One of the buzzwords that’s been widely used during this season of COVID-19 is ‘pivot’.

The term usually refers to a significant change that is intended to help a business recover from a difficult period that makes its original model unsustainable.

There’s no denying the season we’re currently navigating through is tough and that the practices that once sustained many businesses are no longer relevant.

It’s been fascinating, however, to see how many companies have found a way to pivot almost immediately at the onset of COVID-19 and the resulting restrictions that were put on our usual daily lives. Think restaurants home delivering meals, personal trainers leading fitness boot camps from the comfort of their lounge rooms or signage companies now offering ‘Keep Distance’ floor sticker packages.

For some of us, circumstances have meant we’ve had to respond quickly as our ‘doing’ has had to pivot as we learn to work from home and/or home school successfully - not to mention brushing up on our menu planning and culinary skills as the option of dining out is no longer as accessible as it used to be!

But what about our ‘being’, have we taken the time to listen to our thoughts and emotions as we use this significant time of change to work out what really matters to us?

Now that so much of what we’re accustomed to has been stripped away or cancelled, we’re left with the opportunity to reassess our values, priorities and what we want our lives to stand for. We can ask ourselves what’s working for us and what’s not and pivot accordingly.

There’s no denying they’re big questions to tackle, but time is on our side, so why not ponder them as we next take needle and thread in hand?

We look forward to seeing what new story we each write as we pivot towards our new normal…

Following on from part 1 of our article last week HERE where we began sharing stories from renowned designers brave enough to tell us about their stitching failures, this week we continue our discussion around being OK about making mistakes.

First, we’ll bring you the story of another one of your favourite designers, Alison Cole, who is just as prone to errors as anyone (hard to believe we know!) but also do a little exploration into the psychology behind making mistakes and just how beneficial it is.

To get started we asked Alison whether she had ever experienced any stitching failures, and she responded with this story:

‘While working on the Diamond Jubilee Sampler for the Embroiderers’ Guild of Victoria, I counted the threads for the first drawn thread band – recounted them, pinned and checked again just to make sure. I then withdrew the four centre threads of the group of twelve – problem was, I was supposed to withdraw the top four and bottom four and leave the centre four... After a minute of laughing at myself, I took four threads from the top edge and wove them back into the linen and then withdrew the threads I was supposed to.’

How many of us have done that?

She continued, though, with some great advice:

‘The thing that I tell all of my students is that most things can be fixed, so don’t reach for scissors or a quick unpick until you’ve really checked out whether it can’t be saved.

Everyone has stitching failures – and if I stitch something and I don’t like it, then I unpick it and stitch it again. However, when I’m testing a stitch or technique that I’ve been researching, I don’t unpick, I just keep working the sample. The progression of my thoughts on the technique are as valuable as the finished piece.’

Many of us are perfectionists – indeed, that tendency towards perfectionism can make us better stitchers in some ways, but it should never mean that we are immune to mistakes. In fact, there is plenty of research now in the field of psychology which demonstrates just how vitally important mistakes are to our growth.

During the twentieth century, the influence of behavioural psychologist B.F. Skinner meant that, especially in western cultures, there was a strong fear of making mistakes. Skinner had determined during his experiments on rats and pigeons that a mistake would become embedded and would then have to be trained out of the mind.

However, fortunately things have moved on in the twenty-first century (not least by the recognition that humans are neither rats nor pigeons!). Further research was warranted as comparisons were made against the western tendency to help children avoid mistakes in their learning, as opposed to the Japanese tendency to embrace mistakes.

Recently, study after study has shown how the minds of students grow and develop through the process of working through errors. It is the difference between a ‘fixed mindset’ which believes that mistakes indicate some kind of weakness or not being good at something, and a ‘growth mindset’ which recognises that a mistake is a way to identify where one needs to improve – and then work on it.

Unfortunately, our culture is so set on the belief that mistakes equal something bad that even in the face of overwhelming evidence we find it hard to let go of. We should always be seeing ourselves as a work in progress, getting better and better by the day through recognition of those areas we’re weaker at. How are we going to discover those areas without highlighting and embracing our failures?

At this point, we will quote Winston Churchill, who stated that:

In summary, if there is a key take away for us all to consider when it comes to our stitching mistakes it is this - start loving your mistakes! They are actually drivers that help get us closer to any perfection we seek, not further away.

