In All Stitched Up! issue #321 we were anticipating the release of A Passion for Needlework IV later this year. We’d just seen the projects laid out together for the first time, were organising pieces to be framed, gathering props, commissioning flowers and planning how we’d capture the images.

Now, at the time of penning this Welcome, we find ourselves in Daylesford completely immersed in the process of photography. You may recall we used the word ‘magical’ to describe the location we’d be using.

We’re using one of Lynda Gardener’s properties, a Melbourne based stylist renowned for creating beautiful spaces. It’s been said that ‘Lynda’s aesthetic is wielded through layers of rustic, antique and modern design details, creating the perfectly balanced blend of old and new.’

Whilst we were familiar with Lynda’s work through print and digital mediums, experiencing the space she’s created firsthand feels as if we’re a little like Alice who’s fallen down White Rabbit’s hole into an absolute wonderland.

As we place projects one by one throughout the house looking to create the perfect vignette, we’re spoiled for choice as Lynda’s myriad collectible curios, each patinated through time and use, work to tell the story of each piece created with needle and thread.

Alongside many of the projects, we’ve had the joy of using flowers and produce from Fleurs de Lyonville which is a family run micro flower farm in the heart of the Daylesford & Macedon Ranges, all hand delivered to our door by Janae who tended each by hand.

The theme we’ve seen unfold throughout the process is that the needlework itself, the space Lynda’s created, and the produce Janae’s grown are all the result of people who have devoted their time and talent to a single pursuit. A pursuit of beauty and excellence all crafted by hand.

The images we’ve been able to capture as a result? They’re rich and sumptuous and convey the perfect balance of exquisite workmanship with needle and thread, within a space that has the power to immerse you in Lynda’s whimsical and magical world.

Although we couldn’t wait to introduce you to A Passion for Needlework IV as we anticipated it’s release all but a couple of issues of All Stitched Up! ago, now we really can’t wait! Only seven months to go. And counting…

Way back in All Stitched Up! issue #291, Jan Jones wrote telling us about an embroidered map of Nauru that had been stitched for her mother in about 1953. She asked whether any of our readers could offer advice on how she could clean this historic piece of embroidery, and our generous community provided several suggestions.

Jan followed the advice, soaking the tablecloth in Napisan for several days and was thrilled to discover that most of the brown staining disappeared. She shared some photos of her beautiful embroidery and how it has turned out. It looks as fresh now as it would have when it was first stitched some 70 years ago. Thank you to everyone who offered advice.

Jackie Williams wrote (somewhat tongue-in-cheek) about a way to speed up the ‘tedium’ of stumpwork. Her suggestion was to cut the desired shapes out of appropriately coloured fabric, drench the reverse with PVA glue then, as it dries, shape them into the correct curves. Voila! Instant detached elements, which just require stitching on with a bead or French knot to embellish. Never fear, Jackie herself described this as a most horrendous idea! It isn’t one we’d endorse, but it did give us a laugh.

While musing on horrendous ideas, Jackie shared with us another – namely the idea her daughter-in-law had to ‘tidy up’ Jackie’s house. Luckily it was just her kitchen, but Jackie just can’t find anything anymore and can’t seem to reach those items that are now on shelves too high. But Jackie was quite insistent:

Teresa McAuliffe shared with us an innovation born out of necessity that her local stitch group has implemented. The group has a collection of books that members can borrow. Records were kept the traditional way – with a paper and pen. However, the advent of the pandemic encouraged the group to start using a digital book catalogue so that members could search online and record loans electronically.

Teresa’s group now have their own version of ‘click & collect’. The software has also allowed members to add their own books that they’re happy to lend out, creating a far larger library of wonderful resources for the group to share.

While on the subject of books, Margaret Mathers wrote in to endorse Bunny Goodman’s love of The Stitches of Creative Embroidery by Jacqueline Enthoven. When Margaret was learning embroidery, she used this book constantly. Now that she’s in her 80’s and unable to stitch, she has given most of her books away. However, this book is one she simply cannot bear to part with.

Anne Johnson asked for help on smocking resources in the USA back in All Stitched Up! issue #318. We received some responses that we sent to Anne, but we wanted to share the information as well in case anyone else could benefit from it.

Val Reece told us that the Embroiderers’ Guild of America have some smocking instructions for members, including an individual correspondence course in English Smocking that you can learn about HERE. They are also developing a group correspondence course but that may not be available until the latter part of 2022. Val also suggested the Smocking Arts Guild of America, which has groups around the country.

