In past issues of All Stitched Up! it has not been uncommon for us to wax lyrical about our stash of all things needle and thread. Whilst the discussions have most often centred around the organising and decluttering of said stash, we recently came across a book that made us think entirely differently about the items contained within our stitching ‘reserves’.

Sibella Court is an Australian creative director, interior and product designer as well the owner of The Society inc., who authored a book entitled ‘Bowerbird | Creating Beautiful Interiors with the Things you Collect’.

A bowerbird is an Australian native bird that goes above and beyond to decorate its nest with found objects such as shells, pegs and shiny objects. Sibella has often been referred to as a bowerbird and likes to think of herself ‘as a finder, keeper and curator of collections and beautiful things’.

For as long as she can recall, Sibella accumulated objects with her earliest collections including shells, sequins, beads and ribbons. Over time, Sibella came to realise that much of the joy in being a finder, keeper and curator is to create, for want of a better description, ‘a cabinet of curiosities’ that will allow the items collected to be displayed in a manner fitting of their value to her.

So, we read on.

‘Bowerbird’ went on to unpack the myriad ways in which Sibella displays her collections. Think old boxes, glass domes, hooks, drawers, pegs and various fasteners.

Relating to all things needle and thread, Sibella has spools of thread thoughtfully placed under glass cloches, beads and sequins housed in tiny antique specimen bottles, buttons sorted by colour in wooden boxes with compartments, antique reels of cotton laced together to form ‘wreaths’ that are hung for all to admire, ribbons housed by colourway in vintage labelled shoeboxes, and swatches of fabric held together with large metal clips in families of colour or weave.

The thought and care Sibella has used to create a beautiful interior with the things she’s collected made us appreciate our stash with newfound perspective – the items within are special and treasured and perhaps there’s more than just a few that should be on display?!

Sashiko is a style of Japanese embroidery where gorgeous patterns are stitched in running stitch, using white thread on a deep blue fabric. Sashiko has regained popularity in recent years due to the striking simplicity of the designs and ease of stitching. This makes it a technique that can be learned by anyone, no matter their skill level. Printed panels and fabrics are now widely available, and quilts, table dressings and clothing featuring Sashiko are becoming common.

The technique arose out of necessity during the Edo period in Japan between 1603 and 1867. At that time, Japan had become highly insular, with the borders closing to foreign travel, trade and ideas. All Japanese citizens were subject to strict, often repressive laws including sumptuary laws that dictated precisely the kind of clothing that people of different classes were permitted to wear.

The result was that certain fabrics and colours were reserved for particular classes, making it illegal for anyone who was not of that class to wear them. The working classes were left with hemp fabric, which was usually handwoven. It was dyed with indigo, a common plant that allowed people to create a deep, blue-shaded cloth.

Because of the labour it took to make the cloth, as well as the availability of materials, fabric was precious and clothing items were never thrown away. Instead, they were patched and repaired, which served to increase the warmth provided through additional layers of fabric. Patches were attached using running stitch to ensure that they were secure, but it didn’t take long before natural human creativity prevailed and the stitches became more decorative.

The thread used to stitch on the patches was also handmade, often by reusing strips of old fabric that were soaked and separated into threads. This yarn could be left undyed, which accounted for the striking combination of white on blue that characterises Sashiko today.

The thread was relatively thick and had an additional twist to it to increase its strength. Because of this, Sashiko required a special needle that had an eye large enough to accommodate the thread. It was also slightly longer than your average needle to allow for the stitcher to run several stitches at once.

There were a range of common Sashiko patterns that featured frequently on garments and other stitched items. These included Hishi-moyō (diamonds), Uroko (fish scales), Kōshi (checks) and Toridasuki (interlaced circles of two birds) among others. Patterns would be used in different combinations to create beautifully unique designs.

Using only running stitch, the secret to a beautiful result is to ensure that each stitch is even in length. With the printed panels available today, this task is easier because the stitcher can follow the pattern, but prior to that, it required a careful eye and a steady hand. Mothers used to teach their daughters the technique so that they could take the skills into their future roles as wives and mothers. Being able to mend clothing or blankets was an essential task for a working-class woman.

Although Sashiko was practiced in Japan for centuries, it did see a decline in the 1950s as fabrics became cheaper and modern, printed fabrics became more common. However, because of the philosophy behind the technique, in particular the Japanese idea of mottanai that emphasises the importance of not wasting anything, it is enjoying a resurgence all over the world.

