Some of the team from Inspirations HQ were invited to attend the recent opening of an exhibition by the members of The Embroiderers’ Guild of South Australia. Held biennially, the exhibition has been two years in the making and it was an incredible celebration of all things needle and thread.

In total, there were 234 pieces in the exhibition, with everything from the smallest of biscornus right through to ‘Brian’, an incredibly innovative three-dimensional goldwork and stumpwork fish created by Melissa Walker who was awarded the coveted Peg Sadler Award for her original design.

Since reflecting on the work on display, we came to realise that never a truer word was spoken. No matter the experience of the stitcher, the size of the piece, the complexity of the technique or the intricacy of the subject matter, each and every piece within the exhibition started with a single stitch.

And so it is with everything we create with needle and thread. Each piece begins with but a stitch. Sometimes the stitches that are laid thereon flow quickly and easily, whilst others feel laboured and difficult to place. Then there are those that don’t last the distance as they need to be ‘frogged’ and laid once more – sometimes over and over and over again!

No matter, though, the number of stitches, their complexity or the length of time it takes us to lay them all, it will serve us well to always remember the only way we’ll ever complete a project is to take a chance on laying that first stitch.

What first stitch will you lay today? We can’t wait to see where it takes you.

As we went to compile this week’s Have Your Say, we were surprised to see how much time had passed since conversations were begun that we’re only just getting around to continuing. So, we’re going to ask you to cast your minds back as we continue the dialogue!

All Stitched Up! issue #366 posed a question from Stephanie as she sought a finishing technique that would encase and protect a piece of embroidery so that it could be used as a trivet. As is so often the case, there was someone in the Inspirations Community who was able to point Stephanie in the right direction.

The ever informed and always willing to take the time to share, Roberta, had several suggestions - Sudberry House in the US or a local woodworker may be able to provide a ready-made solution. She also provided instructions for a DIY project that would fit Stephanie’s bill perfectly; by purchasing a frame that is large enough to cover the embroidery with glass, drawer handles can be added to the side of the frame and/or small wooden knobs can be placed on the base as feet so that the ‘trivet’ is easily set down and picked up, all whilst keeping the embroidery safe under the glass.

Always a wealth of information Roberta! Once again, we appreciate you taking the time to join in on the conversation.

Also in issue #366, we reminded our readers about the Embroidered Panel Display Boxes we have in stock (pictured above) to house your finished work with needle and thread. This reminded Christina about a box her husband made many years ago.

‘The commission arrived with a cross-stitched initial, which was to be incorporated into the top of the box. The box itself was to contain the ashes of a much-loved grandmother and mother. The initial had been stitched by the granddaughter and whilst it didn’t quite reach the level of some experienced stitchers, it had obviously been made with love. The box was beautiful, and the clients were very happy.’

Christina, it would have been an honour for your husband to be a part of such a significant and personal commission, and one that clearly left an impression with you.

Casting your minds back even further to ASU #359, you may recall that Marjorie was approaching the stitching at the bottom of her husband’s family crest and wasn’t sure which to tackle first, the lettering or the ribbon. After receiving some much sought after stitching advice in ASU #362, Marjorie has emailed with an update on her progress with needle and thread.

‘I originally painted the crest in oils many years ago and it hung on my husband's office wall for many years. After his passing it could not be found, so two years ago I decided to attempt replicating the crest with needle and thread using both cotton and silk threads.’

Marjorie, that is an incredible legacy to create with needle and thread. It is indeed an heirloom that will be passed from generation to generation… dare we say, for generations to come!

Although that brings us to the end of Have Your Say for this week, it doesn’t quite bring us to the end of the emails we’ve received. So stay tuned in the coming weeks as we ask you to cast your minds back once more as we continue to continue the conversation!

The salutation Good Morning is such a wonderful affirmation.

Unlike other greetings such as ‘How are you?’ or ‘How was your sleep?’ good morning doesn’t give any room for pessimism, it’s a purely positive statement.

