In last week’s All Stitched Up! HERE, we unpacked the idea of showing up for those around us by taking our thoughts and putting them into action as we ensured we were playing our part in the stories of others.

But what about for ourselves? How are we showing up in 2021 to what’s before us?

Although February is now upon us, many of us are still feeling the pressure to change something this year. We might be trying to do something new, bring back something that’s worked for us in the past, or simply do something more or less often depending on how well it’s serving us.

No matter what we set out to achieve at the onset of the New Year, whether we’ve planned it out step by step or we’re hoping it will simply ‘magic’ itself into being, our success ultimately comes from us showing up. We need to show up fully and wholeheartedly, knowing that no matter how much we accomplish, or who notices our efforts, when we show up for what’s important to us, ultimately, we’ll realise our dreams.

The consistency of showing up whether we’re feeling brave or afraid, full of enthusiasm or lethargic, when life is going well or not at all as we’d planned, will ultimately be enough.

Whilst showing up doesn’t guarantee progress, it does mean we put ourselves in the right place and, more often than not, we find that’s all we need to start ourselves moving in the right direction.

It might be putting on our runners for that first workout, writing the initial word of the book within us or laying the opening stitch to a piece we never thought we’d be capable of putting our needle and thread to. No matter how small our first step, if we continue to show up consistently, success will eventually follow.

How can you show up for yourself today?

We had a fabulous break over the Christmas period. However, we were conscious the whole time that, while we weren’t sending out All Stitched Up! to our loyal readers, you might miss us. But let us assure you, you didn’t miss us as much as we missed you!

So now that we’re fully back into the swing of 2021, our inbox is open and waiting to hear from you.

There were a couple of very moving responses to the introduction to All Stitched Up! issue #261 where we talked about ‘The Other Side of Yes’. Although it was a little while back, we really wanted to share the emails with you.

Leanne Atkins found the story reminded her of a particularly special moment in her life. She had moved with her family back to Tasmania. Her daughter was just 12 months old at the time and Leanne had suffered from ill health. When they arrived, she had mentioned to her husband how she would dearly love to learn some new forms of embroidery and was very keen on a few classes which were being run locally.

She didn’t think any more of it, until her husband came to her with all of the details of the classes – he had done the research and found out when and where they were being conducted. He then offered to take time out to look after their baby while Leanne attended the classes. His ‘yes’ didn’t need to be said out loud as it was demonstrated in such a special way.

Lori also understood deeply the power of ‘yes’. As the youngest of five children, Lori had always promised her mother that she would take care of her in her later years. When Lori’s stepfather became ill and later passed away, she knew that she wanted to fulfill her promise.

Her mother, then 90 years old, was worried about being alone, so Lori moved her mother into her home. When her Mum asked if Lori was sure, the answer was a resounding ‘yes’.

As Lori explained, throughout her life, whenever she had wanted to learn something from her Mum – from threading a needle, to mastering crochet and (perhaps less successfully) knitting, her Mum had always said, ‘yes’.

At no time did her Mum ever refuse to pass on her prodigious knowledge and guided Lori with patience and care. When Lori started designing cross-stitch patterns, she asked her Mum to be her model stitcher. The answer, again, was ‘yes’.

As Lori says:

‘I guess we have choices to make that we never know the outcome of until we pick the answer. I am so thankful that we will be able to spend our days together. I’ll watch my mother’s small hands work and be blessed to have her by my side.

Thank you for your beautiful memories. We’re looking forward to sharing more stories from our readers as the year progresses. It is what makes our job here at Inspirations so worthwhile.

Sticky notes are a fabulous invention – the fact we can jot down our reminders and action lists on these little square papers and stick them around the place to try and stay organised can be a god send.

Well, that’s kinda what happens here at the Inspirations office trying to keep track of all the kits, publications and wares that are now back in stock, which we need to remember to let everyone know about.

So, this week we’re introducing a brand-new segment in the newsletter called ‘This Now In…’ where we purge our sticky notes and inform you when that sold-out kit you’re longing for is back, or some of our super popular wares are in stock again, so you don’t miss out.

Our This Now In… report for this week includes:

It would not be hyperbole to suggest that some of the finest threads in the world are produced by Au Ver a Soie in France. Their stunning silks, in the most breathtaking array of colours, have been perfected over more than 200 years since the company first started.

Au Ver a Soie produce a range of magnificent threads and we are thrilled to be releasing a selection of them over the coming weeks and months.

