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ISSUE 221, FEB 14 2020
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INSPIRATIONS. ALL Stitched Up!
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Hi There,
Did you know there are two of you?

Neither did we until we considered the words penned by Ann Voskamp recently.

She unpacked the idea of the ‘short term you’ and the ‘long term you’, or in other words, the ‘immediate you’ and the ‘ultimate you’.
Ann talked about how the person we are now may not be the same as the person we’re longing to become.
For many of us, we’ve made New Year resolutions, chosen words we hope will guide us through the coming year or set a rhythm that will help us achieve what’s important to us, but sometimes the gap between the now us and the becoming us can seem almost insurmountable.

Ann went onto challenge us to really think about our choices and whether they’re instantly gratifying the person we are today or whether they’re moving us toward the person we want to become, because in most instances, the choices we make that would honour each are rarely the same!

It might be hard to make the ‘right’ choice day in and day out, but it will absolutely be worth it. We just need to focus on what is going right and believe in the things that seem impossible now, as with every small step forward, we’re becoming the ultimate us.
 
Have Your Say
Kilmeny Jones
‘Although Christmas now seems like a distant memory, you may recall our discussion of the history and use of candles in All Stitched Up! issue #216. In response, Kilmeny Jones wrote to us about an experience with candles and embroidery which she wanted to share:

‘In 1998 I was living in Ottawa, Ontario, and in December an ice storm rolled through. The storm lasted for a couple of days, during which time whole trees collapsed under the weight of the ice, as did many electricity towers.

Hundreds of thousands of people ended up without power, some for over a month. I was lucky and was only without power for 41 cold, dark hours.
I lit candles and tried to pass the time by stitching.
I probably shouldn't have tried stitching navy blue on navy blue Hardanger by candlelight, but the exercise was very educational. You need a lot of candles to give you enough light to stitch! I only finished the 10cm square Hardanger piece years later as trying to work it by candlelight had caused me to put it away in frustration for a very long time.’
Kilmeny, we applaud your dedication to your stitching, even under such conditions! Perhaps we all need a good stock of candles in the house for moments just like these. Have any of you found yourself stitching in adverse conditions? We’d love to hear about it. Email your tale of stitching toil to news@inspirationsstudos.com.
Susan Mol
Susan Mol from Indiana, USA was inspired by our article on large embroidery projects back in All Stitched Up! issue #217 and this week she tell us of a wonderful discovery made by her guild.
‘Several years ago, Jeffrey Krull, our now retired Executive Director of the Allen County Public Library system, visited our monthly guild meeting.
He unfurled a 5’ by 6’ (1.5m x 1.8m) embroidered banner that his great uncle completed in the 1900’s. We were awestruck!
Our guild was then inspired to bring this embroidered banner into the public eye. We coordinated an exhibit at the Krull Gallery in our main library featuring this banner as well as 50 pieces from the Embroiderers’ Guild of America’s Permanent Collection.’
Wow! It is amazing what can be achieved by individual hands and this banner is a perfect example. Thank you, Susan, for helping to bring it to light and for telling us all about it.
 
Needlework News
World Needlework Convention | Hawaii
Dreaming of a tropical needlework getaway? NO?! It must be because you haven’t heard about the World Needlework Convention in Hawaii next year.
Get ready to take your love of needlework to a whole new level with 9 days in paradise hosted by Needlework Tours who are bringing together some of the best tutors from around the world to teach exquisite projects in this exquisite location.
Whether you are travelling by yourself, with others, or even as a family, this is a wonderful opportunity to combine a passion for stitching with a passion for travelling.

For more information and, most importantly to register, visit the Needlework Tours website HERE.
New Digital Pattern | The Magical Pomegranate
We always love to hear from you and better still, we absolutely love to grant your wishes! A little while ago, Linda emailed us on behalf of her mother-in-law asking about a pattern from an old issue of Inspirations Magazine:

‘My mother-in-law has been given a kit from a good friend for the beautiful project ‘The Magical Pomegranate’ however, since the kit was from issue #39 of Inspirations back in 2003, the magazine has been mislaid. We were wondering if the pattern is available to purchase after all this time?’
Linda, we couldn’t let your mother-in-law miss out on the joy of stitching this kit, so our team has just released the digital pattern of ‘The Magical Pomegranate’ which is now available to purchase.
This project, by Lesley Turpin-Delport, is worked in rich ruby reds and soft greens, utilising an array of stitches, fibres and techniques. The result is a magical rendition of the King of Fruits, just begging to be stitched.
 
DIGITAL PATTERNS
The Magical Pomegranate
 
Love and Needlework
It’s Valentine’s Day and love is in the air – love of needlework that is! We couldn’t let this day of love pass without reminding you of a couple of the heart themed projects from our library.

Two Hearts
Two Hearts by Jo Butcher appeared in Inspirations issue #85. Two dainty hearts, perfect for beginners and experienced stitchers alike, are festooned with flowers and leaves. This is a wonderfully quick project which can be worked up in no time for the one you love.
 
