Stories. We wrote about them in All Stitched Up! issue #148, but after recently spending some time with each of the Stitch ‘n Chats at The Bobbin Tree by Inspirations they’ve become front of mind once again.

There were stories of health challenges that made both life and stitching more difficult than it had once been. Tales of stitching successes as well as the inevitable ‘failures’ that happen along the way. Anecdotes of connections made, and friendships formed. A serendipitous account of picking up needle and thread for the first time after passing The Bobbin Tree, which at the time was unknown to the passerby. A narrative of needle and thread as someone adds to a collection that spans generations within her family.

It turns out we all have a story.

Whilst there are times that we don’t feel our story is worthy of sharing, the truth is, sharing our own narrative often gives other people the confidence to share theirs. This in turn provides the space to connect with someone whether it be through shared knowledge or experience or simply taking a moment to see the world from someone else’s point of view.

Combine this with a shared passion for needle and thread and it’s no wonder Stitch ‘n Chats are often more chat than stitch!

One of the things we love about being part of Inspirations HQ is being able to share in the many stories that come across our desks each week, whether it be through articles published in Inspirations Magazine, within emails from members of the Inspirations Community, or anecdotes told over the phone. But now, as we get to hear them told in person as well through those who call The Bobbin Tree ‘home’, it has helped us to appreciate all the more what an incredible privilege and joy it is.

Accountability was the topic we opened All Stitched Up! issue #349 with. We unpacked the way in which Hannah Brencher found a ‘sweet form of accountability’ to help ensure she achieved her goals, hopes and dreams. We closed the Welcome by asking the Inspirations Community if they’d found a way to be accountable in their own journey with needle and thread.

Having related to the words we’d shared, Mendie wrote in, letting us know that apart from her ‘real’ To Do List, she finds herself busy teaching, designing and trying to finish what she’s started.

Although her ‘haphazard’ approach has worked to date, Mendie recognises that as she gets busier, she’ll have to look at her time management and make herself accountable to herself to ensure everything gets done. Mendie was hoping the PowerSheets Hannah mentioned might just help her get centred and on with business!

Amy started a ‘Stitching Schedule’ a few years ago, and although she doesn’t share it with anyone, has found it helps her accomplish more in her time with needle and thread.

‘I have a project listed for each day of the week. If I have many projects going at any one time, I assign one to each day whereas if I have only a couple, I alternate them day by day. I also usually leave a day open either as a non-stitching day or to work on whatever my heart desires.’

Amy has found this helpful, as not only has it become her own form of accountability, but it means she doesn’t get burned out on a single project. She does, however, admit that if a deadline is approaching for a particular project, the schedule might be abandoned, but she assures us it’s only temporarily!

Maggie is in favour of accountability as long as it doesn’t impose pressure or a feeling of guilt. She recognised that life happens, and things don’t always go according to plan.

Maggie has, however, found a very personal way to keep herself accountable. In 2015 she started a blog to journal her experiences with needle and thread. Not only has it helped to keep her on track, but she now has a way to look back when she’s forgotten about some of the things she’s made or wants to remember a process she’s used in projects past.

Maggie closed her email with words that echo just how the team at Inspirations HQ feel about the conversations we’re privileged to be a part of each week as we write, read and share about your time with needle and thread.

Whilst Mendie, Amy and Maggie found a certain reassurance in the process of accountability, there were a couple in the Inspirations Community who weren’t as sure that accountability and stitching should be used in the same sentence!

Lizbeth found herself reading with a certain degree of alarm that some stitchers plan their stitching journey.

So, Lizbeth ensures she picks up needle and thread only when she wants to rather than when she ‘has’ to.

Floss was a dissenting voice on our subject of accountability.

Now that she’s retired from having worked as a professional stitcher, Floss finds any kind of stitching ‘a retreat, an oasis, an unadulterated joy, with no obligations, no deadlines, and no pressure. It is entirely my gift to myself to pick up or put down at will.’

Having once been described as someone who ‘worked at her play’, Floss was determined to change that description, ensuring she experiences only contentment and meditative qualities each time she picks up needle and thread, so no accountability for her!

As Floss said, hers is simply ‘a different take on life’s accountabilities, which are already myriad’.

