In a recent issue of Country Style Magazine, an article titled ‘Woven with Love’ caught our attention, so we read on with interest. The article opened with the recollection Anna Brand has of her grandmothers always knitting.

Whilst Anna grew up on a farm with mixed merino sheep in the Riverina region of New South Wales, Anna found her career niche in neonatal intensive care and started working in the ‘big smoke’ at a hospital in Melbourne. It was here that knitting wove its way back into Anna’s life.

‘Premature babies and sick newborns in the NICU would get so cold, whether during transport from another hospital or just being out for cuddles that armies of amazing knitters donated the tiniest beanies, cardigans and booties.’

After Anna welcomed her first daughter into her life, she stepped away from her NICU role and returned to farm life alongside her husband who worked in rural Western Victoria. It was here the idea for ‘The Woolly Brand’ was sparked.

Building on both the legacy of her grandmothers’ knitting and the time she spent surrounded by merino sheep growing up, Anna launched a company that makes high quality knitted pieces for infants and children. The irony of this career change is not lost on Anna as she closed the article by saying, ‘At times as a child I just wished for a new ‘cool’ piece of clothing, not another knitted piece. Yet, as an adult, I understand how lucky I was. I appreciate them so much more and look back with nostalgia.’

As we read about Anna’s journey from recipient, to user, to creator of things crafted with needle and thread, we couldn’t help but consider not only those whose legacy we inherit, but the legacy we’re creating for the next generation as we hope to instill the same passion for all things stitching that we hold so tightly.

We’d love to hear about your legacy of needle and thread, either where it came from or how you’re leaving an inheritance for the next generation. Email your story to news@inspirationsstudios.com, we can’t wait to share in your journey.

In this week’s Have Your Say we’re sharing some of the many responses we’ve received to recent queries posed in All Stitched Up!, closing with a recollection about needle and thread that got everyone at Inspirations HQ doing a little wondering of their own.

In ASU #382, Kate shared a piece of stumpwork that, although completed some time ago, was yet to be displayed so Kate was hoping someone would have an idea that would liberate her stitching from storage.

As always, the Inspirations Community provided a wealth of information, and although we received too many responses to publish individually, it turns out that great minds think alike. Of all the responses we received, many of them shared the same finishing solution, and we hope one of these might just be fit for purpose for Kate.

Covering the project with glass, whether it be an end table, tea table or trivet was the most suggested solution, as Hella pointed out that ‘it could then be viewed from above but kept away from exploring fingers’, with Cristina noting that ‘guests could appreciate its beauty and admire its details while having a pastry and another cup of tea’.

Sandra shared the solution she used after coming across a similar display dilemma she encountered with some crazy stitch pieces she’d finished - a VITTSJO coffee table from IKEA.

‘l have displayed my piece between the two glass tables. Whilst it is quite protected, it does require a very gentle dusting with a paint brush every now and then.’

Also allowing the stitching to be viewed from above, both Ann and Alice thought incorporating the piece into the lid of a box, whether it be fabric, paper or wooden would provide a suitable solution. Alice closed her email with a few words of encouragement for Kate.

‘I do admire Kate's work as I am so not in the same league with her when it comes to stumpwork. Well done Kate, and I hope the idea of a box lid will help you decide how to show off your beautiful work.’

Lucy suggested Kate mount her embroidery inside a box. Whilst Lucy had her box prior to laying her first stitch so was able to ‘stitch to fit’, her hope is that Kate might be able to find just the right box that will allow her to mount her piece inside.

A clear Perspex box is what came to mind for both Jennie and Yvonne when they pondered Kate’s dilemma, with Jennie making mention of TAP Plastics who custom make such items in the US.

Cathy suggested attaching the stitching to a piece of canvas that could then be decorated and wired for hanging. Whilst another member of the Inspirations Community pointed us in the direction of Vonna Pfeiffer whose ‘Cube’ method of mounting stitching around foam opened our eyes to a method of finishing we hadn’t previously considered.

Perhaps a box frame or shadow box might be just what you need Kate? These allow the piece to be viewed from above if placed horizontally or easily hung on a wall.

Ann, Christina, Jenni and Pat have all made use of these in their own time with needle and thread, making note that they’re either readily available commercially or could be purpose built by a local framer. Ann made note that if Kate was to have a box frame made for her piece, that archival clear view glass would be the perfect inclusion.

