In last week’s All Stitched Up! we walked through the ways in which Ingrid Fetell Lee plays her way through solving problems.

Just after sharing these thoughts, we noticed an email from Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith that posed the question ‘Could Playing More Improve Your Health?’. Our interest was instantly piqued and so we read on.

Saundra works as a work-life integration researcher. As a result, she often comes across fascinating articles that link the connectivity between various aspects of life including science, spirituality, psychology and productivity. In the email we came across, Saundra shared some of her favourite articles on how to boost your happiness.

An article from the BBC unpacked the reasons ‘Why Playing Games is Good for You.’

Amongst others, the article quoted the work of Federica Pallavicini. After coming to realise that playing video games had become a form of therapy in her day-to-day life, Federica used this realisation to inspire her career in research. Over time, she came to understand that ‘adults who demonstrate more playful personality traits are more motivated, creative and spontaneous’ and that those who are ‘more playfully inclined are often open to trying a wider variety of activities’ with some links even showing that those who play have lower blood pressure.

Often, however, most of us stop playing as adults, so how can we learn to play again?

Professor René Proyer suggests something as simple as listing three moments at the end of each day where something spontaneous or playful happened. He believes this will make us more aware of the joy that can be found in our everyday lives and will encourage us to explore the idea of play further.

Sometimes the development of a skill can be more easily harnessed when we understand the why behind its what. For Federica, she puts the mental health benefits of playing video games down to achieving a state of ‘flow’ which is ‘the optimal experience when nothing else matters’. Those of us who indulge our love of needle and thread are well versed in this state as we often find the world around us slips away as we lose ourselves in the meditative push and pull of needle and thread through fabric.

But perhaps there are times we need to simply ‘play’ with needle and thread? Not because of what we can achieve but simply for its sheer joy as Federica believes that ‘playing to find the flow state can provide an enjoyable challenge and distraction from mental health issues, meaning the player can work on their wellbeing without feeling pressured to improve’.

Playing with needle and thread? Now that sounds like a ‘prescription’ we can follow!

Many stitchers around the world are members of their local Embroiderers’ Guild, so we received lots of positive feedback when we wrote an article in All Stitched Up! issue #333 detailing the history of the Guilds and explaining what they are. It seems we made an omission in that article, so we wanted to rectify that as well as share some other thoughts that people had.

Sheila McCoy wrote to us after a conversation with her friend Anne Shields. Anne had asked Shelia to give us some further information as we had failed to mention that Canada has Embroiderers’ Guilds as well!

The Embroiderers’ Association of Canada met for the first time formally in 1973. The head office was situated in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The location was chosen because it is the geographic centre of Canada, so it was felt the EAC could grow both to the east and to the west.

There are also other groups that have developed, including The Northumberland Hills Stitchery Guild, which is a member of the Ontario Network of Needleworkers, which both Sheila and Anne are members of. This all shows that there is a vibrant Guild structure in Canada as well, which is wonderful to hear.

If you would like to find out more about the Canadian Guild, check out their website HERE.

Heather James also wrote to us about the Embroidery Association of Canada. They have recently staged their national seminar, which was a great success and they’re looking forward to their 50th anniversary celebrations in 2023.

Kate Brown wanted to tell us about her experience with The Embroiderers’ Guild, Victoria here in Australia. She is fortunate that the Guild is in her suburb, so she doesn’t have to travel far to attend. She joined after finishing her Masters degree, vowing never to study again. It wasn’t long before she had enrolled in an Intermediate Course in Embroidery!

Kate says the teachers are wonderful and the friends she met there are now friends for life. She loves the library, the guidance groups and all the other benefits, and acknowledged all the volunteers who keep the Guild running.

In All Stitched Up! issue #330, we wrote about the two-minute rule. Susan Blackburn thought it was a brilliant idea that she is going to try as it sounds perfect for her. Maryna Layedra also found the article really helpful. She often finds that when she’s stitching for pleasure without a deadline, procrastination can set in.

Finally, Chermaine Bell asked a question. She loves needlepoint and embroidery but isn’t that keen on cross stitch. However, she does love many of the cross stitch patterns she has discovered so her question is this: Is there any way to convert cross stitch to needlepoint? If anyone has successfully converted patterns, Chermaine would love to hear how you’ve done it so that she can enjoy the designs using a technique she loves.

If you have any thoughts or ideas flowing from any of our newsletters, please write in to news@inspirationsstudios.com as we love hearing from you. Or if you’d like to pose a question to the community or get a bit of help or advice on something, then get in touch too. Just imagine that we’re all sitting together in our Guild gallery or teaching room, laughing, chatting and stitching and sharing ideas in a way that only needleworkers know how.

For the past 6 years, internationally renowned designer Jane Nicholas has been working on a series of designs based on Japanese family crests. She was inspired by these simple, striking designs as their symmetry and shape lent themselves perfectly to Jane’s goldwork skills.

Chō Mon from the book The Design Collective | Pincushions, is the latest addition to her collection and we’re sure you’ll agree that it is stunning.

