Comparing ourselves to others has a way of pulling us out of being present to what’s before us as we worry about what others are doing, what they think of us and how we think our lives ought to be. It can leave us feeling like we’re perpetually behind and create a sense of unease about our own reality.

Unfortunately, the ‘All Access Pass’ we have to the highlight reels of others that’s now so readily available makes the task of comparison all too easy.

This can be especially true in our time with needle and thread.

Sometimes we think it’s distractions or our time spent scrolling on social media that stops us from getting things done, but the truth is, it’s often comparison that keeps us stuck. What starts as a fleeting glance at someone else’s needlework can all too quickly become a measuring stick by which we find ourselves judging our own failures and successes.

If we’re able to cut comparison from our lives, we might just find ourselves all the more productive. But how do we swap comparison for productivity? Whilst it won’t always be easy, Hannah Brencher led us through the steps she’s taken in her own life to do just that.

Instead of comparing herself to what she sees around her, she’s taken the approach of celebrating what others are achieving, all the while understanding that their successes reflect what’s possible. Hannah has worked towards supporting others authentically by genuinely being able to wish them well in their accomplishments without feeling any the less for it. She’s become deliberate in her encouragement of others, as she’s realised we all need a reminder that what we’re doing matters.

And when she needs to be present with the task before her, Hannah’s created a box labelled ‘Be Present’ where anything - whether it be printed or digital - that can become a distraction resides. She’s found that by simply spending a few hours each day without such distractions her productivity has been transformed as she declares the work before her is more important than comparing her life with everyone else’s highlight reel.

We could all take a leaf out of Hannah’s book when we next find ourselves judging our own abilities with needle and thread against what others are achieving. Instead of feeling that we don’t measure up, simply celebrate what’s possible and acknowledge that each and every step of our own needlework journey matters and that when we do our best, it gives others a reason to celebrate too.

Long-time readers of All Stitched Up! will know that we have discussed the famous Bayeux Tapestry here in the newsletter on more than one occasion. There is good reason for this. We doubt there is a single stitcher out there who isn’t impressed by the sheer scale of this 950-year-old embroidery. The 70-metre-long masterpiece depicts the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and the Norman conquest of Britain.

The reason we are bringing it up again is there are a couple of new stories related to the Bayeux Tapestry that we wanted to share.

Firstly, did you know that the entire tapestry has now been digitised in high resolution and is available for everyone the world over to examine at the Bayeux Museum’s website? For the average person this would be good news, but for anyone who stitches this is something else entirely. In the process, the team doing the digitisation has ensured that we can now zoom so close to the fabric that we are able to examine every single stitch if we so wish.

Even when you go to a museum it is rare to be able to get close enough to a work to take in the tiniest of details. This digitisation, which has taken four years to complete, means that you can now explore the Bayeux Tapestry with a precision enjoyed previously only by restorers, museum workers or the original embroiderers themselves. Best of all, you can explore the Bayeux Tapestry from your own desktop, whenever you choose and wherever you are.

Then there are some stitchers who find the Bayeux Tapestry more than just an inspiration. Mia Hansson took her passion for this historical work of art to the next level and embarked on a 10-year project to recreate the entire tapestry. In full size. Yes, you read that correctly! This incredible lady from Wisbech in the UK is now almost halfway through her mammoth undertaking, with the plan to have the entire project finished by 2026.

Mia proudly states that she was always someone ‘known for not doing things by half.’ If there was something that inspired her, she wanted to be more ambitious and make it even bigger and better. As a result, when she saw another stitcher doing a half-sized replica of the famous embroidery, her project was decided.

Mia says she loves stitching the horses but isn’t so keen on bricks and roof tiles. She really enjoyed ships, until she’d stitched a few in a row and then she was looking forward to doing another horse! But the determination and dedication of this amazing woman is something to admire. When she finally finishes, she’ll be the proud owner of a 70 metre, hand-stitched reproduction of one of the most famous embroideries in history.