‘This glass is amazing and actually looks as if there isn’t any there most of the time! I have attached an image of ‘End of Shift’ that I had professionally framed, and although you can’t see it, there is actually glass in front of this piece.’

A BIG thank you has to go to everyone who took the time to point Kate in the right direction! The suggestions were many and varied and got us thinking outside the square as to how we might display our work with needle and thread going forward. Also, we can’t help but commend Lucy on one of the most beautifully designed, stitched and mounted embroidered gardens we’ve ever seen. Lucy, it would be an absolute delight to open the lid of your box to find such an enchanting scene encased inside!

And now, from responses to a recollection…

We opened All Stitched Up! issue #381 by talking about our journeys with needle and thread, also posing the question, ‘Can you recall the first stitch you ever laid?’

Stephanie emailed as she recalled what led her to lay the first of many stitches.

‘In March of 1996, I was vacationing in a Cotswolds Village when I saw something in a shop window that, because the colours and design were so harmonious, I wanted to know more about. Little did I know when I entered the shop that I was about to begin what has turned out to be a decades long love affair with applying thread to fabric.’

Stephanie, we love that your stitching journey began with two serendipitous moments. The first being a display in a shop window, that apart from its colour and design, may have never caught your attention, and the second, the (eventual) kindness of an airport employee who reunited you with your purchase. Your story has left us all wondering what we would have done with the countless hours we’ve spent stitching since embarking on our journey with needle and thread!

For those of us who amass a tin, a jar or even a drawer full of needles and store them, let’s say, not as well organised as we would like, identifying the right needle for the right job can be a bit like trying to find a needle in a haystack!

To help with this common problem, Access Commodities have developed a Needle ID Card Pack that is a very handy needle identification solution.

These needle ID cards are a series of 6 x laminated cards measuring 5.5 x 8.5 cms (3 3/8” x 2 1/8”) each with a different needle family and their associated sizes.

The images of the needles on each card are actual size to make matching up your own needles even easier. Simply place your needle on top of the cards to confirm its size and type, and never use the wrong needle again.

Now, you probably know that Inspirations has our own needle guide cards, available in two different designs, which are perfect to have at home, but we really like the portability of this set from Access Commodities to have when you’re on the go.

In fact, we even have the perfect luxe solution for storing your needle cards. Margaret Lee’s project ‘Treasure’ is a spectacular beaded card wallet that comes with an insert that matches the exact size of these needle cards.

So now you can use your Inspirations Needle Guide at home and create the project Treasure to store you Needle ID Card Pack when you’re on the go!

All three products are now available on our website using the links below.

Keeping up with our favourite designers and their latest ventures and creations never ceases to intrigue us, which is one of the many reasons we’re so excited about Emillie Ferris’ book Paint with Thread.

One of Emillie’s projects, Helena Gum Moth, featured on the cover of Inspirations issue #109, and we’re thrilled to carry her very first book.

Taking inspiration from some of her favourite elements of the natural world, Emillie’s threadpainted masterpieces feature a fun and artistic twist to the flora and fauna focal points of her designs.

Each project featured in the book is intricately rich in detail, yet striking and playful in appearance. Including step-by-step instructions showing each stage of the process, her designs can be easily recreated by embroidery amateurs and experts alike.

Available to purchase on our website using the link below, this book is the perfect inspiration for your next project.

With Inspirations soon to celebrate our 30th birthday with upcoming issue #120, we’ve been reflecting on the incredible people we’ve had the opportunity to meet, the numerous stories shared with us and the countless number of exquisite, stitched pieces we’ve been privileged enough to publish over the years.

The latest Inspirations magazine issue #119 is fittingly titled Stitching Stories and celebrates the inspiring, unique and often magical stories behind each piece of embroidery.

So, without further ado let’s begin with the eye-catching cover project. Tatiana Popova’s The Blue Bead is an intricate, flowing design created using a magnificent variety of embroidery techniques. Inspired by a whimsical children’s tale, there’s even more to this exquisite piece than meets the eye.

Littleleaf Sensitive Briar by Katherine Diuguid is a delightful study of fern-like leaves embellished with goldwork techniques, with Summerberry by Taetia McEwen an elegant summer garland created with an array of ribbons, silks and beads - each project finds sophistication in their simplicity.

Nature’s Delight by Colleen Goy is a vibrant symphony of florals, leaves and little pollinators, while Ana Mallah’s Hydrangea captures the magic of this single stunning floral with her beautiful pastel stumpwork petals, embellished with ornate beads.

