‘A Day in the Country’ is a regular feature in Country Style magazine. Written by author Maggie MacKellar, it chronicles her life on the land in a tiny town on the east coast of Tasmania, Australia.

The articles usually contain tales of all things farming, however one of her more recent articles unpacked memories of handmade tapestries and the link they provide to some of the more poignant of her life’s stages.

In a moment of lamenting the heap of ‘disconnected’ tapestries in her study, Maggie found herself wishing some other version of herself existed. A version who would have foreseen the years she’d spend picking up needle and thread and as such would have chosen a way of connecting the stitching either through colour, theme or finish.

Quickly though, she came to see that the haphazardness of the completed pieces reflected that, for her, the point of stitching has always ‘been in the doing, not in the finishing’.

Maggie relishes the lack of thought required as she concentrates on laying a single stitch, one after another after another. For her, ‘it’s a practice that has been a balm at times’. And now, looking at the completed pieces ‘conjures the places and times they were stitched’.

One tapestry, affectionately known as her ‘father’s tapestry’ was stitched as he was dying. The tapestry travelled with Maggie between her farm in Tasmania and Melbourne with each ‘wave of crisis his illness threw out’.

Maggie would arrive at his hospice, pull out the canvas, thread her needle and instantly find herself occupied. Then together, they would pass the hours. Maggie with needle and thread in hand, and her dad with his daughter’s company by his side.

While this, along with the other tapestries Maggie’s completed will find their way into a bag with each ‘disconnected’ other, Maggie’s come to realise that each of them holds the memories of the moment in time they were stitched and that she’s ‘accidentally caught in their stitches something much richer than a simple design’.

Is there not a more beautiful way to look at the work we complete with needle and thread?!

Instead of appreciating the technique, colour, theme or finish, rather we look to the moments of time or place we’ve caught in each of the stitches we’ve laid.

Over the years many advertising and marketing campaigns have exploited a key weakness of humanity – our inability to stop at just one.

Whether it’s eating potato chips and chocolates or buying handbags and shoes, once you get started it seems almost impossible to just have one.

We discovered the extent of Margaret’s obsession with these objects of stitched beauty, while putting together her new book ‘A Fine Tradition 2’. Those familiar with her first book, however, will point out there were early signs even back then. After seeing Margaret’s original three tiles everyone got the feeling that these could quickly become addictive… and they were right!

When it was time to produce her second book, Margaret had already stitched another three tiles ready to include, along with a confession (and perhaps a cautionary tale!) that you can read on page 65 of A Fine Tradition 2. Suffice to say, you’re sure to see a lot more tiles from Margaret Light in the future as she has no plans to stop anytime soon.

If you are already addicted to stitching these tiles, you’ll be pleased to know that today we’ve got your next fix ready to go.

Today we’re looking at the ‘Delft Tulip Tile’, which draws its origins from Delftware, Dutch tin-glazed pottery. While typically blue and white, some delftware was in fact polychromatic and you can see Margaret has added some subtle colours to the otherwise predominant blue hues.

One of the many clever design choices Margaret has used here is the use of variegated threads.

The main benefit of using a variegated thread is that you can achieve the effect of multicoloured layering without the work of continually changing threads. Additionally, the variegation gives relief from what could otherwise become big blocks of solid colour.

Delft Tulip Tile uses Gumnut Yarns Daisies, woollen threads featuring quite subtle variegation, yet they provide just the right amount of variation to elevate the finished piece by creating a lovely dynamic range of colour you wouldn’t achieve otherwise.

Special mention for a few very clever techniques that Margaret has used… check out the stem of the tulip which has a beautiful texture courtesy of taking a simple straight stitch and layering it with a chequered pattern.

Also, the long strappy leaves of the tulip stretching out alongside the stem are given a dimensional boost by using Vandyke stitch closely laid together.

Each tile is 20cm (8”) square and with just the right amount of stitching, the right amount of technique variation and the right amount of desirability, it’s no wonder Margaret has become addicted.

It’s just nice that she can share her addiction with all of us, don’t you think?

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Delft Tulip Tile by Margaret Light features a large vase with blue tulips and smaller flowers within a geometric shape, enhanced with small acorn sprays.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Delft Tulip Tile includes everything* you need to re-create these graceful tulips: Fabric with pre-printed design, embroidery threads and needles.

Iznik Tile by Margaret Light from A Fine Tradition 1 features tulips, carnations and hyacinths in a vase reflecting Islamic decorative arts.

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

We all know that the Royal School of Needlework is an esteemed authority throughout the needlework community for all things education.

Accredited RSN tutors are highly sought after due to their skill and technical excellence.

And the best part is, you don’t have to live locally to participate. In 2023 the RSN have expanded their International Summer School to now provide their world-class lessons for every stitcher, no matter where in the world you may live.

ONLINE

Throughout July and August, RSN expert tutors will teach a variety of techniques across beautiful historical and contemporary designs, for beginners through to advanced level.

