This issue of All Stitched Up! marks another milestone at Inspirations HQ – our 300th issue.

When planning this week’s content, we did what one often does when they reach a significant milestone - we looked to the past to see the body of work that has been produced, celebrated the present and thought about what is yet to come.

We were thankful for the countless hours our team has spent curating, assembling, crafting and distributing the myriad words and images that have been included in All Stitched Up! to-date.

We were thankful for the immeasurable time you have afforded us as you so loyally open, read and respond to the newsletter each week.

We were thankful for the conversations started and continued, the words of advice so freely shared and the stitching journeys we’ve been invited to be a part of.

Lastly, we were incredibly thankful for what is still awaiting us as we continue to celebrate all things needle and thread – the designers we’re yet to discover, the journeys we’re yet to share, the stitches that are yet to be laid and the endless conversations that are yet be had.

That is when we realised that the words from a recent email we received rang so ever true, ‘What a fun job you have!’

Not that there are many, but sometimes amidst the hustle and bustle of the inevitable ‘unfun’ things that go on at Inspirations HQ, it can be all too easy to lose the wonder of what we get to be a part of. Yet taking the time to reflect on our 300th milestone has provided the space to remember why we do what we do and who we do it for.

Then we thought, why let thankfulness and celebration only come at significant milestones? From here on we’re going to make every day a celebration by being thankful.

Be it big or small, we’d welcome the opportunity to know what you’re celebrating in your journey with needle and thread. Simply email news@inspirationsstudios.com to let us know what you’re thankful for.

It’s hard to believe that this week we’re celebrating the 300th issue of our weekly newsletter.

To help put this milestone into perspective, over the past 6 years we have showcased literally hundreds of the world’s most beautiful needlework projects, included 500+ stitching news articles and editorial pieces and published well over 1,000 designs sent in by you, our fabulously talented readers, for inclusion in our hugely popular ‘What Are You Stitching?’ segment.

In acknowledgement of this achievement, we wanted to bring you some testimonies from our own team here at Inspirations as they share their personal highlights from the 300 issues.

Let’s start with our Subscription and Kit Manager Sue Forrest, whose favorite project to date is ‘Remember’ by Philippa Todd from ASU #273: ‘I loved this due to the history it represents and the fact you can stitch something to wear with pride. From a work perspective, it was actually one of the easiest projects for me to source and produce the kit for, so that made a nice change!’

Our esteemed and uber creative Senior Graphic Designer Lynton Grandison had this to say: ‘My favourite project we have featured is Pomegranate by Margaret Lee from ASU# 232. I like how the simplicity of the design focuses one’s attention on the individual stitches and so one’s appreciation for the artistry and technique is heightened.’

Ansie van der Walt, our magazine feature article writer and Loose Threads editor, shares: ‘My favourite project has to be Macaron Magic featured in ASU #293. They look delish! I also really enjoyed the article Crafting for a Purpose from ASU #274 as making and crafting have benefits that reach far beyond the item being made.’

‘Then my favourite 'What Are You Stitching?' projects would have to be the three Hazel Blomkamp designs created by Mavis Brown in ASU#247. I just love that owl!’

Ray Cullen, our newsletter Technical Designer who is responsible for the coding magic that makes our newsletter possible and has worked on all 300 issues, shared his insights: ‘My favourite project is also Macaron Magic from ASU #293.

‘And finally, I just loved reading the story in ASU #193 Finding Yourself with Cross Stitch about Mike Reynolds. Do something in life you love because YOU want to do it. Ignore what others think and find what makes you happy. That really resonated with me.’

Next up is our General Manager Jessie Huber, whose job here at Inspirations can be likened to couching in a goldwork project in that her role is to hold everything in place!

‘I have the privilege of corresponding with all the amazing All Stitched Up! readers who write in to share their needlework for the ‘What Are You Stitching?’ segment of the newsletter.’

