As this issue of All Stitched Up! is being sent to readers the world over, some of us are enjoying a holiday in honour of Good Friday.

For those of the Christian faith, whilst Good Friday is the most sombre day on our calendar, it is also the gateway to which new life is celebrated on Easter Sunday. Even outside of a faith perspective, Easter has become ubiquitous with renewal and new life as the signs of spring growth start to emerge in the Northern Hemisphere.

And much like snow has become a universal symbol of Christmas despite the hemisphere in which you reside, signs of new life including budding flowers and frolicking lambs can be seen at Easter the world over.

There are, however, times when the hustle and bustle of daily life makes it all too easy to lose our sense of hope as we find ourselves focusing on what is, rather than on what could be. We forget the possibilities of new beginnings and sometimes it takes the ‘pause’ of an occasion such as Easter to remind us that if we take a moment to lift our eyes from what we see around us, the promise of a new beginning once again comes into focus, bringing with it a renewed sense of hope.

Even in our stitching, there are times we need to lift our eyes from what we’re working on and remind ourselves of what brought us to, and now keeps us with, needle and thread. As our enthusiasm is once again grounded, our hope renews, and we find ourselves able to dream into all the possibilities the world of stitching can afford us.

Be it with your stitching or otherwise, what ‘new life’ awaits you? We hope this Easter provides the pause that will allow you to focus on what can be and not just what is, bringing with it a renewed sense of hope and anticipation.

With Easter now upon us, we wanted to write about something which would combine our love of embroidery with the Easter holiday. It didn’t take a lot of searching before we were well and truly wowed.

Unbelievably, there are stitchers out there who looked at the humble egg, and immediately wondered whether it would be possible to embroider on it. Challenge aside, it seems there are plenty of artists who have succeeded in this most delicate of crafts.

We were pleased to see that our friend, Mary Corbet, was one of those amazing embroiderers. We have to give her a huge thank you for her intrepid explorations into this particular technique. Her experiments and adventures definitely influenced us, but as odd as the concept might seem, Mary is not alone in her desire to create embroidered eggs.

Easter eggs in general have a somewhat mixed and mysterious origin, although it is commonly believed that the association between eggs and Easter comes from the notions of fertility, rebirth and renewal.

Decorated eggs appear in history as far back as pre-dynastic Egypt and Mesopotamia, leading to the adoption of the symbol into Christianity during the Middle Ages.

Most Easter eggs are brightly coloured, whether wrapped in shining foil or dyed or painted in beautiful colours. So, it makes sense that if an egg is to be decorated, surely there must be a way to do it with a needle and thread?

And apparently, there is. Naturally, the biggest problem with stitching on eggshells is the fact that they are delicate and brittle and therefore liable to break easily. Mary Corbet’s overall advice if you’d like to give this technique a try? Do it very carefully!

But logic tells us that a needle is straight and an egg is a closed object, so how does one go about drawing the needle and thread through the shell? There are two answers to this. Some tutorials suggest cutting the back off of the egg with a tool like a Dremel drill, so that you can pass the needle in and out of the holes that you will subsequently make. This means the egg will sit neatly afterwards without rolling, or you can try to glue the cut piece back on once the stitching is complete.

Mary Corbet states that she prefers an egg to be whole – cutting the back off is sort of like cheating! However, that meant she needed to find alternative ways to pass the needle through the shell.

Her solution was to drill holes in the pattern she wanted, ensuring there were holes on all sides of the egg. She could then pass her needle through two holes at once, one on either side. On the return pass, she put the needle back through the second hole, bringing it out at a new hole opposite to form the next stitch.

Rather than going through the ins and outs in detail, we’d rather direct you to Mary’s incredibly comprehensive tutorials on embroidering eggs if you are keen to give it a try. You’ll see the mistakes she made and you’ll learn exactly how to go about doing it.

We have to admit, we’re a little in awe of the determination all egg embroiderers show. One stitch too tight and the whole thing could collapse. However, if you persevere, you’ll end up with some of the most inspiring and beautiful Easter eggs imaginable.

If you do try this technique, we would love to see your results. But even if you don’t, we hope you’ll enjoy admiring all of the wonderful, embroidered eggs created by others, while you’re nibbling the last of that divine chocolate Easter egg that you saved all for yourself!

There is a reason that we all carry purses and handbags. It is because we know that we will always have everything we need on us, tucked away in tidy compartments. The same should go for our stitching.

So, the best way to ensure you have all those essentials is to keep them in a gorgeously designed, handy tool case.

Many of us already know how gorgeous Cohana products are. With stunning Japanese styling and impeccable craftsmanship, the entire Cohana range has been created to last a lifetime. The Cohana tool case is no different.

With five strong pockets and a zip up compartment, the tool case will take all your stitching essentials and, when rolled up, keep them perfectly safe. It is secured with a strong leather cord, designed to encircle the case several times so that it will remain closed no matter what kind of treatment it receives.

