Hi <<First Name>>, This One’s For The Birds… Have you ever had pet chickens? They are a real hoot.  It’s not just the fresh eggs that are great, it’s getting to know all their individual personalities that’s so much fun - they can be very endearing. In fact, birds are rather fascinating creatures, created in a plethora of different colours, styles, shapes and sizes, it’s no wonder so many of us like to stitch them!  This week we’ve put together another special issue of EN all about birds. We showcase some spectacular designs with fabulous feathers, colourful characters and skilful stitching. If our newsletter had sound there would be so many squawks, hoots and chirps, you wouldn’t be able to hear yourself think! So, strap yourself in and let’s take flight as we enjoy those that soar as eagles and are as free as birds… Share your needlework creativity with us and send photos, stories, ideas and dreams to news@inspirationsstudios.com

JEROME SPEAKMAN UPDATE

We first met Jerome Speakman in the article ‘The Art Of Stitch’ from Inspirations Magazine issue #89 and further to us featuring this finished piece in EN#80:

Jerome has responded by graciously giving us a glimpse of the process he works through to go from photo to embroidered masterpiece, all with just a ‘few’ strokes of his needle and thread.

Inspired by this week’s theme of birds, we couldn’t resist sharing this amazingly informative behind-the-scenes series of photos with you…

Jerome has also sent us a progress update for yet another project we featured in EN #81 (HERE) where we saw the very beginnings of what will be another fine feathered piece of Jerome’s all about the majestic pelican:

And now just a few weeks and 130 metres of metallic thread later…

Jerome, after seeing how much progress you’ve made in such short time, we think you’ve probably finished this incredibly intricate piece by now and we can’t to see the results! 

Now that you’ve been amazed and informed by Jerome’s process, we wonder what photo you’ll be inspired to stitch?! We look forward to seeing what your inspiration creates.

IT’S RAINING KITS!

Never before have we had so many kits available to purchase via our website. Possibly our courier pigeons went a little crazy and kept delivering more and more kits! The good news for you is, with so many kits on offer, you’re sure to find something to inspire you…

INSPIRATIONS #91 KITS

> Browse kits from Inspirations #91 HERE

INSPIRATIONS #92 KITS

> Browse kits from Inspirations #92 HERE

INSPIRATIONS #93 KITS

> Browse kits from Inspirations #93 HERE

INSPIRATIONS #94 KITS

> Browse Inspirations #94 Kits HERE

ALL KITS

> Browse complete range of Inspirations Kits HERE

PROUD PEACOCK BY ALISON COLE

Right up there with cooking and tool making, stitching was one of the very first skills mankind acquired in our quest to survive here on Earth. A benefit we perhaps overlook of having generations of stitchers that have gone before us, is learning from our forbears’ tricks, tips and techniques that we can use and apply in our work even today.

Alison Cole is one designer, teacher and needle artisan who has spent many hours gleaning knowledge and skills from our ancestors and her project ‘Proud Peacock’ from the book ‘A Passion For Needlework’ gives us some insights into what treasures she has uncovered from history.

The design for ‘Proud Peacock’ is based on 17th century English styling and faithfully incorporates techniques and colour palettes true to the era.

To create the foliage at the base of the pear tree, Alison used a technique called overtwisting. This method of unwinding pearl silk to open the ply and then over twisting it tightly in the opposite direction, creates a moss like ruffle that is then couched to the surface.

Overtwisting is rarely used today, yet was prevalent in many pieces from the 16th and 17th centuries and is an excellent example of taking something from our past and making old things new again. 

Other traditional elements from the 17th century Alison incorporated into ‘Proud Peacock’ include silk wrapped pearl purl (which is essentially metal coil wrapped in silk) and gold paillettes, which provide rich textural interest and some good old-fashioned bling.

