You may be familiar with one of the world’s most recently created nouns, ‘Kondo-ing’.

If you’re yet to hear of this phenomenon that’s sweeping the world, it refers to the Marie Kondo method of clearing the clutter from our homes as we choose to keep only those things that spark joy.

Since the release of her series, ‘Tidying Up’ on Netflix, it would seem much of the world is ‘Kondo-ing’!

When you find things that spark joy, things you truly love, you should keep them and give them a home. However, when you come across items that no longer spark joy, you should show gratitude towards them for how they once served you and let them go. Another way of assessing each of the items that surround us is asking ourselves if we want to take them with us into our future. In other words, does the item serve us or have a purpose going forward?

Marie suggests a ‘strict’ approach to the process – first clothing, followed by books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items) and then lastly, sentimental items – whilst we’d been inspired to start Kondo-ing, we quickly found ourselves surrounded with our stitching ‘komono’ rather than our clothes - I guess our passion for all things needle and thread really does carry through our entire lives?!

As we continue, all be it in the wrong order, to sort through the needles, threads, fabrics and such that have accumulated over the years, why not join us as we ask ourselves ‘does it spark joy’? We think our stitching will be all the more focused and blissful if we’re surrounded by supplies that spark joy, are given a home and can always be found where they’re meant to be!

We look forward to hearing how you’re Kondo-ing your way through 2019...

Jaouen’s love for local culture began as a child when he would see his grandmother wearing traditional costumes on Sundays, eventually seeing it as his purpose to not only preserve these techniques, but also teach them. Over his career he has opened several embroidery schools which now see almost 1,500 students pass through annually.

As we perused the collection of 16 garments that were on show, it was a delight to see the time and talent poured into each piece and witness the art of embroidery elevated to a level of style and sophistication rarely seen in our modern, mass produced ranges of fashion.

Go on, admit it. Somewhere in the deep dark past, you had a crocheted bikini. Completely impractical for swimming (we don’t need to imagine where it would end up if you dived into a pool) but totally fashionable at the time. Nevertheless, I bet you thought it had (rightly) been relegated to history. Not so it seems…

Our revived love of crochet may see a revival of that crocheted two piece bikini, along with a whole range of crocheted fashion that may or may not make our talented forbears proud.

We love that crochet has once again become fashionable, however just because it can be crocheted, doesn’t mean it should. Just go and do a search for crocheted shorts for example.

I’m sure you’ll join us in celebrating the rise of fashionable crochet, but also hoping that some crocheted garments remain firmly in the closet!

Whether you’re looking to make a bold fashion statement or just a humble doily, you can’t go past A-Z of Crochet as the ultimate resource guide to learn and master this hugely popular technique.

Every stitch you’ll ever need along with simple instructions and easy to follow photographs are all included. Great for beginners or experienced stitchers wanting to expand their repertoire. Patterns for crochet bathers or zany coloured pants not included, sorry!

We’ve been experiencing a heatwave in parts of Australia recently, with the team in the Inspirations office sweltering in record temperatures of 47C (116F). In extreme weather such as this, we can only dream of warm, halcyon summer days - neither too hot, nor too cold. Close your eyes and you’re surrounded by a cloud of scent from the myriad flowers growing, and you’re lulled by the happy hum of bees busily popping from one bloom to another.

Worked on uniquely hand painted calico, Jo has created a summer garden bursting with texture and colour. Before you begin to stitch, you get the chance to call on your inner artist by following Jo’s easy instructions and paint your background using water colours. Alternatively, you can purchase our Ready-to-Stitch kit with the calico fabric pre-printed and the background all done for you, ready to go.

Then with needle in hand, the stunning bullion knot lavender flowers, the striking detached chain lupins and the fluffy hollyhocks stitched with straight stitch, all bring the garden to life.