Finally for this week, Nancy McElroy was thinking about the editorial in All Stitched Up! issue #314 that discussed waiting for the perfect conditions to begin. It reminded her of the book The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom.

Corrie, her father and her sister, had hidden hundreds of Jews during WWII, as well as performing other acts of resistance. Eventually, they were caught and sent to prison. Whilst in Ravensbruck concentration camp, Corrie wanted to embroider but she only had a needle.

Although she tragically lost both her family members, Corrie was released and went on to live a long and fruitful life. But what a lesson to us all – we should take up a needle no matter what the circumstances as any conditions are the perfect conditions in which to start.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to write to us. We appreciate all your thoughts and ideas and hope you all get as much pleasure out of being a part of our little family as we do.

Anna Scott is a needlework artisan who has been part of the Inspirations family for many years. She has been creating beautiful designs in a wonderful variety of techniques since the early days of the magazine.

Many of you will remember that Anna also edited the magazine for a while, whilst still regularly designing, teaching and stitching. How this incredible lady achieved it all, and continues to achieve it is beyond us, but we can happily say, we’re glad she does.

She started her career studying garment design and construction in Denmark. The course included a module on hand embroidery and that was enough to get Anna hooked. She immediately transferred her major to hand embroidery and hasn’t looked back. Since then, she’s explored a huge range of styles and techniques, often pushing the boundaries of tradition and creating something wonderfully new.

Although she’s skilled in a range of needlework styles, Anna’s favourites are stumpwork, goldwork and crewel embroidery. Her crewel designs are bursting with detail and often include a stunning colour palette and a dizzying array of different stitches. She is well versed in traditional motifs and designs but likes to add her own touch. This means that every project she produces blends the traditional with the modern in delightfully surprising ways.

Mountain Oak is Anna’s latest crewel design from Inspirations issue #113. The design is a historic tree of life, complete with oversized foliage, stylised flowers and a tiny goat standing on the hillocks, its head lifted as it reaches to take a bite out of one of the sumptuously large berries.

Although the design itself follows a fine Jacobean crewel tradition, the stitches themselves are unique. Even if you are an experienced crewel stitcher, you’re guaranteed to discover something in Mountain Oak to delight and challenge you.

Each of the five hillocks are filled with a fascinating number of stitches. Anna loves to experiment, combining different shades and stitches so that each hillock offers up a unique texture. The five large leaves on the tree all bring different pleasures. No two are alike.

After you have had the pleasure of stitching this wonderful design, the piece is made up into a plump cushion edged with a multicoloured blanket stitch flange and finished off at each corner with a colourful tassel. It will look magnificent on a sofa or a bed, where you’ll be able to enjoy looking at all the fine details and relive the joy you experienced in stitching it.

We love how Anna’s work continues to bring joy and delight to so many. We know that Mountain Oak will become a favourite among stitchers who have enjoyed her work for years, as well as those who have just had the pleasure of discovering her beautiful, unique style.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Mountain Oak by Anna Scott is a stunning crewel cushion with a tree of life set among mountain peaks, worked in alpine colours.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Mountain Oak includes everything* you need to re-create this stunning cushion: Fabrics (unprinted), zip, sewing thread, embroidery threads and needles.
NOTE: Kit does not include cushion insert

Persian Bounty by Anna Scott from Inspirations issue #108 is a beautiful pomegranate study using a variety of stumpwork techniques.

Pomegranate & Rose by Anna Scott from Inspirations issue #100 is a superb silk and goldwork design of flowing stems laden with fruit and flowers.

If you’ve filled your walls with needlework projects and you’re looking for a different way to display them, then we’ve got a perfect solution for you.

Sudberry House produce a range of boxes with an aperture in the lid designed specifically for needlework projects. Now you can mount your finished needlework in something beautiful and practical without having to hunt for empty space on those walls!

We have boxes available in two sizes. The Sudberry House Oak Box has a generous 6” x 6” (approx. 15cm x 15cm) square space in the lid. It also has a glass cover so that your needlework will be safe from damage and dust after it is mounted so you can use the box with confidence.

The Sudberry House Mini Boxes are as cute as anything, with an aperture of only 1.5” x 1.5” (approx. 3.8cm x 3.8cm). These are ideal for little projects or tiny designs, making perfect gifts for any occasion. They come in a whitewash or dark wood finish and have a hinged lid and a sumptuous velvet interior.