Alison ensures her ‘Proud Peacock’ really comes to life with the use of fabulous iridescent colours, raised embroidery and delicate needlelace, and highlights her design with stylised carnations.  History has been kind to our friend the peacock – even today we admire its beauty both in real life and through re-creating him with the help of ancient stitching techniques.

MAKE YOUR OWN PROUD PEACOCK BY ALISON COLE

Step 1 –
Purchase ‘Inspirations - A Passion For Needlework’

‘A Passion For Needlework’ includes all the information you need to make your own ‘Proud Peacock’ along with step-by-step instructions, requirements list and pattern sheet template.

> Inspirations | A Passion For Needlework - Available in Print HERE

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The ‘Proud Peacock’ Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch Kit includes everything you need to re-create your own masterpiece including: fabric, wadding, threads, paillettes, pins and needles.

> Proud Peacock - Ready To Stitch Kit Available HERE

LOOKING FOR MORE ALISON COLE?

HONEY BEE – INSPIRATIONS #90

‘Honey Bee’ by Alison Cole is a delightful goldwork study of this industrious species and uses a selection of metal threads and kid leather to create a lavishly textured surface.

> Honey Bee in Print – Inspirations #90 Available HERE

PRECIOUS GOLD – INSPIRATIONS #80

‘Precious Gold’ by Alison Cole features panels of gleaming antique rose and old gold silk spiralling down the length, each one trimmed with a twisted gold cord.

> Precious Gold in Print – Inspirations #80 Available HERE

STRANDS OF GOLD – INSPIRATIONS #73

‘Strands of Gold’ by Alison Cole is a richly textured goldwork study with teal and paua shell highlights.

> Strands of Gold in Print – Inspirations #73 Available HERE

ALISON COLE BOOKS

THE EMBROIDERER’S LITTLE BOOK OF HINTS & TIPS

This handy book from Alison Cole is full of tips from over 30 years of experience, where Alison has written down advice on everything from setting up your workbasket through to framing and photographing your completed work.

> The Embroiderer’s Little Book of Hints & Tips – Available in Print HERE

THE MIDAS TOUCH

Following on from the success of her first book ‘All That Glitters’ Alison Cole presents ‘The Midas Touch’, a book of Goldwork and Stumpwork projects to both inspire and challenge embroiderers, from beginners to experienced alike.

> The Midas Touch – Available in Print HERE

ALISON COLE WEBSITE

> For even more Alison Cole, check out her website HERE

Last week’s ‘What Are You Stitching?’ celebrated the familiar, traditional and very popular pairing of threads and birds - popular indeed as it turns out we couldn’t fit them all in one issue! So, this week we bring you Part II of this most celebrated needlework subject and again encourage you to enjoy another flock of needlework delights…

In EN#90 (HERE) we saw how Karen Fraser from Grass Valley in California had created her own garden of flowers thanks to the designs of Trish Burr.

This week we get to delight in a flock of birds she’s also stitched with inspiration from the same designer.

Karen, your birds have again done yourself and Trish Burr proud as you’ve been able to stitch incredible detail and subtle shading that has brought your birds to life. Don’t tell anyone, but a little birdy reminded us that one of your pieces bears a striking resemblance to the cover of Inspirations #95 – I guess time will tell which one it is!

Now to Vicky Jackson from Church Crookham in England…

‘In the seventies I attended night school at the Royal School of Needlework which was then located in London. It was a revelation! Thereafter I embroidered whenever I could and experimented with Bargello, Crewel and Machine Embroidery as well as having a go at Bobbin Lace Making. In the early eighties I was living in Wales and used to watch a midday programme which featured Jan Beaney, a young embroidery teacher who opened up a whole new world of embroidery to me. More recently I attended a series of monthly workshops organised by Embroidery Now in Winchester where I first met Nicola Jarvis and the wonderful Jenny Adin-Christie.’

‘I was lucky enough to attend a workshop with Nicola Jarvis when she was trialling the first of her William Morris inspired bird series.  At the end of the workshop I mentioned to Nicola that my robin looked hungry and so she drew in a strawberry for me to embroider.  I finally added the branch in what I hoped, was in the style of Morris himself. Best wishes from damp and breezy Hampshire, Vicky.’