Best of all, it is compact enough that you can carry it everywhere, but large enough that you will be able to fit in every accessory you could possibly need.

The Cohana tool case is truly the cream of the crop when it comes to storing your stitching accessories.

Now that you have your Cohana tool case, why not fill it with gorgeous Cohana accessories, each designed to fit snugly into the compartments of your case.

The leather tape measures slot neatly into one of the pockets, and the tiny Cohana scissors – one of our most popular items – fit perfectly inside.

It’s definitely time to spoil yourself with the most beautiful embroidery tools on the market.

Even though the magazine Australian Smocking & Embroidery (AS&E) is no longer in production, we continue to receive requests for many of the timeless smocked designs that appeared throughout the 100 issues produced. Ruffles and Roses is one of those patterns.

We received the following email from Alex in the UK: ‘I was wondering if there was any possibility of getting a digital pattern for the Ruffles and Roses baby bonnet pattern? Digital downloads are great, as postage is often expensive.’

Thanks for writing in Alex, we can definitely fulfil your request to produce a digital pattern of this delightful bonnet.

Ruffles & Roses was designed by Kris Curtis and originally appeared in AS&E issue #99. The pattern is for a gorgeous, traditional bonnet with delicate smocking.

Worked in soft pink, with a lace trimmed ruffle and studded with pink roses, any newborn baby would be a picture in this lovely piece.

Click below to purchase and download your pattern today.

We are endlessly fascinated by everyday accessories made miniature, which is why so many people still marvel over doll houses. To see tiny kitchen settings or minute lounge rooms provides endless delight, especially when the details are captured to perfection.

Eugenia and Georgy of MiniArtHouse have taken their love of doll houses to the next level. They produce perfectly embroidered mini cushions, all 3.5cm x 3.5cm, covered with tiny stitches and worked in the most intricate of fashions.

Requiring a steady hand and steady eye, these diminutive works of art simply take your breath away. The Moscow-based team also specialise in other doll house accessories, but it is their skill with needle and thread that, for us, truly set them apart.

If you’d like to see more of Eugenia and Georgy’s work, you can read about them at MyModernMet, see their designs at their Instagram page @miniarthouse or if you are a doll house afficionado and would love one of their perfectly crafted items, you can view the range at their Etsy store.

From wares to kits and all kinds of tricks, if it has recently come back in stock, you’ll discover it below.

If you’ve ever considered embroidering a blanket for a new child or grandchild, you’ve probably already seen the fantastic array of designs created by Australian needlework artist Jenny McWhinney.

Jenny’s work is loved for so many reasons, perhaps most notably due to her uncanny ability to craft the most adorable, realistic yet fun loving and sometimes even mischievous looking characters.

Jenny has been a longstanding contributor to Inspirations, and over the years has designed everything from blankets to cushions, tote bags to stitching accessories. But no matter what she produces, Jenny is first and foremost an artist with a keen artist’s eye for capturing character and personality.

The fact that she then translates that art into embroidery is something we are so grateful for, as it means we all have the opportunity to reproduce her amazing work.

Hello Possum! is the latest in Jenny’s fabulous oeuvre. In fact, it wouldn’t be inaccurate to say that there probably isn’t a cuter cot blanket design available. Jenny’s chubby, cheeky little possum is swinging happily from a eucalyptus branch, her little paws out in an expression of glee.

The colour tones that Jenny has selected for this blanket are perfectly complimentary. The brilliance of the flowering gum, picked out in magenta and candy pink, works absolutely perfectly with the dusty green characteristic of so many eucalyptus trees.

The whole design is then highlighted by the soft green backing of the blanket, that frames the little possum and her natural playground perfectly. With the colour combination and the subtle design, this blanket would be just as ideal for a baby boy as it would for a baby girl.

One of the many things we love about Jenny is that she never shirks on details. That isn’t just true in her designs, as is evidenced by the beautiful, bright eyes and the subtle shading of the possum’s fur. Jenny’s eye for detail even extends into the construction of the project itself.

As a part of the overall project, a pattern for a tote bag is included. Constructed from the same material as the backing and sporting a hand embroidered pocket picking out the colours from the blanket, the tote joyfully exclaims, ‘G’Day!’ in the true, Australian way.

The wonderful thing about the tote is that it ensures this gift will be enjoyed for years to come. When baby is small, the blanket is perfect to keep them toasty warm in her cot. When it isn’t being used, the blanket folds up and fits perfectly for safekeeping in the tote. As baby gets older, the blanket will undoubtedly remain a favourite comfort, but the bag will soon transform into a useful library bag, all ready for baby’s first day of school.

Even if there isn’t a new arrival on the horizon, this is the perfect heirloom project to make right away.

