After sharing Karen’s quandary about wanting to spend more time with her needle and thread in ASU #376 , we came across an article by Debbie Preissinger in Needlepoint Now magazine titled ‘Finding the Time to Stitch’.

Debbie opened her article with a couple of questions we’ve undoubtedly all asked ourselves - and probably more than once! - ‘Where did the day go?’ and ‘Wow! It’s five o’clock already?’

As Debbie attested, it really does seem like the world is spinning faster and faster, and as such we seemingly find ourselves with less and less time to pursue the things we’re passionate about. Whilst we all have different things that keep us busy, finding the time to stop and stitch is a challenge many of us would like to resolve.

Do you have a preferred time to stitch?

Whilst Debbie’s ideal time with needle and thread is in the evening as it helps her wind down from her busy day, she recently challenged herself to find more time to stitch during the day and we think some of her ideas might just point us all in the right direction.

Debbie suggested setting our alarm a little earlier in the morning, which would give us some extra time before starting our day, either to put needle and thread to fabric or get a head start on some of the ‘have to’ items on our To Do Lists. Another idea is to keep needle and thread at hand in case a moment of free time materialises, that way we might just find ourselves laying a few extra stitches here and there.

Perhaps stitching over lunch, while waiting in the car or in place of scrolling through social media might be a solution for many of us? But if all these ‘small’ ways still find us without enough time, Debbie recommended we schedule our stitching time on our calendars. The catch? Making sure we keep the appointments we make with ourselves!

To quote Debbie’s closing remark, remember that ‘every stitch is a little victory’.

So, no matter whether you use the ideas Debbie put forward, those we’ve shared in this week’s Have Your Say in response to Karen’s quandary, or perhaps what you already know to be true, we hope you’ll make more time for needle and thread.

In All Stitched Up! issue #376, we posed a couple of questions and shared a little quip, and this week we’re continuing the conversation as we share the responses we received.

Alice had been searching for a hoop stand that wouldn’t tip when set on a table and was hoping someone in the Inspirations Community would be able to speak from their own experience and recommend one that might bring her search to an end.

Elizabeth recommended the hoop stands made by Hardwicke Manor as their square bases provide a sturdiness some other brands sometimes don’t quite measure up to.

Jenny has always used a wooden screw clamp that fixes to the edge of the table. Whilst she acknowledges that they may look quite old fashioned, not only does that appeal to her, but Jenny also appreciates that they are able to hold several different sized hoops. Jenny did, however, suggest protecting your table with cardboard or similar prior to attaching the clamp.

After many failed attempts before honing in on what worked for her, Ursula can’t speak highly enough of Needlework System4. Whilst she acknowledges that ‘they cost the earth’, she absolutely believes they are ‘so worth it if you can manage the expense’ as ‘everything is well made and beautifully stable’. Ursula also pointed Alice in the direction of a video from Needle in a Haystack that walks you through how to connect the stand and accessories.

Missing the printed catalogues the Nordic Needle used to produce, Ruth was hoping someone in the Inspirations Community might know of anyone who’s still releasing printed catalogues because as she reminded us, ‘not everyone lives near a bricks and mortar store or is able to use a computer easily’.

Both Ellen and Susan recommended Herrschners, a needlework company in Wisconsin, USA. They have been in continuous operation for 120 years and will mail a printed catalogue upon request.

They currently have four catalogues available, but if you can’t wait for them to arrive by mail, you can view them online too!

We closed our Have Your Say segment in ASU #376 with a little quip from Karen who found herself wanting to spend more time with needle and thread.

‘I am 77 and unfortunately my husband is not well, so I find myself having to do all the girl’s work and the boy’s work at home when all I want to do is more needlework. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy seeing everyone’s work in All Stitched Up!, but when do these women get the time to make so many intricate projects?! Do they have maids? Do they get enough sleep? How long does it take them in real time to finish these projects? I mean really, as I have been working on the same needle case for months now!’

Karen, Janet understood your dilemma in trying to find the time to stitch when there is so much to be done but passed on the following thoughts for you to consider.

‘Take the time to care for yourself as well, as caretaking is not an easy task. Try to find a service that can either come in and help with your husband, chores or whatever is needed. If that is not available, set aside a small period of time, even if it’s just 5, 10 or 15 minutes a day, to stitch. You may not get a lot done, but it is your time to do what you treasure. You will be surprised at how much better you will feel.’

Whilst several years younger, Roxanna finds herself in the same position as Karen.

‘I am also caring for a husband and doing as Karen called it, all the ‘boy jobs’ as well. I have always done surface embroidery as a ‘sit down and chill’ activity but found that time was so limited I wasn’t getting any to myself.’

Like Janet, Roxanna also finds power in small periods of time.