It’s an abbreviated way of saying, ‘just in case you were wondering, this morning is going to be GOOD!’ And that is a great way to start each day.

Here are the headlines:

Publication: Inspirations magazine issue #117
Designer: Kim Beamish from Canada
Project Name: Good Morning
Project Type: Table Mat
Technique: Pulled-thread Embroidery
Fabric: 28-count linen
Design Transfer Required: No
Threads: Cotton
Dimensions: Finished mat measures 25cm (10”) square

Kim has created such a wonderfully elegant and delicate embroidery, it’s hard to gaze at this gorgeous piece and not be mesmerised by its beauty.

The central pattern alone lures you with an almost lenticular effect where you can see one pattern from one side and a completely different pattern from the other depending on the fall of light.

How is all this achieved? The primary technique Kim has used to create such splendour is pulled-thread embroidery.

Pulled-thread designs are charted, meaning you follow patterns mapped out on a grid that represent the weave of the fabric, and then use counted embroidery techniques to lay your stitches.

Let’s take a moment to celebrate those amazing heart motifs Kim has created, achieved using a very innovative approach.

Each heart consists of 32 precisely laid stitches using a variation of a Rhodes stitch. Traditionally Rhodes stitch is used to create a geometric shape like a square or a circle, but here Kim has expanded its application.

Through clever adaptation, tiny heart shapes are created by layering stitches on top of each other in a specific pattern resulting in superb textural dimension.

And here’s a little expert tip for you… when stitching the hearts be mindful of where you place your final stitch. Kim strategically places hers down the centre to accentuate the dip in the heart itself.

Make every morning in your house a Good Morning when you wake up to the delight and joy that this magnificent piece brings.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Good Morning by Kim Beamish is a monochromatic table mat featuring pulled thread embroidery.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Good Morning includes everything* you need to re-create this pretty table mat: Fabric (unprinted), embroidery threads and needle.

Picture This by Elisabetta Sforza from Inspirations issue #98 is a handmade zigzag photo album featuring a delicate frame with pulled-thread embroidery and a spray of roses.

Chequerboard by Maria Rita Faleri from Inspirations issue #116 is a stylish table mat with effective use of pulled-thread embroidery.

Following on from the huge success of Margaret Light’s first book, A Fine Tradition released in 2021, readers and stitchers the world over have been eager to see more of Margaret’s spectacular designs.

Thanks to a prolific body of work accumulated over decades as a designer and tutor, when it came to selecting the projects to appear in her second book, it was more a case of deciding which children Margaret would leave out of the family portrait, such is the significance that each piece has to her.

With much fanfare and excitement, this week we’re beyond thrilled to announce the release of Margaret Light’s second book A Fine Tradition 2.

What can you expect to find inside? Fasten your seatbelts everyone, you are in for an epic ride!

We begin by visiting Andalusia in Spain where you’ll discover a Moorish necessaire, India is next to enjoy a cushion created using the traditional embroidery technique Kantha, now onto Istanbul where we take in a marvellous bowl of field-flowers echoing the décor from the Topkapi Palace.

Other projects that await us on our journey include a needlefold influenced by Ottoman textiles, a still life embroidery based on a 1662 Italian painting, a Resht handbag and jewellery roll from Iran, a chatelaine typical of the Deerfield Society and another still life embroidery, this time utilising imagery from a Khotan rug.

We’re not done yet! For those who enjoyed the fabulous tiles that were some of Margaret’s most popular projects from A Fine Tradition 1, we have a special treat for you.

Moorish Tile from Portugal
Ottoman Tile from Istanbul
Delftware Tile from Europe

This is one of those needlework books where you don’t need to stitch a thing because the stories and the exquisite designs are so captivating it reads like an adventure picture book.

However, never fear, each and every design is accompanied by our trademark detailed step-by-step instructions so you can stitch your way around the world as well as read about it.

