Hi <<First Name>>, The Value of Treasure. How much is something really worth? Have you ever tried to determine what you should charge to sell a project you’ve stitched? You calculate your material costs, the hours spent stitching and stitching, an additional surcharge if it’s an original design, and suddenly it’s a very, very expensive piece of art! In the commercial world, a value is determined by the price someone is willing to pay for it. But when that price is far less than the value you put on it, it becomes a personal treasure. So it is with our needlework.  No-one can put a price on the love, the attention to detail, the emotional energy we put into that which we stitch, let alone the time and material costs.  That’s because it’s not about that… in fact many of us would actually PAY for the privilege to experience the joy of stitching if it came to that! Stitching is a priceless treasure - the process is where the real value lies, not the final product itself. Who can determine the value of our needlework treasure? Mastercard got it right - It’s Priceless!

Do you have some needlework treasures to share?  Email photos to us at news@inspirationsstudios.com

In Embroidery News issue #111, Janet Truncali had her say and suggested we create issues of Inspirations Magazine dedicated to specific regions of the world featuring it’s flora, fauna etc. Here is some of your feedback in response to Janet’s idea:

Response From: Ann Morey

‘Hi, I like the idea of an issue devoted to designers of a particular country. I would love to see more from French embroiderers and I would really like to see some of the traditional whitework and/or needlelace work from European countries e.g. Reticella, Schwalm, drawn and pulled thread work. Thanks, Ann Morey’     

	‘Hidden Delights’ - Schwalm Embroidery | INS #93

Response From: Jeanette Sclar

‘Yes! Please highlight the work of a different country each year! Would love to see series about workers in each country! Jeanette Sclar’

Response From: Angela Smith

‘I LOVE your emails and magazine. I think it would be wonderful to have an issue that spotlights the animals, flora and landscape of a different country each year. We are such a diverse needlework family that shares our passion through your magazine and intranet postings but will never visit each other's homes. It would be lovely to do so in thread. Thank you so much for all your hard work. Angela Smith’

	‘Savanna Glory’ - Native African Lilac-Breasted Roller | INS 95

Response From: Laurie Bartleson Barrett

‘Dear Inspirations, Just a short note expressing my enthusiasm for the idea of featuring different countries... I think that would be wonderful! Sincerely, Laurie Bartleson Barrett’

	‘Flowers of Panicale’ – Ars Panicalensis Embroidery from Umbria Italy | INS 86

Well it certainly looks like Janet’s idea has been well received! Thank you to everyone who emailed in their comments.

Someone else who had some ideas about what they would like to see in upcoming issues of Inspirations Magazine is Trisha Hill from Derby in the UK. In particular Trisha has her eyes on the much-anticipated Inspirations issue #100 which will be released in October next year:

‘I am certainly looking forward to Issue 100 and hopefully 101 which is the start of the next 25 years.

I will tell you what my hopes are to see in the magazine for 100 or 101. Articles and creations by some of your foremost creators down the years such as Susan O’Connor, Kris Richards and Carolyn Pearce, Jane Nicholas, Helen Stevens, Jenny McWhinney to name but a few.

	Chatelaine by Susan O’Connor – Inspirations #89

I would like to see complex items, challenging items and also something a beginner can tackle. I would like to see another vegetable such as you had before (the cauliflower and the corn) Cabbage would be good! - potato? - I think not!! Also a beaded purse by Margaret Lee would be rather fantastic, and maybe Hazel Blompkamp with her amazing Crewel Embroidery. Keep up the brilliant work. Cheers Trisha Hill.’

Thank you Trisha, we have been sworn to absolute secrecy about what or who will be in issue #100, but we can tell you that quite a few of your wishes may just be coming true!

Our final Have Your Say for this week is from Debbie Marston who lives on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Cyprus:

	Image courtesy www.newmarketholidays.co.uk

‘Hello, I am a subscriber to Inspirations and have most (but not all) issues either in print or digitally. I live in Paphos in Cyprus and was wondering if there are any other stitchers in Cyprus I could get together and form an embroidery group. Debbie Marston’

Great question Debbie – if we lived closer we’d love to pop over and stitch with you, but hopefully there is someone reading who might live locally you can connect with. If that’s you, please email us at news@inspirationsstudios.com, we’d love to put you in contact with Debbie.

We begin this segment with some sad news (but don’t worry it gets happy in the end!). Due to the popularity of Inspirations #94, all the print copies of this issue have now been exhausted and we are sold out.

The good news is that we’re currently working on releasing all the projects from issue #94 as digital downloads for anyone who missed out.

> PATTERN – Bright Bouquet Digital Pattern Available HERE

The first two projects are now ready, with ‘Bright Bouquet’ by Sue Spargo already released, and this week the project ‘Victoriana’ by Anne Davies has been added.