There is no end to the wonderful projects out there to stitch, so we will keep coming up with beautiful and innovative ways for you to display them even once the walls are all filled.

Boasting the finest quality cotton and some of the most gorgeous patterns imaginable, Liberty fabrics have been universally popular amongst stitchers, dressmakers and quilters alike.

We currently have three gorgeous patterns available that you can purchase by the half metre. If you want a larger piece, just let us know the number of units you require and we’ll send it to you as one, uncut length.

Orchard Garden – Wisely Grove is a riot of different blooms in red, blue, orange, yellow and pink. Orchard Garden – Kimberley & Sarah is a striking pattern of dark and pale blue flowers, dotted through with golden yellow. And Hesketh House – Chiltern Hill features pale blue flowers and foliage.

Whether you’ve got a smocking project in mind, a quilting idea, or just because they are stunning, stock up on these fabrics today.

Every now and then a project comes along that captures the heart. Jewel of the Sea by Georgina Bellamy, which appeared in A Passion for Needlework 3 | Blakiston Creamery is one of those projects and is the April feature in the Inspirations 2022 Calendar.

Jewel of the Sea is an adorable, sparkling turtle that combines three-dimensional embroidery with traditional goldwork techniques to produce a stunning and unique project.

You’ll be captured by the texture, the shine from the metallic threads and above all, the wonderful expression on the face of this little fellow.

April is the month to tackle this gorgeous project and join the countless other stitchers who have gained so much pleasure from completing it.

Almost 6 years ago, we dreamed of producing a series of books that brought together some of the most beautiful needlework projects imaginable.

They were designed so that the books themselves would be as much works of art as the needlework projects they included. The series A Passion for Needlework was born, with a title that describes precisely what this series represents.

Every two years we’ve published a new book in the series, and every two years we’ve looked for ways that we could make the book even more beautiful than before.

If you’ve done your calculations, you would be correct in thinking that 2022 is the year that the fourth book in the series is due out. October 2022 is the date, and we guarantee you’re going fall in love with the wonderful projects we’ve brought together.

While October may seem like a long way away, in order to keep your own passion for needlework going, we have all three of the books in the series still available. They look stunning together on a shelf or coffee table, and combined, offer over 30 of the most beautiful projects you could ever dream of stitching.

We also have a range of kits available from the Passion series so be sure to check out our website to see which kits are in stock. Once A Passion for Needlework 4 comes out, we’ll need the space on the shelves…

Another month passes and another cascade of incredible textile artists have appeared in our social media feeds. Will it ever end? We hope not! We will never grow tired of seeing what the talented textile artists of the world are creating and we’re sure you won’t either. Here are our favourite picks for March.

@kirsten_chursinoff: Kirsten is a master at ‘art quilting’ as well as embroidery. Her beautiful botanical pieces burst with colour and her animals are just adorable.

@dreary_days_: Jamie Jones makes incredibly detailed and delicate crocheted banners. Her stitches are so fine, it is hard to believe they’re made with thread and hook.

@monstarmaker: Allysa Wolf is a mixed media embroidery artist. Her works are haunting and beautiful, and exquisitely stitched.

@rezvan.embroidery: This US-based thread artist produces embroidery and mixed media pieces that are breathtaking in their accuracy and detail.

If you ever come across an artist you’d like us to include in this segment, write in and tell us! In the meantime you can also follow Inspirations on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest where you’ll discover fantastic needlework every day from all over the web.

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

In the twenty-first century, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to needlework projects. Almost any subject you can imagine can form the inspiration for a design, from modern landscapes to up-to-date quotes.

We embrace these developments and we love the modern flavour that so many designers and textile artists work with today. However, traditional subjects remain.

The humble pansy is one of those subjects. Pansies have been a staple in needlework for many centuries. Their delicate shape, brilliant colours and soft texture have inspired designers since the Middle Ages and they have appeared in samplers, on printed fabrics and as the subject of countless embroidered and stitched projects ever since.

The pansy itself has been a favourite flower throughout history. The shape of the petals forms a ‘face’ that is generally made more distinct by the brilliant combinations of colours that these tiny flowers display. Golden yellows, rich purples and deep scarlets are only a few of the incredible colours common to the pansy - another trait that makes them so popular with needleworkers and embroidery designers.

