Can you hear that?!

It turns out that’s the sound of our lives rushing by.

It’s hard to believe that we’re in the final month of the year. After all, wasn’t it just yesterday that we were making plans for all that we wanted to achieve as a new year unfolded before us?!

Maybe it’s just us, but we have a feeling we’re not alone.

It was a recent email from Hannah Brencher that had us wondering what all the rush is really about.

In recent conversations with friends, Hannah’s been unpacking why this season feels more rushed than most. In the US, she’d noticed that Halloween décor came out in early September, Christmas decorations had filled the stores before Thanksgiving had even been considered, and what was once but a single day in November, Black Friday now seemed to fill the entire month.

But we don’t have to buy into the hustle. We don’t have to feel the pressure to ‘squeeze November into October and December into November’ only to find the new year beginning with stores already giving a nod toward Valentine’s Day and Easter.

Have you felt this too?

Whilst we may not have bought into the commercialism of what’s on offer through retails outlets, we’ve certainly felt the pressure to rush through what’s before us to ensure we’re not missing out on the next thing.

But as Hannah reminded us, we can slow the pace. We can pause. And the more we choose to pause, the more present we become to the moments right in front of us.

Isn’t our time with needle and thread the perfect way to do just that?! It focuses our attention, slows our minds, and provides respite to all that’s going on around us. It is meditative and calming and is the perfect antidote to the rush so many of us feel.

Hannah closed her email be reminding us that ‘we haven’t missed a thing, it’s all right here and we’re okay to move at our own pace’.

Here’s to each of us finding our ‘pause’ as a busy holiday season unfolds before us…

Having read Thuy’s query in All Stitched Up! issue #353, regarding the gown in ‘The Gown’ by Jennifer Robson, Jo Ann was able to help point Thuy in the right direction.

Jo Ann recalled that Ann, one of the characters in the book, describes working on the train as she ‘turned under the edge of the satin by the tiniest amount’. The description of which reminded Jo Ann of needle-turn appliqué.

A close up view of Queen Elizabeth II’s train does in fact appear to show that the embroiderers who worked on the gown attached satin flowers to the tulle using this method. Pearls and crystals, along with silver threads, were then used to embellish the flowers.

If you’d like to know more about needle-turn appliqué, Jo Ann also pointed us in the direction of a demonstration HERE.

From an historical fiction book to a recipe book…

Jane wrote in with the recipe she originally used while teaching Elementary School to inspire her students’ creativity. Since then, she has discovered that many adults have found inspiration using the same technique with needle and thread and hopes it encourages all of us to play with colour.

A Recipe for Colour Play

1. Visit a fabric store, or search your stash, to find a fabric that has colours that you have always admired but never thought to use together.

2. Choose threads, beads or sewing thread from your collection that are the same as the colours in the fabric you chose.

3. Choose patterns or iron on transfers that you have collected over time but were never sure how to put together in an embroidery piece. The colours that you have selected should tie the different motifs together to make a cohesive piece.

4. If you really like the fabric you chose, you might even use it to construct the finished piece.

Jane, your finished ‘dish’ shows just how well your recipe inspires the use of colour and pattern! It’s a recipe for success that will point even the most timid creative in the right direction.

From play to feeling a little overwhelmed…

Marjorie has spent the last two years working on embroidering her husband’s family crest, which she admits has been ‘a rather daunting job’!

She’s now approaching the bottom of the crest where a ribbon shaped piece holds a Latin motto. Marjorie is planning to use gold thread, or gold coloured thread, for the ribbon and black for the letters, but before embarking on the stitching was hoping for a little advice.

If you have any words of wisdom for Marjorie, we know she’d love to hear from you! Email us and we’ll be sure to pass them on to her.

We close this week’s Have Your Say, with a question from Terry, who’s hoping someone from the Inspirations Community might have the information she’s looking for…

‘I use small, purpose made ‘Ziplock’ bags to store my DMC skeins. Most of them have holes in the corner to enable you to place the bag on a ring and carry the threads needed for a particular project. I love these bags because if I have small lengths of threads left over, I can just put them in the bag and not worry about them getting lost. I can also write the number of the colour on the bag, so even if the tag gets lost, I know what colour the thread is.’

However, after trying many ways to store the bags, Terry’s found they’ve all come up short. She’s sure she’s not the only one using this method of storage and emailed in the hope someone can help her solve her storage dilemma.

Whether you’re able to point Marjorie or Terry in the right direction, would like to continue one of the many conversations we’ve started in All Stitched Up! or have a conversation you’d like to begin, we’d love to hear from you! We’ll be on the lookout for your email…

It seems that 2022 has been a banner year for the release of premium quality needlework books.

Authors such as Jenny Adin-Christie, Elisabetta Sforza, Hazel Blomkamp, Jo Butcher and Maria Rita Faleri are just a few international super stars who have released amazing titles this year. Not to mention our own book A Passion for Needlework 4.

It doesn’t matter how often we wax lyrical about Jane’s achievements or the number of superlatives we use to describe her work, one can never over state her excellence.