To help get started, we thought it would be handy for us all to take a refresher course in the names and thread types Au Ver a Soie offer. Here is an overview:

Soie d’Alger = spun silk thread, stranded (7 strands)
Soie de Paris = filament silk thread, stranded (6 strands)
Soie Gobelins = filament silk thread, 2 ply non-divisible
Soie Perlée = filament silk thread, 3 ply non-divisible
Metallise Tressé = braided thread with metallic appearance

To whet your appetite, we’re proud to bring you three different thread packs of Soie Perlée filament silk. Each box contains 6 colours wound onto the most adorable wooden bobbins you have ever seen.

We have stocked the Shades of Summer and Shades of Pastel collections before, and we’re really thrilled to have them back in stock. Plus this time we also have the gorgeous new Shades of Glazig collection available which, we can’t help but admit, is definitely our new favourite!

It is time to spoil yourself with the Rolls Royce of silks. With limited stocks of these unique collections on hand, act now to avoid disappointment.

Felt is one of the most versatile fabrics on the market, and we never tire of all the delightful projects which can be created using this unique fibre.

It offers the possibility of combining simple embroidery with an array of colour combinations to produce some of the cutest toys, ornaments and accessories you could possibly imagine.

We were particularly taken by the gorgeous, three-dimensional felt rabbit and the perfect little Scandi Horse, but you’ll also find patterns for mug hugs, pillows, wall hangings and brooches among other things.

The book contains clear instructions for each project, as well as a handy stitch guide and all of the templates you’ll need. There are projects for every season and occasion in this book, so you’ll have plenty to inspire you including gifts for a new arrival and even a way to celebrate summer.

If you’re looking for projects quick to complete and filled with stacks of cuteness-factor, then Fabulous Felt by Corinne Lapierre is just what you need.

While some people used their time in lockdown to learn a language or bake the perfect sourdough, 82-year old Helga Fitzroy from Stanford in South Africa turned her exceptional eyes to other things.

When asked by a local antique dealer if she would have a go at restoring a fine vintage lace tablecloth, Helga readily agreed.

Painstakingly reworking each broken branch in fine white cotton, with each stitch no bigger than the size of a pinhead, Helga soon brought this exquisite piece back to its former glory.

There wouldn’t be many of us brave enough to take on such a project, but this amazing woman, whose life has been filled with gaining a huge variety of skills and knowledge, stands as encouragement and inspiration to us all.

If you would like to read more about Helga and her fabulous achievement, you can view the full article HERE.

With the release of Inspirations issue #109, we’re absolutely delighted to introduce several brand-new designers to the Inspirations family. We love bringing new talent to you and Emillie Ferris, the creator of this issue’s cover project, is truly a delight.

Emillie only started embroidering in 2013. She states that, since that wonderful first experience, not a day has gone by when she hasn’t worked with a needle and thread.

Initially believing that embroidery was something that only ladies from the Medieval or Victorian periods did, she soon discovered a whole world of creative possibilities.

Emillie lives in the Suffolk countryside in England and gains most of her inspiration from the beautiful and abundant natural world which surrounds her.

Her chosen technique is threadpainting as it provides the blending of colours, smooth texture and endless freedom to exquisitely recreate the animals, insects and plants which inspire her.

Choosing subjects from a variety of places, both from her own back garden and from other parts of the world, Emillie’s skills have increased and gone from strength to strength since she first began.

The project which features in Inspirations issue #109 is a perfect example of the type of needlework Emillie has perfected. The Helena Gum Moth is a glorious, peach coloured moth generally found along the eastern coast of Australia.

The subtle shading which characterises this particular moth is captured beautifully by the choice of DMC colours Emillie has employed, producing an image so striking it is difficult to believe it isn’t real.

Setting off the main subject, Emillie has completed her piece with a delicate background of leaves and stars which provide a unique depth and style to the design. Although one might be tempted to start stitching the moth before anything else, it is recommended that you do the background first, only moving on to the richly threadpainted insect once complete.

One of the things we love about Emillie, aside from her prodigious talent of course, is her enthusiastic embrace of modern technology.

Her large community has encouraged her to set up a digital teaching practice and she now has a range of digital e-book tutorials available covering an array of designs which is being added to frequently.

If you love the Helena Gum Moth as much as we do, then you simply must follow Emillie on Instagram and take a look at some of her other work.

We will never cease to be amazed at the talented embroiderers and designers out there. Emillie’s large body of work already demonstrates her skill and breathtaking eye for detail.

