Have you ever had a problem with needle and thread you just couldn’t solve?

Perhaps you forgot to measure twice and cut once. Maybe your counting wasn’t anywhere near as accurate as it needed to be. Or it may be, that try as you might, you just can’t quite replicate that one particularly complicated stitch or technique.

Ingrid Fetell Lee refers to this as ‘puzzle thinking’ and in a recent email she walked us through the ‘joyful mindset shift’ she relies on to get unstuck.

Instead of narrowing her focus to the problem itself, which puts her inside the problem, causing her to become hyper focused on the obstacle, Ingrid’s learned to play her way toward a solution. Over time, Ingrid came to realise that when she ‘played’ with a problem, she was able to step outside it, allowing her to focus on possibilities rather than constraints.

‘While puzzle thinking looks for solutions, play explores’ and Ingrid has found that not only does this method of problem solving get her to a solution faster, but she also finds more joy in the process.

If moving from puzzle thinking to play feels a hard shift to make, Ingrid’s email suggested a few ways we can go about it:

Put Fun First | Ask yourself what the most fun way would be to solve the problem before you.

Play with Extremes | If there were no obstacles to the solution itself – such as time, money or resource – what would you do?

Use a Different Tool | Changing the ‘tools’ you use to explore a problem breaks well-worn thought patterns that have been established over time and puts you into a more exploratory headspace. Think pen and paper instead of electronic device or a printed book instead of Google, or vice versa as the case may be.

Make Believe it’s Someone Else’s Problem | Sometimes the responsibility we feel for a problem makes it hard to unlock our creativity, so pretending it’s someone else’s problem can help us to unlock a solution.

Go for Quantity | Instead of trying to find that one ‘perfect’ solution, look for multiple answers to the same problem and simply see what comes.

So, next time you’re faced with a problem you just can’t solve, whether it be with needle and thread or otherwise, why not try to play yourself towards a solution? As Ingrid reminded us, ‘there’s rarely only one solution to a problem and the relief of seeing a diverse set of possibilities emerge connects (us) to (our) sense of optimism.’

And we think a sense of relief and the feeling of optimism towards uncovering a solution might just hold yet another key to solving whatever problem lies before us!

All Stitched Up! issue #329 opened with a discussion about rituals. The article talked specifically about magazine rituals – something that is unique to each of us. How we receive, savour and read our magazines when they arrive each month or quarter is as special to us as the process of making our morning coffee or our personal way of starting a new project.

In all of the messages we received, we could sense the calm and pleasure that accompanied each person’s ritual, so it seems many of you are already fully aware of the benefits.

Lyne Clavet wrote to us about her Inspirations magazine ritual. Lyne likes to start with the photographs as soon as she receives her copy. After that first, pleasurable, look through, she then goes back for another ‘tour’ of the publication to read through the articles and look at the advertisements. She also finds that each new magazine inspires her to go back through some of her old issues, seeing as she almost has the complete collection. Lyne says they never grow old.

Margo Steley has had the same ritual for her Inspirations magazine ever since she bought her very first issue, which was over 110 issues ago! She chooses a quiet moment, makes some coffee and then glances over all of the pages. She then goes back to the beginning and looks more closely at each project. Finally, she goes back again and reads all of the articles and editorials. This means that by the end, she’s read the magazine from cover to cover. Margo says she’s learned so much from the magazines over the years and is still being challenged by new projects and stitches to this day.

Peggy Miltier also likes to read her Inspirations magazine from cover to cover. When it arrives, everything else comes to a halt so she can devote several happy hours to the publication. Even after she’s read it, she leaves it on the coffee table where she picks it up later, just to make sure she didn’t miss anything the first time.

Depending on how she’s feeling, Robyn Tate sometimes rips the plastic off the magazine as she’s walking from the post box back to her house, oohing and aahing at everything inside. Other times, she succeeds in getting inside before ripping the plastic off, and still other times she manages to savour carrying it home, keeping it as a secret from herself.

Once it is open, the next step is always the same – a cuppa, then a careful look through the entire magazine.

Denise Forsyth’s magazine ritual is similar, however after she’s looked through it the first time, it goes into the car. Her husband does the driving, so she can go through it carefully as she’s waiting for him or when there are appointments.

Finally, Christine Wellnitz travels a lot by train with an 8-hour round trip at least once a fortnight. She 'reserves’ every new magazine for the next trip, only allowing herself a quick glance at it when it arrives before it is safely stored in her suitcase. When she has found her place on the train, nothing can disturb her until she’s finished reading and enjoying it!

This theme has got us thinking about rituals in all aspects of our lives. Whether it is for magazines, projects or any other parts of our needlework passion, there are pleasurable rituals that we all look forward to and love to follow.

Do you have other needlework rituals that are important to you? We’d love to hear about them because there’s no doubt that rituals are good for the soul, however large or small they may be.

There are so many gorgeous brands of threads available, it is often difficult to decide which ones to try next. In a perfect world, we’d all have our own, personal, fully stocked thread shop in our living room. The world might not be that perfect quite yet, but with our new range of Gloriana Thread Sample Packs, we can help you get one step closer to that fantasy!

