|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You may be familiar with the phrase ‘the devil is in the detail’ which refers to the details of a plan, that while seemingly insignificant, may contain hidden problems that jeopardize its overall success.
|
|
|
Something you may not be as well acquainted with, however, is that an older, and once slightly more common, version of that same phrase is ‘God is in the detail’, meaning that attention paid to small things has big rewards, or that details are important.
|
|
|
The Inspirations Team has recently returned to the office after photographing Inspirations issue #106 with a whole new appreciation of detail.
Once the big picture of a project has been considered, props sourced and a location chosen, it’s then all about the intricate details as the lens of the camera brings forth hidden things which are almost impossible to see with the naked eye.
A tiny wisp of thread floating on the surface of a project, a slight colour variation between threads used and props sourced, or a blade of grass that isn’t quite as green as those around it suddenly become the focus rather than the project itself. So, after focusing on the details of each image we captured, we found ourselves more attuned to the details surrounding us than ever before.
From the intricate pattern etched on the china displayed on the walls of our location, the incredibly complex petals of the double opium poppies on show throughout the garden, the depth of colour created as we mixed cordial to use in one of the photographs, right through to the textures of the fruits gathered to create an abundant still life – once we’d become attuned to detail, we couldn’t help but delight in those surrounding us.
It turns out our experience was all the richer for it as there’s a beauty in the intricacies that’s easily missed when we’re not ‘trained’ to see them. We just hope our eyes can remain attuned to details going forward, as noticing the small can indeed reap big rewards!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This week we’re catching up on some of the conversations that have been inspired by recent issues of the newsletter…
|
|
|
|
|
‘In response to the introduction of All Stitched Up! issue #208 titled ‘Unstoppable’ you might be interested to hear that the tutor at my Monday morning craft class does not believe in us saying we cannot do something. As she will not take that as an answer, before we know it, we can do exactly that which we thought we could not!’
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
‘I have been after a copy of Inspirations issue #85 forever and I couldn’t believe it when I opened my newsletter recently and found you had a back issue hidden away. As there was only one available when I went to purchase it, you wouldn’t believe the panic I was in getting my order through in case it disappeared before my eyes!
My association with Inspirations started in the 1980s when I supervised a store in Mt Gambier, South Australia. I always broke the long drive down from Adelaide with a short stop at the very original Inspirations shop (known as Country Bumpkin back then), run by Margie Bauer, in Keith. I still treasure her first plain paper publication, Australian Smocking as well as a Country Bumpkin Catalogue from about the same time. I was thrilled when the establishment moved closer to home and set up in North Adelaide all those years ago.
I started buying Inspirations magazine from issue #01, then after a few years my wonderful mother-in-law bought me an annual subscription for my birthday every year.
|
|
|
|
|
She was an amazing needlewoman herself and I remember her telling me when we first met that she wasn’t one for housework, but she really loved her craftwork - I knew from then we’d get on!
|
|
|
Despite her protestations, her home was clean and mostly tidy but more importantly it was comfortable, inviting and full of the most beautiful handmade things. Sadly, she passed away in 2008 but her inspiration lives on and I have many examples of her beautiful hand work. I had let my subscription lapse when Dorothy died, buying magazines as they came out to support my local newsagent, but somehow I missed issue #85. It is such a joy to have found it at last!’
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
‘Thank you for your wonderful magazine and the opportunity to purchase digital patterns from you. I have been hand sewing since I was three years old and am now nearing my 68th birthday and still love to sit with needle and thread in hand. It has been many years since I have done any hand sewing as I have mostly been doing machine sewing and embroidery for my family.
I have recently stitched Christmas stockings which I further embellished with beads, trims, laces, faux fur and embroidery.
|
|
|
|
|
This woke the desire to return to hand work and your magazine is a wonderful place to gain inspiration as I restart my love of needle and thread.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
‘I am an ardent reader of your weekly newsletter and as a novice embroiderer am hoping you could help me with a query. I recently found the image below on Pinterest but can only find reference to it in a foreign language and haven’t been able to find a pattern or any instructions.’
