Can we be honest with you?

There are weeks the words we write for an issue of All Stitched Up! come easier than others. There are times we read or experience something, have an aha! moment and instantly know just what to write about. Then, there are other weeks where the words seem much harder to come by, and this just happens to be one of those weeks!

The silver lining in our writer’s block was that we spent some time reading through our most recent Welcomes, then after clearing our Inbox, a common, and quite timely, theme became apparent - patience.

In All Stitched Up! issue #291 we unpacked the idea of 15 Minutes and how progress is often made up from small things done on repeat. After talking about joy in ASU #292, we closed the newsletter with a quote from Ingrid Fetell Lee that spoke about how small moments of joy add up over time. In ASU #293 we spoke about possibilities and how, although we’ve always been taught that practice makes perfect, maybe practice simply makes possible.

We talked about the ritual of Brahma Muhurta in ASU #294, unpacking the idea that in order to support our creativity, we need to set aside small amounts of time away from the hustle and bustle of life. Last week’s All Stitched Up! then walked us through the idea that whilst creativity can be learnt, it’s a process that requires practise, discipline and time.

It was then the words in an email from David Hieatt that brought the whole theme together. He acknowledged that whilst we are all hard-wired to chase the quick wins in life, there are no shortcuts to get from where we are to where we want to be, but rather daily practices that will lead us to the results we’re chasing.

And that’s when our aha! moment finally came.

Without realising it, we’d been unpacking daily practices or ‘longcuts’ that would get us to where we want to be. Now, however, we’d been reminded that in order to achieve all we’ve set before us, we have to battle impatience and remember it’s the tortoise not the hare who wins the race. David closed his email by encouraging us to chase the slow, beautiful wins as they will inevitably lead us to where we truly want to be.

In All Stitched Up! issue #291, Jan Jones asked whether anyone knew how to remove stains from an old tablecloth that had belonged to her mother. We put the question out, knowing that we would tap into a wealth of knowledge from our needlework community, and we certainly weren’t wrong! Several readers from the USA pointed Jan to a product called ‘Retro Clean’. Lois Griffith mentioned that this product came recommended by Cindy Needham. Cindy is a master quilter and collector of old linens in America. Apparently, Cindy swears by the product and Lois herself has achieved great results.

Bette Kelley also recommended ‘Retro Clean’ for soaking and ‘Retro Wash’ for washing. Bette said she soaked a tablecloth that had been purchased in Serbia in 1964 and stored with no protection. She was thrilled to see that it came out 99% perfect. Apparently, the product is specifically made for cleaning age-stained textiles so could be just the solution for Jan. Sue Fassoles kindly sent a photograph of the packaging of this miracle product and suggested that it could be purchased on Amazon.

Jenny Dewhurst has also had success in cleaning linens with Napisan, a product widely available in Australia amongst other places. Jenny said that she’s achieved great results after a few soakings. So hopefully, with all of these suggestions, Jan will manage to get that tablecloth looking brand new again. If you do, Jan, we’d love to see a photograph.

From the same issue, a number of you were struck by the 15-minute rule that we talked about at length in the opening paragraph. Janet Henry thanked us for suggesting it. She is currently hand quilting a Baltimore Album quilt. She says she finds it difficult to sit down and just do it. But this article has inspired her to just do 15 minutes a day, which will help her to get it done.

Janet should receive some inspiration from Lois Griffith’s story. Lois shared that she had a friend who was complaining that she didn’t have enough time to get a quilt finished. Lois suggested the 15-minute technique to her. A week later, her friend called and accused Lois of tricking her! Apparently, she had sat down for 15 minutes, but next time she looked at the clock, an hour had passed.

Tricia Barry has been using the 15-minute technique for a while now and is amazed at how much gets done. She says, ‘just getting ready to start something or putting away the last project’s items, gives space in our room and minds to go forth.’

Finally, UFOs might be unidentified or even unfinished, but they are certainly not uncommon.

Alice Hutchinson shared this beautiful project with us that had been a UFO for over 40 years! She started it when she was 9 years old by smocking the end of an old velvet curtain. She stitched some beads on it that she’d found at a jumble sale, loving how the combination reminded her of the fireplace at her grandparent’s house. And that was it for over four decades. It was only when she was in her 50s that a challenge by her local Guild encouraged her to get it out again and actually complete the project. She is thrilled that the image she had carried in her mind’s eye for all those years has been realised now that she had gained the skills and materials to finish it.