Vicky, through careful stitching and attention to detail your entire piece - bird, strawberry and branch - has indeed captured the spirit of a William Morris design.

We first saw Mavis Brown’s birds in EN#80 (HERE) and then again in EN#89 (HERE) when she declared, ‘I do love doing birds! I think birds look lonely all by themselves, so I try to put them into a setting.’

Mavis, there is nothing lonely about any of your birds as they’re all anchored to settings, from a simple branch though to an idyllic picket fence and a character filled windowsill, that make each of them look like they’ve found their very own place in the world!

Now to a bird that has been subtly stitched in the beautiful work of Marina Pastushenko…

‘I have been a subscriber to the World's Most Beautiful Embroidery Magazine since #46 and treasure each one of them. I have been stitching for as long as I can remember and it has been an integral part of my life since childhood.’

‘Just before Christmas I taught a small Schwalm ornament project. I ran the Three French Hens online stitch-along for free, but every participant was asked to make a donation to a charity dedicated to helping sick children.

It made me very happy that my work helped children fighting cancer and other illnesses. Running online classes has been a truly wonderful experience and a great opportunity to share my knowledge and connect with interesting and talented stitchers around the world. Marina.’

We close this week with a fine feathered friend from someone who’s making their WAYS debut this week and it’s none other than Hazel Blomkamp herself!

Hazel is no stranger to the pages of Inspirations Magazine and when she heard our recent shout out for birds in Embroidery News responded with, ‘Do you want my owl? His name is Owlfred.’

Hazel, how could we not want Owlfred?! He’s stitched with the same style and precision that is a consistent trademark of your work. Welcome to WAYS, we’re so glad you’re here!

Last week we issued a spoiler alert for a special issue of EN we’re working on - ‘Christmas in July’. We’d love to include your Christmas stitching, but our cupboards are bare and we need your help to fill them! Please email your festive needlework photos and some details about your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com

JOIN THE FAMILY...

Become part of the Inspirations family by subscribing to the magazine... we’d love to have you join us!

SUBSCRIBE TO INSPIRATIONS MAGAZINE

PRINT | For a print subscription fill in our secure online form with your details HERE.

DIGITAL | Digital subscriptions can be purchase through Zinio direct HERE or through the Inspirations APP which can be downloaded via the iTunes and Google Play stores, by searching ‘Inspirations Magazine’.

CALL US - If you have any questions regarding an Inspirations subscription or just want to have a chat, we’d love to hear from you.  You can call us from anywhere in the world on +61 8 8293 8600 anytime and if we’re not in, leave a message and we’ll get back to you.  For anyone within Australia, call us on 08 8293 8600.

Otherwise email us anytime at subs@inspirationsstudios.com

MAKE YOUR OWN BRIGHT BOUQUET BY SUE SPARGO

To make your own ‘Bright Bouquet’ by Sue Spargo, the first step is to purchase Inspirations issue #94. Inside you will find a complete list of requirements, detailed step-by-step instructions and full-size pattern sheet.

> Inspirations issue #94 – Available in Print HERE

SUE SPARGO BOOK - STITCHES TO SAVOR

‘Stitches to Savor’ is a celebration of designs by Sue Spargo. For sumptuous texture and depth, nothing compares to the handwork quilts of this acclaimed folk-artist and designer. Filled with 200 detail-rich photographs showcasing her quilts as they’ve never been seen before, the lush photography is indulgently close – showing in stunning detail the multilayered richness.

> Stitches to Savor – Available in Print HERE

NEW DIGITAL PATTERNS NOW AVAILABLE

INFINITY – INSPIRATIONS #60

‘Infinity’ by Kris Richards is a superbly elegant cushion created using a timeless colour palette of pink, blue and green.