For anyone interested in reading more on this subject, check out the article ‘Why Mistakes Matter in Creating A Path for Learning’ by Claudia Wallis HERE.

If you live in the northern hemisphere hopefully by now spring has pushed up through the barren winter ground and the trees and flowers are exploding with colour, beauty and life. So, what better time to turn the page of the Inspirations calendar and reveal the project for May - a perfect affirmation of spring.

Julie Kniedl’s gorgeous three-dimensional white magnolia from Inspirations issue #99 embodies everything that nature produces during this time of growth and rebirth.

Now is the perfect time to recreate the magic of spring. While you stitch, the world will join you in its display. Then when winter comes around again, you’ll always have this reminder of the warmer days which will surely come again.

In All Stitched Up! last week, we encouraged you to sort out your ‘rat’s nest’ of threads when we released our DMC Storage Tin HERE. How are you going with all of those threads?! While we’ve got you in the mood for tidying, we’ve got something else that you’re going to love - delightful thread cards from L’uccello.

Robust enough to hold thread, ribbons or even lace, these thread cards are printed with antique French ephemera and fabric and would look just stunning in your work basket or project bag.

Made from sturdy cardboard, and with three thread cards in a pack, you won’t ever need to use scraps of corrugated cardboard or old cornflake boxes to tidy your threads again. Tidy your threads with a touch of antique French elegance by grabbing your pack of thread cards today.

While the northern hemisphere is looking forward to some warmer weather, things are getting chilly down here in the south. But chilly though the weather might be, it isn’t as cold as the temperatures seen in the depths of winter in Canada.

While most of us would be shivering, Nicole Dextras saw the sub-zero temperatures as an opportunity to create unique textile art.

Nicole used water spray and the freezing air to form these incredible sculptures which appear like mysterious flowers amidst the ice and snow. She imagined:

We suspect Disney’s Elsa would be envious of these amazing, yet fleeting, creations. Nicole proves how art and nature are inextricably woven together. To discover more, check out Nicole’s website HERE

Adorning the cover of Inspirations magazine #106 is a deceptively simple still life of a pomegranate.

Sitting alone on a plain ground, the texture and accuracy of the piece is striking. It is clear to see Margaret Lee’s precise and skilled hand in this design.

This is a project which provides the perfect introduction to the technique of random stitch embroidery, discussed in previous newsletters and introduced in her new book, The Art of Chinese Embroidery 2 | Intermediate Level.

In order for us to best convey the nuances of this project, we decided to seek out the expert and caught up for a chat with Margaret herself. We felt that no-one could provide enlightenment on both the subject matter and the technique like she can.

We asked her initially about the pomegranate itself. It’s such a unique fruit, we were curious about its significance. Margaret told us that in China, the pomegranate has long held significance in both cultural practice and the arts.

‘…depending on the occasion and regional beliefs, the pomegranate symbolizes fertility and plenty, filial piety, a happy union between couples and a close bond within the family unit and between friends.

Representations of the pomegranate are used in wedding ceremonies, bridal chambers and on purses as a symbol of affection. And the actual fruits are used as gifts and decorations for good luck.

This is an incredibly appropriate image to stitch during these troubled times. Which brings us to the stitching itself. So many people look at a project like this and immediately fear that they won’t be able to achieve it. So, Margaret offered some wonderful advice to the new stitcher.

Initially, she emphasized that you need to approach your embroidery as art, not as embroidery.

Before starting on your actual piece, set up a ‘doodle frame’ to practise the techniques. When you first start out, use a thicker thread like broder cotton to familiarise yourself with the technical stitching requirements until you are comfortable.

Margaret encourages learning by copying the images and diagrams provided, and suggests that the basics, which are outlined in her first book The Art of Chinese Embroidery 1 | Foundation Level, should be mastered first. However, she was quick to point out,

‘…mastery of the art is a stepped, developmental process underpinned by practise and patience.’

In summary, Margaret offered some wonderful words:

‘My students often hear these two words from me. You will be amazed how the colours and stitches will merge and transform. A famous Chinese quotation translates as: ‘Order exists in random’ and this is so for random stitch embroidery. At first glance, the stitches appear randomly placed but that is not the case.

Each stitch and its colour is thoughtfully considered, such that they merge into an orderly structure to create colour and form.’