Japanese family crests are referred to as Kamon, or simply Mon. There are some 20,000 distinct crests in existence, many of which display floral or geometric designs as well as butterflies and birds.

These crests were traditionally used to represent a family’s identity in a manner similar to the famous heraldic and family crests from Europe. The difference was, in Japan any family could have a crest.

The crest was used on all kinds of things, including clothing, furniture, roof tiles and even tombstones. To this day they can be found on food packaging, in sushi restaurants and in shops that specialise in traditional crafts.

The particular crest that inspired Jane to create her Chō Mon design features three identical butterflies in an elegant circular formation. Using a range of goldwork techniques on a gorgeous plum coloured background, Chō Mon is wonderful to stitch and results in an incredibly striking yet practical pincushion.

The butterflies are positioned perfectly to leave an open space in the centre for pins and to achieve this Jane advises you to trace your design carefully to ensure that each butterfly sits at a precise distance from the next.

The choice of beads, sequins and metallic threads brings a breathtaking range of colours to this intricate piece. With shimmering blues and greens, sparkling reds and brilliant gold, Chō Mon becomes more than just a pincushion – it becomes something precious and beautiful as well. But this was Jane’s purpose. She states that for her, a good pincushion needs to combine function with pleasure. There’s no doubt she’s achieved both with Chō Mon.

If you’re looking for an eye catching project that will bring you all the joy of a detailed goldwork design coupled with a fabulously practical finish, then Chō Mon is ideal. You can appreciate the careful symmetry and beautiful Japanese style as you complete each stitch of this stunningly satisfying project.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Chō Mon by Jane Nicholas is a perfect trio of stylised, goldwork butterflies forming a circular shape on a pillow design.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Chō Mon includes everything* you need to re-create this rich square pincushion: Fabrics (unprinted), wool felt, kid leathers, fusible webbing, wool batting, dressmaker's carbon, metal weights, embroidery threads, beads, sequins and needles.

Beetlemania by Jane Nicholas from Inspirations issue #88 is a stunning goldwork diving beetle.

The Dragonfly by Jane Nicholas from Inspirations issue #41 is an elegant, jewel toned dragonfly on a gold background.

We know we’ve said it before, but it does bear repeating – is it possible to have too many threads? We think the answer is a resounding no! There is no such thing as too many threads. Here at Inspirations, we work tirelessly to ensure that your love of embroidery is fuelled with everything you need, including an endless supply of threads, so this week we have an exclusive collection that we’ve compiled just for you.

DMC stranded cottons are one of the most popular threads on the market.

The collection consists of 42 skeins of beautiful colours, perfect for any needlework project you can think of.

But we’ve added something extra special to this collection. When you order, your new threads come in an exclusive collectable tin that is the ideal size to hold your thread stash and is simply gorgeous as well.

So not only will you have a sublime collection of colours, you’ll also have the perfect storage solution for your threads whether you’re travelling with them or at home.

Stock of this stunning array of threads presented in this collector’s tin is limited, so order today to avoid disappointment.

Most of us enjoy a range of different needlework techniques, as well as sewing, knitting and crochet. It is wonderful to be able to switch between projects to suit your mood.

There are definitely times when you want to pick up a project that is easy to do and what better choice is there than an absolutely adorable, giant crocheted animal from Claire Gelder’s book, Bonnie the Cow & Friends?

Any child or child-at-heart would dream of a bedroom filled with these gorgeous toys. You can choose from Bonnie the Cow, Isla her calf and a whole range of other animals from foxes to frogs.

All of the projects are completed with chunky yarn and a large hook so are suitable for all skill levels. The hardest thing will be to decide which animal to start with, but once you do, you won’t be able to stop. Grab your copy of Bonnie the Cow & Friends and start hooking up an adorable menagerie today.

No matter what is happening in our lives or in the world around us, all of us turn to our needlework to find serenity, happiness and a sense of accomplishment. Our job here at Inspirations is to help all of us achieve that by publishing the world’s most beautiful needlework to enjoy.

In our striving to fulfill our mission, our latest release Inspirations magazine, issue #115 is entitled Delicate Stitches. It is filled with some of the most exquisite projects imaginable.

Inside this issue you will find a plethora of floral treats. For lovers of silk ribbon embroidery, Di van Niekerk’s Primroses & Violets is a stunning study stitched on a delicate linen print with petals and leaves cascading out of the frame. Trish Burr’s Red Columbine is a striking portrait of a unique red flower cleverly stitched on to silk organza to give a three-dimensional effect.

Golden Moth Orchid by Alison Cole is a sublime stumpwork picture showcasing another native Australian orchid. And Daffodils & Violas by Wendy Innes is also a gorgeous stumpwork project stitched in a stunning array of yellows and purples.

Laurence Lieblich has produced a beautiful cushion that is bursting with colour and uses a range of surface techniques in Floral Symphony.

The natural world is filled with many other aspects perfect for needlework, including Blue-Breasted Fairy Wren, a glorious threadpainting by Renette Kumm. Or you can try Ophelia’s Fox by Phillipa Turnbull, worked in crewel wool and a range of surface stitches.