Gloriana Threads are stunning, hand-dyed threads that are specifically designed for the very best results. Gloriana offer a range of different threads and ribbons, including exquisite silks, wools and chenille.

Each skein contains 4 yards (3.6m) of uniquely hand-dyed, 12-strand silk, which is soft to the touch and gorgeous to stitch with.

The Autumn pack includes a range of gold, auburn and hazelnut silk. The Sunset pack includes a deep purple, burgundy and a variegated skein in plum and brown. The Wintertime pack consists of a blue, a rich green and a shining white silk.

The experience of stitching with Gloriana is one like no other. That extra special project deserves some extra special silk, so order your packs today.

We spend so much time and care on our needlework projects, it is worth ensuring that they are safe and well protected when carrying them to our stitch groups or Guild meetings. The Florence Broadhurst Carry Case and Florence Broadhurst Embroidery Rolls are ideal for keeping your needlework projects secure no matter where you go. And they look fabulous too!

You can choose from Dawn Pink or Hydro Blue in both the Carry Case and the Embroidery Roll, with each displaying a stunning Florence Broadhurst print fabric.

The Carry Case is spacious and comfortable to carry, with a sturdy zip closure and plenty of room for all your stitching tools.

The Embroidery Roll allows you to roll up your project to avoid damage or creasing and includes handy storage in the centre of the roll.

Your embroidery projects will travel in style in these Florence Broadhurst items, and you know they’ll arrive in pristine condition, accompanied by all the tools you need to settle down and stitch.

Inspirations issue #92 was packed with Christmas projects, however it also included several other stunning designs perfect for the whole year. We’ve now created digital patterns for each project from that issue, so whether you’re looking for Christmas themed projects or otherwise, you’ll have plenty to choose from.

Circa 1756 by Barbara Jackson is a dainty wall pocket that you can hang to hold letters, notebooks and pens. It features a gorgeous crewel design with a fluffy lamb and a range of beautifully coloured flowers all stitched on a fine natural linen and finished with a choice of rustic, floral lining fabric.

A Simple Life by Louise Spriggs is a pair of elegant cushions worked on natural linen and featuring a gently swaying field of lavender flowers. One cushion is worked in naturalistic greens and purples, whilst the other one is a beautifully modern version worked in pure white thread.

These two projects, as well as all of the other designs from Inspirations issue #92 are now available as digital patterns, ready for you to purchase and download immediately.

Just as everyone has fallen in love with all the projects from Inspirations issue #114, it might come as a surprise to learn that the time has come to get ready to welcome issue #115, which is eagerly waiting in the wings!

Just before we move on however, you still have time to purchase kits from Inspirations #114 and re-create all your favourite projects from that issue.

Whether it was Anna Scott’s gorgeous Little Brown Hen, Melissa Horton’s fabulous Bush Beauties or Kim Beamish’s Victorian Hearts that captured your imagination, you’ll be thrilled to know #114 kits are still in stock and ready to ship directly to you.

Of course, we do need to make room for #115 kits very soon so it’s time to take out that list of ‘must-do’ projects from issue #114 and get your kits ordered today!

The domestic role of women rarely featured in history books, with the diligent and silent work undertaken throughout the ages by women of all race and nationality, often forgotten.

Artist Ema Shin wanted to create something to address that, and so her series of exquisitely sculpted and embroidered hearts was born.

Having grown up in a traditional Korean family, Ema saw that the treasured family book listing 32 generations of her family only contained the names of male descendants. So, she started to create these tiny hearts to celebrate the unnamed women from her own and others’ families, representing not only their emotions, but acting as amulets for their protection.

Each heart is carefully constructed out of paper mache and is then stitched and embellished so that no two are alike. They are lovingly dedicated to women who have gone unrecognised in the past and whose names have now been lost.

To see more of Ema’s work, you can follow her on Instagram, or 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.

You know what it’s like when you have a secret that you are so excited about, but you’re not allowed to tell anyone? Sometimes you think it’s going to burst out and you have to work so hard to keep it inside. That’s what it has been like for us over the past few months but at last we’re allowed to make the announcement…

We’re bringing back Carolyn Pearce’s magnificent project Strawberry Fayre!

When Strawberry Fayre was first published in Inspirations issue #95, it became an instant favourite. Like so many of Carolyn’s other projects, Strawberry Fayre was bursting with exquisite details, beautiful stitching and stunning construction. The heart shaped necessaire is an heirloom project that offers many glorious hours of stitching using gorgeous threads in an array of jewel-like colours.

At the time it was released, the project was so popular Inspirations #95 sold out almost instantly and we were unable to keep up with demand for the Strawberry Fayre kits.

Unless you were one of the lucky few who owned a copy of issue #95 or purchased a kit, the only way you’ve been able to enjoy this superb design is as a digital pattern. Until now!

