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ISSUE 225, MARCH 13 2020
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INSPIRATIONS. ALL Stitched Up!
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Hi There,
Many of us kept journals when we were younger, journals that chronicled the intricacies of our life, our loves, our ups and downs. Yet for many of us, time and life got in the way and what once was a daily habit now barely sees the light of day.

As the world searches for a slower, more considered pace, there’s been a resurgence in the practice of journaling and there’s many an advocate espousing the benefits of reflecting through the simple ritual of the written word.
‘Writing in a journal each day allows you to direct your focus to what you’ve accomplished, what you’re grateful for and what you’re committed to doing better tomorrow.’
~ Hal Elrod ~

This got us thinking… what if we were to create a stitching journal? What would happen if we took the time to journal our experience with needle and thread?

The reality is, there are days when our time with needle and thread is fruitful and our progress obvious, whilst there are some days when we’re not so sure our results are proportionate with the time and effort we invested and that can leave us feeling a little worse for wear! A journal would not only allow us to record our progress in word, but would also provide a place to make notes about the things we’d learnt - that are all too often thought of and then forgotten - and provide a rich resource we could take with us to each new project going forward.

The entries don’t have to be long, in fact they may just be a quick few bullet points, but we think the power of focusing on our accomplishments and recording the things that will help us achieve more next time we pick up needle and thread will be well worth the time we invest in creating the ritual of written word.
 
Have Your Say
This week we are sharing some of your responses from recent articles featured in All Stitched Up!, starting with some terrific memories and even a question about our story regarding male knitters from All Stitched Up! issue #220.
Sandra Paul
‘I seem to remember that men were the first knitters. Am I wrong about this? Way back in England, didn't they knit their own fisherman jumpers?! Not sure if this is correct.’

Sandra, indeed you are correct. In the 16th and 17th centuries in Scotland in particular, knitting was often a way for a whole family to earn some money during winter, and jumpers for fisherman were very much in demand.

In fact, the origins of knitting are unclear but there is evidence that it was practiced all the way back in the 4th century in Egypt.
Socks from Egypt C.250 – 420 AD (source)
Unfortunately, because textiles tend to deteriorate over time, there is very little historical knitting left, but what is clear is that it is an ancient practice and has been done throughout history by men and women alike.
Clare Burford
‘Your section on male knitters reminded me of when I was 9 years old (70 years ago!). I was in hospital and used to sit on the veranda in the afternoons with an ‘old’ man who was knitting a very lacy purple thing. It was a dress for his mother, so perhaps he was not so ‘old’ after all?

I was intrigued. I never thought a man could knit. He said he had been in the navy and the seamen used to knit to keep boredom at bay when they were off duty. It was very fine wool he was working with. Big man, big hands, delicate knitting!
This was my first introduction to questioning gender stereotypes.’
Clare, your memories remind us that knitting has been enjoyed by all for a long time. We can just imagine the joy that gentleman’s mother must have felt when presented with a lacy, handknitted dress made with love by her adult son.
Responding to our question regarding stitching in adverse conditions from All Stitched Up! issue #221, we received some unexpected stories!
Yvonne Pel
‘I am from Stockholm in Sweden. A couple of years ago I was a student at 'Handarbetets Vänner Skolan' or the 'Friends of Handicraft School'. We had a project which had a deadline. At the same time our son had booked a trip on a large cruise ship to Finland with a couple of friends.

The Swedes sometimes have problems with drinking alcohol which is why the owner of the cruise ship wanted parents to travel with their children up till 23 years old. Our son was 21 at that time, so we were invited to babysit this group of 'children'.
So, there I was, sitting and quilting, on a cruise ship where everyone was partying and drinking!
I managed to get the project finished and it was a success despite all the riotous drinking happening around me. Everyone was asking what I was doing and why I was doing it instead of having ‘fun’ drinking with them. They never imagined that I was having more fun doing my quilting!’