‘Somewhere I read that one could get a lot done in 15-minute chunks. You absolutely can! Yesterday all I did was sort some threads out for a project, today I will probably get five or six needles threaded, and on Sunday, I might just get them worked in.

As always, we appreciate everyone who took the time to join in on the conversation and know Alice, Ruth and Karen will welcome your words of wisdom.

It would be easy to think that Ana Mallah’s latest project from Inspirations magazine issue #118 has something to do with flowers.

That could be due to the fact that almost every project we’ve published from Ana to date features a flower of some kind. Or it may be because the name of the project, Elysium, is very similar to the name alyssum, which is a genus of over a hundred species of flowering plants.

Elysium is in fact a term to describe a place or a state of perfect happiness; a paradise if you will.

Oh, and yes, as it turns out the project Elysium does also feature flowers!

Over the past several years it’s been a great joy for the Inspirations community to be part of Ana’s needlework journey with her first project appearing in the magazine back in issue #96.

Now, 22 issues later, we see Ana branch out into a new technique with Elysium being Ana’s first project stitched in whitework, and what a whitework debut she has given us.

Gently stylised flowers and leaves are worked using a variety of classic whitework techniques, including eyelets, blanket stitch, satin and seed stitch, just to name a few.

21 different stitches in total are worked in only two different threads - DMC 12 perlé cotton and DMC stranded cotton. Perlé is a thicker thread, not divisible or used in multiple strands, and is given the name perlé due to it resembling a line of pearls. In fact, you might even hear it referred to as pearl cotton.

Perlé has robust characteristics, it doesn’t flatten out but rather holds its form nicely making it the perfect choice for giving elements such as stems and edges additional depth and dimension, both of which Ana has demonstrated beautifully in this design.

The whimsical free flowing nature of the flowers adorning Elysium are framed beautifully using two lines of ladder hem stitch variation, a withdrawn thread technique for which a step-by-step guide is included in the instructions.

Elysium is presented in two different finishes, a sumptuous cushion, or the option of taking the design out and about by placing it on a super functional, generous tote bag.

We can’t wait to see what this girl comes up with next!

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Elysium by Ana Mallah is a beautiful whitework design.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kits for Elysium includes everything* you need to re-create the delicate beauty of whitework onto a handy tote or chic cushion: Fabrics (unprinted), water-soluble stabiliser, embroidery threads and needles.

Little Birds by Ana Mallah from Inspirations issue #116 is an enchanting set of three hanging ornaments in two colourways.

Rose & Daisies by Ana Mallah from Inspirations issue #117 is two stunning garden flowers in three-dimensional embroidery.

One of our favourite things is sharing the gift of stitching, be that with fellow embroiderers or those who may be new to the world of needle and thread.

These sampler kits feature a Tulip needle and DMC threads and include all required supplies, with two different colour schemes to choose from.

Incorporating 15 basic stitches into the design, which once completed creates a beautiful sampler booklet with 6 embroidered pages including a front and back cover, these kits are perfect for beginners or experienced stitches who may wish to practise their own needlework. Both colour options are now available using the links below.

Maria Rita Faleri first graced the Inspirations community with her beautiful project Tied in Knots, featured in Inspirations issue #103.

After introducing us to new Italian knotting techniques that she used to create exquisite tassels, many became enthralled with her work and this new technique.

Now, her book ‘Nappe – Forme di Ornamento Tessile’, which translates to ‘Tassels – Creating Textile Ornaments’ is available from our website and is an embroiderer’s treasure chest filled with unique and exquisite tassels, hand-made with knotted embroidery.

With English translations included to make her work even more accessible, this traditional Italian technique has captivated everyone.

Her incredible book can be purchased using the link below.

Next month’s featured calendar project is Christine Burton’s Limonera Pear.

Showcased in our third A Passion for Needlework book, this project is an exquisitely embroidered pincushion featuring blackwork and embellished with sparkling beads.

Created using three-dimensional embroidery and beading techniques, this project is a marvellous recreation of the humble pear.

Printed instructions and pattern sheets are available in our book A Passion for Needlework | Blakiston Creamery or can also be purchased in digital format via a print at home PDF file. Both are available using the links below.

Trish Burr’s Bumblebee is one of our most popular Handpicked projects to date, featuring a bumblebee embellished with stunning florals in muted shades of black and yellow.

Now, for the first time since the project’s release, the printed fabric is available for purchase separately.

Use your imagination to re-create Trish’s beautiful project using your own colour schemes and stitching techniques; or simply use your own threads to mimic her gorgeous design.

A great time saving option for anyone thinking about stitching this gorgeous piece, including those new to stitching, this is a project suitable for all skill levels.

Purchase your Bumblebee printed fabric using the link below, and if you’re looking for instructions, both digital and print versions are just a click away.

PS – If you’re interested in buying a Bumblebee Ready-to-Stitch kit, the printed fabric is already included so no need to purchase it separately.