In her latest publication, Jane does what she does best – a deep dive into a topic that has captured her interest, this time the fascinating history and rich culture of Japanese family crests. And what a rich bounty of culture and a stunning array of motifs she has unearthed during her journey!

In Japanese Motifs in Stumpwork and Goldwork, Jane has stitched 12 masterpieces reflective of her discoveries and replete with her own beautiful design interpretations.

An epic hardcover publication spanning 184 pages, you can either re-create Jane’s remarkable projects step-by-step and stitch by stitch, or use this book as a delightful source of inspiration steeped in Japanese culture and tradition.

Order your copy today using the link below.

You know that feeling when something so good happens you can’t wait to tell all your friends and family? In fact, you even end up telling them the same story repeatedly just to make sure they REALLY got it!

That is kind of how we feel about the Susan Clarke Originals we’ve been promoting recently – we know we’ve told you about them already, but we just want to make sure you REALLY get it!

Whether you take advantage of the Home Sweet Home charm pack, which features an adorable collection of 17 charms suitable for a wide range of projects including re-creating your own enchanting work box…

…or go on a click frenzy and fill your cart with individual charms to match your individual project, you can’t go past these adorable embellishments.

When it comes to making a block-buster film there are a few tricks movie studios use to help underpin its success. It might be choosing an exotic location, an award-winning director, cinematographer or writer, but more often than not they try and lure the big guns. Actors and actresses who have a cult following and light up the screen with their charisma and charm.

If Inspirations magazine issue #93 was a movie, the tag line would have to be: Featuring a star-studded line-up of Hollywood A-Listers from across the globe, this ensemble cast has smash hit written all over it.

This week we’re giving you unprecedented access to these Needlework A-Listers as each project from this block-buster issue is released as a digital pattern. Here are the first three:

Pheasant by Jenny Adin-Christie | Glorious use of metal thread techniques in a design inspired by Roman mosaics.

Inspired by the intricately detailed mosaics found in ancient Roman ruins, this superb study of a male, ring-necked pheasant is stitched with a range of colourful metal and silk threads, beads and paillettes.

Tall Year Square by Betsy Morgan | Superbly detailed counted work étui that will take you through the four seasons.

Celebrate the changing seasons by stitching this elegant etui, decorated on each side with a counted thread design reflecting the yearly weather cycle.

Capucines by Catherine Laurençon | Vibrant, threadpainted study of nasturtiums.

Vibrant shades of tangerine, orange spice, yellow and red copper are used to stitch the stunning petals on this lovely threadpainted study of the nasturtium.

All three projects are now available, exactly as they appear in the magazine, to purchase and download as individual Digital Patterns. The PDF file you purchase will have all the instructions, requirement lists, stitch diagrams and include full size pattern sheet(s) of the design and construction information when applicable.

Need help printing the design from your digital pattern to the correct size using your home printer? Step-by-step instructions are available on our FAQ page HERE.

Cue the end credits for this week’s release, join us next week for Part 2.

Some of us will remember the thrill and excitement of visiting Father Christmas when we were kids. If we were lucky, there may have been a magic cave or a winter wonderland experience to explore while waiting to go in and tell the big red fella all about your gift list.

Just because we’re now a bit older, that doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy a grown-up wonderland experience.

We’d love to welcome you into our store and share with you the beauty of what it’s like for us to have a dedicated space to display, not just a huge range of Inspirations products and projects, but also be surrounded by myriad threads, fabrics, notions, giftables and more.

Located in our hometown of Adelaide, South Australia, we are in the Land Down Under so for those not living locally, it can be a bit of a trek by air, land or sea!

For anyone not local, if you are passing through Adelaide it would be our great joy to host you. While the store is closed over the Christmas/New Year break, we will be opening by appointment, so let us know when you’re in town and we can arrange for a private shopping experience in our own Needlework Wonderland.

And for all the Adelaideans out there, be sure to make The Bobbin Tree part of your Christmas shopping check list and get ready to fill your stockings with needlework goodies galore.

From near or far, we can’t wait to welcome you to The Bobbin Tree soon.

For more information click HERE.

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

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. It means you have created something so wonderful, others want a slice of the action.

That is exactly what Denise Forsyth has done with her latest project A Slice of Life from Inspirations issue #116.

Imagine that you’re at a stitch and chat and it’s time for morning or afternoon tea. All the usual goodies are laid out on the treat table and there is even a delicious pavlova topped with a decadent smattering of fresh fruit.

One of your fellow stitches leans over and reaches for a slice of pav, puts it on their plate but instead of eating it, they proceed to loosen a button hiding on the side of the slice.

The room erupts in applause at the sight of such a clever visual illusion and everyone now expects David Copperfield himself to step out and start sawing people in half.

How did that happen?

Ah, Denise... the master illusionist strikes again.

Cast your mind back to Inspirations issue #96 when we first discovered how clever Denise Forsyth is at using her needle and thread to craft such trickery. Right there on the cover is a punnet of strawberries leaving some to think Inspirations was a cooking magazine or gardening periodical.