Jo’s designs always transport us into gorgeous landscapes and delightful scenes, but we asked Jo what her inspiration was specifically, when she created this piece:

‘The original idea came from The RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. It is the largest flower show in the world, with 34 acres of showground to explore. I saw a beehive nestled in a flower border on a show garden and loved the idea of stitching one. I had previously stitched beehives using pieces of vintage lace. I discovered there is a lot of love and appreciation for bees from these pictures, so it was a natural progression.’

We also fell in love with the beehive and those tiny, industrious bees who seem to be enjoying the most idealistic of gardens. What a cornucopia of flowers! We were curious about Jo’s favourite part of stitching this piece, with so many wonderful elements to choose from.

‘Though the planting scheme is definitely from a ‘dream garden’, it is stitched with some of my favourite flowers in my favourite colour scheme! In particular, I adore the rose tree with its shading and gorgeous little pink roses, stitched with my favourite stitch, the French knot. And hollyhocks are one of my favourite flowers.’

Simplicity is key to the effectiveness of this project. None of the stitches are complicated, but the combination is beautiful, reminding us that complexity isn’t always better. Sometimes just stripping back to the basics is exactly what is needed. But Jo did give some advice for those of us looking to create our own ‘Summer Days’:

‘My biggest piece of advice is to work this on a frame big enough to see all the area to be stitched and taut enough to support the long stitches. Also make a mock mount (a piece of paper works fine) to help focus the eye on the composition. But most of all, if you are struggling with a stitch or don’t like a flower, you can just change the planting combinations!’

So, it’s just like real gardening then… only with a needle and thread!

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Summer Days by Jo Butcher is a delightful garden in full bloom with busy bees flying to and from their wooden hive.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Summer Days includes everything you need to re-create this delightful garden, including a piece of pre-printed calico with the background printed and ready to begin stitching, embroidery threads and needles.

The Inspirations Community is adding to the bouquet of flowers found in Jo Butcher’s project, Summer Days, as we share the floral delights they’ve cultivated with needle and thread…

‘I have been embroidering for a long time now. Gradually what was once a hobby has now become a passion and I devote all the time I possibly can to it. I have completed a Needle Painting, with the technique taught to me by Madam Jocelyne Kurc a few years ago.’

‘I recently went to see her again to learn a little more and although my stitching is not perfect, I'm working on it! Best thoughts from France, Claude.’

Claude, I think many of us share your passion for needle and thread and wish we could squeeze a few more hours into each day to indulge it further! Madam Jocelyne has taught you well and we look forward to seeing what needle painting is next from your needles and threads.

‘My grandmother taught me Crewel Embroidery when I was in 8th Grade. She is now 99 and still able to get around. I showed her this piece and she was amazed! Thanks Nanny for your patience with me at such a young age.’

Karen, we love that your passion for all things needle and thread was passed onto you at such a young age. We’re not surprised your grandmother was amazed as your piece is detailed, colourful and beautifully stitched!

‘Thank you so much for your inspirational newsletter. I enjoy reading every issue and learn so much from the stitched projects you feature. This free-form embroidery piece is stitched on my hand dyed silk.’

‘The threads are sizes 8 and 12 pearl cotton that I’ve also dyed. You could say my garden grew organically as there was no plan for the design, just the joy of playing with needle and thread on fabric.’

Laura, from dying your own supplies right through to the time invested in stitching an ‘organic’ garden, your piece is a true reflection of your talent with needle and thread!

Speaking of your talent with needle and thread Laura, it was with much excitement copies of your book 'Joyful Stitching' arrived in our office this week! To find out more about Laura's latest book, you can read the review we published in 'Between the Covers' in Inspirations #101, or check out our online store using the link below.

Do you have some stitched flowers blooming in your needlework garden? We’d love to see them! Email photos of what you’ve created along with a few details about your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com

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The Linnet by Nicola Jarvis is an enchanting silk and goldwork bird, adorned with a sparkling crown.

Leaping Hare by Barbara Kershaw is a pretty linen sachet with a leaping hare worked in Casalguidi embroidery.

~ Marie Kondo ~

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.