This book will leave you inspired and energised, ready for even more travel and needlework adventures!

PS – Missed out on enjoying Margaret’s first book A Fine Tradition 1? We’ve got you covered… printed copies still available using the link below.

KITS NOW AVAILABLE

While we’re on the topic of international travel, now that projects from Margaret’s book are available as Ready-to-Stitch kits, you don’t have to travel anywhere to collect all the materials required to complete these marvellous designs.

Our sourcing team has taken care of all the searching for you and assembled everything you need. Click below to enjoy the wonders of global sourcing, now available at the click of a mouse!

Our range of Terrific Trimmings, brought to you from The Bobbin Tree, is an easy way to add an element of playfulness to any project.

With a selection of designs to choose from including ribbon with paper doll motifs, colourful pompoms, Sue Spargo ribbon, twill tape, fabulous reindeers and more, these are a fun and unique addition to any stash.

Perfect for embellishing a project you may already be working on, or for inspiring your next stitched masterpiece, our Terrific Trimmings have a little something for everyone.

With some of our range already sold out, pop over to our online store to get yours before the rest are gone!

Following on from last week, the second and final instalment of digital patterns from Inspirations issue #86 is here. Featuring techniques of varying difficulty levels, this collection of projects will have something for everyone.

Kim Beamish’s Queen of Hearts is a unique and elegant Hardanger mat featuring a central motif of four hearts. Combining dove’s eye stitch, cable stitch, satin stitch and Hardanger embroidery, this project is perfect for those new to the world of stitching.

My Best Friend by Nancy Lee is an adorable cuddle blanket and plush puppy toy. Made using wool blanketing and fabric, this snuggly and warm duo is the perfect gift for the little ones in your life.

Each PDF file includes the instructions, requirement lists, stitch diagrams and full-size pattern sheets.

With this final instalment, all issue #86 digital patterns are now available on our website to purchase and download individually.

Regular readers of our publications will know we often talk about our belief that every stitched piece has a story. British artist Kirstie Macleod shares this philosophy and embarked upon her own audacious project that resulted in the creation of a stunning embroidered piece that gives a voice to hundreds of individual stitchers.

The project is called The Red Dress.

Kirstie coordinated a global initiative where she encouraged a diverse range of contributors to tell their personal story through embroidery.

Kirstie’s aim was to provide ‘an artistic platform for women around the world, many of whom are vulnerable and live in poverty. Each artist was encouraged to draw inspiration from their culture and traditions to design and create a piece that expresses their individual identity’.

The contributors are artists from all walks of life, including ex-war refugees, current refugees, beginner embroiderers, asylum seekers and artists who have carried traditional techniques from their heritage into the modern day.

Once all 86 pieces of the burgundy silk dupion were assembled, the end result was a resplendent floor-length gown representing 374 embroiderers across 50 different countries, including Palestine, Egypt, Bosnia, Kenya and Turkey.

365 of the 374 contributors were women, and 136 of them will receive a portion from the profits made off the exhibition, with the rest volunteering to contribute to the piece.

You can read more about this remarkable initiative on the Red Dress website HERE, including details for all the upcoming exhibitions planned right through to 2025.

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

Hands up those of us who prefer to skip the process of transferring a design before you stitch?

If that’s you, there is a good chance you’ll enjoy the project ‘Between the Lines’, which uses a combination of withdrawn thread embroidery and counted stitch techniques, with no design transferring in sight.

In fact, let’s begin our review of this fabulous project by Australian designer Deborah Love by further profiling the type of stitcher who would best enjoy this style of needlework:

1 - When doing a colouring-in book, are you a stickler for keeping within the lines?

2 - Are you the type of person who has a place for everything and likes everything in its place?

3 - Do you like a bit of mental arithmetic and find joy in numbers?

If you answered yes to all three of the above, consider yourself a perfect match for Between the Lines. But even with one yes or a maybe to most, there is still a high chance you’ll enjoy this type of embroidery.

