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ISSUE 112 | OCTOBER 20, 2017

Hi <<First Name>>,

Taken for granted…

It’s a curious thing how most of us only realise the true value of something, once it’s gone.  It’s human nature to think our health, money, loved ones etc. will always be with us, but the more of life we live, the more we know that’s not always the case.   

Do we perhaps take our needlework for granted?

Think of the joy, the fun, the healing, the peace, the thrill and the satisfaction you receive from stitching.  Yet not all of us can stitch as freely as we would like.

Failing eye sight, arthritis, or even time restraints like caring for others, can all mean our ability to stitch is diminished.

Then there are those who just lack confidence, don’t know where to start or are yet to be introduced to the wonders of stitching

For those of us active in the art of stitching, let’s ensure we make it count.

Stitch something beautiful while you can. Teach someone to stitch while you can. Stitch something for someone else while you can.  Stitch as much and as often as you can!

And always remember, needlework is a skill worth cherishing


What have you stitched lately? We’d love to see and hear all about it! Email us at news@inspirationsstudios.com

BENEFITS OF NEEDLEWORK

This week we share a story from the front lines of the recent Las Vegas tragedy, and hear firsthand how Claudia turned to her needlework to help her through…

‘Dear Embroidery News, thank so much for the Ecclesiastes quote ‘A time for everything’ in EN 110. For me the reminder that all things change and continue on, is very fitting for my time and place. As you know, is has been a devastating time in recent weeks here in my city, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Of course, the news has been heartbreaking, every day, all day for weeks. And with my husband, recently retired from the television business, we have watched our reporter and announcer friends struggle through the days and evenings. Seventeen members of our extended church family (including aunts, uncles, the twin daughters of friends, moms and dads) were wounded or killed in the action.

Fortunately, I have been working on a wall hanging for my daughter for months, and the steady back and forth, up and down of my needle and thread have been a deep comfort. I can see moment by moment that there is progress and through progress that things will begin to right themselves.

I'm trying to learn to develop a few designs on my own. My daughter chose a calendar picture which I tweaked to become something I could stitch.

I am not an overly accomplished needlewoman, but through the work and my faith, I have received solace. In the future, when I see this piece hanging on my daughter's wall, I will remember the comfort it brought during dark days and know that there really is, "To everything a season..." Thank you, Claudia Mann.’

Claudia, your testimony reminded us that within the sisterhood of needlework, we are represented in every corner of the globe and for every tragedy we see in the news, someone is stitching their way through that crisis. Such is the power of needlework.  

Thank you for sharing your powerful story affirming how needlework and your faith in God brought you peace - we shall continue to pray for all those affected by that dreadful event.

SOCIAL MEDIA REMINDER

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


With one of the largest image libraries of the most beautiful needlework anywhere in the world, it’s only fair we share it with all the beautiful people in our community!

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

WORLD OF NEEDLEWORK

The following is an extract from the article published in Inspirations issue #95, written by Lynn Hulse.

May Morris: Art and Life

Later this year, the William Morris Gallery in London will be hosting a major exhibition exploring the life and work of William Morris’s younger daughter, May (1862-1938), recognised today as a leading figure in the British Arts and Crafts movement and a major exponent of art needlework.

Destined for a career in the decorative arts, May joined the National Art Training School in 1878, specialising in embroidery. The course was largely practical, but included historical study and training in design. The school’s close proximity to the South Kensington Museum (renamed the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1899) afforded May the opportunity to inspect firsthand some of the finest examples of antique and modern needlework from across the globe. These in turn inspired her own work as a designer and embroiderer, and informed her extensive writings on the subject.

Following in the footsteps of her father and his circle, May sought to bridge the gulf separating the “greater” arts (painting, sculpture and architecture) and “lesser” arts (decorative art and handicraft) and, in so doing, to elevate needlework from a domestic craft to a serious art form.

 

May Morris working at her embroidery frame

In 1885, William Morris entrusted the management of the embroidery department at Morris & Co. to May, then aged twenty-three. The appointment was a testament to her creative skills.