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
‘I’m hoping you may be able to offer a suggestion where I can acquire what I’d need to recreate this Hardanger piece. Any assistance you can offer would be greatly appreciated.’
|
|
|
|
|
‘My 13-year-old grandson had just spent the day making an apron for his own use when he said he had an interest in doing embroidery. I had the hoop, the thread and the fabric to put together a kit for his use. He started immediately and was well on his way when we parted after the weekend. I just wanted you to know that stitchery is alive with the new generation and I couldn’t be happier!’
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beryl, Faye, Linda, Margaret and Sonja, we love that you joined in on the conversation. If you have something to say or can point Margaret in the direction for the pattern she’s hoping to find, we’d love to hear from you! Email news@inspirationsstudios.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carnation Tile by Fiona Hibbett
|
|
The modern world is all around us. When most of us think of it, one of the first things that come to mind are mobile phones, computers and other digital devices. But the modern world also encompasses things like cars, factories, power stations and high-rise buildings.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This latter aspect of the modern world has been with us for much longer, born during the industrial revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries.
During this period, the world was dazzled by mechanisation, efficiency and an exponential increase in output, thanks to the amazing processes these new factories employed. However, for all the benefits this new world ushered in, there were also some unfortunate side effects.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By the late 1800s, significant problems were becoming evident not just in terms of pollution, but also a growing in class divide and the rapid loss of individual, artisan skill. It was out of this that the Arts and Crafts movement, spearheaded by William Morris, took hold.
This artistic and productive movement wished to return manufacturing to an art form.
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowing from nature, practitioners created every object imaginable using individual skill rather than mechanical processes.
|
|
|
The style known as Art Nouveau was born, characterised by flowing, botanical shapes and lines, floral and organic motifs and rich pattern and colour.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiona Hibbett’s project ‘Carnation Tile’ from Inspirations issue #104 is unmistakably characteristic of this movement. Although the carnation is stylised, gilded with gold thread and elegantly symmetrical, it is still absolutely recognisable as a carnation.
The swirls of stems and leaves provide a sense of calm and order, while still nodding to the wildness of nature. And the perfectly executed stumpwork elements lift the design from the fabric, lending it a hint of realism.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you are new to stumpwork, this piece offers a most satisfying challenge. Although the larger slips are worked in three pieces, all of them are still of a size and delicacy that care is needed in the assembly.
It is the symmetry which creates such delight in this piece, so it is very important to ensure each leaf mirrors its twin. Similarly, the hint of gold in the base of each flower, worked in a gossamer fine trellis, also requires uniformity and symmetry. Following the photograph carefully will ensure that your tile looks just right.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Although the industrial revolution is long over, some of its unwanted drawbacks remain today. We are labouring beneath pollution, severe wealth inequality, loss of jobs and the disappearance of individual artistic skill.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This beautiful project is a perfect reminder of the beliefs held by the Arts and Crafts movement and echoed by a great number of people today.
|
|
|
|
|
There is still great value in careful craftsmanship and nature always offers wonderful inspiration.
|
|
|
Time, care and patience are still some of the greatest gifts we have. As embroiderers, we don’t usually need to be reminded to put down our digital devices and sit with needle in hand to meditate, but the modern world takes over all of us at times, so dedicating yourself to the precision and care needed to achieve this project couldn’t be more perfect.
|
|
|
Make Your Own Carnation Tile
|
|
|
|
|
|
Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions
Carnation Tile by Fiona Hibbett is an ornate carnation in elegant stumpwork embroidery.
|
|
|
|
|
PRINTED MAGAZINE
|
|
Inspirations Issue 104
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DIGITAL PATTERN
|
|
Carnation Tile
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit
The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Carnation Tile includes everything you need to re-create this stunning design: Fabrics (unprinted), felt, kid leather, fusible webbing, wire, embroidery threads, beads and needles.
|
|
|
|
|
READY-TO-STITCH KIT
|
|
Carnation Tile
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Please Note: To cater for flexibility of purchase, instructions are not included with our kits. For step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to our magazine or printed/digital patterns.