‘And while it’s almost impossible to single anyone out as I’ve had wonderful conversations with so many of you, it is always a great pleasure to receive an email from Peggy Kimble. Peggy has shared a huge collection of her wonderful and varied projects with us over the years, and even at 98 years of age still continues to photograph and send us her needlework… and always shares a lovely insight into her daily life in Canada.’

As each of us here at Inspirations was working on our contribution for this issue, without any collaboration it just so happened that three of us picked exactly the same highlight - the article 1000 Hearts from ASU#279.

Susan O’Connor, Inspirations Editor-in-Chief explains why this was her favourite story: ‘The tiny embroidered hearts that are given to people in crisis to help them get through a difficult time in their life is such a lovely idea, and a wonderful way to give pleasure to those stitching the hearts and comfort to those receiving them.’

Heidi Reid, from our fabulous kit department, explains her thoughts on this article: ‘Embroidery projects that change lives for the better and touch people’s hearts really appeal to me. For example, the article about counsellor and stitcher, Sarah de Jong, who realised when she first conceived of the 1000 Hearts project that a tiny act of kindness can make a huge difference to a person who is hurting, is a beautiful way of lifting the spirits of people in need when they need it most.

As a testament as to how far and wide the reach of 1000 Hearts has been, Inspirations Chief Operations Officer, Andrea Fleming, tells of her own personal encounter: ‘All Stitched Up! has allowed us to share some of the ways we’re able to come together to make a difference in the lives of others.

For me, the two articles I’ve had a personal connection with are 1000 Hearts from ASU #279 & Waste Less Bread Tags from ASU #283. These two projects embody the words written in our article on 1000 Hearts; ‘Acts of kindness and compassion do not need to be huge’ and ‘It only takes a small thing to make an enormous impact in the life of someone in need.’

As someone who creates a significant amount of the content we all enjoy in each issue of this newsletter, lead writer Nancy Williams has her own unique perspective: ‘Without doubt, my most memorable ASU article was Rediscovering Embroidered Book Bindings that appeared way back in ASU #138 from May 2018.’

‘In terms of my favourite project, it is definitely Alison Cole’s goldwork Tree of Life which appeared in ASU #222. As I was writing the article, I fell in love with the project and cheekily went next door to our kit department and asked if I might be able to buy a kit before I’d even done the final edit on the article.’

Ellaine Bronsert is our Assistant Editor for Inspirations magazine, which means she not only assists with writing up the instructions for every project, she also re-creates many of the stitches used in the designs which are photographed and become the step-by-step’s we enjoy in each issue.

When it was time to include Inspirations’ Chief Executive Officer Kristian Fleming’s personal favorites, we realised he had not yet responded to our email. This happens sometimes, so we called him up and while we couldn’t pin him down to anything specific he did finally confirm: ‘When I heard that we have published over 1,000 designs sent in by our readers for our ‘What Are You Stitching?’ segment, I considered how many collective hours of stitching that represents and how much joy all of us receive from not just admiring each design, but discovering the stories behind every piece. Without doubt this is my favourite segment of the newsletter.’

Our final contribution comes from the newest member of the Inspirations team, our Graphic Designer and Admin Assistant Willow Fry, who creates all the newsletter graphics, website photography, answers the phones, helps with emails and processing all our orders: ‘Having joined the Inspirations team just over a year ago and being 20, you could say I am still learning a lot about the art of embroidery.

A huge THANK YOU to our team for 300 inspiring and beautiful issues of the newsletter, but most importantly THANK YOU to YOU, our passionate, engaged and dedicated readers for making our jobs an absolute joy.

Isn’t it amazing how there are so many different types of pins? If you were ever of the opinion that a pin was just a pin, you should have been with us at our recent photo shoot for the new pincushion book we’ve been working on – it’s put pins into a whole new perspective!

On the back of our recent discoveries, the latest pins we’re now stocking are from those fabulous people at Clover.