With the demand for Morris & Co. embroideries increasing under her management, May leased premises in Hammersmith, close to the family’s London home at Kelmscott House, complete with a marking-out room in which designs were transferred using the prick-and-pounce method, an embroidery room and a storeroom.

 

Olive and Rose cushion cover

The Olive and Rose cushion cover is a good example of the continuing popularity of William Morris’s patterns during May’s time as manager of the embroidery department. Stitched in the Morris & Co. house style, the panel is completely covered in darning, worked in horizontal rows for the background and following the ‘curves and forms of the design… in the treatment of flowers and other natural growths’ (Decorative Needlework); each motif is outlined in stem stitch.

 

Maids of Honour panel

The embroidery department also sold a range of new designs, derived from May’s botanical drawings, which reflect her love of English hedgerows and meadow plants. A typical example is the panel, Maids of Honour. The design exemplifies May’s dictum that ‘symmetry, order and balance are above all things essential’ (Decorative Needlework), and demonstrates her technique of placing individual elements (a central rose bush) within a geometric figure (a ring of violets).

 

Battye wall hanging, designed by May Morris, embroidered by Frances Battye.

The introduction of birds was to become a prominent feature of May’s designs and can be found in the well-known bed hangings designed in 1891- 93 for her father’s bedroom at Kelmscott Manor, the family’s Cotswolds home.

May stepped down as manager of the embroidery department after her father’s death in 1896 but continued to advise the firm. From 1897, she taught embroidery practice and design at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London and in other art schools across the country.

 

Book bag - designed by May Morris, embroidered by May & Jenny Morris

In the winter of 1909-10, May embarked on a lecture tour of the Eastern and Midwestern United States. In her lecture ‘Medieval Embroidery’, she focused on the role of highly- trained professional women in medieval workshops and craft guilds, arguing that this might represent a model for women working in modern studios. Her desire to promote the proper appreciation of craftswomen led her to found the Women’s Guild of Arts in 1907, the members of which were skilled in a wide variety of crafts as well as fine arts.

 

Panel from ‘June or Thames’ frieze by May Morris

Throughout this period and up until her death in 1938, May continued to embroider, producing special commissions and gifts for family and friends, designed and executed in her own inimitable style.

> For more details about the May Morris exhibition at the William Morris Gallery, visit their website HERE.

Images supplied courtesy of and © William Morris Gallery, London Borough of Waltham Forest.


LOOKING FOR MORE MAY MORRIS?

AFTERNOON TEA WITH MAY MORRIS BY MICHELE HILL

Afternoon Tea with May Morris’ by Michele Hill features appliqué projects based on May Morris designs.

> BOOK - Afternoon Tea with May Morris HERE

INSPIRATIONS STUDIOS NEWS

Inspirations #96 – Launch Next Week

Thunderbirds are definitely GO! as next week we launch the last issue for the year – Inspirations #96. Celebrating the festive season in style, this issue includes 12 fabulous new projects to stitch, so stayed tuned right here at EN as we take a closer look at each one in the lead up to Christmas. PLUS, we have a special announcement regarding digital patterns that is an Inspirations first.

Inspirations issue #96
Official Release Date October 26th

> MAGAZINE - Inspirations #96 Available HERE


ISSUE #96 KITS NOW AVAILABLE

Itchin’ to start stitchin’? We won’t leave you hanging like a Christmas decoration! Ready-to-stitch kits from Inspirations #96 now available.

> KITS - Browse Ready-To-Stitch kits from Issue #96 HERE

FEATURED PROJECT

MINIATURE SAMPLER BY MICHELE HILL

The dynamic father and daughter duo of William and May Morris left a wonderful legacy of design brilliance that we still celebrate and emulate today. If you have ever wanted to try your hand at a Morris inspired design, or are looking for a smaller scale project, we might have just the design for you…

Miniature Sampler’ is a project by Morris connoisseur Michele Hill from her book ‘William Morris In Appliqué’ which is now back in print. Finished as a wall hanging measuring 82cm x 37cm wide (31 1/2" x 14 1/2"), the design features three small appliqué blocks, each with their own different design elements.