DIGITAL PATTERNS
Two Hearts
 
Strawberry Fayre
Strawberry Fayre by Carolyn Pearce from Inspirations issue #95 is a fabulous heart-shaped necessaire. This spectacular piece has been our most popular and bestselling project to date – unsurprising when you see the exquisite detail and wonderful finish. You will love every stitch!
 
DIGITAL PATTERN
Strawberry Fayre
 
Love is in the Air
The San Francisco School of Needlework and Design is renowned for its wide range of classes and the skill of its students and graduates. Now it seems that, just in time for Valentines Day, their students are also renowned for writing stories expressing their love and passion for needlework.
Embroidery by Teresa (Source)
In their recent newsletter which you can read HERE, SNAD have released a series of stories where students share their personal journey of discovering hand embroidery.
Stitched with love by Debbie (source)
Whether the love is longstanding, built over decades of stitching, or brand new, all of the stitchers featured in this article share one common passion – the same that all of us share.
‘We [embroidery and I] are partners now, and till death do us part.
- Holly, California

To learn more about what happens at the San Francisco School of Needlework & Design that makes their students so passionate about needlework, check out their website HERE.
Where has your love of needlework come from? Have you got any stories about embroidery and love? We’d absolutely ‘love’ to hear them, so please email in with your needlework love stories to news@inspirationsstudios.com
 
Featured Project
Sakura by Margaret Lee
Anyone who has ever beaded before is probably aware of the superiority of Japanese glass beads. Consistently sized, perfectly shaped and beautifully finished, Japanese beads are the beads of choice for couturiers and amateur beaders alike.
But surprisingly, bead making techniques as well as the fine art of Japanese bead embroidery were only perfected in the middle to late 19th century, in particular during the Meiji period which ran from 1868 to 1912.
Margaret Lee is world-renowned for her skills in both traditional Japanese and Chinese silk embroidery.
But she is also an expert in Japanese beadwork which aligns perfectly with her other specialties.
Margaret’s knowledge and abilities are complemented by the perfection of the glass beads produced in Japan. She brings everything together to create stunning works of beaded art, one of which is the beaded purse ‘Sakura’ from Inspirations issue #105.
To achieve the sparkling, tactile effect of this project you’ll journey into the amazing world of traditional Japanese beading techniques. Note how each bead nestles perfectly against its neighbour and each curved and straight line sits absolutely true.
No matter how often you reach into this purse for change, your beads will remain absolutely in place without shifting or unravelling like many substandard beaded objects can do.
This is because Japanese beadwork, just like Japanese bead production, is very precise. The technique uses two needles – one for laying or attaching the beads and the other for couching lines of beads into place. This ensures that each bead is securely placed where it needs to be when it needs to be.
This is one of the several unique techniques you’ll discover when you take on this exquisite project. By the end, Line of Held Thread technique, Scatter Effect and the Needle-Koma method among others will all be familiar and you’re sure to be wanting more.
There is no better teacher or designer in the world than Margaret Lee to introduce you to the joys of Japanese beadwork.
As you read her wonderfully detailed instructions, you’ll hear her calm, experienced and patient voice in your mind guiding you through the project.
You’ll also discover the pleasure of handling the superb materials and beads required for the project. And you’ll revel in the remarks you receive every time you use this exceptional purse. It is simply too beautiful not to take out each day.
And best of all, you can be so confident in the technique and design that this will be an accessory which will last you for years to come.
Make Your Own Sakura
Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Sakura by Margaret Lee is a delightful beaded purse featuring a cherry blossom.
 
PRINTED MAGAZINE
Inspirations Issue 105
 
 
DIGITAL PATTERN
Sakura
 
Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Sakura includes everything you need to re-create this sparkling coin purse: Fabric (with printed design), purse frame, lining, interlining, wadding, threads, beads and needles.
 
READY-TO-STITCH KIT
Sakura
 
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 the magazine/digital pattern.
Stitch & Learn with Margaret
If you love the project ‘Sakura’ then don’t miss the opportunity to join Margaret at Beating Around the Bush in October this year as she teaches you first-hand how to re-create this stunning design.

Her wealth of knowledge and easy-going teaching style is the perfect way to introduce yourself to these wonderful techniques, or for the more accomplished, continue your journey of mastery.
Choose from three different projects across one day, two day or three-day classes, come for a day or stay for the week, but whatever you do, register today to avoid disappointment!
 
NEEDLEWORK CONVENTION
Beating Around the Bush 2020
 
 
Looking for More Japanese Bead Embroidery?
Hanabatake
Hanabatake by Margaret Lee from Inspirations issue #95 is a dazzling zipped case with Japanese-style bead embroidery.
 
DIGITAL PATTERN
Hanabatake
 
Hana
Hana by Merrilyn Whittle from Inspirations issue #91 is a delightful scissor fob embellished with Japanese bead embroidery.
 
DIGITAL PATTERN
Hana
 
The Art of Bead Embroidery Japanese-Style
Who can resist the alluring sparkle and infinite palette of beautiful beads, artfully worked to create truly spectacular results? Discover a whole new world of beading through the pages of this superb book by Margaret Lee which includes detailed step-by-step diagrams, full descriptions of the techniques involved and fabulous photography.
 
