Hi <<First Name>>, Use it?  Stitch It! We all have our daily routines… the things we do each and every day. For lovers of needlework, these routines present a unique opportunity… to replace the average with the beautiful. From the linen on your bed, the towels in your bathroom, the placemats on your table, the clothes you wear, the handbag over your arm, the purse inside your handbag, your mobile phone cover, your keyring, even the spare wheel cover on your SUV – everything can be made more beautiful using needle and thread. Often we create needlework projects that are ‘special occasion’ pieces, which is a lovely thing to do, but why stop there? Our everyday is calling out to be beautified – and what better way to do it than with some stitching action! We could all have at least one item embellished with needlework that we use every day. After all, isn’t that what needlework is all about – making the world more beautiful? So let’s start with the face in the mirror and together, turn our everyday into a beautiful day. What have you stitched to use on an everyday basis? We’d love to know about it, email us at news@inspirationsstudios.com

In EN 107 we published an email from Melanie Maloney who was responding to the opening article ‘Don’t Die With The Needlework Still In You’ from EN 81.

In her email Melanie introduced us to the acronym SABLE - Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy which we hadn’t heard of before but thought was absolutely fabulous.

	Stash Image courtesy keptinstitches.org

It turns out many of you thought it was fabulous as well (some of you were even well familiar with the term!) and wrote in to share your own SABLE confessions, which we have collated together in this week’s PDF supplement available here:

> HAVE YOUR SAY CONTINUED – Download free PDF HERE

One of our favourite quotes came from Ann Leslie:

‘My 'other half' has worked out that I shall need to live until I am about 312 to get anywhere near finishing everything!’

Hilarious Ann – great to see your ‘other half’ getting involved in needlework… well sort of!

Janet Truncali is having her say this week and she wrote in with a suggestion for creating a special themed issue of Inspirations Magazine:

‘Hello Inspirations, I was thinking that with all the very talented embroiders from the USA, you could create a special issue of Inspirations featuring the beauty of this country, its birds, flowers, landscapes, including mountains, rivers, seascapes. I would love to see that. Then the following year a feature magazine on Canada, then England, France, Italy and so on. Something to think about! Janet Truncali’

	Native Iris flowers are found in 49 states of the USA. ‘Golden Grace’ Inspirations #49

Thank you Janet – that is indeed something to think about. In fact, let’s ask the Inspirations community for their thoughts – what say you everyone? Is that something you would like to see?

Someone else having her say this week is Diane Knight:

‘I am working in England and would like to buy some straw needles, the ones used for bullion knots. Can anyone recommend a shop where I can buy these along with a selection of specialised embroidery needles? I would be so grateful if you could help me. Thank you, Diane Knight’

One needlework store we can absolutely recommend for you Diane is long term supporters of Inspirations, The London Bead Co.

Located on Kentish Town Road in London, Faye and her team would love to welcome you if you get the chance to stop by, otherwise you can check out their website HERE.

Straw needles are also sold as Milliner’s needle so if you find those you have hit the jackpot!

That’s it for ‘Have You Say’ for this week, but don’t forget to get involved via email: news@inspirationsstudios.com

KITS UPDATE – CONTINUED…

Last week we mentioned our kit department is working through a delay in components for the Strawberry Fayre kits. Supplies are trickling in from all over the world and about 20 kits were sent off in the last few days, so some progress at last, albeit slow!

Amongst it all, the kit team did provide us with more updates regarding kits still available from past issues:  

INSPIRATIONS ISSUE #91 KITS

> INS #91 KITS - Browse kits from Issue #91 HERE

INSPIRATIONS ISSUE #92 KITS

> INS #92 KITS - Browse kits from Issue #92 HERE

CHRISTMAS KITS

With Christmas just around the corner, now is the perfect time to stitch the following kits:

> KIT - Christmas Bouquet | Issue #88 – Available HERE
> KIT - Winter’s Song | Issue #88 – Available HERE
> KIT - True Love | Issue #68 – Available HERE

ALL KITS

> Browse complete range of Inspirations Kits HERE

SUBSCRIBER DISCOUNT REMINDER!