Finally, for a project to really drive your passion, try Sweet Stitches by Fumie Suzuki. This breathtaking Hedebo bag, which features on the front cover, is a stunning example of the technique and will be a joy to stitch from beginning to end.

As you know, Inspirations magazine is not only about the projects. There are also plenty of fascinating articles to read whilst you’re enjoying a cuppa with your favourite magazine. You can read about the incredible community amongst the people of Mogalakwena in Southern Africa who use embroidery to weave stories and narratives and see them through life’s many challenges.

Or learn about Claire Wellesley-Smith, an artist, writer and researcher from the UK who advocates the art of slow stitching.

Get ready for hours of serenity, happiness and a whole lot of inspiration from Inspirations issue #115. Subscriber copies have now all been despatched with newsagents and your local needlework store receiving stock for their shelves very soon.

After you’ve spent many glorious hours reading through Inspirations issue #115, the next thing you’ll want to do is start stitching!

In anticipation of such wanton impulsions, we have Ready-to-Stitch kits for all of the fabulous projects featured in this issue ready to ship. Don’t delay, kits often sell out quickly so be sure to order your favourite ones today.

Good things come to those who wait, but sometimes good things also come to those who can’t wait!

If this is you, we’ve got you covered as all the amazing projects from issue #115 are also available as digital patterns for you to purchase and download immediately. That way you’ll be enjoying all the good things in no time at all!

We love hearing from the needlework community about all the treasured collections of Inspirations magazines out there, particularly how much everyone enjoys flicking through past issues and discovering projects that are still waiting to be stitched.

Then there are the times when you have specific projects in mind but you can’t recall which issues of the magazine hold which projects!

Many of you will be familiar with the indexes we have released over the years. They are valuable, quick look-up reference tools so you can search all things Inspirations magazine, including projects, techniques, designers and more.

Inspirations Index 1-100 was released in celebration of our 100th issue back in 2018. However, as we’re now shipping issue #115, we recognised that there are a whole lot of new projects that need to be indexed so you can find them as easily as all of those in the first 100 issues.

We received some insightful feedback from our readers with suggestions as to how we can make the index even more useful and user friendly.

There are so many benefits in this digital-only release. The PDF document is set up with bookmarks so that you can navigate to any issue with a single click. This means no more flicking back and forth trying to find the issue you’re looking for.

Better still are the search capabilities. At last, you can do a search using any word, designer’s name or any other term you like. You can then scan through all of the indexed projects that contain that term until you find just the right one. We’ve all remembered the title of a project, or a designer, or even the technique but then struggled to remember where we saw it. The search facility in the new Inspirations Index 1-115 solves that problem and adds new layers of usability and functionality not possible in print.

As before, all of the projects are categorised by technique, designer and project type so you can easily search through to find what you’re looking for. All the step-by-steps have also been indexed and all of the known errata have been updated so you can tackle any project from any of our past magazines knowing that you have perfect instructions.

Whether you are looking for a specific project, or just want to scroll through each page of the index oohing and aahing over all of the magnificent projects that have been published over the years as you try to settle on which one you’re going to stitch next, the Inspirations Index 1-115 is just what you need.

Like our other digital publications, you can purchase and download the index immediately and start searching for your next project before the kettle has even boiled.

Quilting Through the Garden by Jill Newton brings the delight of a country garden into your home. With this magnificent, embroidered queen size quilt, matching cushions and bedroom accessories, you can savour the ambience of a country garden all year round.

This series of little books allows you to learn the basics of various techniques with step-by-step guides, perfect for beginners. Each book features a project or series of projects that teach the most effective stitches and the basics of the technique.

Most needleworkers love fabric as much as they love thread, and many can boast of a fabric stash to rival most good-sized fabric stores! Perhaps the needleworkers who have the greatest love of fabric are those who also enjoy quilting.

It is often said jokingly that quilting is just cutting up fabric and sewing it back together again, but when you see how it is sewn back together, you won’t be laughing – you’ll be gasping with amazement.

‘I had just returned from a special trip to the Japan quilt show in Tokyo when the pandemic hit in Canada. With lockdowns and such, I had extra time to play with this project. Sadly, as I completed the final arrangement of hexies and had shown it to my wonderful gentleman friend, he passed away suddenly, so now one hexie is especially dedicated to him.’

What a magnificent project, Linda. It must be wonderful to see it each day and remember all of the journeys and people that inspired it.

This is a wonderful story and a truly fabulous quilt, Marla. A mere 40 years in the making – not many of us can say that! Congratulations on finally getting it finished and thank you so much for sharing it with us. No doubt your story will inspire many to never give up as we all feel your joy and immense sense of satisfaction which was only possible because of your perseverence.

What a unique and fascinating vest, Stephanie. This is a wonderful way to use old, crocheted doilies and give them new life while at the same time honouring the labour of a previous generation of stitchers.

Do you love quilting in all of its forms? Do you love fabric as much as thread and do you get excited by combining the two together in gorgeous, quilted creations? Or do you reserve your stash cupboard purely for embroidery?

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

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Three collections of stunning silk threads in a range of shades.

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

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.

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

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