PRINTED BOOK
The Art of Bead Embroidery Japanese-Style
 
What Are You Stitching?
Sometimes the things we create with needle and thread serve no other purpose than making the world around us more beautiful one stitch at a time. Whilst at other times they are equal parts form and function - and so it is with this week’s ‘What Are You Stitching?’ as we highlight the projects that are not only beautiful, but also useful!
Case | Willy Meulenbroek
‘In anticipation of my retirement, I was looking for new, meaningful ways to fill my days. I came into contact with a group of Dutch Gold Embroiderers and thanks to the lessons I took with them, I developed a true passion for embroidery. I also learned about Inspirations Studios from them and immediately subscribed to your magazine.’
‘In the first issue I received, Inspirations issue #95, my eyes were immediately drawn to Margaret Lee’s Hanabatake.
I was amazed to see what stunning results you could achieve with beading.
Last year I completed a course of Japanese Bead Embroidery with Margaret in Nantes, France, where she taught me the basic techniques to create this fabulous sea of flowers. I had a wonderful time completing the work back home.’
Willy, it would seem you’ve found a passion that will absolutely fill your days in retirement! As with all her students, Margaret obviously taught you well as your version of Hanabatake is a picture-perfect rendition of her original. We hope you continue to enjoy many meaningful hours with needle and thread.
Scissor Fob & Case | Kim Spry
‘Looking back through some issues of Inspirations Magazine, I remembered that I had completed ‘Buttercup’ from issue #47 which is a scissor fob and case by Wendy Innes. In fact, I made four of these and gave some away as gifts.’
Kim, they say all good things come in small packages and this definitely fits that bill! The time and talent you poured into each gift will be well used and appreciated by their recipients for years to come.
Tooth Fairy Boxes | Cathy Lysnes
‘I have recently completed Betsy Morgan’s Tooth Fairy Boxes from Inspirations issue #99 for my six-year-old twin grandsons. My grandson Eddy was quite intrigued with how I made the boxes and even said he would like to try making a box sometime!’
‘I cannot say enough about how generous the Ready-to-Stitch kits were in the materials supplied. I had enough threads in one kit to complete both boxes and didn’t need to use the thread pack from the second kit.

All in all, I enjoyed the process and am looking forward to making the yellow Tooth Fairy Box for my granddaughter. Thanks again for your wonderful magazine and the fabulous kits!’
Cathy, you’ve done a beautiful job of completing the boxes for your grandsons and we hope the seed of interest you’ve planted with Eddy sees him picking up needle and thread for himself in the coming years.

We appreciate your kind words about the kits and think your granddaughter might just be looking forward to receiving her box as much as you’re looking forward to stitching it!

Have you stitched something that is equal parts form and function? 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

Projects Featured in This Week’s What Are You Stitching?

If you’ve been inspired by the projects showcased above, the good news is digital patterns, complete with step-by-step instructions, are available for the each of the designs:
 
DIGITAL PATTERN
Hanabatake
 
 
DIGITAL PATTERN
Buttercup
 
 
DIGITAL PATTERN
The Tooth Fairy
 
 
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You May Have Missed
Pioneer Girl’s Book Etui
Pioneer Girl’s Book Etui by Betsy Morgan is a nostalgic sampler etui that opens like a book.
 
PRINTED BOOK
Willing Hands
 
 
READY-TO-STITCH KIT
Pioneer Girl’s Book Etui
 
Perfect Love
Perfect Love by Carolyn Pearce from Inspirations Issue #103 is a stunning artist book featuring threadpainted tulips.
 
READY-TO-STITCH KIT
Perfect Love
 
 
PRINTED MAGAZINE
Inspirations Issue 103
 
 
DIGITAL PATTERN
Perfect Love
 
 
PRINTED PATTERN
Perfect Love
 
Crewel Whimsy
Crewel Whimsy by Ana Mallah from Inspirations issue #102 is a pretty journal cover with gorgeous crewel flower design in two colourways.
 
READY-TO-STITCH KIT
Crewel Whimsy | Pink Flower
 
 
READY-TO-STITCH KIT
Crewel Whimsy | Purple Flower
 
 
PRINTED MAGAZINE
Inspirations Issue 102
 
 
DIGITAL PATTERN
Crewel Whimsy
 
In Writing
In Writing by Jill Newton from Inspirations issue #78 is a pretty appliquéd journal cover you can make in a weekend.
 
PRINTED MAGAZINE
Inspirations Issue 78
 
Snow on the Mountain
Snow on the Mountain by Carol Hawkins from Inspirations issue #57 is a stylish embroidered book cover featuring a single sasanqua camellia bloom.
 
PRINTED MAGAZINE
Inspirations Issue 57
 
This Week on Social
 
Grapevine Accessories by Marsha Papay Gomola
 
A beautiful work of art
 
Quote
‘Change is a marathon won by a million baby steps.’
~ Ann Voskamp ~
What's On
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
INSPIRATIONS
© 2019 Inspirations Studios

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