Yvonne, well done for successfully completing your project under what we would probably all agree were adverse conditions!
‘Quilting Through the Garden’ by Jill Newton
Shirley Smith
‘Reading your recent article about stitching by candlelight reminded me that traditional lace makers here in the UK often had to work by candlelight.

As your reader says, very little light comes from one candle. Lacemakers were poorly paid and so had to be as economical as possible. The solution was to magnify the candlelight by using a glass globe filled with water, traditionally said to be snow water. This was placed by a tall candle stick and increased the light of the flame.’
‘Golden Glow’ by Penny Wolswinkel | Inspirations issue #104
‘Several workers could use the light from one candle by each using their globe between them and the flame. It is also thought that the phrase ‘Jack be nimble, Jack be quick’ originates from a game which used to be played on holidays, when the participants had to leap over the candle stick without knocking it over. I would imagine the glass globes were removed first!’

Thank you, Shirley. It just goes to show how resourceful people could be under adverse conditions, doesn’t it?
 
Needlework News
Mother’s Day Gift Pack | Autumn Harvest
Continuing with the release of our special Mother’s Day Gift Packs, this week it’s all about celebrating that magical season of the year, autumn.
The ‘Autumn Harvest Gift Pack’ is centred around a stunning design by Ana Mallah which celebrates all that is wonderful about the changing of the seasons.

Ana has created a beautiful bounty of stitched fruits and nuts including blackberries which burst off the bushes in late summer; acorns that pop out in abundance as autumn begins and cotoneaster berries, shining like rubies in amongst the turning leaves.
Autumn Harvest by Ana Mallah
Autumn Harvest is an Inspirations Handpicked exclusive, meaning it has never been published in any of our magazines or books and is only available as a printed or digital pattern.

To ensure any lucky recipient of the Autumn Harvest Gift Pack has everything they need to get started, we’ve even included two premium quality Nurge embroidery hoops, called for in the instructions.
Inside the Autumn Harvest Gift Pack you will find:

1 x Printed Pattern | Instructions for Autumn Harvest
1 x Ready-to-Stitch Kit | Autumn Harvest
1 x Nurge Embroidery Hoop | Size 1 (4")
1 x Nurge Embroidery Hoop | Size 5 (8")

The individual items in this pack total over AU$187 when purchased separately, however, as a special Mother’s Day celebration, the Autumn Harvest Gift Pack is only AU$120 and comes in a box ready for you to gift wrap!
Buy one for your Mum, buy one for someone to gift you, or just buy one because it’s crazy good value – the choice is yours!
New Release – Crewelwork Inspirations
This year Inspirations Magazine turns 27. While that’s still rather young compared to most of us, at 27 you’re old enough to have a few stories to share with others. In fact, the Inspirations library of projects now exceeds 950 different designs – that’s quite a lot of storytelling!
Our good friends at Search Press publishing, who incidentally are celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2020, suggested we partner with them to re-release some of our most popular projects from the magazine, grouped by technique.
We thought that was a terrific idea and this week we’re launching the first of three techniques books we’ve produced with Search Press aptly called ‘Crewelwork Inspirations’.
Crewelwork Inspirations features 8 of the world’s most beautiful crewelwork projects from the magazine, compiled into one publication, to delight and inspire you.
This book is perfect for anyone interested in starting crewelwork for the first time, already deep into their journey, or a self-confessed crewelwork addict.

Inside we explain the origins, identify the stitches, techniques and designs that are uniquely crewelwork, and most importantly, teach you step-by-step how to stitch 8 magnificent projects from some of the world’s most talented designers.
Complete with a 40-page stitch guide dedicated to crewelwork and a handy pocket to keep the three full size pull-out pattern sheets, this is one feature-packed resource guide every crewelwork fan should have in their library.
Complete your Inspirations Collection Now
Many of us love to collect things. Whether it is embroidery kits, postcards, thimbles or shells, or anything else that gives us pleasure, there is no end of joy to be found in our beloved collections.
And what is better than a completed collection of, say, Inspirations Magazines?!
If you’ve been hoping to complete your collection of Inspirations, now is the perfect time. We have plenty of back issues still in our warehouse to hopefully help fill in any gaps you might have in your Inspirations library. But don’t delay, back copies of Inspirations don’t last forever and once they’ve gone, they’ve gone.
 