By following her fabulous instructions, and absorbing some of her passion, you’re guaranteed to produce a piece which will become a much-loved heirloom and a project you’ll never tire of looking at in years to come.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Helena Gum Moth by Emillie Ferris showcases the gentle colours of this large Australian moth.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Helena Gum Moth includes everything* you need to re-create this spectacular study: Fabrics (unprinted), wool felt, 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.

Little Bird by Chloe Redfern from Inspirations issue #103 is a delightful superb fairy wren to frame in a hoop.

Autumn Flowers by Ana Mallah from Inspirations issue #104 is a glorious stumpwork garland celebrating stunning autumn leaves.

Autumn Harvest by Ana Mallah from the Handpicked Collection is a delightful stumpwork garland celebrating autumn’s spectacular bounty.

Simple Stitches by Chloe Redfern from Inspirations issue #96 is two fun and vibrant designs to display in a small hoop.

Although insects make fantastic subjects for embroidery as a standalone design, sometimes, just the subtle addition of a tiny bee or a colourful butterfly is enough to really elevate a project further.

It doesn’t need to be the primary focus, but without it, the finished piece wouldn’t quite be the same. The projects featured below all have an insect included, although sometimes you need to search hard to spot them!

‘Please find below a photo of an embroidery I created using the design ‘Breath of Spring’ from Inspirations issue #56.’

‘It is my first attempt at making a bag and I slightly modified it to suit my needs. It was great fun to do the embroidery and to see it emerge from my fingers. It has certainly given me confidence to tackle another project.’

Your modifications really made this project unique, Jennifer. It has been beautifully stitched and constructed and we’re sure you carry it with pride.

‘These are my two recently completed Lorna Bateman projects: Potpourri scissor keep from Inspirations issue #85 and her Lavender and Bees pincushion.’

‘Recently, Lorna taught these two designs to my local EGA chapter in San Diego, USA. Lorna is a wonderful teacher and she encourages you to experiment. The pincushion is a very easy project and a terrific way to learn bullion knots as you get lots of practise!’

‘The scissor keeper has a lot of room for you to do your own thing. I was a little too exuberant with my embroidery and ended up stitching outside the design edges. I had to enlarge the pattern when it came time for finishing. Oops! I really enjoyed designing my initial on the back based on the flowers on the front.’

Your bullions are absolutely perfect, Margaret! Of course, we were taken by the little bees, but the colour and finish of these projects is wonderful. Well done.

‘Attached is a picture of a face mask I made and embroidered to wear when we finally returned to school in Victoria, Australia. It was a long year here!’

2020 was indeed a long year Anne, and we know that even now you’re probably still getting use out of this exquisitely stitched mask.

‘I'm attaching photos of the thimble ‘Mushroom Magic’ by Ana Mallah I stitched recently from the Inspirations Handpicked pattern.’

‘In 2008 I decided to express myself artistically through embroidery, having done only cross-stitch previously. I met a prolific stitcher and overall wonderful woman named Mary Margaret Lovell who lived close to me in Tennessee, USA.

She took me to the Nashville chapters of the American Needlepoint Guild and the Embroiderers' Guild of America. I immediately joined and never looked back!’

‘Sadly, she died recently, 8 days short of her 96th birthday. But her legacy lives on in me and the innumerable others whom she mentored. She encouraged me, taught me, shared her stash and so much more.’

We’re so glad that you were touched by such a talented embroiderer in Mary Margaret Lovell, Trish. Your gorgeous work is testament to her mentoring and your own skills and what a treasure it is to have amazing women like that in our lives to instil a passion for needlework.

Do you like to add an extra little motif into your work, whether an insect, a flower or a symbol? Do you enjoy stitching projects filled with tiny, exquisite details which delight both the fingers and the eye? Whatever it is you like to stitch, we would love to see it. Send us pictures of your work as well as a bit of information about the project and your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com

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Delft Tile by Margaret Light from the book A Fine Tradition features a fruit bowl laden with pears, figs and cherries, inspired by 17th century Delft tiles.

Iznik Tile by Margaret Light from the book A Fine Tradition features tulips, carnations and hyacinths in a vase reflecting Islamic decorative arts.

Spring Delight by Margaret Light from Inspirations issue #91 is a beautiful dogwood wreath stitched with crewel wools on linen twill.

Forget-me-not by Margaret Light from Inspirations issue #38 is a dainty blanket featuring pretty sprays of forget-me-nots.

Trés Belle by Margaret Light from Inspirations issue #84 is a zippered oval linen pouch with elegant embroidery.

Strawberry Fields by Margaret Light from Inspirations issue #42 is a charming needlecase featuring strawberry stems that softly entwine to form a delicate heart.

~ Brené Brown ~

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.