In a previous issue of All Stitched Up! we unpacked some thoughts on what makes our ‘work’ with needle and thread worthy. After sharing some of Stephanie Duncan Smith’s thoughts, we came to realise that much of our work’s worth comes from how we dignify it ourselves.

From the many emails we receive at Inspirations HQ, it’s abundantly clear that whilst many of us see the worth in the process of needle and thread, we often hesitate to assign the same value to its product, especially when judging our own work.

A recent email epitomised the narrative of many we’ve received over the years.

Whilst this member of the Inspirations Community was able to articulate that her time with needle and thread is ‘a soul-healing activity’, after hearing her work was going to be shared in our What Are You Stitching? segment, went on to express that it was ‘hard to believe, especially at a time when I feel my work and skills are absolutely unworthy and useless.’

We’re sure that if we were to compare how we judge our work compared to that of others, our internal dialogue would be completely different. All too often, we minimise the results we achieve as we count each fault throughout, all whilst marvelling at what someone else was able to create seemingly faultlessly.

Whilst the criteria we use to judge the work of needle and thread will differ for each of us, chances are there are some commonalities. Perhaps size, complexity, technical difficulty and/or ‘perfection’ are some of the ways in which we consider the worth of a finished piece.

After reading a recent article published in Needle Pointers, the Magazine of the American Needlepoint Guild, however, we sensed our criteria broadening.

Having recently held an exhibit at their 2022 seminar, one of the judges was asked what made the winning pieces stand out, and do you know what? There was rarely a comment about size, complexity, technique, or perfectness to be found.

Instead, Cindy Powell’s judgments were made on ‘smaller’ and more ‘organic’ measures. Observations such as ‘well thought out, consistent and careful stitching, unique, balanced, a fun piece, colourful, detailed, creative, finish made it cohesive, and whimsical’ were but some of the many ways in which Cindy found merit in what was on display.

We appreciated her ‘gentle’ approach to judging and will remind ourselves of such measures when we next judge our own work, hopefully finding our judgment a little more tender than usual.

Oftentimes in life, it’s the backstory that ends up being the most compelling and intriguing part of our experiences.

It’s one thing to see a work of art and appreciate its beauty in its completed form. To then be educated as to its provenance and discover the trials and tribulations that led to its creation not only elevates your emotional connection to the piece, it also provides an entirely new context from which to enjoy the art.

Today we’re sharing the back story to Susan O’Connor’s latest project ‘Off the Hook’ from Inspirations issue #117.

With such a unique choice of subject matter, we simply had to learn what was behind the source of Susan’s inspiration.

The answer? Fish, men and flies is what we discovered was behind it all!

Fish

The first part of our story begins with Susan deciding that fish would be an interesting subject to stitch. Fish are rich in texture, come in an endless parade of shapes and designs and are full of shading and colour play opportunities that are a real treat when interpreting in stitch.

Susan was so taken with this idea, she created the blanket titled ‘Gone Fishing’ that was published back in Inspirations magazine issue #60. This amazing blanket features seven different species of fish, eight fishing flies and this wonderful quote from the book How to Fool Fish with Feathers:

‘Fly fishing is for those who hold that the fun in the race of life is in the running, not just the winning, that existence is its own justification…’

Men

The second part of our story speaks to a target audience for stitched fish. In the same way that needlework is an activity taken up mainly by women, fishing is skewed towards men and Susan noted a distinct lack of masculinity when it came to needlework designs.

Fish, fishing and fishing flies are all subject matters that can be a lot of fun to stitch and lend themselves to creating projects that would either make great gifts for any men in our lives, or for the men who love to stitch, a design more aligned with their interests.

Flies

Now we’re arriving at the really interesting part of our story. When Susan created her Gone Fishing blanket, she incorporated a few small fishing flies into the design and to ensure they were accurately depicted, she began doing some research.

After visiting several fishing stores in Australia and throughout the USA during her travels, Susan quickly became enamoured with these intriguing lures.

The skill and techniques applied to fishing flies enabling them to realistically resemble a variety of different insects such as crickets, ants, dragonflies and even a mouse (trout eat mice!) is extraordinary.

Susan also purchased a book explaining the art of fly-tying and learned that embroidery threads are commonly used in their construction, which when you think about it, makes creating fishing flies not a world away from three-dimensional embroidery, just with less stitching!

Now let’s bring all this back to our current project at hand, Off The Hook.

Off the Hook

With this wealth of knowledge about fishing flies, and having practised stitching them already with Gone Fishing, Susan decided to take her flies to another level and re-create two of them as larger stand-alone projects.

To capture the beauty of these fascinating treasures in stitch, Susan uses stranded and filament silk over a real hook, enhanced with sparkling metallic threads and enclosed in a glass paperweight.

Layers of overcasting stitches build up the body around the hook to really elevate the design off the fabric with the rest of the piece worked in a variety of satin, straight, long and short stitches.