‘Victoriana’ by Anne Davies is two classic vintage brooches, reminiscent of a bygone era. These enchanting silk ribbon brooches, are edged with delicate beading and create wonderful wearable embroidery.

> PATTERN – Victoriana Digital Pattern Available HERE

TIMELESS TREASURE BY MARY JO HINEY

Inspirations #96 is a rather unique issue in that it features five first time contributors. Mary Jo Hiney from the USA is one such designer who is making her debut with the project ‘Timeless Treasure’ and this week Mary Jo shares her story with us and explains a little about the elegant art of cartonnage:

‘Cartonnage is the process of creating specifically-sized pieces of rigid and bendable cardboard, covering it with fabric or paper and forming a box shape. It’s an inside-out process and typically used for the purpose of presenting something lovely contained within, such as patisserie chocolates. When I was a little girl, my Dad would surprise us kids with our own heart-shaped box of See’s chocolates.  Long after the chocolates were gone, I kept the boxes, fascinated with how they were made. 

My love for sewing and fabric is a gift from my Mom, a great seamstress and very well taught. She patiently and generously began teaching me little things about sewing when I was just 3 years old.

I ventured into cartonnage in the 80’s when I was selling wholesale to gift stores. At one point, I had the good fortune to work with my cabinet-maker brother, who taught me the sometime-need for 32nds of an inch (less than 1mm) in regard to cartonnage. That experience changed everything for me and I began to spread my wings in terms of shape. 

The most challenging part of box assembly is forming the interior structure. I chose the hexagon shape used for ‘Timeless Treasure’ as it’s an easy shape to assemble and the box size is quite useful. The straight forward techniques of cartonnage combined with the brain-calming influence of hand-embroidery and the freedom of embellishing is an unbeatable creative assemblage.

The ribbon embroidered wreath on the lid in the shape of a circle is a lovely balance to the straight lines of the hexagon and is very pleasing to the eye.

I live in Los Osos on the Central Coast of California, where life is simple, but also trendy. The beautiful scenery is a constant source of calm, which is good for the soul and inspiring for me. It’s from here I run ‘Mary Jo Hiney Designs’ and produce a line of hand-dyed goods in nearly 50 shades of velvet, matelasse, organza, noil chamois, silk ribbons and trims. 

Recently I created my own range of designs called “Ribbon Muse” which is a series of projects I have released as kits which incorporate some of my own ribbons and fabrics.’

Such a treat to have your project in Inspirations Mary Jo, and thank you for telling us about your journey and the wonderment of cartonnage. If you would like to see more of Mary Jo’s designs, purchase any of her hand dyed ribbons and fabrics, or contact her to let her know how much you love her work, visit her website HERE.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

‘Timeless Treasure’ by Mary Jo Hiney is a beautiful hexagonal box using cartonnage techniques.

> MAGAZINE – Inspirations #96 Available HERE
> PATTERN – Timeless Treasure Digital Pattern Available HERE

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for ‘Timeless Treasure’ includes everything you need to re-create this beautiful box: fabric, lace, interfacing, batting, flexible cardboard, firm cardboard, silk ribbons, embroidery threads, beading thread, beads and needles.

> KIT – Timeless Treasure Ready-To-Stitch Kit Available HERE

LOOKING FOR MORE BOXES TO STORE YOUR TREASURES?

HIDDEN SECRETS – INSPIRATIONS #61

‘Hidden Secrets’ by Angelique Benseghir-Vergnault is a fascinating embroidered etui.

> PATTERN – Hidden Secrets Digital Pattern Available HERE
> MAGAZINE – Inspirations #61 Available HERE

HOME SWEET HOME – INSPIRATIONS #91

‘Home Sweet Home’ by Anne Davies is a handy pincushion and container inspired by basket beehives.

> MAGAZINE – Inspirations #91 Available HERE

TINY TREASURES – INSPIRATIONS #65

‘Tiny Treasures’ by Betsy Morgan is an exquisite cross stitch etui stitched in a rainbow of silk threads and filled with a collection of dainty sewing accessories.

> PATTERN – Tiny Treasures Digital Pattern Available HERE

SIMPLY RED – INSPIRATIONS #63

‘Simply Red’ by Judy Jeroy features a stunning red cardinal – the perfect decoration for the top of this lovely oval satin box.

> PATTERN – Simply Red Digital Pattern Available HERE
> MAGAZINE – Inspirations #63 Available HERE

TREASURE CHEST – INSPIRATIONS #73

‘Treasure Chest’ by Yvette Stanton and Janie Hubble is a dainty box using traditional Hardanger in contemporary colours.

> MAGAZINE – Inspirations #73 Available HERE

Mary Jo Hiney’s project featured above is the perfect vessel for storing your ‘Timeless Treasures’! This week’s WAYS celebrates the stitchers who have created their own pieces from needle and thread that are perfect for storing their own ‘timeless’ treasures…

DIANA CROSS

‘As a child, my European mother always suggested that gifts to friends and family should be handmade. My mother subscribed to ‘Needlework Magazine’ from the US in the 50’s and 60’s and this is where I often found inspiration. Very few of the raw materials were available in our home country of Australia so we had to adapt.’