Publication: Inspirations magazine issue #117
Designer: Deborah Love from Australia
Project Name: Between the Lines
Project Type: Sachet
Technique: Withdrawn Thread Embroidery
Fabric: 28-count linen
Design Transfer Required: No
Threads: Cotton
Dimensions: Sachet measures 15cm x 16.5cm wide (6” x 6 ½”)

Withdrawn thread embroidery is a lot of fun for anyone who enjoys the ‘follow the bouncing ball’ approach to needlework as there is no creative interpretation or decisions to be made, it’s a case of counting and stitching.

Between the Lines is essentially a sampler consisting of five bands and four panels, the degree of difficulty and complexity of which, increase as you progress through the piece.

Each band features a series of different withdrawn thread stitches while the panels are worked in counted thread techniques.

The best part is, this is a sampler with a purpose, so after stitching all the bands and panels, the decorative hem stitch around the edge is used to secure a backing piece of fabric to create an envelope.

Once completed Between the Lines can be filled with lavender or rose petals and makes a welcome fragrant addition to a bedroom closet or traveller’s suitcase. As an alternative, you could even slip in a cushion insert instead.

IMPORTANT ERRATA REMINDER

From time to time errors are discovered within some of the instructions we publish, despite our best endeavours to triple check every detail!

Before starting a project we strongly recommend checking the Errata page on our website for any updated instructions that may be applicable.

In this instance, a replacement diagram within the instructions for Between the Lines has been released, so please download the latest Inspirations Magazine Errata PDF HERE.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Between the Lines by Deborah Love is a lavender sachet utilising a selection of withdrawn thread techniques.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Between the Lines includes everything* you need to re-create this dainty sachet: Fabrics (unprinted), sewing thread, embroidery threads and needles

Deerfield by Deborah Love from The Design Collective | Pincushions is a pretty pincushion featuring graceful buds and stems worked in harmonious blue shades, finished with a beaded edge.

Threads of Love by Deborah Love from Inspirations issue #75 is a scented sachet with a delicate Schwalm design worked on ivory linen.

Time to share some more wonderful stitching courtesy of our All Stitched Up! readers. As we were flicking through all the submissions trying to settle on which of the beautiful pieces to show you today, we decided that we just want to put them all in! Alas, we might be here for days however, so for now here are three stitchers and their delightful needlework journeys.

‘I thoroughly enjoyed stitching and finishing this project, and it happily holds my tools and wound threads while working. My favourite project from 2022!’

This a beautiful box, Sara. We love that you have made the project your own with personal touches and that you’ve found a practical use for it. The ribbon was an excellent idea and looks like it was always meant to ‘bee’!

‘Thank you again for the world’s best embroidery magazine.’

This is a beautiful Casalguidi design, Paula. The tassels you’ve added to the bottom are wonderful! We hope you’ve found some lovely treasures to keep in your bag.

What a diverse body of work, Lorraine. You’ve definitely kept yourself busy with some lovely projects, even while recovering from a broken arm! That sampler is immaculately stitched and the colourway is fabulous. Your Sashiko Dreaming piece is wonderfully creative and we love the brightly coloured dragonflies in your drawstring bag and the beautiful beads at the ends of the strings. You should be very proud of all your work!

Have you made an embroidered panel for a box? Have you stitched a sweet bag? Do you participate in any online classes?

Whatever you are stitching, we’d love to see it! 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!

Kits for Ana Mallah's Little Birds from Inspirations issue #116 were so popular they quickly sold out. If you missed out, now’s your chance to get one, with more now available.

You may have heard the exciting news that registration for the World Needlework Convention in October 2023 is now open. Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions HERE and for packages, pricing and to register, click HERE.

From the Heart by Luzine Happel is a large cushion showcasing beautiful Schwalm whitework on natural linen.

~ Napoleon Hill ~

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