Carolyn Pearce’s Perfect Pansies from A Passion For Needlework 3 | Blakiston Creamery pays homage to these beautiful, historic blooms. The striking set is stitched on a rich rust-coloured dupion silk. It is made up of three pieces: a pincushion, a scissor sheath and a tape measure, all decorated with brilliantly coloured pansies in purple and red.

Pansies are a perfect subject to practise your threadpainting skills. Because of the distinct colour changes in the petals, as well as the veins which appear naturally, you are able to achieve a remarkable likeness with your stitching. Indeed, if you have never tried threadpainting before, the pansy is the ideal design to begin with.

Carolyn has even added a number of realistic folds in the petals so that the completed project will be completely lifelike.

The colour combination in Perfect Pansies is then highlighted with the addition of sparkling old gold beads around the edges of each item, and the sumptuous, beaded tail affixed to the end of the tape measure. The scissor sheath then has a delightful addition – a tiny dragonfly charm that sets off the posy of pansies. Overall, this is a luxurious project that will take pride of place in your stitching kit once completed.

While it is fun to experiment with modern designs and embrace subjects that our grandmothers would never have dreamed of, there is huge comfort in taking up a project that holds with the tradition of needlework. It is a way of continuing the line of history through the generations of needleworkers before us, and projects like Perfect Pansies are sure to resist changes in fashion and remain loved for many years to come.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Perfect Pansies by Carolyn Pearce is a vibrant set of needlework accessories.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Perfect Pansies includes everything* you need to re-create this stunning set of accessories: Fabric (unprinted), wadding, ultra fleece, interlining, interfacings, blanketing, template plastic, acetate, nylon thread, charms, tape measure, embroidery and beading threads, beads and needles.

Instructions for more than 100 exquisite embroidered versions of this much-loved and appealing flower.

Viola Tricolor by Wendy Innes from Inspirations issue #46 is an exquisite botanical study in stumpwork.

Tranquil Thoughts by Fiona Hibbett from Inspirations issue #107 is a floral heart design using foundational stumpwork techniques.

We did mention how popular turtles were as a subject for embroidery, didn’t we? We’ve featured several turtle projects in Inspirations publications recently, and they always prove to be a hit. We don’t know what it is about these adorable creatures that make them so popular, but here are a few more wonderful examples of turtles imagined in needle and thread.

We’re so glad you enjoyed working on this project, Kathleen. It certainly captured the heart of many. Quincy is gorgeous. You’ve done a spectacular job in finishing him and you’ve chosen the perfect setting for him to be displayed.

It’s a magnificent finish, Nicola. You’ve really captured his expression and the colouring is fabulous. You should be very proud.

‘I added a few beads to fix the cloth, plus two embroidered starfish at the left bottom and a little embroidered shell on the top right. I tried to give it the look of water retreating towards the sea.’

You’ve really made this project your own, Therese. It is beautifully unique and exquisitely done.

‘Instead of using sand I painted the linen background and then attached tiny shells in lieu of the starfish. I added beads to the French knots for the line of foam. Two of my friends who have real pet turtles love it!’

It isn’t surprising they love it, Henrietta! We love your interpretation and we’re sure he takes pride of place on your wall.

Do you love stitching turtles? Or is there another animal you simply cannot resist? Have you seen projects completed here in the What Are You Stitching? segment and been inspired to stitch them yourself, or show us your version of them?

Whatever it is you’re stitching, we’d like to see it. Send us a picture of your work with a bit of information about your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com

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Some of the essential elements available to help you with your stitching of Carolyn Pearce’s Home Sweet Home.

Window of the Blue Dragonflies by Alison Cole is a superb stumpwork panel featuring a rose, honeysuckle, thistle and pansy surrounded by dragonflies.

Fireflower by Alison Cole from Inspirations Issue #110 is a stunning red-flowering gum with stumpwork leaves, blossoms and bee.

Invermay Wildflowers by Alison Cole from Inspirations issue #112 is a superb stumpwork study of Australian wildflowers in rich shades of purple and yellow.

Nodding Greenhood by Alison Cole from the book The Design Collective | Pincushions is an Australian bushland scene brought to life with a stumpwork study of native orchids on a wooden base.

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

~ Topaz ~

Stay informed of upcoming needlework events taking place all around the world in our What’s On page on the Inspirations Studios Website HERE.