When a couple of the team from Inspirations HQ made the recent drive to Daylesford in Victoria for the photography of A Passion for Needlework IV, we helped pass some of the almost eight-hour drive by listening to podcasts.

One of the podcasts that piqued our curiosity was Brene Brown’s ‘Dare to Lead Podcast’ with James Clear. James writes about habits, decision making and continuous improvement in his book ‘Atomic Habits’.

Of the many insights we gained from their conversation, one that’s remained with us was James’ insight into the difference between Being in Motion and Taking Action.

Whilst they may sound similar, ‘when you’re in motion, you’re planning and strategising and learning, but they don’t produce a result. Action, on the other hand, is the type of behavior that will deliver an outcome.’

Taking our time with needle and thread, motion is when we’re deciding on that just right project, sourcing supplies, researching techniques and practising stitches for what may be the umpteenth time, whereas action is when we finally lay the first stitch and continue doing so right through until the final stitch is laid.

Whilst the time spent in motion is useful, it will never produce an outcome in and of itself. It is only when we move to action that we’ll accomplish what we set out to achieve.

Sure, there are times we do it because we actually need to plan or learn more. Typically though, it’s because we want to delay failure and motion allows us to feel like we're making progress without running the risk of failure.

So how can we move from motion to action?

In an excerpt from his book, Atomic Habits, James suggests two things that have helped him:

> Set a schedule for your actions. You may choose a set day of the week, or a specific time each day, but once you’ve set a schedule for your actions, stick to it.

> Pick a date to shift from motion to action. For those projects that can’t be completed on a specific day or time, one way to compel yourself to make the shift is by setting a hard deadline of when you’ll move from planning to action.

It’s important to remember that motion will never produce a final result, only action will. So next time we find ourselves hesitating to put needle and thread to fabric as we embark upon just one more Google search about the stitching before us, we need to ask ourselves if we’re doing something or just preparing to do it, if we’re in motion or actually taking action.

We never expected this newsletter to become the place to share book recommendations, but then again, our goal is to bring stitching happiness to our community in whatever way we can. There are so many books out there that tell fascinating stories about different kinds of needlework, so sharing them fits perfectly with our purpose. And as many of you already know, there are not many things more pleasurable than spending a few wonderful hours stitching whilst listening to an audiobook about needlework!

Stephanie Lamb wanted to tell everyone about ‘The Threads of Life: A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle’ by Clare Hunter. Clare Hunter is a textile artist and textile curator who turned her hand to writing about her favourite subject. This non-fiction book is a historical journey that traverses the world, exploring identity, protest, memory, power and politics all through the lens of needlework.

A book that Joan MacKinnon wanted to recommend after reading our article on the 150th Anniversary of the Royal School of Needlework from All Stitched Up! issue #322 is ‘The Gown’ by Jennifer Robson. This is a novel about the stitching of the wedding gown for the then Princess Elizabeth in 1947. Joan was lucky enough to meet the author and discovered that she spent hours with Mrs. Betty Foster, one of the four seamstresses who worked on the gown, to ensure the story was as accurate as possible.

Finally for our book section, Edna Brock wrote in recommending ‘The Dressmakers of Auschwitz: The True Story of the Women who Sewed to Survive’ by Lucy Adlington. This is another inspiring story of women who survived through impossible situations against all the odds, with their needles and threads to help them.

There were a few emails this week about kindness, something we should all practice whenever we can. Robyn Wright has been unfortunate enough to get caught up in the huge floods we’ve had here in Australia over the past few months. But she wrote in because she wanted to highlight the kindness she has witnessed throughout. Her neighbours have rescued people and animals; strangers have donated clothing, bedding and food; and members of the armed forces have been helping with the endless clean up. As Robyn says:

This kindness often shows out in desperate situations, but if you look around, you can also see it day to day as we strive to help one another in whatever ways we can. Gillian Martin shared a very appropriate verse from a cross stitched sampler she had when she was a child. It read:

‘In this world of froth and bubble
Two things stand alone.
Kindness in another’s trouble
Courage in your own.’

In All Stitched Up! issue #322 we also wrote an article on the famous tapestries of The Lady and the Unicorn. Several people wrote to tell us they had been lucky enough to see the tapestries when they were exhibited. Robyn Wright commented how chastening it was to remember that when they were made, few people could read so stories were told through pictures. As such, contemporary viewers would have known exactly what these works said, while we can merely speculate as to their meaning.

Glenys Watson also had a chance to see the tapestries and commented that they were truly amazing. The trip to the exhibition and the actual experience of seeing the tapestries up close was something Glenys said she would remember for the rest of her life.