Mia hopes that when the project is complete someone might buy her finished work. If not, she’s hopeful that she can find a venue where it can live permanently and where she’ll be able to hold viewings and give talks about the tapestry and her long journey of creation. In the meantime, she’s been documenting her progress with a view to ultimately publishing ‘Mia’s Bayeux Tapestry Story’; a book that she says will likely end up thicker than the Bible!

Because she’s hand sketched all of the characters and motifs, she’s developed a colouring book containing many of her drawings that has been selling well. She’s also been inspired through her work to start writing a historical novel about the stitchers who made the original tapestry almost a millennia ago. We find ourselves wondering whether there is anything that this incredible woman can’t do. What an inspiration.

We’re confident this won’t be the last time we find new things to write about the Bayeux Tapestry. It is a piece of needlework which has stood the test of time and is as important to historians and stitchers today as it was in the past. Whether you enjoy it digitally, or whether it inspires you to pick up a needle and stitch a part (or all!) of it, the Bayeux Tapestry is truly a part of embroidery history.

We wish it wasn’t so, but as we get older, we just don’t have as much strength in our hands as we used to. The problem is our hoops still need to hold our fabric drum tight and the wing-nuts on our hoop stands still need to be adjusted and tightened so they don’t undo mid-stitch.

Some of us are lucky enough to have younger people with stronger hands willing and able to make those adjustments when we need them. However, we can’t always rely on them to be there right at the moment our hoop stand begins to slip! Or for that matter, when we need to loosen or undo them. That is where this beautifully crafted tool really comes into its own.

It is designed so that a bit of effort will result in plenty of turning force, meaning no matter how difficult you may have found tightening or undoing the nuts in the past, you’ll now be able to do it with ease.

The Twizzler is an exceptionally handy tool to have in your kit, whether you use a lap stand, floor stand or table stand. Never again will you feel the hoop or joint loosen and sigh in frustration because you aren’t able to achieve the firmness required to keep stitching. The Twizzler is your secret weapon for the perfect stitching position.

Whether you are left-handed, right-handed or ambidextrous, if you can hold a needle and draw it through fabric, you’re a stitcher. But whichever hand you favour, it is great to have a guide for how to achieve various stitches, custom written for you.

This is what Yvette Stanton’s Right-handed Embroiderer’s Companion provides. And not surprisingly, it is what her Left-handed Embroiderer’s Companion provides as well! We’ve got both sides covered, and we still have copies of each of these essential titles on our shelves, ready to purchase today.

Whenever you bite into a fresh, green grape, your tastebuds are tingled by the sweet, delicious explosion of flavour. People have been eating and drinking grapes for millennia, as fresh fruit, in various dried varieties and turned into juice and wine. Green grapes in particular are a favourite for the table or the bottle and come in a huge number of varieties.

Originally published in Botanica: The Three Dimensional Embroidery of Julie Kniedl, the design is of an uncannily realistic bunch of lush green grapes, complete with a vine leaf, stalk and curling tendril, all worked in Julie’s incredible 3D technique.

Although the pattern is to produce a bunch of grapes with seven round fruits, once you have made one bunch you could easily create more. Just by changing the size of the bunch, the size of each grape or even the colour, this versatile pattern will allow you to produce a cornucopia of grape clusters which will never fade or go off.

The clear instructions for this stunning project mean that you will master the 3D technique in no time and be ready to let your creativity run wild.

If you’ve never attempted one of Julie Kneidl’s projects before, now is the perfect time. You can purchase and download this fabulous pattern and be stitching your first bunch of grapes in a matter of minutes.

Grape Kits Available

We also have some Ready-to-Stitch kits for this project still available, with all the threads, fabric, felt, wires and needles sourced and packaged up ready for you to re-create this fabulous project exactly as it appears in the digital pattern. See links for both below.

Everyone has had to overcome huge challenges in the last 12-18 months, discovering new ways to work, to communicate, and to continue offering classes and services whilst the whole world has been in upheaval.

One organisation that has embraced the challenge is the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) in the UK.

