We recently heard an address where the speaker was referencing how our capacity to thrive was directly related to the depths of our roots and/or foundations in life. He unpacked some statistics about a particular tree whose roots are deeper than the tree is tall, and a building whereby the depth of its foundation exceeds the height of the structure. Whilst we may never see these roots or foundations, the very fact they exist means we’re able to enjoy the form they support.

As we listened with interest, we couldn’t help but consider the principle in light of our time with needle and thread.

One of the incredible privileges we have in working at Inspirations HQ is our access to both Susan O’Connor and Ellaine Bronsert. No doubt many of you will recognise their names from the pages of Inspirations Magazine. Susan is our Editor, and Ellaine our Assistant Editor. Between the two of them, they are responsible for writing and proofreading the instructions for the projects that appear in our publications, with Ellaine’s remit also being to produce the images that walk you through the stitches used within the designs step by step.

Their incredible depth of knowledge when it comes to stitching techniques and individual stitches is unparalleled. They’re able to look at a project and, in an instant, name both the technique and individual stitches used, describe how each stitch is formed, whilst also naming many of the individual requirements used within the design.

The time they’ve spent nurturing their roots mean we get the reward of having access to instructions that allow us to recreate the works of renowned designers, step-by-step photographs that walk us through the most complicated of individual stitches, as well as the countless designs Susan has published in the pages of our publications. And whilst Ellaine’s time with needle and thread may only have made it to the pages of the publications in step-by-step form, we have it on good authority that the fruits of her knitting labours are keeping her family’s toes incredibly warm this winter!

Not only are we thankful for the depth of their roots, but they encourage us to consider the depth of our own roots with needle and thread as we realise they’re directly linked to the fruit we’re able to produce.

The following is an extract from the article published in Inspirations magazine #111, written by Ansie van der Walt.

For Carol-lyn Jackson, words and threads are her way of expressing emotion and feelings about life, love, loss, memories, belonging, and home. Growing up as the oldest of four siblings, raised by a single mother struggling to get by, Carol-lyn remembers moving around a lot. Regular Saturday outings to the library and attending church and Sunday school were rare moments of joy and stability. ‘These experiences inform the use of words and symbols in my work today. I use words about searching and longing for home. The symbol of the cross represents a time when I felt at home somewhere – a sense of belonging.’

Looking for a creative outlet that might also create some income, Carol-lyn started upcycling some of the pre-loved clothes from her vintage clothing store. Her embellished denim jackets and skirts soon became a favourite.

As a born-and-bred Canadian, it was Carol-lyn’s move to Mexico that set her on a new creative path, inspiring her to create new works instead of just upcycling existing clothes. The different climate meant her denim creations were not as popular, and in her quest to find something else to sell at the market, Carol-lyn stumbled upon the idea of sock-dolls. This soon evolved into her, now signature, old-fashioned-looking ragdolls dressed in simple clothes.

Interestingly, as the dolls became simpler, so did Carol-lyn’s stitching. It also inspired her to start creating new work in the form of small collages. ‘I found I enjoyed working on these small artworks and telling a story. From there I just simplified further by using stitching on mostly plain linen. I wanted to see what I could say with less…’

Inspiration can come from anywhere. Carol-lyn loves doing research, and looking for one thing often leads to a journey of discovery. Collecting art, walking the dog, collecting pebbles, sticks, or rusty bits and pieces always inspire new ideas. And words. Always words. ‘I’ve been thinking about how they no longer teach cursive in school. I love good handwriting and calligraphy. I bought some antique letters written by soldiers during WWI, and I have some idea brewing regarding old fashioned writing transferred to fabric. With stitching, of course…’

You can read the full version of this article HERE or follow Carol-lyn on her Instagram account HERE and visit her website HERE.

Chrissie Juno Mann is the wonder woman behind ‘50 Essential Blackwork Patterns’ – a blackwork lover’s dream! Not only has it been a wildly successful book, but it was also completely self-published.

With nothing else like it on the market, Chrissie’s book tapped into an unmet need and proved to be incredibly popular. So popular, in fact, that she’s published a second book.

