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ISSUE 46  |  MAY 27, 2016

Hi <<First Name>>,

Welcome to Embroidery News Issue 46.

Have you ever noticed how there is just something special about needlework?  It’s as if God himself sends His angels when we stitch to encourage and cheer us on. Every week at Inspirations we are touched and enlightened as to how much positiveness and good, comes from stitching. 

Firstly, we are always left dazed and amazed at the vast array of talent our community possesses when we see everyone’s spectacular pieces in ‘What Are You Stitching’. The art form you all are turning needlework into is breathtaking and really something to behold.

Then there are the stories… stories of what needlework does to us on the inside.  The emotional and, to many, the spiritual connection to ourselves and to one another we get from stitching.

What about the physical and mental benefits?  Again we receive report after report of stresses falling away, minds being stilled, nerves are calmed and situations that seem overwhelming become somehow manageable from the refuge of our stitching post.

What greater creative and tactile endeavour could one need? Needlework – tell your friends, if they haven’t tried it, to get on it!


Do you have something to share? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at
embroiderynews@inspirationsmagazine.com.au.

THE BENEFITS OF NEEDLEWORK

Right on cue, just to reaffirm our introduction above, Hazel Cook from Western Australia shares why needlework is so much more than just a hobby in her life…

‘Hello Embroidery News, I was stimulated to send photos of a couple of my projects which were taken from Inspirations, after reading of Luzia from Brazil who is embroidering her way through her husband's illness. My prayers are for her strength and for his return to good health. God answers prayer...

My embroidery story also came from illness. When my 12 year-old daughter Wendy was diagnosed with a brain tumour, I asked my friend if she had a little craft I could take with me, as I waited in the various places that one inevitably arrives at.  She suggested making some little octagonal fabric shapes to stitch together and from that one idea eventually, many cushions, make-up bags and a quilt later, my interest and improving skills led me to the challenge of these cushions, tiny mouse and teeny teddies.

Wendy has been ill for thirty years now, she is a joy to care for and the pleasure of embroidery is also ongoing. She is such an encouragement and admires everything that I produce.  Thank you so much for including so many varieties of needlework, it is an immense pleasure to see you pop up in my inbox.  Kind regards, Hazel Cook.’

If you have a story about the benefits of needlework you would like to share, email us at embroiderynews@inspirationsmagazine.com.au


Join Us In October for Beating Around The Bush 2016


> Printed copies of the BATB 2016 catalogue are still available – Order HERE
> Digital PDF of the catalogue available to download for FREE – Click HERE
> Registration is now open, we’d love you to join us. To sign up – Click HERE



INSPIRATIONS MAGAZINE UPDATE

If your house is always kept in an immaculate state and everything is neat and orderly with nothing out of place, there is a good chance you will really enjoy the systematic nature of counted thread work.Resting Place’ from issue #90 is an elegant Hardanger piece by Kim Beamish and is a perfect project for those who like structured and pattern based needlework.

Resting Place’ takes its styling cues from the extremely popular traditional Scandinavian Hardanger designs, with its key difference being the contemporary use of heavier thread and heavier linen compared to traditional pieces. 

Hardanger is one of those very mobile techniques which, because it is all worked in the hand and typically monochromatic, doesn’t need a hoop and lends itself nicely to taking with you wherever you go including travelling.  Hardanger can be very therapeutic with its rhythmic cadence and repetitive patterns.

The fabric featured in ‘Resting Place’ is ‘Sulta Hardanger’ from ZWEIGART fabrics, Germany who manufacture some of the finest quality materials available on the market today.  ZWEIGART fabrics are easily recognized by their ‘Orange Line’ which is an orange-coloured thread in the selvedge to signify their quality.  These same fine materials are included with our ‘Resting Place’ kit.  You can check out the full range of ZWEIGART fabrics on their website HERE.

Hardanger can also be called the ‘thrill seekers’ technique, as most projects require the very precise and selective cutting out of areas to achieve the wonderful shapes and patterns within the designs itself and one errant cut through the wrong thread and disaster strikes!  Remedies include good lighting, a magnifying lens, and a ‘count twice, cut once’ approach!


GETTING YOUR HARDANGER FIX
Here are 3 ways you can enjoy more Hardanger:

1/. – Stitch Your Own ‘Resting Place’ Mat With An Inspirations Kit

Charming Hardanger mat with castellated edge. ‘Resting Place’ kit includes:

ZWEIGART Fabric
Threads
Needle

Purchase your kit today by clicking HERE.