The RSN has not just found ways to ensure their current students can continue with their studies online but has expanded their offering so that students from all over the world can take classes virtually, stitching in the comfort of their own home.

But their creativity and innovation has not stopped there! This year, stitchers of all levels, from all over the world are invited to join the very first Live Online International Summer School taking place from Sunday 11th July through to Friday 23rd July, 2021.

Having embraced technology, the RSN is offering a stunning range of different classes, from a Tudor Rose and Goldwork Border to a magnificent mythical dragon and tropical flamingo. The full list of classes is available on the RSN website. Class times are set up across three main time zones, so that you will be able to join your international classmates at the most convenient time for you.

Expert tuition is not all that you’ll enjoy. You’ll also be treated to a reception and exclusive talks with special guest speakers over the course of the two weeks, and you’ll receive a fantastic goodie bag on enrolment.

Bookings for this unique Online International Summer School are now open. Fulfill that dream and take your stitching to the next level by booking your placement today and be part of the biggest online stitching party of the year.

For more information click HERE.

Each time we have the privilege of featuring a new design by Hazel Blomkamp, it’s always an exciting moment. Hazel has always been known for her incredibly intricate designs, using a multitude of embroidery stitches, weaving techniques, beading and needlelace.

And with featured elements ranging from gorgeous Jacobean shapes to fantastical animals and birds, it seems that with every new design she creates, Hazel somehow manages to raise the bar yet again.

This gloriously eye-catching project is worked using a multitude of beads and beading techniques as well as intricate needlelace to form the stunning, diaphanous wings of this beautiful insect.

Hazel’s choice of needlelace in this project places her firmly within the long tradition of using needle and thread to create lace. However, there can be confusion when it comes to lace making, as there is a distinct difference between bobbin lace and needlelace.

Bobbin lace is made by twisting and braiding individual threads to create a lace design. The working threads are all wound onto wooden bobbins, hence the name, and the project is generally worked on a lace pillow that allows the lace to be held in place by pins.

Bobbin lace is said to have originated on the Italian peninsula in the late 15th Century, growing in popularity over the following centuries to embellish the elaborate costumes worn throughout the ages.

Needlelace, as the name implies, is worked using needle and thread. The lace is made up of hundreds of tiny stitches that form the lace pattern. It too originated on the Italian peninsula in the 16th Century, however it is said that needlelace derived from the stunning technique of Reticella, a form of openwork worked on linen.

Because of the striking black background that shows clearly through the holes in the lace, the insect appears to hover above the fabric, just in the process of alighting within the gorgeous flowery oval framing it.

The body of this magical creature glitters with beads and crystals and the wings themselves are adorned with more beaded flowers that sit harmoniously amongst the pink blooms circling around the main subject. All of these elements together provide the perfect finish to this breath-taking project.

Although Dragonfly looks complicated, there is no need to feel intimidated. As well as her innovative and beautiful designs, Hazel is also expert at providing clear, step-by-step instructions for all of the elements of her projects.

Whether you’re tackling the beaded flowers or the tiny blanket stitch patterns on the lacy wings, if you methodically follow Hazel’s instructions, you’re almost guaranteed to succeed in creating each element to perfection.

Hazel’s Dragonfly will look stunning on the wall, or it can even be turned into a very special book or diary cover. But no matter how you choose to finish off this project, the immense pleasure you’ll derive out of stitching it will be well and truly matched by the exclamations of wonder you’ll hear when people see it. Dragonfly really is a project to be admired.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Dragonfly by Hazel Blomkamp is a winged beauty depicted in needlelace and beading.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Dragonfly includes everything* you need to re-create this splendid study: Fabrics (unprinted), wadding, dressmaker’s carbon, beading and embroidery threads, beads 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.

The kit includes fabric for a framed panel only. If you wish to make a book cover you will require additional fabric and beads for the edging to suit the dimensions of your chosen book.

Under the Mistletoe by Kimberly Servello from Inspirations issue #76 is a sumptuous velvet scarf adorned with a sprig of mistletoe worked in needlelace and stumpwork.