Sashiko is a wonderfully meditative technique, which is perfect for introducing a beginner to embroidery. Sashiko projects are also ideal for experienced stitchers who are looking for something that can be completed in a relatively short period of time, or that can be transported easily and picked up at any time when you have a minute or two to spare.

Nowadays, with the wealth of fabrics and thread we have available, people are pushing the boundaries of the traditional colours and designs, producing Sashiko-style embroidery in a rainbow of colours and with intricate and representative designs.

The traditional patterns, worked in white thread on deep blue, still attract many people even today. Sashiko materials and tools are widely available, often with the best quality being those that come straight from Japan, its country of origin. If you’ve ever wanted to give this traditional technique a try, there’s never been a better time.

PS – if you missed out on purchasing the new book Sashiko Stencils pictured above, more stock is on its way and can be ordered HERE.

Brilliantly coloured birds make ideal subjects for embroidery projects. The blue-breasted fairy wren, native to Western Australia, fits the bill perfectly. With his brilliant blue head and breast and golden-orange wings, this little fellow is just begging to be stitched.

Fortunately, Renette Kumm has answered the call, and has designed Blue-breasted Fairy Wren, a stunning threadpainted study, from Inspirations issue #115.

Like many other bird couples, only the male of the species displays the beautiful plumage that you can see in this project. However, curiously enough, not all males sport such brilliant colours. The colours only appear on breeding males. Non-breeding males, as well as females and juveniles display a grey-brown plumage with almost no other colourful, distinguishing features.

These little birds live in groups of up to ten birds, and predominantly feed off the ground enjoying grubs, ants, flies and other insects as their meal of choice. Despite the relatively large family groups, the blue-breasted fairy wren is a shy creature and difficult to observe in the wild. The beautifully coloured males are often the hardest to spot as they hide in bushes or foliage when people are close by.

This aspect of their nature makes Renette’s study even more special. In this project, the blue-breasted fairy wren is standing proud on the ground, gazing out at the observer with an intelligent eye.

Renette has reproduced the feathers perfectly, using subtly varying lengths of stitches to represent the different types of plumage. The transition from one colour to another is so smooth, the result looks three dimensional. This effect is made even more pronounced by layering stitches on top of one another which give the impression of feathers resting upon feathers just like the real bird.

The palette that Renette has used is wide but the variety of colours is what produces the photographic effect of Blue-breasted Fairy Wren. She has not skimped on any detail, from the delicate touches of blue in the tail feathers, all the way through to the shifting soil and tufts of moss beneath the little bird’s feet.

Renette gives clear instructions about the order of the stitching and the direction of the stitches for this project. These instructions are highlighted with clear photographs for each section so that you’ll always know you are getting your stitching just right in order to achieve the overall effect.

This allows you to relax into the stitching, confident that every tiny stitch you place will add to the verisimilitude of the finished piece.

That means that when you open your Ready-To-Stitch kit, all you will have to do is place your fabric in your hoop or frame and start stitching. You won’t need to worry about having to transfer the design on to the silk or ensuring that you haven’t accidentally missed a detail. It will all be there, making your stitching experience even better.

Blue-breasted Fairy Wren will make a wonderful, heirloom piece that will take pride of place on your wall. Although you may not get the chance to see this secretive little bird out in nature, you’ll get the pleasure of gazing at him every time you walk into the room.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Blue-breasted Fairy Wren by Renette Kumm is a colourful, blue-breasted fairy wren depicted with threadpainting.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Blue-breasted Fairy Wren includes everything* you need to re-create this spectacular wren: Fabrics (inc. with pre-printed design), embroidery threads and needles.

Pretty in Pink by Trish Burr from Inspirations issue #109 is an Australian rose robin resting on a splendid magnolia depicted in threadpainting.

La Fauvette by Catherine Laurençon from Inspirations issue #97 is a gorgeous threadpainting of a European warbler amongst reeds and grasses.

You have just been delivered the wonderful news that a new baby has been born and amidst the excitement, you suddenly realise that you don’t have a gift. As a stitcher, it is natural that you will want to give something hand stitched, but what if you haven’t got the time to start on a gorgeous blanket or a detailed baby sampler now?

Our range of DMC Comforter Koalas are the ideal solution. These adorable, cuddly koalas are designed for a new baby and they come with a little bib attached that is ready for you to stitch on. Available in blue, pink or soft grey, these koalas are perfect for tiny hands to grab, feature a beautifully soft head and arms and even include a Velcro tab so they can be attached to the pram or baby capsule.