Marla Redding is one of those admirable people who are comfortable passing on a UFO if it no longer interests her. She has never believed in stitching something she was not enjoying. However, in a recent clean-up she discovered a stash of UFOs deep in a cupboard. Some items she donated (although, like many of us, a donation to a charity shop is often accompanied by a purchase of someone else’s donated UFO!). Some other items she went ahead and finished. And at least one other, she’s just not quite sure what to do with it. It still ‘speaks’ to her but may need to be restarted with a different colour scheme.

There was one UFO she finished that was a needlepoint project passed on to her when her favourite aunt died. Luckily, her aunt had kept all of the supplies together and Marla had plenty of the materials she needed to get the project finished. It is now mounted in the top of a stool and is a very special reminder of her wonderful aunt who provided her with so much stitching inspiration over the years.

We’d love to hear more of your stories, whether about UFOs, implementing the 15-minute rule, or any other stitching experiences you would like to share. Our door, and inbox, are always open!

There is no such thing as too much fabric, right? Every stitcher needs to have at least a few pieces put away ready for that moment when you want to start a new project or get a burst of inspiration. We understand! This is why we’ve added some more fabrics to our range, to ensure that you’re never caught short.

Working on fine linen is always a joy, and Graziano linen is some of the finest available. In 38ct to 45ct, Graziano can be used for all kinds of surface embroidery, as well as for counted embroidery for those with a good eye and keen skills.

We have three colours available: ivory, natural and white. The ivory is 45ct, the natural is 38ct, and we have both counts available in white.

Permin linen is also one of the highest quality linens on the market and is a number one choice for counted embroiderers. We have available Beautiful Beige and Optical White, both in 32ct that are ideal for all kinds of counted embroidery.

Finally, for the surface stitchers out there, we are now stocking an all-purpose linen/cotton blend in Sand. This fabric provides a base for many different types of surface embroidery, offering a tight weave that won’t distort or result in any lost stitches.

All of our fabrics are available to purchase in 50cm lengths, although if you do require a larger piece, we are more than happy to accommodate. It’s time to replenish the fabric stash!

We received a great response when we recently announced that we were stocking Kelmscott’s gorgeous mother-of-pearl stitching accessories, perhaps for the last time.

Mother-of-pearl is a material that is very difficult to source, so these beautiful items will soon be hard to come by.

We have thread winders and thread keeps still available, both of which offer a luxurious way to store your threads. We also have a few pairs of Kelmscott’s tiny ‘Susan Scissors’ on the shelf that are perfectly designed to fit into the tiniest of etuis, but still have loops large enough for all hands.

These items will make perfect gifts for a fellow stitcher or simply for yourself, so make sure you don’t miss out.

Inspirations issue #57 is now a digital wrap! We’ve just released the final four projects from this incredibly popular issue, so you can now purchase and download nine magnificent designs. This particular issue has been out of print for a while now and has definitely been one of the harder ones to find. Fortunately, the projects are now all available, at your fingertips.

Gloria Minott’s stunning evening bag, titled Firefly, would make a head-turning addition to any occasional wear. It is worked using surface stitches and beads in jewel-like colours on a striking black background. You also receive the instructions for constructing the bag itself.

While we’re talking about bags, The Flower Fairy is an adorable drawstring pouch by Catherine Ronan. It features a cute little fairy worked in threadpainting, holding a spray of white ribbon flowers and being followed by a fuzzy bee. This little bag would delight anyone of any age – it certainly isn’t just for children.

Snow on the Mountain by Carol Hawkins is a beautiful and practical notebook cover. The design is a single sasanqua camellia bloom and is worked on an elegant natural linen. This would make a perfect gardening journal or diary and could be just what you need for a special gift for a green-fingered friend.

Finally, we’ve also released Kris Richards’ Grace and Favour. This project provides all the instructions you need to make two elegant guest towels using a variety of surface stitches. Grace and Favour will add a touch of elegance to any guest bedroom or bathroom.

All of these projects are now available for immediate download so you can get started on them before the day is out.

There really is no limit to the kinds of materials one can use for sewing. But it takes a talented teenager to look at a humble mango seed and see in it the makings of a stunning ball gown.

Jessica Collins had worked for a time on a mango farm and was dismayed by all the waste she saw there. So, over a period of 4 months she carefully collected, cleaned and dried mango seeds and sewed them onto the skirt of her design.

Jessica hopes that her creation can remind people of the incredible things that can be done with items usually discarded as waste. It just takes time, patience and a whole lot of creativity, which Jessica clearly has.

You can read more about this project HERE.

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

As evening closes in and the day finally comes to an end, there is comfort in drawing the curtains, turning off the bright overhead lights and filling the room with soft lamp light. It offers an atmosphere of calm and signals that the busy day is over and now it’s time for rest.

