Did you know that humans are hard wired to want things and want them now?

Instant gratification has become a powerful force in how we expect the world to operate around us. We’re often able to get what we want whenever we want it as the world now offers us the ability to experience pleasure or fulfillment without delay.

Whilst convenient, instant gratification has the knack of compromising our ability to work hard, be patient and exercise our will power, all of which are important character traits.

As we embrace our passion for all things needle and thread, we’re forced to slow down and reacquaint ourselves with delayed gratification as there are very few ‘instantlys’ found within our pursuit! Stitching allows us to relish the unhurried and meditative push and pull of needle and thread through fabric and eventually enjoy the fruits of our labours, all whilst reinforcing the art of hard work, patience and willpower.

Who could ask for more?!

The incredibly intricate embroidered cabinets of the 17th century have captivated and intrigued many over the years, but for Tricia Wilson Nguyen from Thistle Threads, they have become something of an obsession.

Most needleworkers would have concerned themselves with the embroidered elements first, but as a product designer Tricia could foresee there were other more difficult problems which required solving first, well before any embroidery could be considered.

Throughout her years of searching, Tricia had met many other collectors and experts of historical cabinets and even found several original boxes that had been heavily damaged, lending themselves to having the hardware removed. This enabled the locks to be reverse engineered and new reproduction castings to be made.

Richard was so committed to the project he began researching the 17th century caskets by travelling with Tricia and examined more than fifty boxes in collections, allowing him to get inside the heads of the original makers.

Now, as the only worldwide expert on 17th century caskets other than Tricia herself, Richard’s commitment to accuracy and miniatures-level precision has enabled the fabrication of what will be in the end, almost 900 boxes.

The very same artisans who had attained the needed skills to make the project possible in the first place, were also the same artisans who would bring it to a close on account of the fact they were all in the last decade of their working life.

Janine Holmes of Moji-Moji designs has created an amigurumi version of Freddie and offers the pattern for free. The talented designer and avid Queen fan hopes that crocheters using her pattern will consider donating to the Mercury Phoenix Trust, an organisation dedicated to fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS worldwide.

There is at least one member of the Inspirations team who has downloaded the pattern and has her hook out, with Bohemian Rhapsody playing on repeat in the background (unfortunately their singing was quite bad, so we won’t embarrass them by naming names!)

To read more and download the free pattern, check out the My Modern Met site HERE.

We all seem to do a lot of waiting, don’t we? When we’re children, we seem to wait interminably for birthdays or for Christmas. As adults, we wait in a queue, we wait for a delivery or repair man to come, we wait for our teenage children to come home, we wait for grandchildren. But being patient and waiting can be positive things. For some creatures, waiting is a matter of survival. For others, it is par for the course.

A master hunter, the kingfisher can sit perfectly still until it spots a fish in a stream up to 10 metres from its perch. It patiently identifies the perfect prey, moving closer with wings beating up to eight times a second, and holding its head completely still so as not to lose sight of the unsuspecting fish.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

A Kingfisher Christmas by Helen M. Stevens is a vibrant kingfisher in silk embroidery amongst foliage featuring holly, ivy and mistletoe.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for A Kingfisher Christmas includes everything you need to re-create this brilliant bird: Fabrics (unprinted), embroidery threads, sequins, beads and needles.

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.

Bird of Paradise by Helen M. Stevens from Inspirations issue #43 is a glorious peacock worked in silk and gold threads.

Double Take by Helen M. Stevens from Inspirations issue #98 is a charming silk embroidered finch in two colourways.

Harvest Time by Helen M. Stevens from Inspirations issue #46 is an adorable harvest mouse resting on stalks of wheat.

Flowers of the Sea by Helen M. Stevens from Inspirations issue #89 is a vibrant underwater scene portrayed in filament silk and metallic threads.

There’s something almost magical about being able to take a simple thread and use it to recreate the world we see around us and this week’s contributors to What Are You Stitching? have done exactly that! They’ve taken a humble needle and thread and replicated life in the most realistic of ways.

‘I normally use many colours and details, but I tried to make this image simpler. It was very interesting to make, and I am very happy with it. I always look forward to your weekly newsletter which I find so inspirational!’

Marjolein, your choice of image, colour and simple, but effective, stitch placement has created a realistic city skyline. We love how the leaves of the trees stand out against their neutral backdrop.

‘I have been trying to improve my threadpainting so attempted to stitch my son's Basenji. I still need lots of practise so will try our cat next! I love the newsletter and all the inspiration found in it.’

Pauline, anyone familiar with the Bensenji breed would instantly recognise it in your stitching! You’ve done a fabulous job of replicating their colour and distinct facial features. We look forward to seeing your cat recreated in needle and thread once it’s complete.

Have you created something with needle and thread that’s hard to tell the stitched from the original? We’d love to see how you’ve recreated the world around you, so email photos of your work along with a few details about your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com

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Forest Floor by Kay Dennis is an enchanting stumpwork scene of mushrooms and berries.

Fairy Dreams by Yvonne McMillan Betts from Inspirations issue #98 is an enchanting blanket for cosy days shared with a fairy friend at her toadstool house.

Warm Embrace by Jenny McWhinney from Inspirations issue #52 is a delightful cream wool cashmere blanket, featuring a cuddly bunny surrounded by bright red toadstools.

Winter Love by Lesley Turpin-Delport from Inspirations issue #44 is a stunning ring cushion with a sprig of luscious ripe blackberries.

Berry Harvest by Jenny McWhinney from Inspirations issue #49 is a delightful blanket featuring Mr Pip and Milly collecting delicious summer berries.

~ Richard G Scott ~

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.