Hi <<First Name>>,

Welcome to Embroidery News Issue 54.

Where to begin… perhaps with ‘From Russia With Love?’ What an incredible response we have had from this segment over the past couple of weeks, and we have more exciting updates from our Russian friends this week for you.  How about ‘Christmas In July’? Everyone LOVED our special theme for EN last week and thank you for all the lovely compliments we received, some we have shared below.  World Embroidery Day is coming up and the interest is continuing to build with a bit more news on that this week too.  Then there was the rush on orders for the new kits from issue #91, our kit department has been working overtime to keep up.  Mary Corbet’s recent review of Susan O’Connor’s Chatelaine kit has meant we have sold out of those yet again and are working on re-stocking as we type.  Our new calendar is now being dispatched so thank you to all who ordered so far.  All this and we haven’t yet begun to talk about the excitement being generated by our subscribers as issue #91 makes its way to everyone around the globe.  So where to begin?   At the start of-course!  Let’s get going with yet another action packed, all you can eat, nothing but the best needlework in the world, issue of Embroidery News.

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

After celebrating Christmas in July last week with a selection of festive projects and wondering why many of us choose to mark this occasion, we heard from Marjorie Holme and Valerie Justus-Rusconi, both from the USA, who confirmed what we’d always suspected – we celebrate Christmas in July so we have plenty of time to get our stitching ready in time for the real Christmas!

‘The first I ever heard of Christmas in July was in magazines for crafters and needle workers.  You needed to begin your projects in July to have them complete to give at Christmas.  Here many needlework and quilting shops have Christmas in July sales - with holiday theme fabric and designs on sale - to remind everyone to get going on those gifts.’ Marjorie in Illinois.

‘As I recall, the Plaid Corporation started this marketing angle back in the late 70's / early 80's. I was a craft store manager back then. The idea was that if you don't start crafting for Christmas in July, your gifts won't be finished in time. You just can't knit sweaters for your whole family by starting them in November! It did not take long for many more craft supply companies to follow suit.’ Valerie in California.

Not to panic you, but since celebrating Christmas in July last week, another week has passed and there is now only just under 23 weeks until Christmas 2016, so once you’ve finished reading this week’s issue of Embroidery News, it’s time to get stitching – Christmas stitching to be precise!

        - T H E   C O U N T D O W N    H A S    B E G U N –

Thinking of joining us for BATB 2016?  With only 10 weeks to go, NOW is the time to book. Plenty of classes still available, we have quality, yet cost effective on-site accommodation for you, and best of all you’ll be surrounded by passionate stitchers just like you from all over the world.

20 of the world’s best tutors, 62 of the world’s most beautiful needlework projects, 7 of the best days of your life.

What are you waiting for?  Book Today!

> Digital PDF of the catalogue available to download for FREE – Click HERE.
> Printed copies of the BATB 2016 catalogue – Order HERE.
> Registration online and see list of classes and accommodation – Click HERE.

Over the last couple of issues of Embroidery News, we’ve introduced you to Natalia Nyrova who is the International Cooperation Project Manager from the Golden Needle Club in Khabarovsk, Russia. As Natalia continues her quest to connect with, and live as part of, the global needlework community she has sent us photos that were taken at the Golden Needle Club to share with the Embroidery News Community.

‘These photos have been taken at our club today. Apart from being busy with embroidery and lace making, it is summer here now and the Russian grandmothers (Babushki) are also busy with their summer vegetable gardens (called ‘dacha’) growing various vegetables, berries, fruits and herbs.’

In next week’s issue of Embroidery News we’ll share what the Golden Needle Club are doing to prepare for their Arts & Crafts Exhibition in 2017 and how they’d like to involve you, so make sure you stay tuned!

ISSUE #91 PREVIEW

Inspirations issue 91 is all about ‘Timeless Treasures’ and is filled with pages of inspiration to stitch something perfect for those you treasure, including fabulous ideas for new-borns and superb additions for your accessories stash.

Our editorial team are always receiving requests from our readers for a range of different projects to be included in upcoming issues of Inspirations. From specific needlework techniques to different designers, to a range of project categories, there is always a long list they’re working through.