Combining all the usual elements of appliqué quilting, ‘Miniature Sampler’ allows you to become thoroughly familiarised with the application, stitches and processes required with the added benefit of giving your practise purpose by turning your sampler into a finished piece.

For those of you with fabric stashes just lying around crying out for deployment (ok – so that’s all of us!), you can either stay true to the original and use Morris inspired prints, or really make it your own by switching it up and use whatever you have on hand. Again, the smaller size offers you a great excuse to experiment and try something new.

If a wall hanging is not your thing, pick your favourite block and create a cushion, use all three designs for a trio of cushions, or if you’re on a roll, use them as repeated blocks to create a full-size quilt top. 

Finished off with gold metallic threads highlighting the appliqué and a gorgeous blanket-stitched pinwheel over the centre flower on the first block, Michele’s ‘Miniature Sampler’ is a terrific little project perfect for quilters and embroiderers alike.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Art Gallery of South Australia, in Michele’s home town of Adelaide, features one of the largest collections of William Morris in the world. If you are interested in joining Michele on an exclusive William Morris tour in November next year, click HERE for details.


MAKE YOUR OWN MINIATURE SAMPLER BY MICHELE HILL

Michele Hill’s best-selling book ‘William Morris In Appliqué' features six magnificent projects including quilts, wall hangings, a cushion, and more than 40 individual appliqué designs.

> BOOK - William Morris In Appliqué Available HERE


LOOKING FOR MORE APPLIQUÉ?

ARTICHOKE – INSPIRATIONS #67

Artichoke’ by Michele Hill is a stunning Morris-inspired cushion.

> PATTERN – Artichoke Digital Pattern Available HERE


MAGIC MOMENTS – INSPIRATIONS #85

Magic Moments’ by Heather Scott is a gorgeous wool and cashmere throw with colourful paisleys.

> PATTERN – Magic Moments Digital Pattern Available HERE


TIME FOR TEA – INSPIRATIONS #74

Time for Tea’ by Kelly Fletcher – This fresh, contemporary tea cosy makes the most of simple appliqué and an exciting variety of stitches.

> MAGAZINE – Inspirations #74 Available HERE
> PATTERN – Time for Tea Digital Pattern Available HERE

WHAT ARE YOU STITCHING?

For this week’s WAYS we searched our files and found some fabulous appliqué and quilted projects, just perfect for featuring in this issue of Embroidery News!

ROSLYN COOK | AUSTRALIA

‘I have stitched one of Michelle Hill’s quilts. It took me 12 months to complete using buttonhole appliqué with one thread of stranded cotton. I just love it along with all her designs. I am planning on starting her ‘Morning Glory’ project - so many hours of stitching heaven! Thank you for your wonderful magazine, I read, and then read them over again and again.’

Roslyn, with colours so beautiful and stitching so intricate, we can’t wait to see your version of Morning Glory!

VAL MARTIN | UK

‘Just thought I would share with you my first completed Inspirations project!’

Val, we love your version of the project from the cover of Inspirations #94, Bright Bouquet! It’s fabulous to see Sue Spargo’s design come to life through your own fabric choices.

The broad appeal and incredible popularity of Sue Spargo’s work meant Inspirations #94 was a sell out! The good news is that our team has been busy creating the Digital Pattern for Bright Bouquet, so if you missed out on a printed issue of #94, you can now create your own Bright Bouquet using our instant and easy to download Digital Pattern.

BRIGHT BOUQUET – INSPIRATIONS #94

Bright Bouquet’ by Sue Spargo is a vibrant appliqué sewing roll with fun embroidered embellishment.

> PATTERN – Bright Bouquet Digital Pattern Available HERE

SUSAN HENDRICK | USA

‘I live out in the county where it is quiet and peaceful in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. This is the room I spend a lot of time sewing in. I am surrounded by nature and quiet. My dog is my sewing buddy - she sleeps next to me on the couch while I sew!

I have always enjoyed handwork, my mother taught me embroidery when I was a young girl and I truly enjoyed it. My favorite stitch then was the French Knot and interestingly, it still is today. I also love using the Bullion Knot and the Detached Button Hole stitch.