PRINTED MAGAZINE
Browse Inspirations Magazines
 
Also, if you would like to view the inspiring projects that Inspirations has published over the years in one place, the Inspirations Index 1-100 is just what you need.

With every single project from issue 1 through to issue 100 listed, complete with coloured photographs and easy cross referencing, the Inspirations Index is an indispensable resource. You’ll never again find yourself wondering what issue that perfect project appeared in. The answer will be at your fingertips.
 
PRINTED BOOK
Inspirations Index 1-100
 
Stitch and Learn with Jo Butcher
If you love the freedom of surface embroidery and you see your fabric as a painter’s canvas, blank and waiting for the magic of your stitching, then you are sure to be aware of the work of Jo Butcher.

Renowned for her wonderful, natural scenes which seem to invite you to jump right into them, we’re thrilled that Jo is once again teaching this year at Beating Around the Bush.
Jo is a self-taught embroidery artist, who, we are rather pleased to hear, was inspired to take up the needle after purchasing an issue of Inspirations magazine. And aren’t we glad she did?! Drawing inspiration from the gardens and landscape of her home in Somerset, England, Jo’s intricate floral embroideries invoke spring sunshine, the sound of buzzing bees and the scent of a million colourful flowers.
You can choose from three of Jo’s botanical designs, including her wonderful Cottage Garden, bursting with colour. Select from a 1-day, 2-day and 3-day class and discover the joy of surface embroidery with a fabulous tutor.
 
NEEDLEWORK CONVENTION
Beating Around the Bush 2020
 
BATB Update
As each day passes, Beating Around the Bush gets closer and the excitement is building. Thank you to everyone who has registered so far. The response has been amazing! You’ve kept us all incredibly busy here at Inspirations HQ with over 80% of attendees registering within the first 24 hours!
Although a few classes have sold out, the great news is that there are still plenty to choose from. There are also still some lovely onsite modern units available to book at the school so you can stay right in the heart of the action.
With an extraordinary line-up of international tutors and the friendliest and most fabulous group of stitchers attending from the world over, if you’ve been thinking about joining us, just do it!

Book now and join in the fun. We can’t wait to see you there.
 
NEEDLEWORK CONVENTION
Beating Around the Bush 2020
 
‘Twenties Visions’ Challenge
The last decade certainly included some history making moments, both for the right and the wrong reasons. While the next decade ahead of us is unknown, the San Francisco School of Needlework & Design’s latest Stitching Challenge asks you to look ahead and determine what you think the next 10 years might hold.
The Challenge invites you to:
‘…take out your crystal ball or sit in your time machine and stitch the patterns you see for the coming decade.’
Whether you chose to cast a positive or cautionary perspective on the future, as with all of the SFSND Challenges, how you interpret and stitch the theme is up to you.
(source)
For more details and to download the entry form, visit the SFSND website HERE. The closing date to submit your entries is 15th April 2020.
 
Featured Project
Hummingbird & Flower by Trish Burr
In almost all parts of the world where needlework has been practiced throughout history, a form of threadpainting exists. Although it is called by many different names – needle painting, silk shading, long and short stitch – ultimately the technique seeks to ‘paint’ with thread.
The goal is to achieve the same verisimilitude as the artist working in oils on canvas, within the limits of what can be done with a strand of cotton or silk and a needle.
Threadpainting is an incredibly freeing technique, contrary to the fears which are so often expressed about it.
Trish Burr, designer of the piece ‘Hummingbird & Flower’ from Inspirations issue #105, is the first to say that she doesn’t want to create a ‘paint by numbers’ project when she designs threadpainting. Instead, she encourages everyone to let go of the need to make your project look exactly like hers or anyone else’s and let your stitches flow.
Hummingbird & Flower is worked using brilliant, jewel-like colours which encourage your heart to sing before you’ve even threaded your needle. Drawing on the enormous number of shades offered within the DMC range, Trish has created this little bird, rich with greens and purples, perched alertly on a beautifully shaded pink flower which seems to sparkle in the imagined sun.
However, threadpainting is not oil painting and as needleworkers using this technique, we don’t have the ability to smooth our colours together to achieve a photographic finish. Stitches are necessarily straight, so texture and dimension are achieved through shading and stitch direction. Trish believes that a threadpainted piece is more like a beautifully coloured pen drawing which carries the illusion of brushwork.
Look closely and you can see the stitches. Stand back and the magnificence of the whole takes over.
Although you can work Hummingbird & Flower using the close-up photographs in the magazine as a guide, Trish encourages you to make the project your own. Assess your stitches for what they are and how they look on the fabric rather than on how close they are to Trish’s model.
No two finished projects will ever be exactly alike, and that is precisely how it should be.

