In last week’s All Stitched Up! we unpacked the Ancient Indian practice of Brahma Muhurta, a ritual that translates as ‘The Creator’s Hour’. Although originally observed 96 minutes before sunrise and lasting 48 minutes for the purpose of meditation, yoga, reading and prayer, the idea has now become synonymous with some as simply setting aside the time to be still and create.

For some of us, the idea of finding the time to remove ourselves from the hustle and bustle of life to be creative sounds like all our dreams come true, for others though, it brings about a certain sense of unease.

Creativity is a trait that is not only admired but also desired, especially by those who just don’t feel like they have it in them. According to leading experts on the topic, however, we all have it in us, there are just some of us who need to learn how to reach our creative potential.

We recently came across an article entitled ‘Can You Learn Creativity? The Answer Might Surprise You’ that unpacks some steps we can all follow to be at our creative best.

The article challenged the idea that creativity isn’t about having an ‘a-ha’ moment, but is a process that can be learned and as such there are certain things we can do to enhance our creativity.

The article reminded us that in order to be creative, our minds need to be free from our normal obligations, and so finding the time and space to relax is paramount. Brahma Muhurta anyone?! If not, taking a walk or distracting ourselves by doing something such as playing a game may be just what we need to remove our creative block.

It then encouraged us to stop self-editing, but rather accept any and all ideas that come to mind as we think freely, editing them later with critical thinking.

Lastly, the article encouraged us not to give up as creativity requires not just relaxation and free thinking, but also practise, discipline and time and that often our best ideas rarely come in an instant, but rather through an ongoing process of thought and critical thinking about a single idea or problem.

We love the idea that we can all enhance our creativity, whether we think it’s something we naturally possess or not, and that the steps outlined above give us a simple framework by which to do it.

Here’s to never again having to declare ‘I’m not creative…’

When we wrote about UFO’s in All Stitched Up! issue #290, we anticipated that it might resonate with a few readers, but we have been overwhelmed by the number of people out there with their own close encounters with these not-so-rare phenomena!

It might take us a few weeks to get through everyone’s stories, but we will endeavour to share them all as that’s what this newsletter is all about! Even if you haven’t sent us your own tales of Un-Finished Objects, you will quickly see that you’re certainly not alone in experiencing them.

We’ll start with Christine McCarthy who wanted to assure everyone that as long as you have a little space to keep it, no project need ever fully ‘rest in peace’. Christine had a canvas project of a Monet painting that she loved. She had it for 25 years while other projects, life and children took priority. She had to go to hospital a few months back and finally took out her beloved Monet canvas again. It gave her a focus during her rehabilitation and now has pride of place in her loungeroom.

Teresa Cain has a crazy quilt that she designed with embroidery, beads and buttons all over it. She’s been working on it for 15 years now. She says she will finish it one day but, in the meantime, it is OK to take your time and love every stitch. We totally agree, Teresa.

Maria Montgomery shared a story of one of her UFOs that we can all relate to. It was a piece of Kalocsa by Peta McMillian that she started many years ago at a course. She had finished all of the embroidery, but when she accidentally snipped a little piece of the lacework while cutting it out, she put it aside. It is still sitting in the hoop waiting for her to repair it and finally finish it off. Although now she has an incentive – her son is engaged so Maria would like to give this piece as a wedding gift. Maybe we just need the right reason to resurrect those long-abandoned projects?

This is a picture of Stephanie Lamb’s finally completed UFO. She started it in 1980, but crewel work fell out of favour in the USA and she found it very difficult to find materials. Over the years she’s moved house, packed up, unpacked and moved again, and each time, this piece put in an appearance. In 2015, she finally found the time to put the last bullion knots in and finish this 35 year old project.