Carolyn Pearce is perhaps most famous for her project Home Sweet Home that has been loved by stitchers the world over. Strawberry Fayre is another of her grand, heirloom-style designs with stitchers excitedly setting aside the hours and days required to complete this remarkable project.

The details in this design are simply incredible. The necessaire includes four heart-shaped pieces, beautifully laced together, that neatly close up to create an elegant case. Inside are a series of pockets for scissors and tools, as well as a pincushion, felt needle pages and thread holders, all embroidered with delicate flowers and strawberries in a range of surface stitches.

On the front and back of the case are two breathtaking floral designs that are highlighted with beads. Then the entire piece is finished off with a trio made up of a hanging pin wheel, strawberry emery and thimble pip.

It is the overall attention to detail and meticulous design that sets Carolyn’s pieces apart. From the magnificent, beaded cord through to the Dorset button and needlelace strawberry pairing to close the necessaire, you’ll be delighted constantly by the care and thought that Carolyn has put into this design.

If you missed out on getting either the instructions in print or a kit when this project was first published, now is your opportunity. This is the type of project that quickly ascends to the top of anyone’s ‘must-stitch’ list. We’ve had the pleasure of seeing so many finished versions of Strawberry Fayre already, proudly sent to us by many of our readers, and we can’t wait to see many more.

Strawberry Fayre is already in our hall of fame along with Home Sweet Home as one of our most popular projects ever published, so we’re thrilled that it’s now available once again.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Strawberry Fayre by Carolyn Pearce is a fabulous heart-shaped necessaire with pretty surface embroidery.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Strawberry Fayre includes everything* you need to re-create this heart-shaped necessaire: Fabrics (unprinted), felt, synthetic suede, ribbon, fusible webbing, interfacings, waddings, plastic ring, template plastic, acetate, emery powder, ribbon, mother of pearl button, thread rings, beads, scissor and ruler bead requirements, clear nylon thread, embroidery threads and needles.

Perfect Love by Carolyn Pearce from Inspirations issue #103 is a stunning artist book cover featuring threadpainted tulips.

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

The Embroidered Village Bag by Carolyn Pearce is a whimsical tote bag that gives you the opportunity to use all of those precious fabrics, buttons and beads you’ve collected over time.

The Work Basket by Carolyn Pearce from Inspirations issue #21 is a humble cane basket transformed into a work of art, designed to store your own works of art in progress.

Most of us carry a purse to keep our coins and money. They’re usually practical, with pockets for credit cards and cash and very little decoration. However, there are some very clever and talented stitchers out there who have decided they want something a little better to use as a purse. Take a look at these fabulous purse projects if you’re after a bit of inspiration!

‘My grandmother was a gifted needleworker and was known to make wedding dresses with beautiful embroidery. She died of pneumonia due to her dedication, working very long hours to complete the dresses for a wedding, and sadly not looking after her health. My mom says I take after her with my embroidery skills which are all self-taught.’

Thank you, Jeanette, for sharing your stitching journey with us and for showing us this magnificent, embroidered purse. It is so colourful and has such a gorgeous texture.

I took it home and cut it down along with a several others I was kindly donated. They were perfect!

I love weedy sea dragons so put one on the front and the back. I made a purse for each of my two daughters, with half of the sea dragon on the front and the tail end on the back. Even with the enlarged size, there still wasn’t enough room to put the whole weedy sea dragon on one side, but I was still happy with the final result.’

What a fabulous project, Jill! Not only have you been incredibly resourceful in your construction, but the design and execution are fantastic. A wonderful example of ingenuity and taking an existing design and making it your very own.

For those of us who were lucky enough to live through it, Jane, we do have great memories. But even for those of us who weren’t born yet, the fashion style lives on and your design captures it beautifully.

Do you like stitching purses? Or do you prefer to stitch bags? Are there other practical items you prefer to create? Or do you keep your stitching neatly framed and displayed for all to see on the wall?

However you like to finish or display your stitching, we’d like to see it. Send us a picture of your work along with some information about your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com

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Inspirations Calendar for 2023 is out now, so you can get one for yourself and buy a couple as Christmas gifts. That will cross two things off of your list!

Mermaid Bag Etui by Betsy Morgan is a linen bag etui with enchanting mermaids and sea-themed spot motifs.

Sea Breeze by Sandra Counahan from Inspirations issue #70 is a beautiful cushion stitched in Mountmellick embroidery.

Under the Sea by Jenny McWhinney from Inspirations issue #63 is a unique and stylish evening bag featuring seahorses on a blue silk background.

Nodding Greenhood by Alison Cole is an Australian bushland scene brought to life with a stumpwork study of native orchids on a wooden base.

Fleur by Heather Sterling from Inspirations issue #50 is an elegant, beaded glasses case featuring a pair of gracious orchids.

Bauhinia by Nikki Delport-Wepener from Inspirations issue #75 is an elegant bauhinia, or orchid tree, with distinctly lobed leaves and graceful flowers worked in a combination of surface and raised embroidery techniques.

~ Albert Einstein ~

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