Subscribers receive 15% off all Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kits. Simply enter the coupon code found on your fly sheet at check out.

If you are a subscriber and don’t have the coupon code, email us at subs@inspirationsstudios.com

Kit quantities listed above, accurate at time of publishing.

FLORAL PARADE – THE ART OF BEAD EMBROIDERY -
JAPANESE-STYLE

When it comes to taking an everyday item and lavishing it with beautiful needlework, you can’t go past bead embroidery. Durable, textured, and jumping up and down with wow factor, beading is a wonderful technique to use when beautifying even the most mundane articles.

This week we’re looking at the project ‘Floral Parade’ by Margaret Lee from the book ‘The Art of Bead Embroidery Japanese-Style’. We caught up with Margaret to ask her a few questions about ‘Floral Parade’…

Q – Where did the design for this project come from?

M – It started just as a small motif using three Chrysanthemum flowers arranged together, which you can see featured in the centre of the project, and from there I added some leaves and continued to expand the design outwards until the space I was working within was filled.

Q – Is there any reason you specifically chose Chrysanthemums?

M – Over the years I have found that the shape of a Chrysanthemum flower provides very useful teaching points when showing students some of the key aspects associated with bead embroidery. Use of the correct bead size to achieve the desired perspective, creating a balance of colour and working with different orientations and curves when adding leaves, are just a few.

Q – The stems for the leaves use metallic thread, can you tell us some more about that choice.

M – Traditional bead embroidery only uses silk or metallic threads, and with this piece I really loved the flow of design the stems and the leaves created. So to further accentuate this I included an additional point of interest with the use of metallic threads.

Q – We noticed your book includes a couple of cases for reading glasses, we gather you like them!

M – Actually I like to find practical uses for my embroidery where possible, and yes I do make good use out of my collection of glass cases, however for Floral Parade, you can easily double the design on either the left of the right and use that panel to construct a hand bag, purse, make up bag, whatever you need.

Thank you for the fascinating insights Margaret, it’s always such an education catching up with you.

If, like us, you have fallen in love with this stunning project, you can now purchase a Ready-To-Stitch kit, the details for which are below.

Before we go, the queen of needlework blogging Mary Corbet herself, released a book review for ‘The Art of Bead Embroidery Japanese-Style’ just a few days ago. Why not continue your beading journey and read all about this fascinating book in Mary’s very thorough report HERE.

MAKE YOUR OWN FLORAL PARADE BY MARGARET LEE

Step 1 – Purchase The Art of Bead Embroidery –
Japanese-Style

Who can resist the alluring sparkle and infinite palette of beautiful beads, artfully worked to create truly spectacular results? Discover a whole new world of beading through the pages of this superb book.

> BOOK - The Art of Bead Embroidery Japanese-Style Available HERE

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch Kit for ‘Floral Parade’ includes everything you need to re-create your own fabulous piece including: fabric with printed design, lining fabric, wadding, interfacing, threads and beads.

> KIT – Floral Parade Ready-To-Stitch Kit Available HERE

LOOKING FOR MORE CASES FOR YOUR GLASSES?

IN PLAIN SIGHT – INSPIRATIONS #67

‘In Plain Sight’ by June Goodwin features an elegant twining stem winding its way up the front of this pretty glasses case. An excellent introduction to crewel embroidery, the case is made from linen twill, backed and lined with a gentle cotton print.

> PATTERN – In Plain Sight Digital Pattern Available HERE

KOKESHI – INSPIRATIONS #71

‘Kokeshi’ by Jenny McWhinney is a delightful glasses case with enchanting Japanese imagery.

> PATTERN – Kokeshi Digital Pattern Available HERE
> MAGAZINE – Inspirations #71 Available HERE

LOOKING FOR MORE MARGARET LEE PROJECTS?

HANABATAKE – INSPIRATIONS #95

‘Hanabatake’ by Margaret Lee is an elegant accessories case with Japanese-style bead embroidery and is exclusive to Inspirations issue #95.