Finally, we had a wonderful email from Vivienne Garforth that we just had to share. Vivienne used to volunteer at a women’s prison teaching embroidery to a group there. Although she was nervous about the role when she started, she discovered that stitching groups are the same wherever they are held, with lots of chatting, laughing and helping one another.

Just before Vivienne left, she was offered some advice from a couple of the women. They told her that if ever she was going to court and expected to be jailed, she should take a case filled with embroidery projects! Apparently, as Vivienne was told, whatever she had with her in court on the day was what she was allowed to take with her. Once you’re inside, it is much harder to get any needlework supplies.

Vivenne said:

Let’s hope that none of our readers do either, but it is always good to have advice tucked away in our minds, as you just never know!

Until next time, keep stitching, keep practicing kindness and always have a few needlework kits with you, just in case…

Our whole purpose for doing what we do is to make you, our special community, happy. We know one thing that makes you happy is a complete, Ready-To-Stitch kit for that must-do project. So, we’ve chosen another past project to bring back that was incredibly popular when it was first published.

Ana Mallah’s Flower Pots from A Passion For Needlework 2 | Factoria VII is that project. It was no surprise that everyone fell in love with Ana’s adorable little three-dimensional embroidery pots when they first saw them, and we have been receiving requests for kits constantly. We’re pleased to announce your wishes have been granted – the kits are here at last!

There are kits for both trinket pots available. Both are embellished with stunning stumpwork flowers on the lids – one with soft pink roses and the other with delicately shaded hydrangeas. Each pot is lined with soft felt and is just perfect for storing jewellery or tiny treasures. They make an adorable pair that will take pride of place on your dressing table or mantlepiece.

We know that the re-release of these Ready-to-Stitch kits is going to make waves, so if you missed out on either kit when we first brought them out, make sure you don’t miss out again. This is a beautifully satisfying project to make, so order your kits and get started straight away.

In Australia and New Zealand, April 25th is ANZAC day. This holiday is observed every year to commemorate and remember the ANZAC soldiers who have served or died in war and other conflicts since World War I.

ANZAC, which stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, was the name given to our soldiers who fought on various fronts overseas. The day traditionally begins with a Dawn Service, the sounding of the Last Post and the observance of one minute’s silence.

The tradition began just after World War I when Australia and New Zealand, like so many other countries around the world, were faced with their massive losses. It originally was devised to commemorate the Gallipoli Campaign, but soon expanded to honour all service.

The symbol of the poppy became associated with the day, representing the poppies that grew on the battlefields in France after the fighting in Europe was over.

To help commemorate ANZAC day, we’ve published a number of projects over the years. Two in particular stand out.

The first is In Flanders Fields by Jo Butcher from Inspirations issue #99. This gentle scene shows a meadow filled with red poppies and golden wheat gently swaying beneath a pale blue morning sky.

The other is Remember by Philippa Todd, which appeared in Inspirations issue #109. This is a delicate three-dimensional embroidered poppy that can be worn as a brooch on a lapel or hat in commemoration of the day.

Both of these projects are available as kits, with instructions available in print and digital to purchase from our website.

Any time of year is the right time to get out in nature. It doesn’t matter whether the sun is shining, the rain is dripping from the leaves, or the ground is covered in snow.

One of the joys of life is to take a walk in nature and enjoy earth’s beauty. Another is to sit down with the new copy of your favourite magazine and immerse yourself in some of the world’s most beautiful needlework projects.

The theme of Inspirations issue #114 is Nature Walk and it is packed with gorgeous projects inspired by nature.

On the cover is Jarrah & Grass Blue Butterfly by Denise Mackey, a stunning stumpwork study of elegant eucalyptus leaves dotted with gum nuts. The three stages in the life of the grass blue butterfly are displayed amongst the foliage – caterpillar, chrysalis and the final, stunning, purple winged butterfly.

If you would like to try your hand at an amazing mix of stitches, sequins and beads, you’re going to love Bush Beauties by Melissa Horton. These two, modern projects give you the opportunity to experiment as you create a colourful Major Mitchell’s cockatoo or a sinuous lyrebird.

Little Brown Hen by Anna Scott is an adorable stumpwork project featuring a plump hen watching over her tiny chicks. It includes everything you need for a needlebook edged in beads and a framed panel to decorate your wall.

Mike Parr has designed an elegant whitework project entitled Dresden Lace. This technique combines both counted and surface stitches in a flower filled heart shape, offering something for everyone.

If you love colour, you’re going to adore Rainbow Bee-eater by Wendy Innes. The brilliant plumage on this tiny bird has been worked exquisitely in rayon thread and is set off by a riot of gorgeous, blue, stumpwork sun orchids.