|
|
|
|
|
Looking for More Fiona Hibbett?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural Beauty by Fiona Hibbett from Inspirations issue #87 is an 18th century naturalist's study interpreted in stitch
|
|
|
|
|
PRINTED MAGAZINE
|
|
Inspirations Issue 87
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lepidoptera by Fiona Hibbett from Inspirations issue #102 is a stunning panel of nine stumpwork butterflies.
|
|
|
|
|
DIGITAL PATTERN
|
|
Lepidoptera
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PRINTED MAGAZINE
|
|
Inspirations Issue 102
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Christmas Gift Pack | Blanket Lovers
|
|
A couple of weeks ago we launched a new range of Christmas Gift Packs to help you spread the Merry Stitchmas cheer these holidays. This week we’ve got something for all the blanket lovers out there…
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Blanket Lovers Gift pack is well…. pretty self-explanatory really! It’s a treasure trove of blanketing wonders packed inside a box ready to garnish with wrapping and surprise a special someone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inside you will find:
1 x Blue Ribbon Blanket Kit – Gorgeous blanket with enchanting blossoms
1 x Blue Ribbon Printed Pattern – Instructions and pattern to create the kit
1 x More Beautiful Embroidered Blankets – Stunning blanket book
1 x Blissful Beginnings – Blanket book for the young and young at heart
The individual items in this pack total over AU$430 however, as a special Christmas gift to you, the Blanket Lovers Gift Pack is only AU$225, which is ridiculously good value when you consider the Blue Ribbon Ready-to Stitch kit is worth AU$337 alone!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
With only 12 Blanket Lovers Gift Packs available at the time of writing this newsletter, get in quick and start filling your Christmas stockings now!
|
|
|
If you’re looking for more Christmas gift ideas, our new range of Trish Burr kits are all the go this festive season.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Since their release a few weeks ago, these Trish Burr kits have been selling faster than rust proof needles in a tropical storm! With 10 stunning titles to choose from, ranging from the classic Trish Burr floral and bird designs through to her modern take on whitework using colour, there is definitely something for everyone on your Christmas gift list.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Every kit comes complete with printed instructions, pre-printed fabric, all the threads and needles you need and even a bonus ‘Embroidery Essentials’ booklet written by Trish herself. Click below to view the complete range.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BATB 2020 Catalogue Out Now!
|
|
In case you missed the news last week, the Beating Around the Bush 2020 Catalogue was finally released!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inside you’ll find a needlework wonderland with 57 of the world’s most beautiful projects presented by 19 of the world’s most talented tutors.
Download a free digital copy of the catalogue now using the link below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Or for those who prefer the tactile pleasure of a physical copy, you can order a printed catalogue which we’ll post to you anywhere in the world:
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you are not familiar with our needlework convention Beating Around the Bush, you can read more about it HERE. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
This One’s for Betty by Betsy Morgan
|
|
biscornu (adjective, French) – bizarre, misshapen, skewed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This French adjective has come to be used as the name for a distinctively shaped pincushion that is both enchanting and a little mystifying the first time you see it.
A biscornu is made by sewing two squares together in such a way that one is positioned to be on point to the centre of the other.
|
|
|
|
|
Each edge of each square is stitched around a corner on the other square, distorting the edges and creating the curious and unique shape of a biscornu.
|
|
|
Betsy Morgan has taken the concept of a biscornu beyond a pincushion, using the shape to create an exceptional etui named in honour of her dear friend and mentor, Betty Flemming.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The project ‘This One’s for Betty’ from the book ‘Willing Hands’ features stitched designs inspired by Elizabethan spot samplers and reflects the range of stitching enjoyed by 16th century embroiderers for the decoration of household items and clothing.