Traditional embroidery techniques and historical settings and artefacts are another rich source of inspiration, demonstrated by a few projects showcased in this issue.

Di van Niekerk’s Myosotis, based on a 19th century book brought to life with her needle and thread, features enchanting ribbon forget-me-nots, adorned with shimmering metallic threads and beads.

Both Fiori by Maria Elide Melani and Terrazzo by Christine P. Bishop pay homage to Italian heritage. Maria’s elegant table mat is worked in Deruta Sfilato, a traditional Italian lace technique, and Christine’s intricately textured counted thread mat has inspiration drawn from 15th century Italian patterned wall tiles.

Seamlessly following our issue’s theme, Ansie van der Walt’s Inside Story details the inspiring story of Cath Janes, who embroiderers internal body parts including muscles, intestines, and skeletal joints.

Taking Flight dives into Lesley Bergen’s process for creating her adorable, embroidered birds; choosing their colours based on how she’s feeling, each bird tells the story of a different time in her life.

Telling the story of Women in the Winterveld the article Mapula Embroidery Trust explains how their handmade quilts are inspiring and supporting embroiderers from South Africa.

All that, and we haven’t even mentioned Ansie’s new Loose Threads article, ‘Story Cloths’ or our book reviews. If you are new to Inspirations magazine, this is the perfect jam-packed issue to welcome you. Simply click on the link below to secure your very own printed copy of Inspirations issue #119.

Our Ready-to-Stitch kits are always incredibly popular with, at times, some selling out before you can even finish reading about them.

While we hope to have enough stock to avoid a shortage, rather than chance disappointment, secure your kits (and maybe some for a friend while you’re at it) today!

If digital patterns are your preference, as always, our incredible team have created individual patterns for each project from Inspirations issue #119 for you to purchase as PDF files. For instant access to any of the wonderful projects featured, simply click on the links below and purchase your favourites.

In honour of a beloved late friend, the team at The Embroidery Den in Melbourne, Australia have responded to their loss by announcing a very special fundraising event.

The Extraordinary Embroidery Exhibition will be held on November 17-19 and offers a glimpse into the world of modern embroidery, with all profits plus 20% of submission sales to be donated to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation.

This hospital is currently Australia’s only public hospital dedicated to treating cancer and is home to the country's largest cancer research group.

Exhibit your own work, enjoy the submissions of fellow stitchers, or join a demonstration with some of their expert teachers including Catherine Howell, Christine Burton, Norma Jones and Ana Mallah.

You can submit up to 5 embroidery projects with the option of having your submissions offered for sale as well, if you so desire. A silent auction will be held with all proceeds going to Peter Mac.

Different groups of embroiderers will also be working on their own pieces throughout the event for anyone to sit and join, presenting an excellent opportunity to meet fellow needlework enthusiasts or pick up some new skills.

For more information regarding the Extraordinary Embroidery Exhibition including details on how to submit your work for display, click HERE.

charisma /kəˈrɪzmə/ noun: a special charm or appeal that causes people to feel attracted and excited by someone.

It’s not often that you think of an inanimate object having charisma. After all, charisma is typically a magnetic quality that embodies a certain energy or a way of being that is generated by the way one conducts themself.

Well ladies and gentlemen, we’re going to propose to you that these same qualities can not only exist within an embroidery project, but we’re also going to introduce you to that very piece.

Charisma is a stunning silk evening bag adorned with fruits and flowers in the most vibrant of threads.

The black silk dupion is the perfect ground fabric to set the scene. After all, this has all the hallmark characteristics of a sophisticated evening bag with a classic metallic purse frame, a sleek shoulder strap, stately brass feet and a refined silhouette that hides its generous proportions. Don’t worry, it’s small enough to blend in with ease, yet large enough to carry all the essentials - including a mobile phone.

Then there is the embroidery. The finest of detail has been captured in each of the design elements thanks to Au Ver à Soie, soie d’Alger stranded silk threads and the exquisite shading that gives each petal and each leaf a rich, deep, dimensional quality.

And now for the Charisma.

By choosing fantasy flora as the motifs and working from a vivacious colour palette, you end up with a riot of excitement bursting forth. It’s present, but not in your face. It’s bright and engaging, but not over the top. It draws you in.

Note how the golden double split stitch outline helps to dial the stark contrast between the background and the flowers back a little and provides uniformity to the stitching. Look closer and you’ll observe the lines on the interior elements are restricted to single lines of outline stitching with the double lines reserved for the outside perimeters, all of which adds further perspective.

