Autumn Harvest by Ana Mallah

Back in All Stitched Up! issue #208, we introduced you to the gorgeous slice of European autumn that Ana Mallah had cleverly captured in her stumpwork project ‘Autumn Flowers’. In it, Ana had utilised the vibrant variegations of Cottage Garden Threads and jewel tones of DMC to display all that is wonderful about the changing of the seasons.

Today, our view out of the window is different. In the Northern Hemisphere, those rich reds, oranges and yellows are merely a memory as you march through the grey, bare winter. In Australia, we are experiencing one of the hottest summers in memory, and every tree looks parched in the unforgiving heat and stark, powerful sunlight.

Autumn Flowers is from Inspirations issue #104 and Autumn Harvest has been released exclusively as a Handpicked project available in print, digital and as a Ready-to-Stitch kit. You will notice how perfectly these two projects fit together. 

For Autumn Harvest Ana has decided to include the fruits and nuts that characterise the autumn – blackberries, which burst off the bushes in late summer; acorns, which pop out in abundance as autumn begins and cotoneaster berries, shining like rubies in amongst the turning leaves.

The leaves themselves will be familiar to you if you have already worked Ana’s first piece. If not, you’ll discover the joy that comes from using the strongly variegated threads. Just like in nature, the variegation will mean that no two leaves will be absolutely identical, but it is still important for you to be mindful of your stitch direction and how the colours within the thread and between the different threads sit together. 

To further challenge you, the leaves are worked in long and short blanket stitch, so you are creating the edge at the same time as the colour. Keep the stitches close and don’t be afraid to unpick if your angle starts to go awry.

Autumn Harvest will teach you some new skills while allowing you to practise some you have already learnt from the previous piece. Specifically, the two types of berries in this piece both require different techniques. The wonderful texture of the blackberries is achieved by working rows of bullion loops, while the tiny cotoneaster berries are formed by wrapping small beads until completely covered.

The acorns are consistent across both projects and, we think, the most delightful part of this colourful duo. We’re sure that if a squirrel happened by, it would be tempted to grab at these nuts, they’re so realistic!

Wherever you are in the world, working these companion projects will guarantee to brighten up your winter, or remind yourself of cooler days to come. Hanging together in a room, Autumn Flowers and Autumn Harvest provide the perfect reminder of one of the most beautiful times of the year.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Autumn Harvest by Ana Mallah is a glorious stumpwork garland celebrating autumn’s spectacular bounty.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Autumn Harvest includes everything you need to re-create this delightful stumpwork study: Fabric (unprinted), felt, webbing, wire, beads, embroidery threads and needles.

Please Note: To cater for flexibility of purchase, instructions are not included with our kits. For step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to the printed/digital pattern.