2/. – Purchase a copy of Inspirations issue #90

Inspirations Issue #90 Includes ‘Resting Place’ by Kim Beamish as well as the following projects:

Tulip
Modern Crewel
Small Change
Honey Bee
Tea for Two
Blossom
Garden Fresh

To order click HERE



3/. – Enjoy Gorgeous Hardanger Projects From Past Issues Of Inspirations

‘Bianca’ – Inspirations issue #66

‘Bianca’ by Patricia Giroalmi – Perfect stitches and precise cutting combine to create this elegant Hardanger mat.

Purchase Digital Pattern of Bianca from issue #66 HERE


‘Treasure Chest’ – Inspirations issue #73

‘Treasure Chest’ by Yvette Stanton and Janie Hubble – Traditional Hardanger in contemporary colours used to decorate a box lid.

Purchase printed copy of issue #73 HERE


‘Queen Of Hearts’ – Inspirations issue #86

Queen of Hearts by Kim Beamish – Elegant Hardanger mat ideal for beginners.

Purchase printed copy of issue #86 HERE


Looking For Counted Thread Work Classes?

Christine P. Bishop is teaching a range of different counted thread classes at this year’s Beating Around The Bush including Hedebo and Reticella.

Book a one, two or three day class with her today by clicking HERE.

INSPIRATIONS KITS UPDATE

Kits for projects featured in Inspirations issue #90 continue to sell out fast with some now on Pre-Order as we wait for more stock to arrive. 

What is Pre-Order? 

Pre-Order simply means we have temporarily run out of stock however you can still place an advance order to ensure you don’t miss out when stock arrives.  So if you are interested in a kit from issue #90, get in quick!

Browse our complete range of Inspirations Kits HERE.

CAN YOU HELP?

Last week we started conversations with Isabel who is planning a trip to Northern France, Patrina who is looking for some advice on heirloom quality linen and Mercy who is hoping to find an embroidery class in Miami, Florida. Well start a conversation we did indeed! Again, Embroidery News Community, we were overwhelmed by your responses for Isabel and Mercy, but are still looking to hear from anyone who may be able to point Patrina in the direction of heirloom quality linen that she can use to embroider linen napkins using our very own Susan O’Connor’s book ‘Monograms – The Art of Embroidered Letters’. If you can point Patrina in the right direction, please email embroiderynews@inspirationsmagazine.com.au.


map courtesy of www.notonthehighstreet.com

This week we dedicate Can You Help? to Isabel’s upcoming ‘Destination Northern France Adventure’ . . .

Whilst Isabel has already made plans to visit the Bayeux Tapestry, she was hoping to be pointed in the direction of a ‘make-it-herself souvenir’ as well as fabric &/or needlework shops in Paris, Giverny, Rouen, Bayeux and St Malo.

Julie McGinty from Oakland in California bought her own ‘make-it-herself’ souvenir from the Bayeux Museum’s gift shop – ‘I bought a kit for a crewel embroidered section of the Bayeux Tapestry. It was fun to do and made the achievement of the original embroiders even more spectacular.’


The Bayeux Tapestry Excerpt

Linda Fenton from Massachusetts in the USA and Victoria C Frank from Northfield in Illinois both made mention of ‘Bayeux Broderie’ which can be found at 8 Rue Saint-Loup in Bayeux. Bayeux Broderie’s owner, Chantal James, was given the right to duplicate sections of the tapestry and now stock kits from the Bayeux Tapestry ranging from individual motifs through to full scenes. Chantal will even take the time to teach you the fundamental stitches used to create the original tapestry. Can’t make it Bayeux to buy a kit?! Their range of kits can also be seen on their website HERE


Chris brought Kathy from The Unbroken Thread to our attention, as Kathy is offering ‘Bateau Bayeux’ - an embroidery course running from Sep 16 through to Feb 17 that will teach you how to create a small part of the tapestry using the Bayeux stitch. Full details of this course can be found HERE. ‘I believe this would create a wonderful memento of such a trip and I am going a horrible green colour just thinking about Isabel’s Trip!