Trish’s Hummingbird & Flower is worked using her tried and trusted method of threadpainting – where your first row will consist of long and short stitches, with your following rows being long stitches, all of which split back into the previous rows.
What makes this particular project stand out is how Trish has used darker outlines on many of the elements. This provides a perfect edge while highlighting each detail, especially in the wings and tail of the cheeky little hummingbird.
The only rule in this project is that you must enjoy yourself. Allow your inner artist’s eye – which all embroiderer’s have, no matter what you think – to direct your hand and direct your stitches.
Enjoy the colours and how the picture emerges from beneath your needle. So many of us wish we could paint. Well, we argue, with Trish Burr’s Hummingbird & Flower project, now we all can.
Make Your Own Hummingbird & Flower
Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Hummingbird & Flower by Trish Burr is a jewel-coloured hummingbird resting on a floral sprig captured in threadpainting.
 
PRINTED MAGAZINE
Inspirations Issue 105
 
 
DIGITAL PATTERN
Hummingbird & Flower
 
Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Hummingbird & Flower includes everything you need to re-create this delightful bird: Fabric (unprinted), embroidery threads and needle.
 
READY-TO-STITCH KIT
Hummingbird & Flower
 
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.
Looking for More Trish Burr?
Fragile Beauty
Fragile Beauty by Trish Burr from Inspirations issue #82 features superb threadpainted butterflies stitched onto a needlebook and bookmark.
 
DIGITAL PATTERN
Fragile Beauty
 
 
PRINTED MAGAZINE
Inspirations Issue 82
 
Redouté’s Tulips
Redouté’s Tulips by Trish Burr from Inspirations issue #100 is a study of magnificent threadpainted tulips based on a botanical watercolour.
 
DIGITAL PATTERN
Redouté’s Tulips
 
 
PRINTED PATTERN
Redouté’s Tulips
 
Symphony
Symphony by Trish Burr from Inspirations issue #58 is a delightful trio of cushions, stitched in muted shades of lavender, violet and mulberry with a combination of silk, wool and cotton threads.
 