50 Essential Blackwork Patterns - Book 2 features entirely new, never-seen-before designs, each beautifully intricate and fascinating in its own way.

Chrissie has done an amazing job creating an extensive library of patterns ranging from beginner friendly through to the more detailed and complex. All throughout, Chrissie provides clear, easy to read step-by-steps for each design.

Whether you’re looking to continue your collection, or buy both editions, Chrissie’s range of 50 + 50 blackwork designs is sure to have something for everyone.

While we’re on the subject of books, we have a wonderful library of needlework publications you may not know about. With over 75 printed books available on our website, there’s sure to be something that catches your eye. While we can’t tell you about them all, here are some of our current favourites…

Jane Nicholas’s Japanese Motifs in Stumpwork & Goldwork showcases a stunning piece of Japanese culture through its embroidered collection of 12 exquisite motifs inspired by traditional family crests.

Hazel Blomkamp’s signature techniques are uniquely showcased in Crewel Animal Portraits, featuring six vibrant and intricate different fauna focused projects.

Pet Portrait Embroidery is a step-by-step guide to creating realistic pet portraits. Use threadpainting techniques to emulate their sparkling eyes, the softness of their fur and their playful expressions.

Monograms & Words in Ribbon Embroidery is a step-by-step introduction to the intricate world of stitched calligraphy, perfect for ribbon embroiderers of all abilities.

Whether you’re looking for yourself or for a friend, our wonderful world of books awaits you!

With over 800 digital patterns available on our website, finding exactly what you’re looking for can sometimes be a little tricky. To assist in your quest here are some tips and tricks on how you can use our search filters to discover the perfect project to stitch next.

Under the ‘Digital Patterns’ tab on our website, you’ll find multiple search filters on the left-hand side of the page:

Tip #1 - Search by Designer
Use this filter to quickly find a specific designer you have in mind. Listed from A to Z you’ll find Alison Cole right through to Zinaida Kazban.

Tip #2 - Search by Project Type
From Etuis to Needlecases, Cushions to Quilts, this search feature helps you find patterns based on their project type.

Tip #3 - Search by Publication and Issue
If a particular book or magazine takes your fancy, from A Passion for Needlework to the ever-growing Inspirations issues, browse our digital patterns exclusively from that publication.

Tip #4 - Search by Technique
From Appliqué to Whitework, Surface Embroidery to Stumpwork, digital patterns that predominately feature the selected technique will be displayed.

Tip #5 – How to Print
It’s one of the most commonly asked questions – how do I print a digital pattern at home? The answer is easy – you just have to use the right software and the best news is it’s free! To learn more click HERE.

Click below to view our full range of digital patterns, which are all standing by ready to be filtered with your newfound tips ‘n’ tricks!

Looking for some fabric inspiration? Look no further, we have a fabulous range of fabrics for you to peruse.

From the finest of linens, the prettiest of cottons, the most luxurious silk dupion through to pre-printed textiles, our collection of fabrics is guaranteed to provide you with new ideas and inspiration.

Whether you’re looking for something to complement a project you’re stitching that requires some finishing or construction, find the base for a new project, or the perfect printed pattern to embellish, we have something to suit.

When placing your order online, some fabrics are pre-cut lengths and others are sold by the half-metre. Use the quantity option to request a specific length for anything sold by the half-metre. For example a qty of 1 = ½ metre, qty 2 = 1 metre, qty 3 = 1.5m etc, this will ensure your fabric is cut into one continuous length for you.

Check out our Fabulous Fabrics using the link below.

It’s been said that one of the best things about Christmas from a stitcher’s point of view, is the deadline that it imposes – you know the saying, if it wasn’t for the last minute, nothing would ever get done!

Maybe if we start planning our Christmas stitching project in June, it will give us ample time to avoid the last minute all-nighters and enable us to enjoy a leisurely stroll towards the festive season as we create a beautiful set of sewing accessories designed by Kim Beamish.

You can also purchase a Ready-to-Stitch kit for this project which comes with the printed instructions included in the price.

There is so much to love about Victorian Christmas, but for today we’ll focus on three main areas, theme, practicality and technique.