Victoria C Frank, who has become our ‘go to’ member of the Embroidery News Community for all things ‘Destination Needlework Inspired’, is ‘thrilled for Isabel. She will have a wonderful time in France and I envy her visit to Bayeux Tapestry – truly one of the most remarkable embroidery achievements in history.’ Victoria hopes that the following hints will help point Isabel in the right direction so that her trip to Northern France will truly be a needlework inspired adventure!

Victoria recommends the Lace Conservatory in Hotel du Doyen which can be found at 6 Rue de Bienvenue. The opportunity to see the bobbin lace work done by volunteers is not to be missed! The Bayeux Museum also houses a lovely exhibition that highlights lace.

Bucherie Needlepoint’ can be found at 2 Rue de Haut Pave in Paris. Victoria made mention that ‘the lady who owns the shop can be a bit difficult but her canvasses are lovely and her wool threads are much like beautiful Medici. I love this shop and, honestly, find the owner a great character!


Ecole Lesage, founded in 1924 has been creating opulent embroidery requiring countless hours of work and exceptional skills for Haute Couture, Ready-to-Wear and accessories, becoming part of Chanel’s Metiers d’art in 2002. The company founded an embroidery school in 1992 that welcomes those who are passionate about embroidery from all over the world. Victoria suggests contacting them directly to see if they have any short courses on offer while there. Ecole Lesage can be found at 13 Rue de la Grange Bateliere in Parish and their exquisite website can be seen HERE.

Image courtesy of www.desireehammen.nl

The store, Le Bonheur des Dames, which specialises in cross stitch, has a location just near Ecole Lesage. Their address is 8 Passage Verdeau. If time permits Victoria also recommends a quick stop at the bakery just across the road – Le Valentin – ‘a heavenly place that is good for lunch or a quick snack.’


Sajou Scissors

Lastly, Victoria recommends the purchase of the ultimate souvenir for your trip – a pair of scissors from Sajou! Amongst their exquisite scissors, you will also find a treasure trove of needlework inspired goodies. Sajou can be found at 47 rue du Claire.

Isabel, we echo Victoria’s sentiments, ‘pack light so there is room in your suitcase for your treasures and have a wonderful trip!’

STITCH.OLOGY WEBSITE NEWS

Inspirations Issue #71 Now Added

‘Kokeshi’ by Jenny McWhinney – issue #71

Printed copies of Inspirations issue #71, featuring this delightful glasses case with enchanting Japanese imagery by Jenny McWhinney, are now available for purchase.

Projects in issue include the gorgeous ‘Sweet Baby Jane’ outfit on page 82 which is both practical and fun to stitch, or if you are in the mood for pampering a favourite four-legged friend, you will love ‘Puppylove’ on page 36. ‘Chicken Run’ on page 28 by Alison Snepp is a charming table topper embroidered with a circle of hens, plus much, much more.

To purchase a printed copy of issue #71, click HERE


NEW DIGITAL PATTERNS ADDED JUST THIS WEEK

‘Monarch’
by Wendy Innes

A striking stumpwork butterfly and thistle.

For Love Of Country’
by Kathryn Trippett

An ingenious combination of a pillow and quilt.

To purchase click HERE

 

To purchase click HERE

Beautiful Needlework. Sold Here. www.stitchology.com.au

WHAT ARE YOU STITCHING?

Lydia Greenfield from Adelaide, Australia first appeared in ‘What Are You Stitching’ back in Embroidery News issue #12 (click here) where she sent in photos of some gorgeous dresses she had made for her granddaughter Emily, who lives on the other side of the world in Italy.  This week Lydia is back with the next chapter of her story: 

‘Since the last time I wrote in, I visited my granddaughter in Italy and took her the dress I made.  Emily wore it almost every time we went out to some place special and I very much enjoyed my stay.  Now she is older, for the most part the only clothing I would make for her to wear would be a smocked top or nightgown.

I live in Adelaide and when my granddaughter was born, I joined a craft group specifically to learn to smock for her. After nine years of smocking, lots of unpicking and many dresses later, I was asked to assist the teacher (aged 93) and now share my love and knowledge with others. It continues to be a very rewarding passion!

Naturally my 30 years of textile designing in Italy has given me the ability to transfer that creativity into challenging smocking projects. I must say though that the women in my smocking group feed off of one another and come up with very creative designs which are shared with the group. What fun!