A frequent request is for children’s blankets and for those who have been waiting patiently, the team has really looked after you this time around as there is not one, but two adorable children’s blankets for you to enjoy in issue #91!

Plus, there is also a pair of super cute bears and an exquisite linen baby dress as well.

As we get closer to the official launch of Inspirations issue #91, last week the digital version was released, so by now all our Zinio subscribers should have received a notification that issue 91 is available for download.

ISSUE #91 PRINTED SINGLE COPIES NOW AVAILABLE

Issue #91 has been added to our website this week so you can purchase a printed single copy and have it delivered to your door anywhere in the world. To order your copy today, click HERE.

ISSUE 90 KITS – FINAL CALL!

Kits from Inspirations issue #90 have been extremely popular, with many now sold out.  This week is our FINAL CALL for some of the remaining i90 kits as follows:

To order ‘Tea For Two’ Kit (2 remaining) click HERE
To order ‘Resting Place’ Kit (4 remaining) click HERE
To order ‘Small Change’ Kit (2 remaining) click HERE

Once these kits have sold out, no further stock will be available.

To browse our complete range of kits including Honey Bee and Modern Crewel, please click HERE.

Please note quantities listed above accurate as of 4pm Friday July 22nd, Australian Central Time.  Check website for current stock levels.

Over the last few weeks we’ve grown our repertoire of needlework hints and tips about needle sizes, lights and magnifying glasses, satin stitch success and the annoying lines embroidery hoops can leave on our work. Now this week we’ll unpack our next lot of conversation starters and see where they lead us . . .

Our first conversation starter comes from a member of the Embroidery News Community who has Ireland set as her next ‘Destination Needlework Adventure’ – ‘I'd love some suggestions of places to shop in Ireland as I am traveling there at the end of September.’

map courtesy of koekoek

Maureen from Maryland also has Ireland on her travel itinerary – ‘I enjoy Friday mornings with my tea and Embroidery News.  I will be going to Ireland in August, mostly the west coast and Galway.  I was wondering if anyone can point me in the direction of any shops for embroidery and embellishments.  I am sure I will find several lovely yarn stores but can't seem to find any for embroidery, ribbons or laces. Thank you for any help.’

map courtesy of koekoek

From Ireland to Scotland and England  . . . ‘I will be traveling to both Edinburgh in Scotland and Manchester in England in September. Any suggestions of combining my love for needlework and these destinations?’ Barbara Todd.

Now from searching for stores in faraway places to searching for fabric in faraway stores!

Judy Mackley from Natimuk in Victoria, Australia is ‘searching for this toile fabric as Judy Newman is using it as a centre, and border in her new quilt pattern ‘Into the Woods’. It is apparently made in Japan, but I have no idea of the designer or manufacturer. I require 2 to 2.5 metres for the quilt, preferably in the softer pink colourway.’

Over to you Embroidery News Community – if you have anything to add to Maureen, Barbara or Judy’s conversations, please email us at
embroiderynews@inspirationsmagazine.com.au.

Inspirations Issue #91 Now Added

Single copies of Inspirations issue 91 are now available and can be shipped anywhere in the world. To purchase your copy, click HERE.

NEW DIGITAL PATTERNS ADDED JUST THIS WEEK

‘Sitting Pretty’ by Phyllis Maurer Kogin style embroidered chair pad or cushion.		‘Lavender Delight’ by Marie Suarez Dainty embroidered sachet with monogram.
Click HERE to purchase:		Click HERE to purchase

Special Note – Lavender Delight

Monogramming has been a very popular topic of late, no doubt helped along with the re-released of Susan O’Connor’s book ‘Monograms – The Art Of Embroidered Letters’.  The digital pattern added this week ‘Lavender Delight’ by Marie Suarez from Inspirations issue #62, is a gorgeous embroidered sachet which also comes with a complete 26-character alphabet so you can personalise your sachet however your please.

For only AU$9.99 it represents terrific value for money, even if you purchase it just for the alphabet.

