In Hannah Brencher’s book ‘Come Matter Here’ there is a chapter called ‘Be the Invitation’.

It talks about how we should invite others into our lives rather than wait to be invited by someone else. It’s a call to each of us within the many roles we fulfil throughout our days, but we thought it was especially relevant to our stitching.

Have you ever thought of inviting someone into your stitching world?

It might be as simple as inviting a stitcher to accompany you to your favourite needlework shop or letting someone know about the ‘secret’ stitch and chat session you’ve been attending, or it might be as bold as inviting a non-stitcher to try taking up needle and thread for the first time.

By being the invitation we allow others to share in what we know, create community with like-minded people and perhaps even pass on our passion for needle and thread to another generation of stitchers ensuring our craft remains.

How can you be the invitation today?

It seems that knotted stitches in general have a long history.

Some of the earliest examples are from China. The Pekin, or Chinese knotted stitch, which appeared on costumes from that period, was also known as forbidden stitch. Most likely this name came from its association with the Forbidden City, home of the emperor.

Renette Kumm made her Inspirations debut in spectacular fashion with her project ‘Savanna Glory’ that graced the front cover of issue #95 and became an instant hit with needlework fans the world over.

This week we’re taking a closer look at Renette’s follow-up project, ‘Sunbird’ from issue #99, in which the superb iridescent green and glowing tangerine plumage of the orange-breasted sunbird is magically captured using cotton and silk threads on a ground of beige poplin.

You may remember we first discovered Renette when she sent in her remarkable threadpainted bird portraits for inclusion in ‘What Are You Stitching’ in Issue #36 of our newsletter. Instantly we knew this was someone who was serious about needlework!

Looking at her work, you can see Renette has a real passion for birds as well as remarkable skill when it comes to stitching them, so we asked where her interest in feathered creatures comes from.

‘My hometown is Knysna, heart of the garden route, in the western province of South Africa. Nestled between the shores of the pristine Knysna estuary, Indian Ocean and thousands of hectares of beautiful indigenous forest as well as the famed Cape Fynbos, Knysna is home to myriad wildlife and birdlife.’

With such an incredible choice of muse in your own backyard, it’s no wonder your needlework is so vivid! Was there something in particular that drew you to the Sunbird?

‘In 7 June 2017 a terrible fire devastated the Western Cape, so badly that many of my friends and acquaintances lost their homes and escaped with only the clothes on their backs. It was a very traumatic and humbling experience, even for those of us who suffered no material loss.

Renette, that’s such a wonderful way of using needlework to help journey through a difficult time, and now when looking at your Sunbird with that backstory in mind, it speaks of resilience and almost a defiance in the face of tragedy, showing that beauty will return, despite the ashes. Do you have any advice for anyone who would like to stitch their own ‘Sunbird’?

‘When starting a project, I get all my threads together and stitch small samples blending the colours. My best advice is to do exactly that if you are unsure of blending the colours, use the right size needle for the thread and replace needles as they become blunt. Most importantly, enjoy the stitching.’

Are there some more bird projects you have planned that we can look forward to seeing in the future?

‘My first love is birds and specifically birds of prey and vultures. My current project is a vulture, still busy with the prep work and I will post my progress on Instagram. The next project that I’m planning will be a huge challenge and I am somewhat excited and nervous at the same time. It is a portrait of a beautiful and striking young African woman with a multi-coloured headscarf and beads, a first for me.’

Renette it has been so such a joy catching up with you, your needlework is spectacular, and we can’t wait to see more of your amazing designs.

If you would like to read more about Renette Kumm, you can check out her Needleartist Profile in Inspirations issue #99 plus check out some more of her work on Instagram here.

With nearly 80 different threads used in Sunbird, if you are interested in re-creating this amazing design, a Ready-To-Stitch kit is a great option to take the hassle and time out of sourcing all the materials.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Sunbird by Renette Kumm is a fabulous threadpainted orange-breasted sunbird.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Sunbird includes everything you need to re-create this stunning bird: Fabric (unprinted), embroidery threads and needles.

Inspired by Renette Kumm’s Sunbird, this week we enjoy the fine feathered friends that have been created with the needles and threads of our Inspirations Community.

Jan, you’ve taken to needle painting like a duck to water! There is a new level of detail and intricacy in your stitching and your progress with needle and thread is clearly evident.

‘The inspiration for my collection started when I experimented with an idea from the Embroiderers’ Guild magazine for a partridge in a pear tree. I decided to make a three-dimensional partridge, stitched with silk threads and try to capture the pattern and colouring of a partridge that had visited our garden. Each side was worked on fine cotton supported with interfacing and the wings were created using stumpwork techniques. Many hours later I had a tiny bird which just fitted in my hand!’

‘This was the start of a year’s work which resulted in a collection of 18 birds and butterflies. The ideas are still flowing so it looks as though there is plenty of work ahead!’

Jenny, what a fabulous year you spent with needle and thread! Your pieces are creative yet realistic and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

Kelvin, one of favourite stitching quotes is from Mary Kurtz who declared that, ‘The only place where housework comes before needlework is in the dictionary’, so don’t let cooking and cleaning stand in the way of your needle and thread!

Marlene, what a whimsical and fun piece you’ve stitched! It was well deserving of its 1st Prize.

Become part of the Inspirations family by subscribing to the magazine... we'd love to have you join us!

The Tooth Fairy by Betsy Morgan is two adorable counted work boxes for special tooth fairy deliveries.

~ Simon Sinek ~

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.