Time to get clicking on socials. We have a spectacular line up for you this month…

@paulasprojects_: Paula from Berlin creates these eye-catching bags with beads from South Africa, Miami Beach, Montreal, Chicago… the list goes on! Our favourite detail though, is that the fabric used for this bag was an old kitchen towel from Paula’s Grandma.

@rasaviljewelry: On the Rasa Vilcinskaite corner of Instagram you will find the most astounding beaded couture headpieces.

@deannefitzpatrickhookingrugs: Deanne Fiztpatrick creates one of a kind hooked rugs with wonderful colour pairings.

@historicembroidery: Our final pick for this month’s Stitching on Social is Isabella Rosner’s wonderful Instagram ‘blog’ featuring historic textiles and embroidery. Follow along as she visits exhibitions, shares historical artefacts and creates little educational videos.

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.

It’s big, it’s bold and it’s beautiful. ‘Fieldflowers in a Bowl’ is a spectacular piece by Margaret Light that takes its rightful position on the front cover of her new book A Fine Tradition 2.

This is a statement piece.

As with all her projects from this book, Margaret’s inspiration is derived from some of her international trips, this time visits to Istanbul and Jaipur.

Palaces, museums, courtyards and the like, all adorned from floor to ceiling in still life paintings of fruit and flowers arranged in vessels mainly coloured in blue and white. Such overwhelming displays of artistic expression laid the foundation for this truly inspired project.

Bright red poppies and sky-blue cornflowers play strong supporting roles to ably assist our two hero performers, the sunflowers and the Delftware shallow-footed bowl. The composition of each is arranged in such a way as to achieve beautiful harmony and the perfect placement of colours.

Then, within these central characters, we discover the application of some remarkable needlework skills, the most notable being the centre and petals of the open sunflower.

The centre is achieved by combining surface darning stitch, a weaving technique, incorporating straight stitches laid vertically.

The petals have been created using needlewoven picots that are actually a lacemaking technique, in as much as creating each petal is akin to weaving together a small piece of fabric that, when completed, looks like a detached element, such are its three-dimensional qualities.

It should also be noted that of the 22 threads used, 20 are crewel wool, which manifests itself through the rich texture and bold substance this project emanates.

Should you attempt this project yourself? Absolutely! Don’t allow our exuberant commentary to leave you feeling unworthy or unable of re-creating this yourself.

In truth, the intricacies are achieved through clever layers of simplicity, all of which we can replicate ourselves, and it’s little tricks like that which make this such a stunning, yet achievable piece.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Fieldflowers in a Bowl by Margaret Light features bold sunflowers, bright poppies and a sky-blue cornflower displayed in a ceramic bowl.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Fieldflowers in a Bowl includes everything* you need to re-create this vibrant display: Fabric with pre-printed design, embroidery threads, pin and needles.

Sunflowers and Daisies by Helen Eriksson from Inspirations issue #97 is a cosy woollen blanket adorned with a circlet and bouquet of sun-loving flowers.

Sunseeker by Anne Chaves from Inspirations issue #46 is a handy, natural linen drawstring bag featuring stylised sunflowers, inspired by the designs of the Arts and Crafts Movement.

When we released the Ready-To-Stitch Kits for Inspirations issue #118, the ‘Elysium: Tote Bag’ was so popular, our kit department was kept very busy trying to meet the demand! What is it about the humble tote that makes us come back for more? Is it the straightforward construction? Being something different to stitch? Or maybe the infinite practical uses?

While we ponder such mysteries, here is this week’s What Are You Stitching? featuring bags that have been created with the needles and threads of the Inspirations Community…

‘I then tossed around ideas like creating a design featuring oak leaves when suddenly inspiration struck - a Jay bird! Not only does the bird represent my initial J, they also eat acorns, so I worked without a pattern following the colours from a bird identification book and finished the bag with a covered bead 'acorn'. I am so pleased with my labour of love.’

Pleased you should be, Jane! What a fantastic project to honour your husband. The shape you have chosen to construct your bag is wonderful and we just love the acorn.

‘I used colourfast paint at the bottom to give an illusion of grass.’

Such a great idea Josi to take this design and use it for this gorgeous bag! We particularly love the playful butterflies fluttering away at the top.

From the beautiful Casalguidi work you’ve stitched to perfection to the exquisite construction, we’re sure you’ve had plenty of use from this wonderful bag. Thank you for sharing, Patty, we love it.

Have you stitched a bag? Do you like tote bags? Where do you wear your stitched bags when they are finished?

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!

Slow down and embroider your way through the changing seasons with the beautiful debut book from embroidery artist and rising star Emillie Ferris.

Grand Tour by Christine P. Bishop is a delightful withdrawn and pulled thread, rectangular mat.

~ 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.