‘After many years of being part of the arts and crafts industry as a distributor, designer, magazine editor and live television presenter, I was asked to teach a class on wool embroidery to a group of ladies. After many weeks of sketches, I came up with a design to include a number of different stitches. Then decided to turn the piece of work into a drawstring bag. Having never made such an item this became intimidating and a challenge which I kept putting off. As the deadline came closer I was forced to sit down and sew. Thankfully it worked!’

Diana, it more than worked! Your drawstring bag has become the perfect vehicle for displaying your teaching ‘sampler’ and will prove most handy to store a variety of bits and pieces.

DEB PEREIRA

‘I've been quilting for over 30 years and like to attend as many large quilt shows as I can to get new inspiration. About four years ago I was introduced to Brazilian Embroidery at one of these shows. I have always done many types of handwork, but had never seen such beautiful pieces! I thought it would be a great addition to a crazy quilt.

After talking to the vendor and doing some research, I realized I would have to teach myself as there were no teachers in my area. At the same time, I was very interested in the Civil War. I learned that the solders carried a sewing kit called a Hussif, Housewife, or Hussy.

I did more research and decided I needed one for myself! A small one wouldn’t do, but rather I needed a large one to hold all my tools! Because I needed it to be strong enough to last and protect my tools, I decided to use wool for the components and silk for the lining. It took about a year to design and sew.

I brought it to my first Brazilian Embroidery Seminar and won first place in my division and best of show. I continue to design new designs but as I like to learn at least one new technique a year and always look forward to what’s next. Perhaps lace making? There is so much to learn!’

Deb, what a perfect way to combine your love of Brazilian Embroidery and your interest in history all into one incredibly practical storage piece!

JANET BURGESS

‘Inspirations Magazine and Embroidery News continue to inspire me daily, thank you for such wonderful publications!

Years ago I stitched Jenny McWhinney's little piece ‘Sakura’ that was featured in Inspirations #58. This inspired me to create a few more tiny needle cases.

I have drawn on different pieces from Inspirations as you can see from my embroideries. The needle cases are about 6cm square in size and the borders are a mix of tiny beads.’

‘They have given me enormous pleasure and as I stitch, I think about the next piece. Perhaps butterflies, violas, little birds, or perhaps a little Deerfield? The scope is never ending. I find I'm drawn back to past issues of Inspirations over and over again and that in itself is a joy!’

Janet, we love that the images from Inspirations have inspired you to create such beautiful storage. Your needles are indeed lucky to be kept in such gorgeous needle cases!

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

CALENDAR REMINDER – YOU’LL NEED A NEW ONE!

Get a jump start on the new year and get ready to fill your life with beautiful, by purchasing the 2018 Inspirations ‘world’s most beautiful needlework’ calendar. 

Featuring 12 stunning projects straight from the pages of the magazine, all presented in larger than life high gloss print.

> 2018 CALENDAR – Available for Purchase HERE

MAKE YOUR OWN SIMPLE STITCHES BY CHLOE REDFERN

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

‘Simple Stitches’ by Chloe Redfern is a pair of fun and vibrant designs for small hoops.  A dazzling lorikeet and sunny zinnia are both included.

> MAGAZINE – Inspirations #96 Available HERE
> PATTERN – Simple Stitches Digital Pattern Available HERE

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for ‘Simple Stitches’ includes everything you need to create both charming hoop embroidery designs: fabric, felt, embroidery threads and needle.

> KIT – Simple Stitches Ready-To-Stitch Kit Available HERE

MORE SIMPLE STITCHES

Try the book ‘Embroidered Home’ by Kelly Fletcher

‘Embroidered Home’ by Kelly Fletcher is a fresh and inspiring collection of modern embroidery designs for every level of expertise and to suit every style of home.

> BOOK – Embroidered Home Available HERE

MORE MINI HOOPS

Dandelyne™ Mini Hoops are tiny replicas of the real thing that are just begging for you to stitch something to put inside. They come as either a wearable brooch or can hang from a chain so that you have a perfect, personalised piece of embroidered jewellery.

> BROWSE The range of Dandelyne Hoops 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: Wollongong Group Embroiderers’ Guild NSW | Exhibition of Embroideries
Where: Ribbonwood Centre | Princes Highway Dapto, New South Wales
When: 10 & 11 Nov
Details: Click HERE

What: The Embroiderers’ Guild of Queensland | Christmas Craft Fair
Where: 149 Brunswick Street Fortitude Valley, Queensland
When: 26 Nov | 8:00 to 12:00
Details: Click HERE

What: Jeanie Baker’s Circle Exhibition
Where: Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens | Brisbane, Queensland
When: 11 Dec to 25 Feb
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