Taetia McEwen has produced yet another of her delightful bedside lamps with Dream a Little Dream. Dotted around with a band of merry frogs and character-filled insects, the lyrics to this well-known song will serenade any child to sleep perfectly every night.

For fans of stitching accessories, Kim Beamish has designed Victorian Hearts, an elegant, heart-shaped trio stitched using a range of counted stitches. The needlebook, pincushion and scissor fob are all edged with detached blanket stitch loops and decorated with twining stylised heart-shaped flowers.

Inspirations magazine isn’t just about the projects though. It is also filled with stories. You can read about embroidery artist Sue Vickery whose ground-breaking embroidery projects embrace all manner of contradictions. From puppet making and embroidery to animation, she’s a woman to be admired.

You can also read about artist Stephanie Neville who uses embroidery and other textile works to express her love of the ocean and the natural world that surrounds it.

If it’s not there yet, Inspirations issue #114 will be landing in subscribers’ letterboxes soon, and will be in the shops shortly thereafter.

When you see beautiful projects like those in Inspirations issue #114, if you’re anything like us, you just want to sit down and thread your needle immediately. We want you to do that too, so we’ve got Ready-To-Stitch kits packed and waiting.

Each kit contains everything you need to create each wonderful project. You can simply open the box and begin. If you’ve been inspired by any of the projects from issue #114 ‘Nature Walk’, get your orders in today.

Sometimes, ‘no time at all’ is still too long to wait, so if you are eager to get started on one of the stunning, nature-inspired projects from Inspirations issue #114, then head to the website to our digital pattern library.

All of the beautiful projects from issue #114 are available as digital patterns for you to purchase and download now.

As we mentioned in All Stitched Up! issue #322, the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) is celebrating their 150th anniversary in 2022.

As well as various celebrations throughout the year, in July and August their hugely popular International Summer School is returning and, for the very first time, is being offered both online and onsite!

You’ll be able to explore a huge variety of techniques and designs, from crewelwork to box making, and canvas work to whitework.

The onsite Summer School is based in Hampton Court Palace, south-west London. Attendees will be able to enjoy the tie in with the celebratory exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum in central London entitled ‘150 Years of the Royal School of Needlework: Crown to Catwalk’, which is open until September 4.

Over eight weeks in July and August, expert RSN tutors will teach eight different five-day classes. Many of the classes are based on pieces from the RSN’s unique archive and collection. Classes are limited to 12 places each.

As part of the event, there will be guided tours of the 150th exhibition as well as the RSN’s own summer exhibition, ‘A Girl’s Education in Stitch’.

If going to London is not an option, the RSN is also offering a mixture of two, three and five-day online classes in July across a range of time zones including Australia/New Zealand/Asia, the Americas and UK/Europe.

Online classes include crewelwork, blackwork, goldwork, coloured blackwork and mixed media.

In 2022 there is no better place to experience world class tuition with like-minded students from the world over, than the RSN International Summer School – all the while enjoying the celebrations for HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Whether you’re planning on attending in person, online or a combination of the two, discover more about this fabulous event HERE.

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

Any mention of the Arts & Crafts movement and most people think of William Morris and the famous museum at his home, Kelmscott, in the UK. However, there were many other artists and designers who worked within Morris’s circles, but who practiced elsewhere.

Philip Webb, who designed Standen in Sussex in the UK was one of them.

The house itself was designed by Webb who was an architect and friend of Morris. He designed it for the Beale family, who then filled the rooms with furniture, carpets, wallpapers, ceramics and textiles all created by designers from the movement. In the process, the house became yet another Arts & Crafts museum that we can still enjoy today.

It is this property that inspired Margaret Light to design Briar Rose & Honeysuckle from her book A Fine Tradition. Margaret noted how it would be easy to believe that all the design elements put into one house might create something excessive. However, the opposite was true. The whole effect of Standen was one of harmoniousness and calm. The colours were often soft and subtle, and they all blended beautifully so nothing seemed excessive or out of place.

Briar Rose & Honeysuckle fits with this style. This gorgeous picture has been stitched using a range of naturalistic colours, brought together in a design that is recognisably Arts & Crafts in its style.

The delightful contrast between the classically shaped briar rose and the long, fine petals of the honeysuckle works perfectly amongst the leaves and tiny forget-me-not flower highlights.