DIGITAL PATTERN
Symphony
 
 
PRINTED MAGAZINE
Inspirations Issue 58
 
Trish Burr Designer Kits
It’s never been easier to stitch a Trish Burr design thanks to a huge range of her ready-to-stitch kits now available through Inspirations.
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.
What Are You Stitching?
Birds in Embroidery
Birds are a very popular subject for the embroiderer. As Trish Burr’s Hummingbird demonstrates, the brilliance of the feathers and the delight of their personalities ensures that our feathered friends are a never-ending source of delight and inspiration. So today we bring you some examples of birds and other flying creatures stitched by the Inspirations Community.
Bird Picture | Iris Vodopivec
‘I currently live in California, USA but I was born and raised in Argentina. I'm an architect and needlecrafter and for many years I have been doing different types of embroidery. But I love long and short stitch.’
‘For this project above, I designed the motif and also the choice of colours is mine. I really like to embroider birds; they have a beautiful variety of colours.’
Your birds are beautifully stitched, and the colours and background are just perfect. Thank you for sharing your work with us, Iris. If we didn’t know better, we’d think they were just about to fly out of the frame!
Royal Blue | Margaret Cobleigh
‘Last year, I emailed in to request that the project 'Royal Blue' by Trish Burr from Inspirations issue #77 be made available as a downloadable digital pattern. The team at Inspirations did your part by publishing the pattern - thank you very much - and I've now done my part by stitching it!’
‘He really wasn't very difficult to stitch. I did do some things in the embroidery that were not part of the original instructions, but overall, it was a pleasure to stitch. I really didn’t want it to end.’
‘Here is a picture of the completed bird surrounded by all the threads used to stitch him. This is my 'tribute' to the original photo with all the feathers!’
LEFT: Original piece as it appeared in issue #77 RIGHT: Margaret’s ‘tribute’ photo
We love your ‘tribute’ photo, Margaret, but more than that we love how you’ve captured both the shine and the shading of this cheeky little bird. You’ve really brought his personality out with the skill of your needle!
Bunny Blanket | Mary Bak
Next up we have a lovely blanket by Mary featuring a gorgeous little bunny being teased by a flock of brilliant blue birds.
‘I ordered this pattern from Jenny McWhinney. I thought it would be perfect for a good friend's new grandson born in November last year.

I used fleece for the blanket and found a cotton bunny print complete with red mushrooms for the backing. I had never considered putting a backing on the blanket after the embroidery.
This project was a new experience for me, having done mainly tea towels with stem stitch. I enjoyed it and thought it turned out quite nicely.’
‘I used #3 perle cotton for the project but would use #5 if I do another one. I wanted it to sit on top of the fabric and not get lost in the fluff, and it certainly does that! Although I didn't have a huge selection of colours in either thread or fabric, I just wanted you to see a beginner’s attempt at this lovely project.’
You’ve done a fantastic job and we can’t believe it is a ‘beginner’s attempt’, Mary! I’m sure your friend, and her new grandson would have been thrilled to receive it.
The Jade Dragon | Luan Callery
The next project is not a bird per se, but it’s definitely a creature that flies! Luan Callery from Florida, USA has sent in a picture of her Jade Dragon.

‘Here is a picture of The Jade Dragon, designed by Colleen Goy of Roseworks Designs. I received first place at the EGA exhibit in Naples, Florida, last February for this piece.’
‘Although I have written several correspondence courses available through EGA, I enjoy working some of the wonderful designs offered by other teachers and designers, such as The Jade Dragon.
My version is more blue than jade, but the excellent design could be in any colour.
I especially like the creativity of threadpainting, however, I enjoy other surface techniques as well. This piece offered lots of challenges, but it was very rewarding.’

Both the design and the stitching are exquisite, Luan. We can see why you wanted to stitch this majestic dragon, which, in our opinion works perfectly in blue.

If you’ve stitched a project featuring a bird or any other flying creature, or indeed any subject at all, we’d love to see it! Send us photos and a little bit of background on your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com and you could see your work featured in a future issue of All Stitched Up!
 
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You May Have Missed
Leucadendron
Leucadendron by Gary Clarke is a dimensional, botanical embroidery worked on organza.
 
PRINTED MAGAZINE
Inspirations Issue 105
 
 
DIGITAL PATTERN
Leucadendron
 
 
READY-TO-STITCH KIT
Leucadendron
 
Hummingbird
Hummingbird by Gary Clarke from Inspirations issue #83 is a unique organza embroidery of a dainty hummingbird.
 
PRINTED MAGAZINE
Inspirations Issue 83
 
Birdsong
Birdsong by Gary Clarke from Inspirations issue #93 is three fabulous brooches featuring Australian birds.
 
PRINTED MAGAZINE
Inspirations Issue 93
 
Blossom
Blossom by Gary Clarke from Inspirations issue #90 is a small, zipped bag stitched with a single flower from a stunning repeating design.
 
PRINTED MAGAZINE
Inspirations Issue 90
 
Quote
‘Journaling is like whispering to one’s self and listening at the same time.’
~ Mina Murray, Dracula ~
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
© 2020 Inspirations Studios

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