Arts & Crafts Hellebore by Margaret Light

Writing a tribute for someone is never easy. Especially when they have achieved so much, meant so much to so many, and been so loved. And now they’ve left us.

Margaret Light passed away in January this year and today we’re going to try our best to fashion some words together, into what will hopefully be a fitting tribute to honour this remarkable person.

You know, one of those people you meet that you instantly feel their warmth, you feel totally accepted and it’s as if you’ve been friends forever. Easy to talk to, no pretence, just loveliness.

But that wasn’t her only superpower. Oh no… that girl could stitch! And teach. And design. And how!

While mostly renowned for creating intricate traditional crewelwork pieces, Margaret’s design repertoire was in fact quite diverse.

Today we’re also celebrating the release of Margaret’s design ‘Arts & Crafts Hellebore’ from Inspirations magazine issue #121.

Before we get to that, will you indulge us a little as we share with you some of Margaret’s story? Many of you know that we have had the great honour of publishing her work for the past 20+ years starting way back in Inspirations magazine issue #28, through to capturing her legacy in two books A Fine Tradition 1 and A Fine Tradition 2.

Here is an extract from the introduction to A Fine Tradition 1 where Margaret talks about her journey as an embroiderer:

‘It was not until I reached my late thirties that I seriously discovered embroidery. I became part of a small group of neighbours and friends who met weekly to sew while our children were at school. A friend and I decided we would like to learn more, joined the Embroiderers’ Guild of New South Wales and enrolled in their Basic Course that gave us a wonderful grounding in eight different techniques.’

‘Other study followed including a structured course covering the history of traditional embroidery – mainly crewel and surface embroidery in the UK and USA. I was hooked.

I have enjoyed exploring many types of embroidery over the years, amongst them Kantha work, Resht work, Uzbek suzanis and Khotan rugs, however there are certain styles I keep returning to whenever I design. 

More than anything else, I take great pleasure in the research – into design, colours, stitches and where a piece stands in the development of surface or crewel embroidery. The evolution of crewelwork has always fascinated me and I love using wool as its properties add a softness to the stitches and depth to the appearance of the overall piece.’

‘Like many embroiderers, I delight in my garden and like to observe flowers and shrubs in detail. Early botanical designs are derived from studies of herbals and pattern books while more realistic designs come directly from nature. 

I do love to delve into late 19th and early 20th century books that explore stylised plant forms and am very drawn to symmetry and the early scrolling and strapwork patterns that reappeared during the Arts and Crafts Movement, and crewel and surface embroidery of that period.

Fittingly, Margaret has given us a segue there to talk about her stunning project ‘Arts & Crafts Hellebore’ that features in, and on the front cover of, Inspirations magazine issue #121.

The principles and characteristics of the 19th century Arts and Crafts Movement have had a positive and lasting effect on design and this beautiful study of the striking hellebore is a testament to the enduring appeal of this style.

In this piece, intertwining stems of hellebore have been artfully re-created following the principles of this much-loved design movement.

What a perfect finale to end a career – designing a project in a style that has enduring appeal using her famous trademark crewel technique approach, celebrating an evergreen, perennial flowering plant.

It all speaks so beautifully of Margaret’s remarkable contribution to the world of needlework. 

Margaret, the beauty you created through your needle and thread stands as evergreens on display for all to appreciate and enjoy forever.

Your work, your influence and your inspiration will live on well past your time here on earth.

Farewell.

We have all the materials you need to re-create this project yourself, from easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions to a Ready-to-Stitch kit with everything sourced for you.

*Instructions – As this kit does not include instructions, for step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to Inspirations magazine issue 121 or the Arts & Crafts Hellebore digital pattern, both purchased separately.