One of our regular contributors, Penelope, shares that she has a ‘finishing basket’ and from Twelfth night until Easter each year, she finishes items in the basket. This particular piece below is one she started in the early 1970s, however realising there is a mistake somewhere in her earlier counting/stitching, until she can locate and fix it, Penelope is unable to finish the design. Even friends have looked for the error but have been unable to spot it. So, it gets put away again until the following year!

Pat Demharter admits to a few UFOs lurking in her sewing room. Mostly they are projects she has fallen in love with, but once she starts, she discovers they try her patience too much or are just too difficult. Often, just to fend off the guilt she puts them away with a promise that she will get back to them.

Her advice is to think ahead and take a good look at what you know you can do rather than what you think you can do.

In conclusion this week, we wanted to share a tip and a thought. Jeanne Çur’s tip is to ensure that you gather all of the project materials when you first discover the project so as to avoid the enormous task of searching for what you need years afterwards. Lots of threads, fabrics and notions have a way of becoming discontinued as years pass! It is very frustrating, and Jeanne admits she’s speaking from experience.

And a thought from Elsa Gresham; she reminded us that another source of unfinished projects are OPP’s. These are ‘Other People’s Projects’ that you offer to help to finish in a fit of kindness. How many of us have these sitting around too?!

Keep the stories coming, we’ve loved reading every single one of them. It goes to show that passionate stitchers are the same the world over. And that is why we love being a part of this community.

Shhh! We’ve got a secret to share with you, but don’t tell anyone! We have a brand-new series of books coming that are so gorgeous, we can’t wait to share them with you. The first one, which is filled with a collection of the most beautiful pincushions you have ever seen, is at the printers now… more details to come at a later date.

What we can tell you is that during the photo shoot for the book, we had a huge range of different pins we’d sourced as props/styling and one of the standout products we discovered was the range of different Cohana marking pins.

Like all Cohana products, these marking pins are made from the highest quality materials and they are so sharp, they slip through your fabric like a hot knife through butter.

With three different styles to choose from, we now have Millefiori (a thousand flowers) glass-head pins, Ohajiki (named after a traditional Japanese game played with small coin-shaped pieces) and their metal headed pins adorned with a floral motif finished in gold, silver and bronze. Each variety of pin comes in packs of three in assorted colours.

While we’re talking about Cohana products, we still have some of their fabulous magnetic spools available. Made out of high-quality ceramic, these spools will ensure that any wayward pins don’t find their way on to the floor or into an unsuspecting foot! They are essential items to keep your workspace tidy.

So, while you’re anticipating the glorious pincushions that you’ll soon be able to make when our new book is released, why not stock up on Cohana marking pins and magnetic spools?

As we continue to work quietly behind the scenes to release as many digital patterns from past issues of Inspirations magazine as possible, it might seem logical that we do them in issue number order, but there is method in our madness!

Our first priority is to create digital patterns for projects that aren’t just out of print but are also the most popular and/or hard to get hold of. Plus, we’re also continually responding to special requests, so if there are any past projects you’d like to see digitised, let us know!

First Love is a gorgeous, embroidered quilt that is perfect for those embroiderers who are passionate about quilting. This heirloom project by Jill Newton includes appliqué flowers and a beautiful, embroidered border in a subtly coloured quilt filled with intricate detail. Whether you hand or machine quilt, this will be a project to enjoy.

The Little Rag Doll by Susan O’Connor is an adorable doll with a cheeky embroidered face, a tumble of curly brown hair and a lovely patchwork dress. Any child will cherish this handmade toy, which is sure to be loved for years to come.

Finally, we complete Inspirations issue #65 with Bounty, a floral sampler designed by Betsy Morgan. This beautiful sampler features surface embroidery on a sturdy linen twill and allows the embroiderer to practise a range of different stitches while working a collection of plants and flowers.

If you’ve ever hoped to make any of these projects but simply haven’t been able to find a copy of issue #65, now is the time. Purchase and download any of the patterns from this issue today.