THEME

Holly is such an iconic symbol of Christmas. As soon as you see that trademark cluster of small bright red berries nestled in the centre of jagged green leaves, you’re humming carols!

In Victorian Christmas Kim has created the most delightful sprigs of holly and used them to great effect by liberally placing them throughout each piece to form different types of garlands, as well as forming ornate centrepieces.

While the holly is classic Christmas, the beauty of Kim’s delicate design makes it suitable to use all year around.

PRACTICALITY

This needlework accessory trio features a needlebook, pincushion and scissor fob, covering off all the essentials. Whether you create just one piece or all three, this is a Christmas project that has a real practical application.

The pincushion measures 8.5cm x 5.5cm wide x 2.5cm deep (3 ⅜" x 2 ⅛" x 1") so it’s a nice usable size, the scissor fob is more on the dainty side at 4cm x 3cm wide (1 ½" x 1 ⅛") and the needlebook is all business measuring 11cm x 8cm wide (4 ⅜" x 3 ⅛") when closed, providing ample space for a range of needles and featuring two handy storage pockets as well.

TECHNIQUE

This is the fun part. All three accessories use the same combination of threads, stitches, motifs and finishing, giving you more confidence and experience as you progress.

Starting with placing your tacking thread in position, you follow the charts supplied and, using whipped back stitch, create the outside border. Next the holly is worked, then pulled thread chequer filling stitch is used to create the wonderful diagonal filling patterns.

All in all, this is a wonderful project, be it thanks to the Christmas theme, the usability of the finished pieces, or the fact that it’s nice to have a counted thread project that involves construction for something different.

Whether you choose to stitch this as a Christmas gift for a special fellow stitcher or wrap it under the tree as a special gift for yourself, it’s going to be a very merry Christmas for someone!

Option 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Victorian Christmas by Kim Beamish is a set of pretty sewing accessories embellished with delicate pulled thread work and festive holly.

Option 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit with Printed Pattern Included

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Victorian Christmas includes everything you need to re-create this dainty accessory set: Fabrics (unprinted), interfacing, fibre-fill, embroidery threads, beads, needles and printed instructions.

Season's Greetings by Ana Mallah from Inspirations issue #96 is four enchanting Christmas decorations.

The First Nöel by Wendy Innes from Inspirations issue #116 is a festive goldwork and stumpwork panel celebrating Christmas.

Kris Kringle by Heather Scott from Inspirations issue #72 is a pretty Christmas gift bag, the perfect wrapping for any small gift.

Double Delight by Jennifer Kennedy from Inspirations issue #92 is two pulled thread Christmas stockings with contrasting lustrous perlé threads and satin ribbon with a hessian ground fabric.

Following on from Kim Beamish’s Victorian Christmas we thought you might let us indulge in a little festive stitching from our community this week…

What an inspiring tradition, Sue! Not only does everyone get a thoughtful handmade gift to decorate for festivities, but the ornaments also capture your current lives and memories. We’re sure such sentimental items as these will provide many years of joy.

‘During part of the time I was working on stitching this project, I was living in a skilled nursing facility and the staff accidentally spilled red punch onto most of it, which led to the ripping out of sticky, non color-fast silk threads, followed by the re-stitching of most of the sock!

Determination and perseverance won in the end, and my daughter finally has her completed stocking to hang up for Christmas! Best news of all, my health has improved sufficiently so I no longer am living in a nursing home!’

Determination is right, Susan! We’re so glad you continued with this gorgeous project even with the obstacles you faced, as it turned out magnificently.

Surprise, Kelvin! We found a ‘Christmas in June’ loophole to share your beautiful reticella tree ornament before December. A wonderful addition to your Christmas Tree which we are sure you will greatly enjoy re-hanging every year.

Are you planning to stitch any Christmas projects this year? Have you already started? Do you receive stitched gifts over the holidays?

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

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Corinne has made yet another wonderful addition to her felt kit range with this gorgeous Beehive hanging decoration.

Golden Lilies by Di Kirchner is a rich gold study of Arum lilies.

Flowers for Elizabeth Motifs by Susan O’Connor are lovely decorative designs to stitch.

~ 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.