I have included photos of my recent, broadcloth and polka dots make for a fun variation on a summer dress. The designs are my own, inspired by the material on the lower hem.  The patterns are variations on two designs featured in Australian Embroidery and Smocking Magazines, sort of a combination/modifications of two patterns ‘Flutterby’ in AS&E Issue 85 and ‘Spirit of Adventure’ from AS&# Issue 34.   Sincerely, Lydia Greenfield’

Thanks for the update Lydia and for sending in more of your delightful dresses for us to admire, they are so bright and full of joy we just adore them.

Someone else who knows a bit about Italy is Piera Tavano who lives in Camino, Alessandria which is about a 90-minute drive west of Milan.  Piera’s needlework has featured in EN 25 and EN 31 and this week she too has some gorgeous summer dresses for us to enjoy:

‘I would like you to see what I have been doing these past few months for my six-year-old niece to show off, just as soon as the sun peeps out, which it is now finally doing.  Over the winter when the sky is cloudy grey and it is still very pleasant to sit by the fire and stitch your heart away, it is nice to look ahead and dream of sunny springtime. 

I have added some ripe cherries which are just like the real ones that had been trying desperately to ripen when the weather here in Italy had been cold and rainy.

I hope you like my newly finished projects as much as I do. Good stitching to all and good work and many compliments for your lovely magazine.  Piera’

Your niece is going to look super cute in these adorable dresses Piera, they really are lovely.  The embellishment of the Strawberries and Cherries finishes them off perfectly.

Jacqui Miles from Paraparaumu in New Zealand has a truly inspiring story how needlework connected her to her mother even beyond her passing away.

When I was young my mother tried to teach me embroidery as this was her favourite pastime, however as a young woman she was unsuccessful as I didn't have the patience and thought embroidery was only for old people!  Fast forward to my fifties and I discovered the joy of embroidery from the pathway of dressmaking, knitting, crochet and quilting - I was hooked. I even managed to make an 80th birthday card for mum with stumpwork pansies (her favourite flower).  She was thrilled that I had finally discovered the joy of embroidery, even though she no longer sewed.

When Mum died in 2011 aged 81 and we found this embroidery piece of hers which was only 3/4 finished.  It was started before I was born over 60 years ago and I have now finished it - one of the blue flowers and the centre leaves are my contribution.  I felt close to mum all through the stitching and I am proud to have finished this for her.  Jacqui Miles.’

That is such a moving story Jacqui and how incredible is it to have a piece of needlework that you have now both worked on.  That is what you call a treasured heirloom!

We end this week on a festive note with Linda Borchardt from Suwanee in Georgia, USA who has stitched up these striking smocked Easter eggs.

‘While it’s a bit late for the Easter issue of your lovely newsletter, I wanted to share my smocked eggs with you.

I love to smock and have made many dresses for my granddaughter from issues of Australian Smocking & Embroidery magazine which I loved, however she is too old for smocked dresses now.

I have been a member of the Embroiderer's Guild of America for over 40 years!  I do and love all types of embroidery and have taught smocking for my local EGA chapter here in Atlanta.  For the past 10 years or so I have become more involved with bead weaving.

The Easter eggs are of my own doing with the ribbons and pearls being my designs and others are adaptations of smocking plates.  The idea came after making many smocked Christmas balls.  Enjoy, Linda Borchardt

Your Easter eggs are divine Linda, we just love the attention to detail in your stitching and the decorating and the pastel colour palette is very much in vogue right now, great job!

What Are YOU Stitching?  We’d love to see it… send your photos, a description of the project and a little about yourself including where you live, to embroiderynews@inspirationsmagazine.com.au.

LOOKING FOR SOME SMOCKING PROJECTS? TRY THESE:

‘Sweet Valentine’ by Susan O’Connor

Classic gingham print yoke dress with hearts and swags of gorgeous red roses. Sizes 4, 5 and 6 years from AS&E issue 95.

‘Seeing Spots’ by Annette Drysdale

White sundress with colourful template smocked spots and ricrac trim. Sizes 8, 10 and 12 years from from AS&E issue 96.

To purchase click HERE

 

To purchase click HERE


THE WORLD'S MOST BEAUTIFUL NEEDLEWORK COMPETITION

STITCH YOUR HEART OUT 2016 – Entries Now Open!

The biennial “Stitch Your Heart Out” needlework challenge is open to ANY SKILL LEVEL, ANY TECHNIQUE, USING ANY MATERIALS and you don't need to attend Beating Around the Bush to enter – it’s for everyone!