> MAGAZINE – Inspirations #95 Available HERE
> KIT – Hanabatake Ready-To-Stitch Kit Available HERE

CIRCLES – THE ART OF BEAD EMBOIRDERY –
JAPANESE-STYLE

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch Kit for ‘Circles’ includes everything you need to re-create your own fabulous piece including: fabric, wadding, sewing thread and beads.

> KIT - Circles Ready-To-Stitch Kit Available HERE
> BOOK - The Art of Bead Embroidery Japanese-Style Available HERE

Imagine being able to view image after image of the world’s most beautiful needlework, uninterrupted. Well that’s what our social media team are working on with the launch of our new Instagram page.

Follow us on Instragram @inspirationsstudios and enjoy stunning needlework, with new images added daily. 

We’ve been told there is even a sneaky photo of our editor Susan O’Connor working away at her desk which she doesn’t know about yet (shhhh… don’t tell her!)

Inspirations Studios has one of the largest image libraries of the most beautiful needlework anywhere in the world, so it’s only fair we share it with all the beautiful people in our community, right?

Look us up on Instagram @inspirationsstudios on your phone, tablet or computer and start letting beautiful take over your life today.

This week’s WAYS celebrates the stitchers who have replaced the average with the beautiful and through their stitching show us that everything really can be made more beautiful using needle and thread!

ACCESSORIES

‘I originally played with Goldwork 16 years ago, but only on a very simple piece. I have just returned to it now after my granddaughter paid for us both to do a workshop at Hampton Court with the RSN as a 60th Birthday present.’

‘That has set me off to love the technique and we have now both visited the Goldwork Guild and had a wonderful day with Janice Williams from the RSN. The collar was designed by myself to enter into a competition run by our area Women’s Institute - a piece of jewellery you would wear to a midsummer ball.

While it’s not a traditional necklace, it's designed to be worn with a strapless dress and although it didn’t win a prize, I am rather pleased with the result! This is my first design and I am looking forward to moving my knowledge of embroidery forward by doing lots more stitching - I am onto monograms now. Chris Evans, UK.’

Chris, the beauty and elegance of your Goldwork collar would be a fitting addition to any midsummer ball’s gown! We love that such a thoughtful gift from your granddaughter has reignited your love for stitching. 

BABY BIBS

‘My love for embroidery, crocheting and even knitting started at home at a very young age under the loving guidance of my grandmother. Embroidery has always been an integral part of my life. It has accompanied me in the most joyful moments and helped me overcome the many difficulties which I have met during life’s journey.

Whilst flowers are my primary source of inspiration, I have just finished this baby bib for Leonardo. Sonia Bisighin, Italy.’

Sonia, with a bib as gorgeous as that, Leonardo is bound to be the best dressed baby in town!

COAT HANGERS

‘I lived in a mining town west of Mackay in Queensland and as there weren’t any smocking teachers living out there, I taught myself to smock about 21 years ago by reading magazines and booklets that I purchased from AS&E.

The smocked dress hanger was made for my niece, Alexandra. Smocking gives me so much pleasure and I am so, so addicted that I can’t give the idea of smocking away! Alexis Parkinson, Australia.’

Alexis, your smocked dress hanger has definitely replaced the average with the beautiful. The trouble is that it’s so beautiful, it would be a shame to hang something on it and cover up your delicate stitching!

HANKIES

‘Although my grandmother embroidered, she never taught me. When she passed away I received some of her embroidered items and liked them so much, I bought some books and taught myself. A few years ago I got interested in Ribbon Embroidery. Again, bought some books and just started practicing.’

‘When a dear friend's mother passed away I embroidered her a hankie to catch her tears at the funeral. I then decided to do that for others, but wanted to make them for a happy occasion, so started matching bride's bouquets with Silk Ribbon Embroidery on a hankie they could wrap around their bouquets. 

I never like to follow a pattern, so usually just draw what I want to embroider. I don't think I have ever kept anything I have stitched; I always make it for someone else. Vicki Wilson, USA.’

Vicki, we love that you’ve created something so beautiful to catch a friend’s tears and that you’ve taken your stitching from sad tears at a funeral to happy tears at weddings! We know your thoughtfulness would have been much appreciated and treasured by each of the hankies’ recipients.