It is the right moment to be brave, give yourself time and space, and let yourself go. You’ll be amazed at what you can produce.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Pomegranate by Margaret Lee is an exquisite embroidered study.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Pomegranate includes everything* you need to re-create this lifelike study: Pre-printed fabric, lacing thread, embroidery threads 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 the magazine/digital pattern.

Golden Needles by June Godwin from Inspirations issue #45 is a dainty pinwheel adorned with graceful Jacobean-style stems of pomegranate - the fruit of the goddess Persephone.

The Magical Pomegranate by Lesley Turpin-Delport from Inspirations issue #39 is a stunning botanical picture portraying the King of Fruits.

Punica Granatum by Jane Nicholas from Inspirations issue #73 is an elegant pomegranate tree and goldwork beetle personalised with the embroiderer's initial.

Pen to Paper by Kimberly Servello from Inspirations issue #81 is a superb paperweight featuring a lush silk and gold pomegranate.

Spring = flowers and it seems that cottage gardens are a true favourite amongst our readers. Perhaps it is the riot of colour, or the exquisite variation amongst the flowers? Whatever the reason, we all love them, as we know you’ll love this week’s showcase.

‘I learned embroidery from family members when I was little but developed a passion for it in college a few years ago. Since I don't know many people who embroider, I love that Inspirations lets me be part of the larger embroidery community.’

‘When you first wrote of Lorna Bateman's Embroidered Country Gardens last summer I fell in love and bought it immediately. I made the embroidered glasses case as a Christmas gift for my mother, who loved it. It was the most ambitious project I've tackled to date and I really enjoyed it!’

‘It is a panel from Dicraft in South Africa. I am from the Eastern Cape, South Africa.’

What magnificent colours, and we’re amazed at how beautiful your ribbon flowers are. This is definitely a finish to be proud of, Desiree. Well done!

‘Hi from a very wet England! As it has been too wet to go out even for the dogs recently, I have had a chance to finish off some small projects.’

‘This scissor keeper was made from a kit by Lorna Bateman, whose classes I have been fortunate enough to attend.’

We’re sure as you were stitching it, it helped you to forget the rain. What a great finish to herald in the start of spring for you in England, Jenny.

‘I am sending a picture of an embroidery which I did taking inspiration from Inspirations issue #53 and the project it featured ‘A Cottage Garden’ by Kris Richards. I really enjoyed the different methods which I used.’

The result is gorgeous, Ruth. You’ve really captured the essence of a cottage garden, filled with flowers.

‘To say that I adore your publications is not enough. Your projects and outstanding photographs have inspired me to become a self-taught embroider here in south Florida, USA.’

‘A number of years ago I was invited to come to Australia to teach soft sculpture art dolls and bead weaving. I travelled and taught in 4 different Australian states during which time the flame to embroider was ignited.’

‘I met several outstanding embroiderers who were taking my workshops. Upon admiring their surface embroidery, they introduced me to a few different stitches to practise during my breaks.

There were numerous active clubs and guilds for people to join and learn from.’

‘I continue to teach workshops all over the USA and Canada and share my love for surface embroidery with my students. To my delight there is a growing interest and participation in hand embroidery here in the USA.’

Thank you for carrying the love of embroidery to all of your friends and students in the USA, Marcia! Fortunately, we can draw on our global community to share our love too, so we’re grateful to you for playing your part.

Have you been inspired by the burst of colour appearing in your garden this season? Or perhaps you’ve enjoyed recreating a garden with needle and thread while you dream of one of your own? No matter what you’ve been stitching, we’d love to see it. Send a photo and some words about your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com.

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Field of Flowers by Deborah Love is a lovely whitework mat with flowers worked using a compelling variety of traditional Schwalm fillings.

Gypsy by Deborah Love from Inspirations issue #102 is an eight-sided tablecloth worked in textural Mountmellick embroidery with flower sprays surrounding flowing vines, edged with a knitted fringe.

Hidden Delights by Deborah Love from Inspirations issue #93 is an enchanting Schwalm embroidery featuring a songbird framed by a heart.

Noël by Barbara Kershaw from Inspirations issue #96 is a superb whitework Christmas stocking with Schwalm embroidery.

Whitework Inspirations features 8 of world's most beautiful whitework projects, to delight and inspire.

~ Jay Samit ~

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.