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ISSUE 336, 24 JUNE, 2022
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INSPIRATIONS. ALL Stitched Up!
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Hi There,
We’re interrupting the opening paragraphs of this week’s All Stitched Up! to bring you some updates from Inspirations HQ!

A LOT goes on in any given week at the Inspirations production office. Some of which we allude to in the newsletter you’re now reading or on our socials, whilst other goings-on wait until they’re ‘formally’ announced at just the right time. This week, however, we thought we’d offer you a sneak peek behind the curtains, so you know what we’ve been up to.

For the first time since the hustle and bustle of COVID began interrupting shipping and supply timeframes, Christmas has indeed come early and Inspirations issue #115 has arrived at our Mailing Houses the world over on time, well almost anyway!
For our valued subscribers, that means your next fix of all things Inspirations is closer than ever before.
While our logistics teams have been working hard to finalise the mailing lists for issue #115, our kit team have been busy sourcing, measuring, cutting, and assembling everything needed to ensure the new kits will all be available as soon as you have the next issue in your hands. In fact, rumour has it they might even be running ahead of schedule, so you might want to check online to see what they’ve added!

Not only this, but they’re also working on kitting another 50 brand-new, exciting projects appearing in upcoming books and issues of the magazine, as well as designs from our Handpicked range and re-releasing popular kits from issues past.

We may also have heard them whispering something about designs being pre-printed on the fabric for eligible kits, saving you the time and effort of transferring the design. Now that’s an exciting development!

The production team: well they’ve exceeded our expectations yet again! A Passion for Needlework | The Whitehouse Daylesford and Inspirations issue #116 are now with the printers. Don’t tell Volumes I through III, but we think A Passion for Needlework IV might just be the crowning glory in the series to date! We can’t wait to share more with you as we anticipate its release in just three months’ time.

Not to rest on their laurels, the production team are now turning their attention to our next book, the release of a new version of Flowers for Elizabeth by our very own Susan O’Connor, and then Inspirations issue #118. And if all that isn’t enough, we’ve heard them discussing plans to celebrate 30 years of all things Inspirations in issue #120, which is due to be released in October 2023. That’s a lot of issue numbers, projects and content to keep on top of!

As for our wares department, they’re busy sourcing all things needle and thread for our online store. Just to let you in on a little secret, they’re so excited by what they’ve tracked down that they’re working in cahoots with our website team and secretly releasing their findings online before they’re even announced in All Stitched Up! You didn’t hear it from us, but it might be well worth your while checking our website every now and then to see what they’ve uncovered.

Oh, and while we’re on the subject of secrets, we may or may not be aware of dialogue between our Editor-in-Chief Susan and Helen M. Stevens collaborating on a project for ‘The Design Collective | Volume II’! Whilst it’s a little premature to announce the subject of our next installment to this series, know that preparations are well underway for its release in September 2023.

We can’t wait to share more of the world’s most beautiful needlework with you in the coming weeks and months. Now, back to our usual proceedings…
 
Have Your Say
More on Transferring Designs and Embracing Motion
We definitely struck a chord when we wrote recently about different ways you can transfer needlework designs onto fabric, as many of you have written in with your own hints, tips and experiences. There is no end to the resourcefulness and skill of our community, is there?
Angelina Guillen was curious about the prick and pounce method, although she was concerned that it could be rather messy. It does seem that way, but the secret is to only use a very small amount of pounce – just enough to go through the holes and no more. You use a soft brush or sponge to apply it and any residue is carefully dusted off into the bin afterwards. We described it as like applying blusher to your face. You only want a small amount on your brush in order to look perfect!

