces and finishes with the design bordered by a fine, couched gold line.

Lucy shares with us a little of her back story for this stunning design:

‘The inspiration for 'A Touch of Gold' came from a French printed textile design dating from 1797 (see below left). I felt the design lent itself well to metal thread work, needlepainting, and stumpwork techniques. The colours also worked well for Autumn, which is the time of year I taught it.’

Lucy is a graduate of the Royal School of Needlework Apprenticeship Programme and holds a BA Honors Degree in Fashion Design from the University of Northumbria. She regularly teaches at SNAD and loves traditional embroidery techniques.

For more information about the San Francisco School of Needlework & Design’s including upcoming classes and events, check out their website HERE.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Touch of Gold by Lucy Barter is a delightful floral study using goldwork and stumpwork techniques.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Touch of Gold includes everything you need to re-create this beautiful floral design: Fabrics (unprinted), felt, paper-covered wire, cotton string, fusible webbing, embroidery threads, metal threads and needles.

After ‘touching gold’ in our featured project this week, we thought we’d continue to immerse ourselves in the sparkle as we highlight what’s been created from the needles and very glistening threads of the Inspirations Community!

Bolivia, we love the individual elements you’ve been able to capture in Jen’s design. The piece is both texture and detail rich.

‘The technique is mostly English Goldwork with some stitches that I learned in Japanese embroidery classes, so this is a box with many international elements! I designed the patterns and had an idea of what I wanted it to look like, but the embroidery grew and changed as I stitched. Finally, I used a handmade paper for the bottom and to line the lid.’

Carolyn, what an incredibly intricate and detailed trinket box. You have proven you’re well ready for the challenge of the large casket and we can’t wait to see the results!

‘The plan is to finish it and frame it with two other Goldwork pieces - Alison Cole's Pearl Butterfly and Lucy Barter's Goldwork Flower.’

‘Goldwork has become a new obsession for me! Beading is another one and I'm currently stitching Hanabatake from Inspirations #95.’

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In Flanders Fields by Jo Butcher is a beckoning meadow scene filled with red poppies and golden wheat.

~ Perry Paxton~

Stay informed of upcoming needlework events taking place all around the world in our new What’s On page on the Inspirations Studios Website HERE.