For many stitchers, if you mention French knots you may be met with all sorts of expressions from a grimace to an outright cry of ‘they’re not for me!’ While it’s true there are some who don’t enjoy French knots as much as others, we can all agree that when worked in the right shades and the right density, French knots can produce sheer magic.

Katrin Vates, a textile artist from Maryland, USA, uses French knots with true artistic skill. When you see the landscapes she produces, you have to do a double-take. They are so atmospheric and realistic it is easy to forget they have been produced primarily from that humble knot.

Finishing her works with a few other simple stitches, each piece is filled with colour and texture. It is amazing to learn that Katrin doesn’t even sketch beforehand – she simply allows her needle to guide her way.

Whether you love them or try to avoid them, there is no denying the beautiful results French knots can produce. You can read more about Katrin HERE.

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

When producing each issue of Inspirations magazine, it often begins with some conceptual ideas of the types of projects we would like to include. We discuss this with our designers, sometimes giving them a direction, and then we wait to see what wonderful projects arrive at our office each quarter.

When we shared the idea of creating a display box with crewel-work designer, Brenda Sortwell, her enthusiasm assured us we were in for a real treat. And sure enough it was a sheer delight when we received her stunning project, Revival, which is featured in issue #111.

Brenda’s specialty is modern crewel design, and the first thing that struck us with Revival was the beautiful blend of autumnal colours. The entire design is worked in shades of greens, golds and purples, with just a hint of blue on the butterfly.

Then, when we finally unpacked the entire piece, we were in awe of the presence and beauty of the piece. Brenda has fashioned a glorious hexagonal box that is large enough to fit all of your stitching accessories as well as a couple of unfinished projects. But there’s even more… she’s created two glorious matching needlework accessories to go with the box.

There is a scissor sheath that, unlike many, is large enough to fit all sizes. For those of us who have slightly larger scissors to accommodate fingers that are not quite nimble enough to fit the smaller embroidery pairs, it’s nice to have a larger sheath to take both the delicate and larger scissors.

The other gorgeous accessory is a needle storage box. Designed perfectly to complement the hexagonal box itself, this is a very clever and practical way of storing a good number of needles. Adorned with a fluffy bee, matching foliage, and lined with the same striking black floral fabric as the hexagonal box lid, this item is equally suitable as a matching part of the set, or as a beautiful standalone needlework accessory/home décor item.

And then there’s the hexagonal box itself. When you buy the kit for the box, you’ll be pleased to discover that all of the mount board required to re-create it is included and what’s more, it is laser cut perfectly so that your box construction will be a breeze.

Accompany that with the detailed instructions in the magazine and this box will stand in pride of place on your stitching table or even your bedroom table in no time.

We do, of course, understand that box construction isn’t for everyone, and we didn’t want anyone to miss out on the pleasure of stitching this gorgeous design. Revival would work perfectly as a framed picture or you could even make it into a cushion. You are only limited by your imagination and what might fit in your own house, so rather than having to buy the entire box kit, we also have an option to buy the kit containing just the threads and fabric for the panel itself, enabling you the flexibility to turn it into whatever you want.

Revival is a stunning crewel design in a warm colour palette to fit in with any type of décor. Whether you are a keen box maker, have fallen in love with the design and have your own finish in mind, or adore the matching accessories, Revival is the perfect project for when you next pick up needle and thread.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Revival by Brenda Sortwell is a large hexagon box topped with glorious autumn colours in crewel embroidery, with matching needle box and scissor sheath.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kits for Revival includes everything* you need to re-create this stunning box, crewel panel or accessories: Fabrics (unprinted), wadding (box & accessories), interlining (box & accessories), gimp cord (accessories), pre-cut mountboard (box & accessories), sewing threads (box & accessories), comic board (accessories) 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.

** Due to their popularity, the Revival Box and Crewel Panel kits are currently available on backorder. The good news is that more stock is on its way, however due to sourcing lead times and current delivery delays there is an expected wait of 6-8 weeks. We appreciate your patience.