In fact, it was Festive Fruit, a group of fabulous strawberries made from linen textured with pulled thread embroidery.

And now Denise is up to her old tricks, creating another mouth-watering project that is actually an incredibly useful and practical pocket etui masquerading as a slice of the sweetest dessert.

It’s such a fun piece, don’t you think? We love how cleverly crafted not just the construction is, but how Denise has emulated all the different pieces of fruit synonymous with a classic pavlova cake.

Both Australia and New Zealand claim it was they who invented this delicious dessert and continue to argue about the origins to this day. Both countries agree, however, that it was named after the famous Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova.

A pavlova is a crunchy meringue base with a soft centre in the shape of a circular cake topped with cream and fruit, with the NZ version typically favouring kiwi fruit and the Australian version using predominately passion fruit. There is more to this story, but as this is a needlework newsletter and not a culinary history publication, let’s move on…

For your stitching delight, A Slice of Life is topped with a slice of banana, kiwi fruit, strawberry, blackberry and raspberry along with a smattering of blueberries. All of this is achieved through felt padding, needlelace, colonial and French knots and the wrapping of small beads, just to give you the highlights.

Once complete, you’ll have a cleverly disguised home for a collection of needles and your favourite embroidery scissors that is guaranteed to get everyone talking.

PS - if you are yet to taste this delicacy or make your own pavlova, it too is quick and enjoyable to create (see recipe HERE) and you can then discover what all the fuss from we Aussies and our Kiwi cousins, is all about.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

A Slice of Life by Denise Forsyth is a cute pocket etui using stumpwork to recreate a slice of delicious dessert.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for A Slice of Life includes everything* you need to re-create this playful pocket etui: Fabrics (unprinted), wool felts, wadding, fusible webbing, firm card, ribbon, buttons, embroidery threads, beads and needles.

Delft Tile by Margaret Light from the book A Fine Tradition is a fruit bowl laden with pears, figs and cherries, inspired by 17th century Delft tiles.

Fruit of the Vine by Maria Rita Faleri from the Handpicked Range is two fun tassels of luscious grapes, formed with clever knots.

An Apple a Day by Julie Kniedl from Inspirations issue #103 is an irresistible red apple in three-dimensional embroidery.

Festive Fruit by Denise Forsyth from Inspirations issue #96 is a collection of fabulous strawberries made from linen textured with pulled thread embroidery.

Having been inspired by Denise Forsyth’s A Slice of Life, we searched our What Are You Stitching? files to find other stitchers who, like Denise, had crafted projects that were anything but two dimensional.

You should absolutely be thrilled with both projects, Sue! They are beautifully stitched and skilfully constructed. We have a soft spot for projects that are equal parts form and function and these definitely fit that description.

‘I started stitching when I was about 10 years old, and as my mom guided me through the patterns and stitches, I have very fond memories of our time together. I have done the same with my girls who are 14, 16, and 19. I tend to stitch with a purpose in mind, usually an event or a particular someone. Stitching is something that I find peaceful to do.’

Colleen, you have absolutely poured yourself into your mom’s gift! Not only have you plied your time and talent but designed a very personal piece to remind your mom where she came from. Although she may not be using the tea cosy for its intended purpose, we know she’ll always admire it fondly.

Sarah, your project is instantly recognisable as one of Elisabetta’s and we love your addition of the tassel. The sachet was a thoughtful gift and will be a lovely addition to your friend’s home for years to come.

What a fitting way to celebrate the Jubilee of a much-loved royal. Now that we’ve lost Queen Elizabeth II, your dress will be a lovely reminder of a life well lived in service of others. The dress is beautifully designed and its execution is flawless, especially given its diminutive scale. Thank you for sharing that with us Jacquie.

When you pick up needle and thread, do you think in two or three dimensions? Do you decide on the finish before embarking on a project or consider the construction once the stitching is complete?

Whether you stitch in two or three dimensions, plan the finish before picking up needle and thread or decide once the stitching is finished, we’d love to see what you’ve created. Simply email news@inspirationsstudios.com with photos of your work along with a few details of your journey with needle and thread.

Become part of the Inspirations family by subscribing to the magazine... we'd love to have you join us!

One of the greatest artisans of our time, giving a master class in one of the most popular traditional techniques.

The Embroiderer’s Workbox by Jenny Adin-Christie showcases exquisite whitework textures and techniques in a circular design.

White Rose by Jenny Adin-Christie from Inspirations issue #100 is an exquisite rose button brooch using timeless whitework techniques.

Blossom by Gary Clarke from Inspirations issue #90 is a small, zipped bag stitched with a single flower from a stunning repeating design.

Sweet Strawberry by Deborah Love from Inspirations issue #76 is a captivating tablecloth featuring traditional Mountmellick stitches and motifs.

Songbirds by Marie Suarez from Inspirations issue #61 is a superb whitework cushion embroidered with a graceful tracery of flowers and leaves surrounding a pair of songbirds in flight.

~ 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.