UMBRELLAS

‘My love for embroidery started when I was young and living in Malta. My mother loved needlework and she used to make beautiful gifts to give away - cushions, tea cosies and table cloths to name a few. At school I learnt how to sew, knit, cross stitch, and a little embroidery too. When I got married I didn’t have much time to spare, but I used to sew all of my seven children’s clothes. Just like Mum, I used to include some embroidered touches on each of them.’

‘Now that all my kids are older I use my spare time for craft and pastel paintings.Lately I have gotten involved in lace making and found that I really enjoy doing it because I can create my own patterns and techniques. I have made this umbrella for my daughter’s wedding. Maria, Australia.’

Maria, what an exquisite addition to your daughter’s wedding. No doubt, it was the ‘icing’ on top of her wedding cake!

Have you replaced average with beautiful, made something more beautiful with your needle and thread? We’d love to see it! Emails photos of your ‘beautiful’ and a few details about your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com.

NOT A SUBSCRIBER? JOIN TODAY…

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.

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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

INSPIRATIONS 2018 CALENDAR

The 2018 ‘World’s Most Beautiful Needlework Calendar’ features 12 stunning projects, straight from the pages of Inspirations Magazine.

For the admirer, lush photography brings the exquisite needlework to life. For the hands on, each project can be re-created using our detailed step-by-step instructions available separately.

Bring the joy of beautiful needlework into your home every day of the year, with the Inspirations 2018 calendar.

> 2018 CALENDAR – Available for Purchase HERE

KITS UPDATE

A wide range of kits from previous issues are still available, but they are selling fast. We’ve updated the stock numbers for you this week, as many are nearly sold out.

INSPIRATIONS ISSUE #95 KITS

> INS #95 KITS - Browse kits from Issue #95 HERE

INSPIRATIONS ISSUE #94 KITS

> INS #94 KITS - Browse kits from Issue #94 HERE

INSPIRATIONS ISSUE #93 KITS

> INS #93 KITS - Browse kits from Issue #93 HERE

ALL KITS

> Browse complete range of Inspirations Kits HERE

What: Gawler Textile Art Weekend |
Exhibition by Gawler Branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild of SA
Where: UCare Hall | 10 Tod Street Gawler, South Australia
When: to 15 Oct
Details: Click HERE

What: Ebb & Flow | EGV Member’s Exhibition
Where: 170 Wattletree Road, Malvern
When: to 21 Oct
Details: Click HERE

What: The Batavia Tapestry Exhibition
Where: The Australian National Maritime Museum | 2 Murray Street Darling Harbour, NSW
When: to 29 Oct
Details: Click HERE

What: East Kent Artists’ Open Houses
Where: East Kent | Various Locations
When: to 29 Oct | Sat & Sun Only
Details: Click HERE

What: The House of Dior | Seventy Years of Haute Couture
Where: National Gallery of Victoria | 180 St Kilda Road Melbourne, Victoria
When: to 7 Nov
Details: Click HERE

What: Jeanie Baker’s Circle Exhibition
Where: Tasmania Museum & Art Gallery | Hobart, Tasmania
When: to 26 Nov
Details: Click HERE

What: May Morris | Art & Life
Where: William Morris Gallery | Lloyd Park, Forest Road Walthamstow, London
When: to 28 Jan
Details: Click HERE

What: Textile Exhibition by Steyning So & Sews
Where: Shoreham Art Gallery | 27 Brunswick Road Shoreham-by-Sea, UK
When: 15 Oct to 29 Oct
Details: Click HERE

What: The Port Pirie Branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild of SA | Annual Exhibition
Where: Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery | 3 Mary Ellie Street Port Pirie, South Australia
When: 20 Oct to 5 Nov
Details: Click HERE

What: The Elegance of Embroidery Exhibition | The Mornington Peninsular Branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild Victoria
Where: Peninsular Community Theatre | Cnr Nepean Highway & Wilsons Road Mornington, Victoria
When: 28 & 29 Oct
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