Like many of Margaret’s designs, Briar Rose & Honeysuckle is worked in fine crewel wools on a strong, neutrally coloured linen twill. However, the stitches are so delicate, you have to look carefully to realise this has been stitched in wool at all. There is a beautiful shine to the fibres she’s selected – Gumnut Yarns Daisies which are ultra-fine, hand-dyed wools. They are the perfect selection to achieve the detail visible in this piece.

Margaret has opted to limit the number of stitches she’s used in this project. She felt that there was enough in the design and colouring without needing to overwhelm the stitcher with too many different kinds of stitches. The effect is stunning, with a multitude of tiny details. This piece would be perfectly at home in a historic house like Standen.

Fashions come and go, but those that stand the test of time, such as the Arts & Crafts movement, will never fall out of favour. Briar Rose & Honeysuckle demonstrates why that is. No matter the era, and no matter the design of your home, a project like this will always fit in. Stitching it allows you to enjoy your own little piece of Standen in your very own front room.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Briar Rose & Honeysuckle by Margaret Light is a framed embroidery of twining stems richly ornamented with flowers and foliage.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Briar Rose & Honeysuckle includes everything* you need to re-create this stunning piece: Fabric (unprinted), embroidery threads and needles.

Redwork Pincushion & Chatelaine by Margaret Light from A Fine Tradition is a barrel pincushion and chatelaine comprising scissor sheath and fob, thimble pod and strawberry emery.

Tree of Life by Margaret Light from A Fine Tradition is a sumptuous crewel wall hanging masterfully combining colour and stitch.

Margaret Light has been designing for Inspirations for many years and her stunning crewel and surface embroidery projects have been much loved by all. When we put A Fine Tradition together, a collection of Margaret’s work documenting her incredible skills over the years, we knew it would be gratefully received. We weren’t disappointed, with stitchers the world over expressing how much they love the book and the projects in it.

We have a range of kits from the book available so that you can not just marvel at the beauty of the designs, but also have the joy of stitching them. All of our Ready-To-Stitch kits contain everything you need to re-create the projects, which are laid out, step-by-step in the book. Save time hunting for supplies by purchasing Ready-to-Stitch kits from A Fine Tradition and start stitching within minutes of the postman arriving.

We couldn’t choose which project from A Fine Tradition was our favourite, and we’re sure you can’t either, so we have a huge range for you to browse. Whichever projects you decide to tackle, we’d love to see the finished results as each of you carries on your own fine stitching tradition with these beautiful designs.

Crewel embroidery has been practiced since Tudor times, and it continues to be much loved today. This type of wool embroidery lends itself to the Jacobean style from which it originated, but there have been many beautiful and clever variations on traditional Jacobean crewel since then. Here are a number of crewel projects from our readers for you to enjoy.

We can’t see any liberties taken, Catherine. All we can see is beautiful embroidery! We’re glad you enjoyed this project and it is going to look fabulous as a cushion.

‘It was a joy for me to rummage through my embroidery books and visit all the skilful designers who gave their instructions for creating my own project.’

What a wonderful piece, Dorothea. It is so carefully thought out and exquisitely put together. We’re sure all the designers you borrowed from will be thrilled to see how you have paid homage to their work to create something completely unique.

Fantastic advice, Christine. This is a magnificent finish. Seeing it complete must give you all the inspiration you need to do the other two in the series. It is definitely going to be an heirloom when finished and mounted in your own, custom-made screen.

Do you love stitching crewel embroidery? Do you prefer the Jacobean style, or do you like exploring other styles like the Arts & Crafts movement?

Whatever style you like to stitch and whatever medium you like to stitch in, 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

Become part of the Inspirations family by subscribing to the magazine... we'd love to have you join us!

We’ve got some new Pipers Silks and Gumnut Yarns sample packs available to get those creative juices flowing.

Topiary in the Border by Jo Butcher depicts perfect topiary spheres rising above a colourful sea of iris, geum, verbena and echinacea flowers.

Irises by Jo Butcher features rich, velvety petals of the purple iris above a sea of sword-like leaves.

Foxgloves by Jo Butcher pictures proud foxgloves in every shade of pink, standing over their garden companions.

Golden Grace by Tracy A. Franklin from Inspirations issue #49 is an exquisite goldwork iris embroidered on gold silk.

Wild Iris by Margaret Lee from The Art of Chinese Embroidery 2 | Intermediate Level is a stunning flower in the style of Chinese brush painting, stitched using the technique Random Stitch Embroidery.

Still Water by Madeleine Ferland from Inspirations issue #49 is a charming picture combining stumpwork and surface embroidery.

Kakisubata by Margaret Lee from Inspirations issue #74 is an elegant and refined Japanese Embroidery study worked in lustrous silk.

~ John Wooden ~

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