The flat heads mean that you can easily use them for sewing without fear that they’ll get caught in the sewing machine, and the pins are strong enough to hold even the toughest of fabrics.

Clover Pins come in packs of 20, so you’ll never be short of a high-quality pin whether you’re sewing, quilting or marking. Stock up today.

Were you wondering what your next new challenge might be with your needle and thread? We heard on the grapevine that you were looking to try something new, so we thought we should remind you of Yvette Stanton’s gorgeous new book called Frisian Whitework.

This lovely, counted technique is exactly what you need to branch out from your familiar favourites. The book is filled with beautiful projects all worked in crisp white with touches of bold colour, and, in Yvette’s characteristic style, is filled with detailed instructions and a wealth of history about the stitches.

Take the plunge and try something new by ordering your copy of Frisian Whitework today.

Inspirations issue #51 included so many gorgeous projects, you could well ask why has it taken us so long to release them as digital patterns!? Well, if it’s any consolation they are so fabulous it will take us two issues of All Stitched Up! to do them justice. Here are the first four for you to enjoy:

The Shaggy Dog is a simply adorable threadpainted portrait of a little white dog by Di van Niekerk. Even if you don’t own a dog like this one, you’ll fall in love with his forlorn little face and beautiful brown eyes.

Little Darlings is a gorgeous baby blanket by Barbara Dowling featuring two bunnies holding a floral arch. The bunnies are worked in tactile velour on a soft cashmere blanket, making this the perfect gift for a new arrival.

For lovers of the fine technique of Casalguidi, Cockatoo Apple by Judy Stephenson is a striking design depicting this unique Australian flower. Using an array of stitches, the finished piece is made up into a lovely project bag.

Finally this week, Golden Dreams is a simply stunning bracelet and hair clip set worked in goldwork. This project would make a gorgeous addition to an evening outfit, offering a truly unique fashion statement.

You can purchase and download any or all of these patterns today and look out for the rest of the digital patterns from Inspirations issue #51 next week.

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

As we were writing this week’s article showcasing Betsy Morgan’s project Shaker Spool Box from Inspirations issue #111, we were filled with mixed emotions, both joy and sadness. The joy naturally comes from the project itself.

Betsy Morgan has been part of the Inspirations family ever since her debut back in issue #53 of the magazine. Every single project published has been exceptionally popular, thanks in part to her delicate, fine, counted work. But it isn’t just the stitching that sets Betsy apart; her clever construction techniques and intricate finishes are extraordinary, with many projects featuring numerous pieces, each one an exquisite stitching accessory in its own right.

As much as we’re all going to miss Betsy terribly, her decision to finally retire is certainly justified. It seems she has some serious grandmother duties to fulfil! As many of you already appreciate, grandchildren can make for a very busy life and we know Betsy is eagerly throwing herself into her new role.

So, with all of that in mind, we are thrilled to present to you the Shaker Spool Box; Betsy’s swan song for Inspirations magazine.

It is richly decorated with a colourful cross stitch design and is finished with gold and blue ribbon around the outside.

Betsy always ensures that her projects have a few special surprises and this one is no different. Inside the box is a tiny emery pincushion and, in the lid, fashioned from beautiful vintage fabric, is a place to put your needles. Then, on top of the lid, you’ll find a perfect little pocket designed to fit your embroidery scissors so they are always to hand.

The Shaker Spool Box is constructed with the detail everyone has come to expect from Betsy, with a sparkling button fastener and a neatly hinged lid so that everything inside stays safe.

Betsy’s designs are as much practical stitching accessories as they are mini works of art. Part of the joy of creating one of her pieces is the careful construction and putting together of each piece so that it fits just right.

While on one hand we wish Betsy all the best for her future with her wonderful family, on the other we’ll be shedding a quiet tear for the fact we’ll be missing out on enjoying new pieces from her apparently endless imagination.

We know that you’ll be eager to get started on the Shaker Spool Box, but for those interested in our Ready-to-Stitch kits, it seems patience is a virtue as is the case when it comes to our Willing Hands 2 kits as well unfortunately.