Whether it’s your own design or someone else’s and with amazing prizes on offer, this is a needlework challenge for every stitcher and their needle. New or existing projects, there is a category just right for you.

GRAND PRIZE - A full set of magnificent Au Ver à Soie, Soie d’Alger silk threads valued at more than AU$3,500 will be awarded to the overall winner.

This is a wonderful opportunity to share your talents with fellow stitcher’s so don’t be shy – we want to see your work!

ENTER TODAY! 
For more information, including how to enter, download the entry form HERE

SUBSCRIBER NEWS

NEW TO INSPIRATIONS? 
WE BRING THE BEAUTIFUL – THE ONLY THING MISSING IS YOU.

Inspirations is the world’s most beautiful needlework magazine.  We bring all the beautiful needlework projects from all over the world together for your viewing pleasure 4 times a year.

So if we bring the beautiful, all you need to do is subscribe and we’ll deliver it right to your door anywhere in the world.

PRINT | For a print subscription simply fill in our secure online form with your details. It’s so easy and quick, you’ll be done in 5 minutes. Click HERE.


DIGITAL | For a digital subscription you can purchase it 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 are not sure what option is best for you, have some questions or just like to talk to someone rather than type, 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 anytime us at subs@inspirationsmagazine.com.au

YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

INSPIRATIONS ISSUE #73 NOW ADDED

‘Going Dotty by Susan O’Connor – issue #73’

Printed copies of Inspirations issue #73, featuring this this modern and fun throw covered with freshly coloured spots using just one stitch by Susan O’Connor, are now available for purchase.

Inspirations Issue 73 is a special all-Australian edition with eleven beautiful projects from Australia’s top embroidery designers.

Fascinating articles explore the works of some of these skilled textile artists, illustrated with photographs of their work.

To purchase a printed copy of issue #73, click HERE.




A-Z GOLDWORK NOW REFRESHED

The entire collection of the bestselling A-Z series is currently being refreshed and A-Z Goldwork has now been added to our website.

A-Z of Goldwork is full of practical expertise on how to create beautiful goldwork embroideries, enhanced with silk embroidery, while conveying the history and tradition of goldwork through the years.

To purchase your copy today, click HERE


A-Z CREWEL EMBROIDERY NOW REFRESHED

A-Z of Crewel Embroidery is the perfect reference book for crewel work and is overflowing with hundreds of step-by-step photographs and invaluable hints for creating over 16 original designs in styles ranging from traditional to contemporary.  New refreshed edition now available.

To purchase your copy today, click HERE.

THIS WEEK ON FACEBOOK

From Made with Love
VIEW HERE >

 


Beautiful stumpwork
VIEW HERE >

 

Who can relate??
VIEW HERE >


QUOTE:

" Whatever’s good for your soul . . . do that. "
~ Unknown ~

WHAT'S ON

What: What’s the Point? Embroidery as Art | Exhibition, Gallery Talks & Classes
Where: Lemoyne Center for the Visual Arts | 125 North Gadsden Street Tallahassee, Florida
When: to 28 May
Details: canopyoaksega@gmail.com


What: RSN | Peacocks & Pomegranates Exhibition
Where: Hampton Court Palace
When : to 22 Jul
Details: Click HERE


What: Merseyside Embroiderers Guild | Diamond Anniversary
Where: Liverpool Anglican Cathedral UK
When: 29 May to 3 Jun
Details: Click HERE


What: Wollongong Group of the NSW Embroiderers’ Guild Exhibition | Through the Eye of the Needle
Where: Wollongong Art Gallery | Burelli Street Wollongong
When: 3 Jun to 11 Sep
Details: Click HERE


What: Embroiderer’s Guild of Queensland Biennial Exhibition | A World United in Stitches
Where: 149 Brunswick Street Fortitude Valley Queensland
When: 4 to 11 Jun
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
embroiderynews@inspirationsmagazine.com.au

Happy Stitching
The Embroidery News Team


Welcome to ‘The Embroidery News’ published by Inspirations Studios Corporation. You are receiving this email because you signed up online, at a craft show, when you subscribed to our magazines, or when you purchased something from our online store. Subscribe to our mailing list to keep up to date with news and events. If you no longer wish to receive emails from us, we'll be sorry to see you go, but click here and we will remove your email address from this list. Thank you