Incorporating a real hook into the design solved two problems – it alleviated the pressure of trying to re-create a hook in stitch, but more importantly it gave them an authentic look and feel.

The idea of finishing them as a paperweight not only serves as a fabulous way to present your work as a giftable and practical application, it also acts as a magnifier to really show off the skill in your needlework.

Whether you chose the Turquoise or the Yellow fly, all the instructions, materials list and construction information is included in issue #117. Better yet, purchase a Ready-to-Stitch kit that includes all the embroidery threads, needles, fabric, hook, glass paperweight and cork base to save you the trouble of sourcing all the materials.

What a fascinating world Susan has brought to the needlework community. Who knew there was so much involved in fly fishing? For us it’s all about making the world more beautiful one stitch at a time, for a fly tyer it’s all about fooling the fish!

PS – if you were wondering what the writing around the edge of each design means, FD stands for Fully Dressed followed by the date it was stitched, with SWF:HS2 meaning Salt Water Fly Hook Size 2.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Off the Hook by Susan O’Connor is two delightfully colourful ‘fully-dressed’ flies each enclosed in a glass paperweight.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kits for Off the Hook include everything* you need to re-create these fascinating treasures: Fabric (unprinted), paperweight, hook, wadding, embroidery threads and needles.

Paperchase by Susan O'Connor from Inspirations issue #65 is four enchanting, embroidered glass paperweights.

Pen to Paper by Kimberley Servello from Inspirations issue #81 is a superb paperweight featuring a lush silk and gold pomegranate.

If, like us, you’ve been inspired by the idea of creating a paperweight thanks to Susan O’Connor’s project ‘Off the Hook’, you’ll be excited by this announcement…

Paperweights are a unique and practical way to display finished pieces. Measuring 7.5cm (3”) in diameter, these glass domes feature subtle texturing around the edge and are designed to sit on top of your finished embroidery.

With the convex design acting as a magnifying glass and offering a distinct perspective on the enclosed project, it also amplifies the intricacies of your needlework.

Perfect for adding a personal touch to any home or work office space and offering a unique gift for a loved one, you can create your own design or choose from a range of embroidered paperweight projects published in Inspirations magazine HERE.

With limited stock available, purchase your glass paperweights today using the link below.

As first mentioned in December last year, the acclaimed Jane Nicholas is treating us to yet another one of her amazing books.

Jane’s passion and skill for deep diving into a specific topic of interest is legendary and this time she turns her focus to the ornate history and culture of Japanese motifs.

Jane’s exquisite stumpwork and goldwork skills are on full display with 12 intricately embroidered Japanese motifs included along with all the instructions to recreate your own masterpieces stitch by stitch.

An irresistible read, this book offers a unique insight into Japanese culture and tradition, all through the eye of Jane’s needle and thread.

Having originally sold out our first shipment, new stock is now available but get in quick to avoid missing out.

We’re well into the year now as is evident by the fact that in a few short days we’ll all be changing our 2023 Inspirations calendars to March.

The good news about that though, is the exquisite project Wedgewood is waiting to welcome you into the new month.

Wedgewood by Christine P. Bishop is a collection of needlework accessories including a weighted scissor fob, pincushion and a drawstring bag.

There are multiple ways you can enjoy the Wedgewood trio. Printed instructions are available in Inspirations issue #113, a digital pattern is available for immediate download and we even have Ready-to-Stitch kits in stock.

Make the most of March by adding Wedgewood to your stitching list.

Out of all the items you’d expect to see for sale in a needlework newsletter this product is probably not one of them!

You may recall that the original owner of our needlework store The Bobbin Tree was Jenny McWhinney and she was an absolute dog lover through and through. So much so her beloved poodle Dolly was a frequent visitor to the shop and Dolly even had sway over the buying decisions made at the shop.

Here is the product description to help explain things a little more:

Founded in 2016 by 13 year-old Violet, Georgie Paws Australia are purveyors of stylish goods for you and your pet.

Make picking up after your doggo a little more enjoyable with these cute mouse dispensers for doggie waste bags.

So there you go – now you can say you’ve seen everything… a dog waste bag dispenser in a needlework newsletter!

For all the canine fans out there, if you’re looking to up your dog waste bag game, this one is for you! Click on the link below to style up.

Here’s your monthly dose of artists using their phones as well as their needles to keep our peepers amused:

@des_bordado_: Wilo Haro Rivas, SJ has completed an array of exquisite projects showcasing a magnitude of technical skills. We quite liked his caption for this piece, ‘It can always be an option to be the purple sheep of the family’.

@mojoandmuse: Manoela Grigorova is a master at all things ‘mixed media’. Her beautiful abstract blooms burst with colour and texture.

@arquicosturastudio: Raquel Rodrigo likes to take cross stitch largescale! She creates giant designs like this one that hang indoors or even outdoors.

@zinc_hobbies: This talented crochet artist not only shares her wonderful froggy creations but has created a delightful social media feed of their day-to-day happenings.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest to receive your daily dose of the world’s most beautiful needlework from all over the world wide web.