About three years ago, my mother-in-law turned me onto wool appliqué following the Sue Spargo method. I was hooked immediately! I have learned a lot from my mother-in-law and from participating in three of Sue’s block of the month club programs as well as the Bigsbys Wool Club that is full of women who are amazingly creative artists.

What is fun now is that I am starting to create my own patterns, deciding my own stitches and feeling comfortable to change a pattern that I might be following.

Now that I am comfortable creating my own designs, I find that I lean towards landscape scenes (trees, flowers, barns and old farm fences,) using earthy colored threads. I have also created a farm landscape cushion using the outline design by Karen Hendrickson.

And yes, I am guilty of losing track of time when I am embellishing my pieces!  I have been known to sit for 4-5 hours, then shocked that the time has flown by! I now set my iPhone alarm to go off once every hour so that I get up and move. Whatever works right?’

Susan, with an inspiring setting, man’s best friend and stitching themes so compelling, how could you not lose track of time?!

HEATHER SEAMONS | AUSTRALIA

‘This is my recently completed first ever quilt! An Earl Grey Moment designed by Lesley of Faeries in My Garden.

Stitched and made by myself, with the quilting exquisitely done by Katrina Wilson of Katrina's Quilting.’

Heather, you’ve taken one of Lesley’s elaborate patterns, stitched it beautifully and Katrina’s quilting is absolutely the perfect finishing touch!

CHRISTINE HARRIS | USA

‘I love both of Michele's William Morris books. I made this lap throw from eight of the patterns in her first book. I designed the rabbit, fox, squirrel and chipmunk with fussy-cut applique, turkey work and embroidery. The leaf arbors were traced onto the fabric and colored with colored pencil, then I used a dark green floss to outline the individual leaves and the stems.’

‘I've loved Inspirations since I saw my first issue. I have recently attended the EGA National Seminar and took classes with Gary Clarke, Alison Cole and Jane Nicholas. I refer to it as my Aussie Trifecta!’

Christine, we love how seamlessly you’ve integrated your own designs with that of William Morris and Michele Hill! What a truly unique lap throw you’ve created in the process.

ANN MARTIN | NEW ZEALAND

‘I've completed ‘Rosa Victoriana’, it was such a joy to stitch and your instructions were easy to understand. I'm looking forward to making many more projects from the page of Inspirations.’

Ann, what a picture perfect rendition of Kris Richards’ glorious quilt, complete with lavish embroidery!

If you’d like to make your own ‘Rosa Victoriana’, complete instructions are available as a Digital Pattern Download.

> DIGITAL PATTERN – Rosa Victoriana Digital Pattern Available HERE

Have you appliquéd or quilted something? We’d love to see it! Send photos of what you’ve created with needle and thread along with a few details about your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com.

SUBSCRIBE TO INSPIRATIONS MAGAZINE

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.

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

YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

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


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


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


KITS UPDATE CONTINUED…

If you are looking for kits from Inspirations issue #91 or #92, the good news is there are some still available. The bad news? They’re selling fast and once they’re gone, they’re gone! 

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

THIS WEEK ON FACEBOOK


How cute!

VIEW HERE >

 


By Trish Burr
VIEW HERE >

 


Absolutely stunning
VIEW HERE >


QUOTE:

" The things you take for granted someone else is praying for."
~ Unknown ~

WHAT'S ON

What: Ebb & Flow | EGV Member’s Exhibition
Where: 170 Wattletree Road, Malvern
When: to 21 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: Textile Exhibition by Steyning So & Sews
Where: Shoreham Art Gallery | 27 Brunswick Road Shoreham-by-Sea, UK
When: to 29 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: 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: to 5 Nov
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: Quaker Stories in Stitching | An Exhibition of Embroidered Panels
Where: The Friend’s Meeting House | Pennington Terrace North Adelaide, South Australia
When: 26 to 29 Oct
Details: Robin Sinclair | 0418 908 163


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


What: Wollongong Group Embroiderers’ Guild NSW | Exhibition of Embroideries
Where: Ribbonwood Centre | Princes Highway Dapto, New South Wales
When: 10 & 11 Nov
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


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