Timeless Treasure by Mary Jo Hiney from Inspirations issue #96 is a delightful hexagon box swathed in velvet and adorned with a dainty circlet of silk ribbon flowers.

The Butterfly and the Rose by Margaret Lee from Inspirations issue #24 is an elegant black satin jewellery box.

Simply Red by Judy Jeroy from Inspirations issue #63 is a stunning, embroidered red cardinal box top.

After reading about the gorgeous boxes in the project Revival from Inspirations issue #111, there’s a good chance you’ve been inspired to make your own box. And to give you even more inspiration, this week we’re sharing some stunning boxes and baskets that members from our global needlework community have made and decorated. There really is no limit to the skills that our stitching friends have, is there?

‘This is a Jacobean work basket I made. The original design was finished in crewel embroidery but I chose to represent it in patchwork with elements of crewel to enhance it.’

This is both a beautiful and practical item, Barbara. Your creative twist using patchwork elements is very clever and both your stitching and the finish is lovely. We know you’ll get plenty of use out of this lovely basket.

‘During lockdown in the UK I decided to make the box from the recent Royal School of Needlework book on boxes. I’ve always wanted to make a Jacobean style box and the book arrived at the right time.’

‘The box took me 18 weeks to make and it was wonderful to be able to immerse myself in something that was completely devoid of the virus.’

‘I’m not sure what will happen to it when I’m gone as I have two daughters and four granddaughters.’

Wow! This really is a breathtaking project, Joan. From the intricate needlework to the complexity of the construction you have created an absolute masterpiece. You’re right in imagining that there might be arguments over who gets this incredible box. Maybe you’ll just have to make a few more?!

‘Late last year our Embroidery Guild dropped off a package of chipboard pieces to each participating member for us to create a 6" square box. I decided to stitch Celtic patterns on each of the outside squares, and one for the inner lid.’

‘The fabric I chose for the outside of the box proved resistant to many attempts to transfer the design onto its surface. After some experimenting, I finally used tracing paper. It was fiddly and time consuming to remove all those tiny paper bits after tacking!

The fabric for the inside of the box is a wonderful batik. I had just enough to cover the inside panels and to make the pincushion and two small needlecases with just the left-over scraps. It might seem funny to use such a luscious fabric for the inside of a box, but since I plan to use this as my sewing box, I know I'll be seeing it often.’

‘I decided to add a trim around the outside and found the perfect green braid in one of my stash boxes. I think it frames the Celtic designs beautifully, but it also shows that I have a slight problem with centring! I have a quirky sewing box, but I'm a little quirky, so we go together well.’

This is a fantastic little box that clearly shows your personality and the care you’ve taken in designing it and putting it together, Susan. We couldn’t notice any problems with your centring so that might be a little secret only you and your box share! We hope you enjoy using it for many years to come.

Do you love making boxes? Whenever you finish a project, do you immediately cast around for what kind of box or basket you can mount it in? Or do you prefer your embroidery hanging on the walls? Whatever you feel about construction, we’d love to see your projects. Send us a picture with a bit of information about the project and your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com

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Natural Wonder by Maria Rita Faleri is a Catherine de’ Medici cushion cover featuring enchanting bird motifs and finished with hand-knotted tassels.

Chanticleer by Patricia Girolami from Inspirations issue #82 is a delightful punto antico linen sachet.

Bellissimo by Paola Matteucci from Inspirations issue #102 is a beautiful cushion topper in Italian tulle embroidery with a flowing design of roses and leaves.

Stitches from the Heart by Maria Elide Melani from Inspirations issue #97 is a charming little sachet, in shades of blue and white - the perfect introduction to the technique of Deruta Sfilato, drawn thread work from the heart of Italy.

Tuscan Lace by Maria Elide Melani from Inspirations issue #103 is a cushion cover worked with Deruta Sfilato embroidery, perfect for a contemporary setting.

~ Albert Einstein ~

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.