We love that, Floss! Starting or continuing a conversation in All Stitched Up! should always be about sharing your own take on life with needle and thread. The richness of what we’re able to include, and learn from, within the pages of this newsletter comes from the variety of experiences and points of view that exist within the Inspirations Community.

We’ll always encourage you to converse with us, whether in support or disagreement of what’s been shared, so simply email us and let us know what’s on your mind!

Surrounding yourself with beautiful tools as you go about creating the world’s most beautiful needlework is a must.

Often referred to as the ‘quick unpick’ a seam ripper is an essential tool to have on hand and this stylish pewter option is as robust and sharp as it is elegant.

Featuring an ornate floral design on the handle, you’ll be unpicked and back to stitching in no time, all the while looking fabulously glamorous while you do it!

When we first heard about the title of this book, we were curious about a few things.

Q1 - How did Granny Squares get their name?
Q2 - Are the terms Modern Girls and Granny mutually exclusive?

As you ponder these questions, let us tell you all about this book…

A Modern Girl’s Guide to Granny Squares features some wonderfully innovative and fun designs for creating Granny Squares – or crochet blocks as they are otherwise known.

Get the kids involved in making rainbow, watermelon or love heart designs to mention just a few, or create them yourself to make a fabulously fun throw or a ‘brighten up your day’ cushion for the sofa.

We only have a few books left, so order your copy today and have some fun being either a Modern Girl, a Granny or even both!

Oh... here are our answers to the questions:
Q1 – The name itself holds the answer
Q2 – Never!

At Inspirations Studios one of our mantras is to try and make needlework accessible to as many people in as many places as possible.

With the rising costs of postage associated with shipping physical products, as well as having limited storage as we downsize our homes, having access to a digital alternative can be a welcome solution.

Over the next three weeks we’re releasing all the projects from Inspirations issue #48 as individual digital patterns.

Inspirations issue #48 was first released in 2005 and while we still have printed copies available to purchase HERE to help make it as easy as possible to access these stunning projects, here are the first two now available as digital patterns:

Summer Roses by Beverley Sheldrick captures all the delights of a summer garden with a rich bouquet of sweet roses and carnations worked using silk ribbons.

Garden Style by Kris Richards is one way to make your neighbours envious as you collect your cut flowers in this glorious flower carrier, fashioned from dramatic black and white ticking and lavishly embroidered with lush hydrangeas.

You can purchase these digital patterns by clicking the link below and don’t forget to tune in next week for the release of more projects from issue #48.

Jodi Bager has found a cause close to her heart and is plying her talent with needle and thread to make a difference.

World Elephant Day was co-founded by Patricia Sims to help raise awareness and ignite action to save elephants from extinction. Celebrated on the 12th of August each year, World Elephant Day now celebrates partnerships with 100 elephant conservation organisations globally as well as the participation of countless individuals the world over as they express their concern for the plight of elephants through acknowledgement of the day.

Jodi was commissioned by Patricia in February to produce a piece of embroidery that will be printed on silk scarves to be sold as a fundraising initiative for next year’s World Elephant Day.

Jodi has certainly taken the commission to heart, producing an original piece that measures 90cm (35”) square. At the time we received Jodi’s email, she had been stitching for six months, anticipating there was another five months with needle and thread before her.

If you’d like to follow Jodi’s journey, over the coming weeks and months she is going to ‘rewind’ and share everything from her original drawing ideas, transfer process, colour and stitch choices as well as revealing the sections of the embroidery as they’re completed.

To find our more, you can head to Jodi’s website where you can join her Mailing List to receive World Elephant Day scarf updates. Alternatively you can follow her on Instagram where we even spotted her stitching Centre Stage by Di van Niekerk!

Jodi knows what she’ll be wearing next World Elephant Day and hopes you’ll be wearing one too.

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

Is there anything more beguiling than a treasure box? The name alone is enticing. As soon as you show someone a box and tell them there’s something inside, you’ve immediately arrested their attention. What could it be?

Then, to really get their imagination running wild, let them know it’s a box of treasures!

Now here’s the tricky part… when you say treasures, is it your kind of treasure or their kind of treasure? What is your definition of treasure?

Rubies and diamonds? Pearl earrings and sapphire rings? A gold watch and silver bracelets?