Instead of repeating the design or carrying forward the same style onto the reverse panel, Charisma gives you a cheeky little smirk with a flirty wink and says, ‘whatever mood you’re in, floral or dotty, I’m ready.’

Personality, beauty, sophistication and yes, charisma in spades. It’s the complete package.

Ready-to-Stitch kits for this project, complete with the purse frame and brass feet as pictured, are available and considering it also includes over 50 different Au Ver à Soie, soie d’Alger threads, it represents amazing value for money.

Instructions appear in the book in which it is featured, A Passion for Needlework 4 | The Whitehouse Daylesford. Many people purchase this book for the project Charisma alone, it’s that good!

Finally, Susan O’Connor, take a bow. C'est magnifique.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Charisma by Susan O’Connor is a silk evening bag with fruits and flowers in glorious colours.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Charisma includes everything* you need to re-create this delightful evening bag: Fabrics (unprinted), interfacing, interlining, purse frame, bag feet, sewing thread, embroidery threads and needle.

Poppy by Susan O'Connor from Inspirations issue #85 is a stunning threadpainted evening bag worked with lustrous silk threads.

Minaudière by Susan O'Connor from Inspirations issue #80 is a beautiful heart shaped minaudiere, perfect for a special evening.

Elizabethan Sweetbag by Susan O'Connor from Inspirations issue #36 is an exquisitely embroidered bag with elegant scrolling vines and flowers.

Caprice by Susan O'Connor from Inspirations issue #44 is an exotic embroidered evening bag, with beads and sequins.

We’re taking a step into the great outdoors in What Are You Stitching? this week. The inspiration from the wonderful world of all things biological never ceases to tickle the strands of our embroidery threads. The natural world can interact with all our senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste) creating an all-encompassing experience for the stitcher and viewer.

Take a look at today’s selection and see if you have any sensory memory recall…

‘This one really caught my eye. I named it Country Side instantly, as it gave me the feel of one! I did this after nearly two decades of not doing any hand embroidery. It took me a month to complete with limited thread supply because the stores were shut. It also inspired me to write a poem (I do love to write poetry as well).’

COUNTRY SIDE
Wanderlust in the pristine greens to loose thy mind and find thy soul,
Snippets of joy, dotted with entrancing views!

Air ripe with the dewy petrichor of the rains.
Sunbeams gleaming bright along the plains!

Strolling through bouquet of pink and yellow lilies,
chirpy birdies and frisky reds,
Sheaves of wheat stacked in beds.
Chuckle of the kids running after the bunnies,
Lo behold! sights so funny.

Giant windmills lined across the hills,
Soothing tintinnabulation of the distant church bells,
Subtle milieux design
a magical spells.
Red roofed home's gay with Fuchsias, Daisy's and Roses.
How glorious a greeting nature poses!

Life is beautiful out there,
trimmed with colours and drama, ribbons and bows.
Filled with energy life glows!

Country-sides share vibes that always decorate the true essence life has in store, urging wanderers to come for more!

Wow, Mrunalini! We love that you picked up needle and thread to fill your time. Your ‘Country Side’ is bright, joyful and was the perfect way to transport yourself to a charming setting when traveling was difficult. We also greatly enjoyed your poem, written in such a fitting manner to its subject.

‘This is the finished product, a seascape/skyscape in shades of blue. I think it's a little bit like Hokusai ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa’ (at least in my head it is!)’

What a great challenge to set for yourself, Sharlene! A rewarding way to stitch out of your comfort zone with a brilliant end result.

‘This is Johanne’s first experience with threadpainting. I admire her talent in doing the beautiful sky and fir trees. It reminds her of a wonderful summer holiday with her family.’

This sounds like a superb project and no small feat, Therese! Both threadpainted pieces by yourself and Johanne are beautiful and have really captured the uniqueness of the St-Lawrence River. The thought and care you have both put into your works will surely be appreciated by all surrounding communities, as you preserve these natural landscapes in needle and thread forever. We look forward to seeing the project completed!

Do you visit the scenes that you stitch in your mind? Have you tried to challenge yourself with a stitching rule? Maybe you have participated in a community stitching project?

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!

This is our newest Corinne Lapierre kit, an adorable collection of five sweet little birds finished as hanging ornaments.

The Penguin King by Georgina Bellamy is a three-dimensional penguin using goldwork embroidery techniques.

~ Vitor Belfort ~

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