Alice Andrus shared a fascinating tip. She irons pre-cut freezer paper sheets to the back of her fabric. The freezer paper is measured precisely to fit into her computer printer. She then cuts the fabric to the size of the sheets, scans her design into the computer and adjusts the size to fit the hoop she is planning on using. Then, she prints the design directly on to the pre-prepared fabric. The design comes out perfectly, all ready to stitch! Alice then peels back the freezer paper and irons fusible interfacing to the back to give stability. She says:
You can draw your own designs and print them, but I usually use purchased ones or free designs from the internet. You can also print a coloured picture onto your fabric.
The word ‘permanent’ frightens Patty Park so she discovered Crayola Guaranteed Washable markers instead. They come in assorted colours and with different sized tips. They are designed for children’s art projects, so being washable is essential! But Patty says they work beautifully for stitching, as any marks wash out without any problems.
Christine Wellnitz admitted that her favourite method to transfer designs is by traditional tracing and tacking. She traces her design on to tracing paper and then tacks along the lines using a running stitch and fine cotton. She said that it does take a bit of bravery to fill in the missing parts between the stitches, but that is the part she loves the most because she can change little things and make the design her own. She did say that her experience with ‘vanishing’ pens is that they never fully vanish, so if you use them, be sure to stitch over every single line.

Stephanie Lamb told us that Pellon Stick-n-Washaway and Sulky Sticky Fabri-Solvy can both be used in the photocopier. Stephanie has found the sheets difficult to stitch through at times though, so she only uses this method to produce an area of a design, such as a trellis or cloud filling, where accurate measurements are a bit more challenging.
In All Stitched Up! issue #327 we talked about motion vs action. Cécile smiled when she read it, as she said she has a lot of projects in motion. She tries to put them into ‘action’ but it takes her so long to finish that she has a constant feeling of dissatisfaction. So, this year, she decided to get on and finish some. She joined a Facebook group that made her accountable as she had to choose two projects and post up her progress on them each month. She also completed another project – a gift for her first grandchild – because she set a deadline and made herself finish by that date.

Lynne Redderson was pondering why ‘motion’ was such an easy state to remain in, and decided it was because it is so much fun! She finds her mind reels with excitement and possibilities when she’s planning, strategising, and learning. Although not all of her plans come to fruition, she loves the feel of the creative juices flowing. Once it begins, there is no limit to the creativity that can spring from this feeling.
Leslie’s goldwork pear
Finally, a small erratum – in All Stitched Up! issue #331 we featured a gorgeous goldwork pear which had been masterfully stitched by Leslie Brady. We mistakenly said that the kit was from the Royal School of Needlework, but it is actually from The London Embroidery School. Thank you to Leslie for writing in to let us know, as well as to Patricia Hill who also picked up the error.

That’s all for this week, but we’ll be looking forward to hearing more from you after we’ve transferred a few more designs using some of these great ideas and pushed ourselves into action on a few more of our projects!
 
Needlework News
New Book | Rose to Rose by Elisabetta Sforza
It’s always exciting when one of our favourite designers releases a new book, so we were waiting eagerly when we heard that the latest publication from Elisabetta Sforza was due to arrive. Elisabetta has already produced three stunning books of embroidered alphabets that have been firm favourites with all of our readers. When Rose to Rose landed on our doorstep, we knew it would not disappoint.
In this book, Elisabetta has recreated the sublime watercolours of artist Patrizia Silingardi. Featuring trailing roses and other flowers in a range of glorious colours, Elisabetta has perfectly translated the paintings into stitch so that it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the two.
Of course, Elisabetta is known for her alphabets, so as well as the floral designs, the book also includes patterns for a full alphabet using the same roses in a range of colours. You are given instructions as well as ideas for use, so you can just choose the letters, or you can design a beautiful combination of the letters and the main designs.
This book is a must if you already love Elisabetta’s work, or if this is the first time you have encountered her, you’re definitely in for a treat. We have Rose to Rose in stock right now, and while you’re there, why not browse through all of Elisabetta’s other books as well.
Jo Butcher Mini Cards
Christmas should not be the only time to send cards. Sending a card is something that can be done at any time, whether to tell a family member you love them, thank someone for a delightful afternoon, or just remind someone that you’re thinking of them. All you need is the perfect card to send.
We have available boxes of mini cards that feature the stunning work of Jo Butcher. Each box contains 8 mini gift cards that are reproduced from Jo’s original embroideries. You get two each of four designs in a box, so there are plenty of cards to choose from.
Queen Anne's Lace
There is no better way to make someone’s day than with some kind words or an expression of love in a card displaying one of Jo Butcher’s beautiful, stitched designs.
Inspirations Calendar | July Project
What a bright and beautiful creature we are met with when we turn the page on the Inspirations 2022 calendar to July! Perching, bold and colourful, on a twig is Renette Kumm’s Coquette, a stunning threadpainted bird that was featured in Inspirations issue #106.
The tufted coquette is a tiny hummingbird that is native to South America. It has feathers in almost every colour of the rainbow, which makes it stand out brilliantly considering the bird it is a mere 7cm (2 ¾”) in length!