How about treasured memories such as photographs and love letters? Or is a decadent box of the world’s best chocolates more your currency?

And that is exactly what Di Kirchner has blessed us with when she created Red Treasure Box from Inspirations issue #116.

How did such a beautiful project come to be? Let’s ask Di herself…

‘I started this project during a Covid lockdown in 2020 when I had lots of time on my hands. I have always loved antiques and especially pretty objects. So as a passionate embroiderer, antique chatelaines, etuis, needlework tools, boxes and tables are my favourite. I often browse books, Pinterest, Instagram or Auction House websites in search of ideas.’

Your obsessive approach is evident in the final result Di, this is such an Aladdin’s cave of treasures you have made for us.

Everything has been beautifully presented in matching counted thread designs and finished in striking red. Did you always have the idea of using a singular colour?

‘There is something eye catching and formal about stitching in just a single colour like red. I chose the natural-coloured linen because this was softer to look at than white and is a very complementary background for the red DMC 498 thread.’

Well, we certainly agree with your impeccable selection of colour scheme and materials. Red Treasure Box is stunning, everything has been so well thought through and perfectly executed, one can’t help but fall in love with it. Thank you Di!

Whether you too have fallen in love with just one of the accessories or want to re-create the whole box filled with needlework treasures, this project will be a joy to stitch and a joy to treasure.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Red Treasure Box by Di Kirchner is a beautiful, counted thread etui containing several needlework accessories.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Red Treasure Box includes everything* you need to re-create this stunning etui: Fabrics (unprinted), wool flannel, wadding, metal rings, magnets, beads, template plastic, mat board, cardboard, sewing thread, embroidery threads, needles.
Please Note: Kit does not include wooden reel.

Norwegian Lace by Di Kirchner from the book The Design Collective | Pincushions is a delicate and lace-like square of Hardanger atop a linen base, finished with a wrapped bead.

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

Seeing Red by Di Kirchner from Inspirations issue #112 is a redwork sweetbag with Elizabethan motifs and lustrous cords and tassels stitched with silk.

Buon Natale by Di Kirchner from Inspirations issue #112 is a beautiful reticella tree ornament worked in white and silver with a cord loop and beaded tassel.

Is there anything more covetable than a stitching accessory that’s equal parts form and function? We think not! This week’s What Are You Stitching? projects are the epitome of such items, and we think they might just have you adding them to your stitching wish list.

Jacqueline, we too appreciate the work and effort Helen put into designing a very personal version of Home Sweet Home. Not only is your Home Sweet Home equal parts form and function but it is also equal parts work box and memory box.

Margaret, what a delight to see so much detail on such a small scale! You’ve taken Mary’s design and truly made it your own. It’s certainly been a most successful experiment that will inform your time with needle and thread going forward. Whilst you’re not able to bring yourself to make use of it as a pincushion, it’s an enchanting item to have on display until you’re ready to ‘risk’ using it!

Marla, we love The Bobbin Tree! In fact, Jenny McWhinney has graciously loaned us her original to have on display in store at The Bobbin Tree by Inspirations. Your version is every bit as delightful and whimsical as her original. We know Jenny will be delighted to see how you adapted what you had to hand to complete the project. And you’re right, Jenny’s designs are such that cute will always be the result!

Do you create items that are equal parts form and function? Or do you tend to lean towards one or the other? Whatever you stitch, we’d love to see it!

Simply email photos of what you’ve created with needle and thread along with a few details about 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 have premium quality 10” Black Wilkinson fabric scissors available in both right-handed and left-handed models to cater for every need.

Crowning Glory by Helen M. Stevens is a silk embroidery featuring a colourful crowned pigeon and Christmas bush.

Seasons in the Sun by Helen M. Stevens from the Handpicked Range is a magical circlet of seasonal blooms and berries.

A Kingfisher Christmas by Helen M. Stevens from Inspirations issue #104 is a vibrant kingfisher in silk embroidery amongst foliage featuring holly, ivy and mistletoe.

Bird of Paradise by Helen M. Stevens from Inspirations issue #43 is a glorious peacock worked in silk and gold threads.

Red Robin by Helen M. Stevens from Inspirations issue #67 is a vibrant threadpainted picture featuring a scarlet-breasted robin amongst a charming garland of foliage and berries.

~ Unknown ~

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