The etui includes motifs such as fruits and flowers, birds, scrolling stems of flowers and berries, colourful geometric designs and a blackwork border sample along with a whitework design.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The black thread used throughout to outline and stitch panels together, and for closures, echoes the blackwork motif. It reminds us of the way blackwork was used to embellish clothing during the Tudor and Elizabethan periods.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The selection of delightful ‘smalls’ that go with this etui continue the Elizabethan theme. Just as Elizabethan owners of embroidered caskets would sometimes keep little toy models of household objects in their casket, the stitching accessories are charming miniatures to be kept in the etui.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The thimble bag is based on lavishly embroidered Elizabethan sweete bags, with a characteristic botanical embroidery design and drop crystal beads standing in for tassels along the lower edge.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The button pocket replicates the style of pockets worn beneath the outer layers of a woman’s dress, tied to the waist. An example can be seen on a 17th century doll HERE. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The needle book, with gorgeous floral and acorn motifs, has a wide border stitched in green, placing the motifs within a formal garden.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The scissor fob, which is the same shape and even smaller in size, is reminiscent of a gable wall of a house. The wide border, stitched in a dusky pink, suggests the squared timbers used for support and decoration on half-timbered buildings.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing the miniature theme, the shape of the etui itself is replicated in the endearingly small pincushion and waxer box. The pincushion features blackwork and geometric patterns, and a large pomegranate, an enduring motif in embroidery.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The waxer box biscornu is a container made in the same manner as the etui, this time to hold a piece of beeswax to use for strengthening threads. The motifs include a planter box with the plant worked in Bargello embroidery, or Florentine work, and the geometric design on the base can be seen on an Elizabethan sampler worked by Martha Edlin, whose embroidered casket inspired the Elizabethan Casket Etui.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This captivating etui has an absorbing variety of motifs to enjoy, rewarding the maker in both the stitching and the finished objects. Can’t you just picture yourself opening your biscornu case, laying out the accessories and deciding which is your current favourite? It might well be all of them!
|
|
|
|
|
Make Your Own | This One’s for Betty Etui
|
|
|
|
|
|
Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions
This One’s for Betty by Betsy Morgan from Willing Hands is a biscornu-shaped etui adorned with beautiful floral, fruit and geometric designs.
|
|
|
|
|
PRINTED BOOK
|
|
Willing Hands
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit*
The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for This One’s for Betty includes everything you need to re-create this beautiful etui and accessories: Fabrics (unprinted), interfacings, interlining, felt, beads, embroidery threads, ribbon and needles.
|
|
|
|
|
READY-TO-STITCH KIT
|
|
This One’s for Betty
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Please Note: To cater for flexibility of purchase, instructions are not included with our kits. For step-by-step details on how to create these projects, please refer to the book Willing Hands.
|
|
|
|
|
Looking for More Biscornus?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Renaissance by Elisabetta Holzer Spinelli from Inspirations issue #74 is a brightly coloured biscornu pincushion decorated with innovative Estense embroidery.
|
|
|
|
|
PRINTED MAGAZINE
|
|
Inspirations Issue 74
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DIGITAL PATTERN
|
|
Renaissance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sollerösöm by Christine P. Bishop from Inspirations issue #101 is a pretty biscornu pincushion and pouch worked in a Swedish counted technique.
|
|
|
|
|
PRINTED MAGAZINE
|
|
Inspirations Issue 101
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DIGITAL PATTERN
|
|
Sollerösöm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inspirations issue #104 has glitter sprinkled all through it! From the metallic threads used in A Kingfisher Christmas, Paisley which features the goldwork technique of Or Nué, Carnation Tile which has been embellished with tiny beads and lines of lustrous gold right through to Golden Glow, an ornamental candle that gleams with goldwork perfection, there’s more than just a touch of gold to be found within.
Inspired by these sprinklings of glitter, this week we’re sharing projects from our What Are You Stitching? files that have a touch of sparkle to them as well…
|
|
|
‘I have just finished stitching Jenny Adin-Christie’s Wren. I think her designs are fabulous! Her directions are so good, and the stitching makes the whole project so much fun that you just want to keep stitching to see how the next section works up.’
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
‘I also used Jane Nicholas as my inspiration to stitch a group of copper bugs and butterflies.’