Angel’s Breath from Inspirations issue #111, is a unique project in so many ways. Taetia is well known for her fabulous lamps that she embellishes with the flair of a master embroidery artist. This project, however, definitely stands out.

The colouring is the first thing that catches the eye, with a lovely combination of gold, cream and soft apricot. These hues are set off by the sparkle from the sequins and beads that dot the design, and the wonderful textures that Taetia has achieved by using a range of different materials.

Perhaps most striking of all are the ribbon flowers that provide the focus of Angel’s Breath. Ribbon embroidery is a delightful technique that produces fabulous effects that are relatively quick and easy to work up, as is beautifully demonstrated in Angel’s Breath.

According to our friends over at Sajou in France, ribbon embroidery has been around since the 17th Century. It was also known at the time as rococo embroidery and was frequently used to embellish clothing for both men and women. At the time, they primarily used silk ribbon as it was the only material available in ribbon form at the time.

Over the centuries, ribbons began to be used to embellish many other household items including cushions, handkerchiefs and bags. They also continued to be used on clothing, particularly for women and girls, with the emergence of new materials pushing the trend forward.

By the 20th Century, ribbons were available in all sizes, colours and materials including velvet, satin and then later nylon and polyester. Most ribbon embroiderers, however, still prefer to work with silk ribbon due to the fact it is easy to manipulate, shape and stitch with. But that doesn’t mean fantastic effects can’t be produced with other materials, as Taetia has so skilfully proven.

As well as working the more traditional silk ribbon flowers in this design, Taetia has also selected a velvet ribbon in a variegated shade that ranges from cream through to coral pink.

They are then set off by the background foliage, worked in a wide array of different stitches that are sure to keep even the most experienced stitcher content.

As you are working this sublime duo, you can anticipate the relaxing feeling you are going to experience when it is complete. Imagine the pleasure of entering a room lit by your new lamp, with the wreath hanging on the wall beside it. If ever there was a project that you need to make in order to really nurture yourself, Angel’s Breath is it.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Angel’s Breath by Taetia McEwen is a pretty lampshade and wreath decorated with a combination of ribbon and velvet flowers.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Angel’s Breath includes everything* you need to re-create this stunning lampshade and wreath: Fabrics (unprinted), wool felt, interfacing, sewing and nylon threads, wires, charms, ribbons, embroidery threads, beads, sequins 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. Kit does not include lampshade and base, display hoop or printed cotton.

Hidden Secrets by Angélique Benseghir-Vergnault from Inspirations issue #61 is a stylish etui that allows you to treat your precious needlework tools with loving care and store them safely.

English Rose by Carolyn Pearce from Inspirations issue #73 is a pincushion and tape measure cover lavishly embroidered with a profusion of flowers.

Autumn Harvest by Helen Eriksson from Inspirations issue #71 is a graceful spray of flowers and berries in subtle shades of gold, olive green, brick, terracotta and cream.

Perfect Petals by Helen Eriksson from Inspirations issue #94 is a luscious swag of superb silk ribbon roses on a velvet ground.

Lots of us stitch pictures, some stitch clothing, others still make accessories. Then there are those of us out there who get pleasure from stitching toys. Not all of them are to be played with although they’re usually cute enough that any child would be hard pressed not to. Sometimes we stitch toys merely for the pleasure and nostalgia that such a project brings. Here are a few to admire:

‘I love Inspirations magazine and look forward to it arriving in the post, especially during lockdown. This embroidered teddy is only four inches high. I enjoyed the stitching and beading.’

It is just adorable, Daphne! It’s hard to believe this teddy is so small, especially as your embroidery is so neat and delicate. We love it.

‘From the second I saw Beth Allen's koala from ‘A Bush Christmas’ in Inspirations issue #60 I knew I wanted to stitch him. Being me, I turned him into a Canadian Black Bear and the leaves into fish. I made a small adjustment to his profile and made his ears a bit smaller. I embroidered pine branches on his hat and vest.’

How clever to transform him into an animal from your own home country, Carolee. We wouldn’t have even guessed he started out as a koala and we love the campsite you created for him as well – a truly imaginative project, well done.

Do you like stitching toys? Do you make toys for children, or do you simply enjoy making them because you’re still a child at heart? Do you make them from scratch, or do you prefer to embroider or embellish a toy someone has made before you? Whatever you like to stitch, we’d like to see it. Send us a picture of your project with a bit of information about it and your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com

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

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.

~ Leo Tolstoy ~

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.