20 online classes are on offer including Whitework Seahorse, Goldwork Monogram, Metalwork & Beadwork Jubilation, and Ecclesiastical Embroidery, just to name a few.

Many of these classes start in the afternoon and are spread over several days allowing students to stitch during the lessons as well as in their own time between sessions.

ONSITE

For those fortunate enough to attend classes onsite at Hampton Court Palace, the home of the RSN located in south west London, you can choose the Combining Paint & Stitch class, Exploring Drawing & Sources of Inspiration class or create your own Love Letter Case inspired by an 18th century object from the RSN’s extensive collection, amongst many others.

There is also a Hampton Court Palace Sampler class, which students can attend in English or in Japanese.

Classes taught in Glasgow include Art Nouveau Sprig and Crewelwork Tree of Life.

SPECIAL OFFER

The RSN has very kindly extended their early bird special offer to readers of All Stitched Up! if you book by April 10th. You will also receive a saving of £70 when you book two classes and £140 when you book three classes. Plus, you will also get a 10% discount as an RSN Friend.

In addition to all this, there will be special events and dedicated online talks, which students can watch on demand if they miss them live, and every student will also receive an exclusive RSN welcome gift.

Needlework lovers from around the world are invited to join like-minded students to share their passion and enjoy the world-renowned tuition at the RSN International Summer School 2023.

Whether you’re planning on attending in person, online or a combination of the two, discover more about this fabulous event HERE.

It’s not often that we get to share a new stitching technique with our readers, so when we do, it’s an exciting occasion.

In Inspirations issue #103 Maria Rita Faleri’s project ‘Tied in Knots’ introduced us to Italian knotting techniques that are used to create remarkable and unique tassels, the likes of which we had not seen before.

This was followed by another project by Maria ‘Fruit of the Vine’, which was released as part of our Handpicked range.

Everyone has been so captivated by this fascinating technique. Since learning that Maria had published her own book about her tassels, we have been working on stocking copies of it.

Often, these traditional techniques are only available in the mother language, so we feel incredibly fortunate that this book includes English translations while at the same time remains true to its origins.

Filled with intricate and beautiful tassels of all shapes and sizes, you’ll love learning more about what you can create working with knotted embroidery techniques.

Tassels - Creating Textile Ornaments by Maria Rita Faleri is now available to purchase online using the link below.

We’re hopping with joy to let you know that the Corinne Lapierre felt bunnies kits, previously sold out, have been restocked just in time for your Easter stitching joy.

Quick to complete, these kits are also a great way to give the gift of stitching.

The Corinne Lapierre Bunnies kits include everything needed to make three different bunnies, including instructions, toy filling, threads, needles and the softest wool-blend felt.

Your very own bunnies kits can be purchased using the link below, and don’t forget to ‘hop’ onto our website to see our full range of Corinne Lapierre kits HERE.

Our 2023 Inspirations Calendars will soon be turned to April, where we’ll be welcoming the new month with Laurence Lieblich’s ‘Paradise’.

Three dazzling birds are having a wonderful time perched in a floral bouquet of stunning blossoms and colourful greenery. This is the perfect design to brighten up any room.

Measuring 23cm x 19cm wide (9" x 7 1/2") not only is Paradise a visual feast, it’s also a feast for the needle in equal measure.

Featuring Cretan stitch, Palestrina stitch, surface embroidery, whipped spider web and more, the combination of stitches creates a beautifully textured piece.

One of the key elements that makes Paradise such a spectacular design is the clever use of over 40 different coloured stranded silk threads which work together and shimmer away in perfect harmony.

For those of you who love the appeal of this project but are short on time when it comes to sourcing all the materials, the good news is we do have a handful of Ready-to-Stitch kits still in stock.

When you consider the kit includes 42 skeins of Au ver a Soie Soie d’Alger threads, fabric and needles, it represents incredible value for money.

Instructions for Paradise can be found in Inspirations issue #110 or if you prefer the convenience of a digital pattern, this is available to purchase and download from our website also.

Who’s ready for a workout? This segment will help keep your social media feeds in shape. Some people go to the gym, but we like to hit the screens and see what inspiration is to be found online. So, we’ve done the heavy lifting and now it’s over to you to get clicking with this month’s social media picks.

@madeleine_illustration: Madeleine Kemsley is an illustrator and sustainable textile artist based in Cornwall, UK. She stitches minimalistic designs in bright colours onto vintage, preloved and dead stock fabric.

@thegentalmanfelter: This needle felt artist from Northumbria gets his inspiration from surrounding wildlife. It’s no wonder when you look at these exquisitely life-like animals.

@cassiemdias: Picturesque scenes, threadpainted by Cassandra Dias. Her meticulous detail appears to have captured the sound of rolling waves.

@cat_embroidery_museum: The talented Minami, creates tiny, perfectly formed, embroidered feline brooches. Turning the subject of famous paintings into cats, this museum is for fur lovers!