Renette has zoomed in on this gorgeous creature so you can really appreciate the colours and expression on the face. The careful details, achieved through the combination of stitch direction and exquisite shading, are breathtaking. He’s a pleasure to stitch and an even greater pleasure to admire afterwards.
July may be the height of summer or the depths of winter, but whichever one it is for you, bring some colour and brightness into your room with Coquette.
 
DIGITAL MAGAZINE
Inspirations Digital Issue 106
 
 
DIGITAL PATTERN
Coquette
 
Stitching on Social | June
Just for a moment, put down that stitching and pick up the phone or the iPad! It isn’t often you will hear us say that, but we’ve found some new textile artists on social media that you simply must take a look at and follow. We can guarantee you’ll feel even more inspired to stitch after you have checked out these amazing artists.
@sophie.liban: Sophie Liban is a French artist who creates striking jewellery and art using felt, beads and embroidery.
@lindzeanne: Lindzeanne, from Tokyo in Japan, makes fascinating pieces using reclaimed fabric, simple stitching and a vivid and wonderful imagination.
@tsumugiart_: Hailing from Japan, this artist creates delicate, 3-dimensional flowers and leaves by crocheting with embroidery thread.
@lesleybergen: Lesley Bergen is an incredibly versatile artist, but her three dimensional birds are fantastic.

Ok, you can go back to your stitching now!

If you ever come across a needlework artist you’d like us to see, please let us know. In the meantime, for daily inspiration you can follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest where we discover more talented needleworkers every single day.
This Now In...
From wares to kits and all kinds of tricks, if it has recently come back in stock, you’ll discover it below.
 
READY-TO-STITCH KIT
Gatsby | Back in Stock
 
 
Featured Project
Where Meadows & Gardens Grow – Sublime Stitches
Jo Butcher is a designer who is renowned for her sublime embroidered landscapes. Each of Jo’s projects makes use of a limited range of simple stitches, but by combining them with an exquisitely painted background, she produces something truly spectacular.
She makes use of different types of fibres and is masterful at selecting just the right colour tones in her pieces, but it is her choice of different stitches to produce such varied textures that really completes each piece.
Jo’s book, Where Meadows & Gardens Grow, has 12 gorgeous designs that showcase her technique. She walks you through creating your own painted backgrounds and she suggests the threads and fibres you should use.

Jo also provides you with templates so you can place each element in the right place on the fabric to produce a harmonious and balanced effect.
Each project only requires you to master a few stitches, and then Jo encourages you to let yourself go and create a landscape which is truly your own.
When you look the project Hollyhocks, you’re met with a riot of pinks and greens packed into a window-like space. It is difficult to believe that this stunning piece is created using only two carefully selected stitches. All of the leaves, petals and stalks are created using a straight stitch. All that varies is the length, the direction and the placement – whether over or under surrounding stitches.
It is amazing that Jo can produce a picture that is so beautifully lifelike you can almost catch the scent of the flowers, by using one stitch. Each individual flower is then highlighted with a tiny French knot at the centre, which completes the effect.
Poppies & Cornflowers is a similar project in that it is a little window onto a field just bursting with flowers and grasses. As with Hollyhocks, the majority of the image is worked in straight stitch, however by the inclusion of some detached blanket stitch wheat ears, a completely different texture is achieved. Once again, the selective use of French knots finalises the project resulting in an image that looks for all the world like a photograph.
Finally, Cottage Garden is a glorious demonstration of what can happen when you bring some carefully selected stitches together. This beautiful project captures an entire cottage garden within its frame.
Hollyhocks, salvia, angelica, foxgloves, nigella, English lavender, daisies and delphiniums all jostle with one another for space in this stunning study.
The petals of each flower have been masterfully recreated using simple stitches, such as detached chain, fly stitch and French knots, and the surrounding grasses, worked mainly in straight stitch, form a backdrop with perspective and depth.
You don’t need to use obscure or complicated stitches to produce something exceptional, as all of Jo Butcher’s designs demonstrate. Rather you can settle back and enjoy the process, letting your imagination and creativity fly safe in the knowledge that what will result will be a project like no other - one that is truly exceptional in every way.
Make Your Own Jo Butcher Originals