Best of all, the bib can be personalised with your own stitched design. It is made from 20ct aida, so you can stitch a name or choose one of the cross stitch designs that come free with your koala. Or, because the aida is fine, you can also stitch a surface design onto the bib, so these koalas are ideal no matter what technique you prefer.

You can have a gift stitched, wrapped and delivered in a matter of hours with these Comforter Koalas. Why not have a few on hand, so you can rest assured that you’ll always have a personalised gift available whenever a precious new arrival appears.

Do you ever find that the light on your sewing machine is not bright enough to illuminate your sewing, especially when you are working at night or with dark fabrics? Do you try and add additional lighting using desk lamps or table lamps, but find the set-up less than ideal?

The OttLite LED Sewing Machine Light may just be the solution you’re looking for!

This compact light attaches to your sewing machine providing extra brightness whilst remaining neatly out of the way. You can mount it on the bracket so it will remain in place, or you can use the strong clip to place it exactly where you need.

Even if you don’t use a sewing machine, this versatile light can be clipped on to your needlework frame or next to your stitching nook. It could even be clipped on a book to allow you to read late into the night.

Best of all, it comes with a magnifying attachment and is chargeable from a universal USB cable, so that you can take the OttLite LED Sewing Light with you wherever you go to enjoy perfect illumination for every stitching or sewing session.

We know that you’ve been working extra hard recently. You’ve been busy making gifts for others, finishing off projects that have been sitting there for years, using up your stash, and stitching for friends and family. We applaud you for everything you’ve done, but we now think it is time to spoil yourself. That’s why we’ve put together two more gorgeous gift packs that we know you’re going to love.

Whether you enjoy surface embroidery or counted embroidery, we have a gift pack for you.

Spring Has Sprung Gift Pack
1 x kit for ‘Spring Song’ by Taetia McEwen from Inspirations issue #112
1 x printed pattern with full instructions for stitching ‘Spring Song’
1 x kit for ‘Wildflowers’ by Di van Niekerk
1 x copy of Inspirations #113 with instructions for ‘Wildflowers’
1 x Cascade House thread pack called ‘Sorbet’, with silky soft pastel-coloured silks to use in whatever project you choose
1 x Bohin needlebook, ‘Marlene’ with a range of the finest quality needles for all of your stitching projects

The contents of this pack is valued at over AU$400 but it is yours for the amazing price of AU$225.00

Keeping Count Gift Pack
1 x kit for ‘Seeing Red’ by Di Kirchner from Inspirations issue #112
1 x printed pattern with full instructions for ‘Seeing Red’
1 x copy of the book ‘Willing Hands’ by Betsy Morgan, filled with some of the most beautiful counted etui projects imaginable
1 x copy of the book ‘50 Essential Blackwork Patterns’ which you can use to design your own blackwork masterpieces
1 x 25cm (10”) hoop that is the perfect size to stitch ‘Seeing Red’

This gift pack is normally valued at AU$299.85 but it is available today for the special price of AU$160.00

Naturally, these incredible packs would make ideal presents for a cherished stitching friend or loved one, but we know you’re not going to be able resist them now that you know what’s in them. And why should you? You deserve it. It’s time to treat yourself with an extra special gift. Take a look at these and our range of other gorgeous gift packs on our website today.

Whilst many of you are experiencing a hot summer with plenty of sunshine, at Inspirations HQ we are just cold. In the depths of winter, our heaters are on full, our hot water bottles are being constantly replenished, and we won’t leave the house without scarves and gloves. This is why Natalija Brancevičienė caught our eye with her beautiful, embroidered gloves.

Natalija has been making gloves for over 7 years. Her gloves are knitted or crocheted, but it is the embroidered embellishments that she adds afterwards that really set these items apart.

Inspired by nature and walks in her garden in Lithuania, Natalia embroiders each pair with flowers, insects, animals and a range of other things from Frieda Kahlo to atmospheric Arctic scenes.

Every pair of Natalija’s gloves are unique and it seems the creativity of this clever lady knows no bounds. One thing for sure is that she is not going to run out of inspiration any time soon.

If you would like to read more about Natalija, you can do so HERE, or you can check out her Etsy store.

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

There are some projects that have appeared in Inspirations magazine over the years that have become iconic favourites. These projects never date, they never grow old and they never lose popularity. They’re the projects that people love to stitch year after year, and we get enquiries about on a regular basis.

One of those iconic projects is Chatelaine by Susan O’Connor, which was first published in Inspirations issue #89.