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.

Imagine there are 12 of you in your immediate family and it comes time to send out the family Christmas cards. Instead of a group photo, only one of you will appear on the front of the card.

You can already guess the dilemma… who from the family gets chosen?

This same dilemma plays out here at Inspirations Studios with almost every publication we produce. Which project (or family member) from each book or magazine gets chosen to appear on the front cover?

What does this have to do with the project ‘Pomegranate Still Life’ by Margaret Light? Well, this piece was the runner up to appear on the front cover of her latest book ‘A Fine Tradition 2’ and we’re interested to know your thoughts!

First, let us tell you more about this very dynamic piece.

Measuring 35cm (14”) square with stitching all the way to the edges on two sides, this is quite an imposing piece in real life. Adding to its strong presence are the design features Margaret has used that are not typically seen in still life embroidery.

Margaret has quite a personal collection of rugs and has always been drawn to the small pictorial still-life motifs that are stiff in appearance and a little abstract, typical of some Khotan rugs produced by local weavers at the time.

Another interesting approach Margaret has used in Pomegranate Still Life is including an aspect of the design that is too large to be contained within the fabric. As a result, we have elements that are truncated and end abruptly at the edge of the frame alluding to that which you can’t see, which is a clever way to make the overall piece feel larger.

Take for example the main focal point of the piece, those three spectacular ruby red pomegranates. What makes them so seductive?

The exocarp (or skin of the fruit) is created by blending three colours, a watermelon and two hues of salmon, and working them in corded detached blanket stitch to form needlelace. This historical filling stitch acts to create a dense net over the fabric, which once completed is radiant. And yes, they are French knots used as representatives for seeds in the centre.

This is just one example of the glorious wonder Margaret has layered into this project - if only we had more time to tell you more…

Just before we go though, back to our story about selecting the cover project. Pomegranate Still Life was a close contender but was beaten out by the resplendent Fieldflowers in a Bowl featuring that vivacious sunflower.

Which family member would you have picked for the book cover? The pomegranate or the sunflower? Maybe you can stitch them both and then decide for yourself!

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Pomegranate Still Life by Margaret Light is a superb still life beautifully combining colour and stitch to depict branches of cherry blossom in a large vase and needlelace pomegranates on a patterned dish.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Pomegranate Still Life includes everything* you need to re-create this stunning abstracted blossom and pomegranates: Fabric with pre-printed design, embroidery threads and needles.

Woodland Strawberries by Margaret Light from Inspirations issue #113 is a beautiful linen shoulder bag with crewel-embroidered luscious strawberries and flowers in full bloom.

Nigella & Honesty by Margaret Light from A Passion for Needlework 3 | Blakiston Creamery features gorgeous blooms and seed pods worked using luxurious wool and silk threads.

Inspired by the flowers in Margaret Light’s new book, A Fine Tradition 2, this week’s What Are You Stitching? showcases projects that feature the most beautiful blooms.

‘Although the shape is different, it was a fun project and I was able to use many of the techniques that I have seen in Inspirations magazine.’

What a fantastic way to continue the learning curve, Carolyn. You’ve done a spectacular job with not only with the design and construction but your stitching is truly exquisite. Your project looks like it just stepped off the page of Inspirations magazine, so well done!

‘I have sketched out my next butterfly and host plant study - it will be Monarch and Milkweed. I have taken many photos this year of the Monarchs and Milkweeds in all of their stages. I drew the sketch on my fabric (I am using a double-thickness of a cotton bedsheet for all 10 studies), chose my threads and am ready to begin stitching.

Thank you, Jane Nicholas, and Inspirations Studios, and all the wonderful stitchers out there in the world sharing your beautiful work.’

Anne, what a creative journey! We are thrilled that you have found a way to combine your love for embroidery and nature together and create this gorgeous project. You’ve set a wonderful challenge for yourself and we hope to see all 10 studies one day. As a regular reader of this newsletter herself, Jane will be so thrilled to see all you have accomplished.

‘I designed the frangipani myself and borrowed Ulysses in ‘Papillon’ from Inspirations issue #26. I had to Google frangipani flowers because I haven’t seen a real one. When I go to Queensland it’s always winter and the trees are bare.

I used Hazel Blomkamp’s method for the detached petals (apart from a couple) as it seemed to give a softer finish. I hope Lara likes it, it was terrifying designing it myself.’

You have plied your time and talent and created a marvellous piece, Robyn. We love that you challenged yourself with a flower you had never seen up close! We’re sure your thoughtful gift will be treasured for many years to come and isn’t it amazing how a process that seemed so terrifying, once conquered yields such a wonderful result.

Have you stitched a sweet bag? Do you like stitching natural studies? Or do you stitch any objects you’ve never actually seen in real life before?

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!

Our range of Terrific Trimmings, brought to you from The Bobbin Tree.

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

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

~ Maggie MacKellar ~

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