> Infinity in Digital – Pattern Download Available HERE

TEA TIME – INSPIRATIONS #64

‘Tea Time’ by Beth Allen is a sweet bear created from white felt. She wears a string of tiny pearls and her hat is finished with a stylish folded organza ribbon rose.

> Tea Time in Digital – Pattern Download Available HERE

GONE FISHING – INSPIRATIONS #60

‘Gone Fishing’ by Susan O’Connor is a large cosy blanket featuring seven different varieties of fresh water fish worked in wool and silk thread.

> Gone Fishing in Digital – Pattern Download Available HERE

Inspirations Issue #95 – NOW IN TRANSIT

Issue #95 has left our mailing houses and is on its way to subscribers all over the globe. Wherever in the world you live, any day now will be that special time that occurs only 4 times a year when your Inspirations Magazine arrives!

The general release date for Issue #95 is July 27th.

What: Fibre Yarns | An Exhibition by The Hardway Textile Group
Where: The Exchange | Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton, UK
When: to 24 Jun
Venue Details : Click HERE

What: Quilt & Craft Fair | Sydney
Where: International Convention Centre | Darling Harbour, Sydney (Halls 5 & 6)
When: to 25 Jun
Details: Click HERE

What: The Language of Flowers | The Embroiderers’ Guild of SA Museum Team Exhibition
Where: 16 Hughes Street Mile End, South Australia
When: to 30 Jun
Details: Click HERE       

What: Inspired by Gardens & Landscapes of Tatton | Altrincham, Chelford, Manchester & Warrington Branches of the Embroiderers’ Guild
Where: Steward’s Room, Tatton Park| Knutsford, Cheshire UK
When: to 30 Jul
Details:  Click HERE

What: RSN | Stories in Stitch Exhibition
Where: Hampton Court Palace
When: to Aug
Details: Click HERE

What: Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award Exhibition
Where: Wangaratta Art Gallery | 56 Oven Street Wangaratta, Victoria
When: to 6 Aug
Details: Click HERE & exhibitionsofficer@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

What: Stitch at Home Challenge | Summer of Love
Where: San Francisco School of Design & Needlework
When: Deadline 15 Aug
Details: Click HERE

What: 2017 Alice Springs Beanie Festival
Where: Araluen Arts Centre
When: 23 to 26 Jun
Details: Click HERE

What: Smocking Guild of NSW | Annual Open Day
Where: Epping Creative Centre | 26 Stanley Road Epping, New South Wales
When: 1 Jul | 10 to 3
Details: Click HERE

What: Fibres West 2017
Where: Muresk Institute | 1 Muresk Drive Northam, Western Australia
When: 2 to 8 Jul
Details: Click HERE

What: Hand & Lock | Haute Couture Tambour Beading Workshop - London
Where: Hand & Lock | 86 Margaret Street London
When: 5 to 7 Jul
Details: Click HERE

What: Wangaratta Stitched Up Textile Festival
Where: Stitchy Central | Gallery Two | Wangaratta Art Gallery | 56 Oven Street Wangaratta, Victoria
When: 8 to 16 Jul
Details: Click HERE

What: Hand & Lock | Heritage, The Now & The Future of Embroidery Conference - London
Where: Bishopsgate Institute | 230 Bishopsgate London
When: 13 Jul
Details: Click HERE

What: The Sewing, Stitching & Handcraft Show | Adelaide
Where: Adelaide Showground | Goodwood Road Wayville, South Australia
When: 14 to 16 Jul
Details: Click HERE

What: Barbara Rowney – A Passion for Textiles | The Embroiderers’ Guild of SA Museum Exhibition
Where: 16 Hughes Street Mile End, South Australia
When: 21 Jul ->
Details: Click HERE         

Send us details about events, exhibitions and celebrations happening in your place of stitch and we’ll include them in Embroidery News. Contact us at
news@inspirationsstudios.com

Happy Stitching
The Embroidery News Team