Little Gem by Catherine Barley from Inspirations issue #86 is a fabulous strawberry fob created with needlelace.

The Frog Prince by Victoria Laine from Inspirations issue #98 is two fun, frog purses created with embellished needlelace, inspired by historical designs.

Very occasionally, we get asked whether there is anyone out there who still does smocking? After we pick ourselves up from the floor with surprise, we loudly exclaim, ‘Yes! Of course!’ Smocking, we are pleased to report, has never lost its popularity, as is evidenced by the fantastic projects that we are showcasing today. Whether you’re new to smocking or you’ve been doing it for years, you can rest assured you are in great company.

‘On my first trip to Australia I purchased some Australian wool blanketing to make a jacket for our eldest granddaughter. It was passed down to her sister and then my son’s daughter. Now it is safely tucked away for the next generation.’

‘A year ago, I made a pink dress and jacket for a friend’s first great granddaughter. I had to substitute velour for wool blanketing but can’t wait to work with that wonderful fabric again!’

The wool jackets are lovely, but you were also incredibly modest about your beautiful smocking, Anne! You’ve made two gorgeous ensembles that we are sure will be worn with pride for generations to come.

‘During lockdown, I finally finished some unfinished items in my closet. This little dress will go to my ‘Great-Grandma’s Hope Chest’ as my youngest granddaughter has outgrown it! I enjoyed making the dress and miss the new ideas from AS&E. I have made dozens of dresses, bubble suits, gowns, etc. from my old magazines.’

We’re so glad you continue to enjoy making things from past issues of AS&E, Noreen. Fortunately, most of the patterns are timeless so there are plenty of back issues to keep even the busiest smocker stitching for years to come.

‘I have been sewing forever. My first needlework piece was at school, aged 5. I started smocking when I was expecting my second child, 30 years ago. After my first project, I didn't get a chance to do any smocking again for 13 years. Then at a Home and Garden show I discovered an Australian Smocking & Embroidery stall. I got a few magazines and then had to decide which one to start on.’

‘Most of my smocking goes to charity. Only a few pieces go to friends and family. I've sold a couple but I prefer to see them go to children who wouldn't normally get to have a fancy dress. So far, I've made over 200 outfits and I can see no end in sight - unless the fabric stash finally runs out. However, that is unlikely as I can't walk past a fabric shop without buying something and I have now also discovered online shopping!’

Over 200 outfits! Rose, you might have to take the prize for the most prolific smocker we’ve encountered yet. What an incredible achievement.

‘I recently completed a dress for my great niece. She is a great fan of Batman, so this was my first attempt at designing a picture smocked piece. There are some challenges that come from working in black! The dress is inspired by Birthday Surprise by Annette Drysdale from AS&E issue #76. This was only my second attempt at doing any picture smocking, but I’m happy to report the dress was much appreciated by its new owner.’

We’re not surprised she appreciated it, Lel. It’s a striking dress which demonstrates the versatility of smocking, even for the most modern of little girls.

Do you love smocking? Do you find yourself making smocked garments, even though you haven’t currently got anyone to make them for? Or are you smocking for a special new arrival or a precious young child? Perhaps smocking isn’t your thing and you prefer to employ your needle and thread elsewhere? Whether a smocker or not, we want to see your work. Send us a picture of your latest project with a bit of information about the piece and your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com

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Yuki by Margaret Lee is an elegant panel of traditional snow motifs in Japanese goldwork.

A-Z of Goldwork with Silk Embroidery is full of practical expertise on how to create beautiful goldwork embroideries, enhanced with silk embroidery, while conveying the history and tradition of goldwork down the years.

Beetlemania by Jane Nicholas from Inspirations issue #88 is a stunning goldwork diving beetle.

Tree of Life by Alison Cole from Inspirations issue #105 is a superb goldwork embroidery showcasing a compelling variety of techniques and metal threads.

Strawberry Fields Forever by Kay Stanis from Inspirations issue #28 is a stunning design for a goldwork book cover or framed piece.

~ Theodore Roosevelt ~

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.