Hollyhocks
Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Hollyhocks by Jo Butcher features elegant spires, in shades of dusky pink and soft green, stretching towards the sky.
 
PRINTED BOOK
Where Meadows & Gardens Grow
 
Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Hollyhocks includes everything* you need to re-create this vibrant scene: Fabric panels (including pre-printed panel), embroidery threads and needles.
 
READY-TO-STITCH KIT
Hollyhocks
 
Poppies & Cornflowers
Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Poppies & Cornflowers by Jo Butcher features papery, pink skirts of poppy flowers twirling amongst the cornflowers.
 
PRINTED BOOK
Where Meadows & Gardens Grow
 
Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Poppies & Cornflowers includes everything* you need to re-create this gorgeous scene: Fabric panels (including pre-printed panel), embroidery threads and needles.
 
READY-TO-STITCH KIT
Poppies & Cornflowers
 
Cottage Garden
Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Cottage Garden by Jo Butcher melds together swathes of flowers, large and small, in perfect harmony.
 
PRINTED BOOK
Where Meadows & Gardens Grow
 
Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Cottage Garden includes everything* you need to re-create this pretty scene: Fabric panels (including pre-printed panel), embroidery threads and needles.
 
READY-TO-STITCH KIT
Cottage Garden
 
*Please Note: To cater for flexibility of purchase, instructions are not included with our kits. For step-by-step directions on how to create these projects, please refer to the book. Kits do not include watercolour paints.
Looking for More Jo Butcher?
Amongst the Daisies
Amongst the Daisies by Jo Butcher from Where Meadows & Gardens Grow is a field of fresh, white daisies, some crowned with a golden eye, spread beneath the sun.
 
READY-TO-STITCH KIT
Amongst the Daisies
 
 
PRINTED BOOK
Where Meadows & Gardens Grow
 
Silver Birches
Silver Birches by Jo Butcher from Where Meadows & Gardens Grow features graceful trunks of ghostly white rising through a woodland garden of ferns and cow parsley.
 
READY-TO-STITCH KIT
Silver Birches
 
 
PRINTED BOOK
Where Meadows & Gardens Grow
 
Topiary in the Border
Topiary in the Border by Jo Butcher from Where Meadows & Gardens Grow showcases perfect topiary spheres rising above a colourful sea of iris, geum, verbena and echinacea flowers.
 
READY-TO-STITCH KIT
Topiary in the Border
 
 
PRINTED BOOK
Where Meadows & Gardens Grow
 
Alliums & Topiary
Alliums & Topiary by Jo Butcher from Where Meadows & Gardens Grow features globes of purple allium flowers echoing the neatly clipped sphere of a topiary ball.
 