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
‘I designed a powder room that has copper pennies on the floor and wall and wanted to have more copper accents in the room, so I decided to stitch four copper beetles, four butterflies and one dragonfly and frame them to go in the room. They were so much fun to do but now I have quite a collection of copper thread and shall have to create more copper critters! I hope they can inspire other stitchers.’
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carolyn, when it comes to intricate design and immaculate stitching, the work of both Jenny and Jane are second-to-none and you’ve done a spectacular job of recreating the works of their hands! We look forward to seeing what’s fashioned next from your copper threads.
|
|
|
‘This is some of my work from the past year. I started the year with the Jade Dragon from Roseworks Embroidery Designs in South Africa. This piece took me a long time to finish because of the many new stitches I had never done before. I couldn’t stop myself and just had to add a splash of color and a gold tooth! I love this design although still don’t know how I will finish it, so any suggestions are welcome. Thanks a lot for the Inspiration!’
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ginette, we love that this piece allowed you to learn myriad new stitches and that you were able to add a little bit of yourself to Roseworks’ design to make it truly unique.
|
|
|
‘I love doing all types of sewing, embroidery and collages! I designed a couple of dragons using these techniques, both are made with cosplay leather for the scales, chain for dimension, crystal eyes and free-standing leaves.’
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
‘The silver dragon is 38” square (96.5 cm) and the bronze dragon is 44" x 48" (112 cm x 122cm). The autumn season has started here in Michigan, USA which means more stitching time with the cooler weather.’
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As always Kathleen your work has a certain magical whimsy about it! Your dragons are rich in detail, scale and sparkle. Enjoy the autumnal stitching you have before you!
|
|
|
‘My winning piece from the recent Royal Adelaide Show in South Australia was Alison Cole’s series of mythical animals in stumpwork and goldwork. There’s a red dragon, unicorn, cockatrice, and gryphon.’
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
‘I love the three-dimensional effect of stumpwork, and I loved these pieces because of all the intricate details - needle lace petals, detached wings and so many other different embroidery techniques. It took me four years to stitch them all, but it was worth it!’
|
|
|
|
|
|
Susannah, what an incredible labour of love! Your piece is meticulously stitched and the time and talent you’ve poured into makes it a most deserving winner.
Whilst not everything that glitters is gold, if you’ve stitched something with a little shimmer to it, we’d love to see it! Email photos of what you’ve created with needle and thread along with a few details about your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com
|
|
|
|
|
Subscribe to Inspirations Magazine
|
|
|
|
Not a Subscriber? Join Today!
|
Become part of the Inspirations family by subscribing to the magazine... we'd love to have you join us!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Who could resist these loveable toys and their babies? De-stress by snuggling up with Mabel Bunny and her friends - oversized crocheted toys, perfect for giant cuddles and little hands.
|
|
|
|
|
PRINTED BOOK
|
|
Mabel Bunny & Co
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you, like us, have fallen in love with Mabel Bunny and her friends but are new to crochet, or have someone in your life you’d love to teach how to crochet, our book A-Z of Crochet is the perfect companion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A-Z of Crochet is the ultimate resource guide with everything you need to know about crochet explained. Learn how to master every stitch using easy to follow step-by-step photographs.
Great for beginners or experienced stitchers wanting to expand their repertoire, A-Z of Crochet is the ideal gift to pair with the book ‘Mabel Bunny & Co’.
|
|
|
|
|
PRINTED BOOK
|
|
A-Z of Crochet
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
‘Buttoned Up!’ by Nancy Lee is a traditional button-on suit in a choice of navy and white or powder blue and white.
|
|
|
|
|
DIGITAL PATTERNS
|
|
Buttoned Up!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wow, how amazing is this?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
‘The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.’
|
|
~ William Morris ~
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you’re holding an event or would like to suggest one to be added, we’d love to hear about it. Email us the details at news@inspirationsstudios.com
|
|
|
© 2019 Inspirations Studios
Unsubscribe / Forward to a Friend / Shop Online
You are receiving this email because you signed up online, at a craft show,
subscribed to our magazine, or purchased something from our online store.
If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, we'll be sorry to see you go, but click HERE and we'll remove your email address from this list. Thank you.
|
|
|
|
|