As Betsy predominantly uses Gloriana threads in her projects, Gloriana themselves, like many businesses at present, are experiencing significant production output issues during the pandemic due to sourcing and shipping delays.

While they are doing their best to catch up and fulfill all the threads we’re eagerly waiting on, for now we suggest placing your orders even though there is a wait, as due to the fact we are working to a limited allocation, once we’re sold out it may be an even LONGER wait before we are able to re-kit.

In the meantime, now is a great time to revisit all the Betsy Morgan designs published to-date and after you’ve finished creating the Shaker Spool Box, create a list of her projects you are yet to add to your collection.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Shaker Spool Box by Betsy Morgan is a handy counted thread box for sewing thread spools with places for scissors, needles and an emery.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Shaker Spool Box includes everything* you need to re-create this charming thread box: Fabrics (unprinted), interfacings, interlining, buttons, bead, emery powder, sewing and nylon thread, embroidery threads, ribbons 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 see note on product page for fabric substitution.

Gloriana by Betsy Morgan from Inspirations issue #98 is an elegant, counted work reticule with needlebook and scissor fob inspired by Mary, Queen of Scots.

Seasons by Betsy Morgan from Inspirations issue #87 is a sweet pin cube showcasing the seasons of the year.

Edinburgh Etui by Betsy Morgan from the book A Passion for Needlework | Factoria VII is a charming etui and accessories with counted work and surface embroidery.

Cosmina by Betsy Morgan from Inspirations issue #63 is a decorative scissor keep and matching fob.

This week, we were so inspired by Betsy Morgan’s projects, that we had to go to the What Are You Stitching? cupboard to see what other glorious accessories our clever readers have made, especially those who like counted embroidery. Just look what we came up with:

Just in the nick of time too, Cathy! We’re sure Bookie is a very happy little girl now that she knows the fairy will be satisfied because frankly, with a box so beautiful, what fairy wouldn’t?

‘One of my earliest needlepoint pieces came to light when my sister and I helped my dad downsize the family home. I found the needle case that my Gram helped me sew for my Mom, who passed in 2018. I had no idea that she had kept it for over 50 years’

It looks as good now as it did 50 years ago, Susan! What a wonderful discovery and a precious memory for you.

‘I used a different stitch for each of the four sides. The top, which also has four different stitches, lifts off and the box opens up. Inside is a smaller, stitched and beaded strawberry with a jingle bell sealed inside.’

‘This project was so much fun, it stretched my brain and creativity in wonderful ways, and I was pleased with the result.’

You should be very proud, Terry as this is a stunning project. It is beautifully thought out and put together – a real work of art. Well done!

So much indeed, Tina! And it looks like you mastered all of them. Well done for taking on such a challenge and executing it so well.

Do you love making stitching accessories using a variety of counted techniques? Does every project bag have a different handmade pincushion, needle book and scissor fob that you’ve stitched? Or do you prefer to make your accessories with surface stitchery? Whatever it is you like to stitch, we’d like to see it. Send us a picture of your work and a bit of information about the project and your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com

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Button Bouquets by Pat Olski is a beautiful pincushion and tape measure cover worked with timeless cross stitch and enhanced with Dorset buttons.

Fine Tradition by Pat Olski from Inspirations issue #99 includes three button, and two brooch designs. These pretty floral designs, worked in a contemporary twist on Dorset buttons, display inventive wrapping and weaving to create stylised flowers or a base on which further embroidery can be worked.

White Rose by Jenny Adin-Christie from Inspirations issue #100 is an exquisite rose button brooch using timeless whitework techniques.

Strawberry Fayre by Carolyn Pearce from Inspirations issue #95 is a fabulous heart-shaped necessaire with pockets for essentials plus a pincushion, needle pages and thread rings that closes with a Dorset button.

~ Eckhart Tolle ~

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.