READY-TO-STITCH KIT
Alliums & Topiary
 
 
PRINTED BOOK
Where Meadows & Gardens Grow
 
What Are You Stitching?
We’re doing something a little different this week for What Are You Stitching? Recently we were approached by Leslie Brady who sent in the work of her wonderful mother, Emie Mehard. If that name sounds familiar it’s probably because the project Emie’s Etui by Betsy Morgan from the book Willing Hands was actually designed for, and named after, Leslie’s mother. So we thought it would be nice to dedicate this week’s segment to Emie and showcase some of her work.
Emie will be 89 years old this year and she still stitches every single day. She taught her daughter Leslie how to stitch when Leslie was 9 years old, and she has been an inspiration to countless needleworkers her whole life.
Emie loves stitching projects from Inspirations magazine and is skilled in a range of techniques.
Leslie says that Emie is the ‘matriarch’ of their local EGA chapter, where she stitches regularly.
Because of the personal connection with Betsy Morgan, Emie has stitched several of Betsy’s projects. Her work is just exquisite.
A display was put on at Emie’s retirement community showing her prolific output. Together, Leslie and Emie had a great time arranging multiple tables, particularly the one displaying Emie’s Etui.
Finally, this marvellous canvas piece, entitled ‘Patterns of the Orient’ by designer Tony Minieri, was completed by Emie with a bit of help from her daughter. Leslie completed the goldwork circular section in the top right, but the rest was Emie’s work. It was a very challenging piece that took years to complete, but the result is magnificent.
What a joy it has been to see the work of this talented lady. We hope you have enjoyed it as much as we did and thank you to Leslie for sharing your mother’s needlework with us.
If you’d like to share your stitching, we’d love to see it. Just send in some photos of your work with a bit of information about the project and your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com.
 
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You May Have Missed
LED Sewing Machine Light
The OttLite LED Sewing Machine Light is a compact little light that attaches to your sewing machine and provides a super bright addition to your work.
Mandala Magic
Mandala Magic by Laurence Lieblich is a spectacular, floral mandala in gentle shades of green and blue.
 
PRINTED PATTERN
Mandala Magic
 
 
DIGITAL PATTERN
Mandala Magic
 
 
READY-TO-STITCH KIT
Mandala Magic
 
Circa
Circa by Louise Spriggs from Inspirations issue #74 is a stunning cushion with modern motifs and an elegant colour scheme of natural and black.
 
PRINTED MAGAZINE
Inspirations Issue 74
 
 
DIGITAL PATTERN
Circa
 
Mandala Musings
Mandala Musings by Hazel Blomkamp from Inspirations issue #93 is an opulent, beaded Jacobean design with needleweaving and needlelace.
 
PRINTED MAGAZINE
Inspirations Issue 93
 
 
DIGITAL PATTERN
Mandala Musings
 
Fragments
Fragments by Anna Scott is a Jacobean-style crewelwork design of flowers and leaves atop a pleated pillow.
 
PRINTED BOOK
The Design Collective | Pincushions
 
 
READY-TO-STITCH KIT
Fragments
 
Persian Bounty
Persian Bounty by Anna Scott from Inspirations issue #108 is a beautiful pomegranate study using a variety of stumpwork techniques.
 
READY-TO-STITCH KIT
Persian Bounty
 
 
DIGITAL PATTERN
Persian Bounty
 
Mountain Oak
Mountain Oak by Anna Scott from Inspirations issue #113 is a stunning crewel cushion with a Tree of Life set among mountain peaks, worked in alpine colours.
 
READY-TO-STITCH KIT
Mountain Oak
 
 
PRINTED MAGAZINE
Inspirations Issue 113
 
 
DIGITAL PATTERN
Mountain Oak
 
This Week on Social
 
⁠Anuradha Bhaumick creates these wonderfully colourful scenes. Comfort Collages is the theme, how cool?
 
Tiny avocado by @konekono_kitsune. Now, all we need is some tiny toast to go with it!
 
Quote
‘We must stop regarding unpleasant or unexpected things as interruptions of real life. The truth is that interruptions are real life.’

~ CS Lewis ~

What's On
Stay informed of upcoming needlework events taking place all around the world in our What’s On page on the Inspirations Studios Website HERE.
If you’re holding an event or would like to suggest one to be added, we’d love to hear about it. Email us the details at news@inspirationsstudios.com
INSPIRATIONS
© 2022 Inspirations Studios

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