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

Di Kirchner hails from our home-town of Adelaide, South Australia which is famous for its wine regions. The wine here is so good, most Adelaideans dread the thought of drinking a drop from any other region in the world.

Once you get a taste for a rich, deep, Barossa Valley Shiraz, a McLaren Vale Cabernet or a cool, crisp, Clare Valley Riesling, it’s very hard to tolerate anything else.

(For full disclosure, the writers of this newsletter accept that this opinion is totally biased, but for good reason!)

It’s little wonder therefore, that Di’s latest project should celebrate the bounty of grapes that are all around us here in Adelaide with her piece Rich Harvest from Inspirations issue #117.

Let us set the scene for you… it’s a warm summer’s night, a group of us are sitting on the veranda overlooking the vineyards on an old homestead as the kookaburras chatter away and the kangaroos relax under the gum trees with the sun slowly setting in the distance.

All of us are merrily stitching, chatting and laughing away with a glass of premium South Australian wine on hand that is sitting right next to our very handy pincushion adorned with bunches of luscious purple grapes.

Oh, and we’d also have a cheese platter nearby with fresh bread, fine cuts of meat and a bounty of fruit, including some plump chilled grapes.

Sounds pretty good doesn’t it? Well, first we need to stitch the pincushion!

Here are some facts on the project for you:

Publication: Inspirations magazine issue #117
Designer: Di Kirchner from Australia
Project Name: Rich Harvest
Project Type: Pincushion
Technique: Crewel Embroidery
Fabric: 25 count natural Floba rayon/linen blend
Design Transfer Required: Yes
Threads: Crewel wool and stranded cotton
Dimensions: 14cm (5 ½”) square

Even if you don’t have the homestead with the vineyards, kookaburras and kangaroos, all of us can source a good bottle of wine, put together a cheese platter, grab some friends and enjoy stitching this delightful project together.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Rich Harvest by Di Kirchner is a pincushion with colourful crewel and Bargello designs.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Rich Harvest includes everything* you need to re-create this gorgeous pincushion: Fabrics (unprinted), fibre-fill, beads, embroidery threads and needles.

Red Treasure Box by Di Kirchner from Inspirations issue #116 is a beautiful, counted thread etui containing several needlework accessories.

Four Corners by Di Kirchner from the Handpicked Collection is an elegant and richly shaded crewelwork panel on sturdy linen twill, perfect to use as an insert for a wooden footstool base or as a cushion.

One of the incredible privileges of working at Inspiration is seeing everyone venture through their stitching journeys. From all over the world, the Inspirations Community continues to delight us with new stories of needle and thread. Along the way we’ve learnt that no passion is too great or too small. Here are a few tales that have graced our inbox…

Redwork! Tiny pockets! Sharp needles! What’s not to love, Joan? You’ve done a wonderful job of recreating the Redwork Pincushion & Chatelaine and we’re sure Margaret Light would be thrilled she inspired you to create two of your own designs to go with it. We look forward to seeing what lovely projects you stitch with your new stunning accessories.

I love going into my studio and just creating. Art is my freedom.’

This is an incredible piece so full of colour and intricate layering. It sounds like you have enjoyed a truly profound stitching journey so far, Shoshi, thank you for sharing your beautiful needlework and your passion with us.

‘I started to cross stitch about 28 years ago when I was pregnant with my eldest daughter. At the beginning of the lockdown, I decided to try something new.

‘It was a lovely pattern to work with and the range of stitches kept it interesting. I'd like to try some more of Elisabetta’s patterns as I like being able to design what I want!’

This a beautiful monogram Lynda. We’re so glad you enjoyed the personalisation aspect of this pattern and maybe found a new passion? The gold outline is a wonderful addition.

Amanda, this is a marvellous design that you have stitched beautifully. The tuffs of thread that appear as golden curly locks on top of the doll’s head gave us a giggle. We look forward to seeing all three once they are complete!

One last thing before we go, last week we featured Lorrie Lafrance’s embroidered ‘ivory-billed woodpecker’ which was inadvertently rotated the wrong way. Here it is again, this time the right way up!

Have you stitched any Redwork projects? Do you collect materials for future projects as you go? Or have you tried a new stitching technique?

Whatever your stitching story, we’d love to see it! Email photos of what you’ve created with needle and thread along with a few details 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!

Rose & Daisies by Ana Mallah is two stunning garden flowers in three- dimensional embroidery.

Wildflowers of Hepburn by Alison Cole from A Passion for Needlework 4 | The Whitehouse Daylesford is a stunning three-dimensional recreation of a native lily, orchids and flax.

Remember by Philippa Todd from Inspirations issue #109 is an elegant three-dimensional poppy that can be worn as a brooch.

Camellia by Julie Kniedl from the book Botanica is a stylish red flower, buds and contrasting leaves.

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

~ Charles Horton Cooley ~

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