Whether they do or not, the joy that will be gained out of embroidering this adorable little possum will make the whole project worthwhile. In fact, we could go so far as to suggest that it might even be difficult to give away… adorable knee blanket anyone?

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Hello Possum! by Jenny McWhinney is a cuddly blanket with a cute possum amongst gum blossoms and a matching carry bag.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Hello Possum! includes everything* you need to re-create this adorable blanket and bag: Fabrics** (unprinted), stabiliser, wool felt, buttons, satin cord, beads, sewing threads, 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.

**Please Note: In the kit, a substitution has been made for the backing fabric and the Primke stranded cotton (35 geranium) has been replaced with House of Embroidery Flame M43C.

Purity by Carolyn Pearce from Inspirations issue #40 is a gorgeous baby blanket featuring two plump little bunnies nestled among flowers.

The Magic Carousel by Kris Richards from Inspirations issue #54 is a delightful ivory and pastel baby blanket.

Showtime by Louise Spriggs from the book More Beautiful Embroidered Blankets features a cheeky elephant carefully balancing a ball on his long trunk under a line of colourful bunting.

Rock a Bye Baby by Kris Richards from Inspirations issue #29 is a nostalgic baby blanket featuring a charming rocking horse.

Blankets come in all styles. Although we are particularly fond of embroidered blankets, quilting is incredibly popular as is the combination of embroidery and quilting.

Blankets can also be crocheted and knitted, something many of our readers enjoy doing as well. Today, for your viewing pleasure, we bring you a showcase of blankets made using a range of different techniques.

‘Several weeks ago I noticed the digital pattern Roses and Daisies appear in All Stitched Up! issue #266 and purchased a copy. I still had some wool that I had bought 14 years ago to make a blanket for my first grandchild. When I saw this beautiful design, I knew it was meant for my leftover fabric. I love the way it came out.’

You have finished this project in record fast time, Elizabeth! You were absolutely correct; your leftover wool was perfect – such a delightful blanket you have created, well done.

‘When I am at home, I usually work on my Chinese embroidery. However, when we go away, I like to take something that takes up less space. On holiday trips I embroidered the nine quilt blocks from Jenny McWhinney’s ‘The Redwork Circus’. I love Jenny’s work and enjoyed doing the clowns. It is a fun project and Jenny’s instructions made it much easier.’

This is such a fun project, Miriam and you have done an excellent job re-creating it. We can only imagine how fabulous it looks on a bed or hanging on the back of a sofa.

‘Up until about two years ago, I used to do a large amount of very fine crocheting. I would make tablecloths, table scarves, dress collars, doilies, etc. Here is a picture of one of my finished pieces.’

‘May this year turn out better than last and thank you for showing us the beautiful work of all of those wonderful needle artists from around the world.’

Thank you for sharing your beautiful work, Velia. And like you, we hope that 2021 turns out better for everyone.

‘My husband worked for an oil company so we used to move all over the world. I stitched everywhere, drawing inspiration from the various cultures where we lived. In Malabo, we lived in a small compound with nowhere to go and not much to do. So, I started creating dimensional, fabric women using local fabrics and copying their clothing styles from those I saw around me.’

‘We were gone from Canada for 18 years so I accumulated a lot of pieces over the years, none of them framed as they were easier to store.

When we finally returned, we moved to a small community, accessible only by ferry. There were no needlework shops but there were two quilting shops and a very active quilt guild so I joined up and learned to quilt. One day, as I was going through my needlework tote, inspiration struck. A good friend helped with the background fabric and layout and I incorporated some pieces from fabrics depicting African scenes.

What a magnificent piece and a wonderful way to remember your travels, Ada. Bringing them all together into a quilted piece seems perfect, we love it!

Do you love embroidering blankets? Or do you prefer quilting? Are you handy with a hook or a pair of knitting needles, producing blankets that way? Or perhaps blankets aren’t your thing at all?

Whatever your preference, whether project style, technique or designer, we’d like to see it. Send us a picture of your work with a bit of information about the project itself and your stitching journey, to news@inspirationsstudios.com

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Arcadia by Brenda Sortwell is an ornate bird surrounded by flowers and foliage using the fabulous traditions of Jacobean crewel embroidery.

Jacobean Stag by Phillipa Turnbull from Inspirations issue #101 is an elegant crewel panel featuring a splendid stag overlooking leafy hillocks.

Can’t See the Forest by Betsy Morgan from Inspirations issue #96 is a superb sewing box featuring an enchanting forest, full of beautiful trees and alive with the sounds of birds and animals.

Garden of Earthly Delights by Margaret Light from Inspirations issue #62 is a stunning cushion with a wonderful design of colourful parrots amidst stems of exotic foliage, flowers and berries, echoes the lavish style of the Jacobean period.

Jacobean Hunt by Phillipa Turnbull from A Passion for Needlework | Factoria VII is a magnificent crewel design filled with dynamic motifs.

~ Janine di Giovanni ~

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.