It combines some of the finest surface embroidery worked in exquisite silk with delicate goldwork touches and sparkling paillettes.

The project includes a scissor sheath, an elegant pinwheel and a gorgeous needlebook, with each item bordered with a corded coral stitch and hanging from a gold twisted cord.

Chatelaines were decorative clasps or belt accessories that women wore at the waist so they had all of their useful tools to hand at all times. On the series of cords or chains would hang items such as scissors, thimbles and keys. Over time, the chatelaine has become a useful tool for the needleworker with modern chatelaines including needlebooks and other stitching tools as well, so those essential stitching items are always nearby.

Although the two colour options for this project appear the same, there are subtle differences in the shading on the roses that give a very different effect. This means that you don’t have to choose between creating the set in red or in pink – you can happily do both and enjoy two different accessory sets.

The crisp, elegant design and stunning finish will ensure that you’ll want to create more once you’ve finished a set. It explains why this project has been consistently stitched and loved since the day it was first published.

If you have ever tried to purchase a printed copy of Inspirations issue #89, you’ll know that it’s almost impossible, thanks to the popularity of this project. Now you can once again enjoy this magnificent design in premium quality print with the release of the Printed Pattern.

Instructions are also available as a digital pattern, so whether you’re one of the lucky ones who has a rare copy of issue #89 or need to purchase the instructions to go with the Ready-To-Stitch kit, we’ve got you covered.

It is time to stitch one of Inspirations magazine’s most iconic projects and find out why so many others have sung the praises of Chatelaine in the past and continue to do so to this day.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Chatelaine by Susan O'Connor is an elegant collection of scissor sheath, needlebook and pinwheel.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Chatelaine includes everything* you need to re-create these precious sewing accessories: Fabrics (unprinted), wadding, mother of pearl rings, glass-head pins, bead, ribbon, firm card, paillettes, sewing thread, embroidery threads and needles.

Versailles Chatelaine by Susan O’Connor from A Passion for Needlework 2 | Factoria VII is an elegant silk needlebook with a monogram, pinwheel, scissor sheath and fob.

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

For long time readers of All Stitched Up!, you will know that Trish Burr’s designs are always popular. People love her threadpainted projects just as much as they love her distinctive whitework with colour designs. She is well known and loved for both of these styles, and we often receive photos of beautifully finished Trish Burr projects that cause us to ooh and ahh in delight. Here are a few more for you to enjoy.

‘Here is my finished Trish Burr Tuscan Landscape, which I bought as a kit. I just loved working it. When we packed the car for our move, I had Trish Burr’s Gatsby on the go, which I have almost finished.’

This is a beautiful finish, Sandra and such a fitting piece to have hanging on a wall in your farm in Tasmania. Trish’s kits are so wonderful to do, so we’re glad you enjoyed this one and we’ll be looking forward to seeing Gatsby when it is finished as well.

‘This is my first experience with threadpainting. I have always loved the look of the traditional pictures showing lavender fields, and I enjoyed embroidering it even more. I gave it to my cousin who is a painter. She thought the embroidery was extraordinary! ’

It is extraordinary, Therese! It is a beautiful project finished to absolute perfection. You should be very proud of your work and enjoy the well-deserved accolades!

We’re so glad you can still enjoy your stitching, despite the challenges you are facing, Joanne. If these projects are anything to go by, your stitching is just beautiful no matter how long it takes you to complete.

Do you have a favourite designer who you just love to stitch? Do you collect books, patterns and magazines that feature that designer? Do you get excited every time you hear that they’ve released a new project? Or do you love the work of a range of different designers?

Whatever it is you like to stitch, we’d like to see it. Send us a picture of your work with some 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!

‘Sashiko Stencils: Traditional Collection’ is a pack containing three 5” x 9” (12.5cm x 23cm) durable plastic stencils and a detailed instruction booklet advising you how to use them.

Floral Symphony by Laurence Lieblich is a small linen cushion with pretty flowers worked with lustrous silk threads.

Blackbird Cushion by Margaret Light from A Fine Tradition is a bright and playful pastoral design worked in crewel embroidery.

Interlude by Di Kirchner from Inspirations issue #111 is a stunning crewel cushion with vibrant fruits and acorns.

Jacobean Dream by the Wemyss School of Needlework from Inspirations issue #110 is a cushion featuring crewel embroidery based on a 17th century crewel hanging.

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.

~ Ada Louise Huxtable ~

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