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

Yet another superb demonstration of needlework talent and creativity is on display this week, with Joan Kolar from Mount Annan near Sydney Australia, getting us started by telling us about her projects we recently shared on our Facebook page:

‘Good evening, I thought you might be interested to see my basket of biscornu that I embroidered in my early days of embroidery where I tried a couple of different stitches – cross stitch, Hardanger and Holbein stitch.  I used stranded cotton; metallic stranded; perle; and various buttons, beads and sequins.  Most of the biscornu were given away as gifts to friends and family.  I still have a couple that I use quite regularly.  I thoroughly enjoyed making them and learning how to make the biscornu.

I’ve also attached a photo of a blackwork chessboard that I made which was based on a design in The New Anchor Book of Blackwork, although I changed some of the patterns in individual squares and also used a different motif in the corners and centres of the borders. 

Unfortunately, my current lifestyle doesn’t allow me a great deal of time to embroider, which I rather miss.  Hopefully things will change soon and I’ll be able to get back to some of my unfinished projects!

Thank you so much for sharing!  It’s wonderful to be able to see some of the beautiful work done by so many talented people.  Happy stitching!  Joan Kolar.’

We agree Joan it really is wonderful to see all the amazing projects people send in each week and we’re so glad you joined in on the fun by sending us your fabulous projects for us to admire.  We do hope you can get back to your needlework sooner than later.

Peggy Miltier from Portsmouth in Vancouver USA has appeared in Embroidery News a few times in the past and this week she is back to razzle and dazzle us with some beautiful table runners:

‘This is my interpretation of the Wooly Ladies Heirloom Gardens project.  Instead of putting my blocks into a quilt, I decided to make three table runners.  One for each of my sisters and one for myself.  It was such fun to embellish the blocks with beads and embroidery. The panels featuring 'dogwood' and the 'lily of the valley' are two blocks I designed myself.  Embroidery is my first love and being able to work with this beautiful wool and the freedom to embellish the blocks and add my own touches has been so rewarding.  Peggy.’

Wonderful creativity Peggy, such an excellent idea to create table runners as an alternative to a quilt, and we love the panels you designed yourself.  Brilliant!  Your sisters are extremely lucky.

While we’re on the topic of table decorations, Cathy Pratt from Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA has sent us some ‘work in progress’ photos of some placemats she is creating…

‘Hello Embroidery News folks, and happy Friday!  Here are some photos of the first in a set of placemats I am working on, using pulled and drawn thread techniques in brown and green shades.  I hand dyed the linen using walnuts for the brown, and a local grass for the green.  I don't have pictures of the green as yet, but it is a bright spring green.  The threads I am using are subtly variegated, so there are a lot of gentle changes in color.  My plan is to have the placemats be reversible, with one side in the brown shades, and the other in greens, and each color fabric showing through the lacy areas made by the embroidery.  So far I only have the embroidery on one brown side done. Thanks as always for such a great magazine and community to share this with!’

Wow Cathy these are going to be some very fancy designer series placemats when you have finished – they look amazing already!  You are really giving them some extra special love too by dying your own threads, we can’t wait to see the photos when you have finished.

For our final project this week we have a special guest star joining us.  Gita R. Levin from New Jersey in the USA tells us more…

‘I just finished this bear from ‘The Embroidered Patchwork Bear’ book by Carolyn Pearce.  The bear's name is Bettina and she has frogs on her feet, bugs on her ears and a beaded butterfly on her hand in addition to lots and lots of other embroidery, beading and crocheted flowers on the back of her head.  She was very enjoyable as well as challenging to make.  All of the fabric came from my stash as did some of the beads and threads.

I have two other books by Carolyn Pearce and I'm in the process of deciding which one to use next!  Gita R. Levin’

Super Cute! Bettina is adorable Gita we just LOVE her!  All the little personal touches you added make her so unique and when Carolyn sees her she will be over the moon.  Thank you so much for sharing her with us all…

We also need to thank Gita for prompting us to add Carolyn’s book ‘The Embroidered Patchwork Bear’ to our website. Printed copies of this single project book are now available for purchase through our website HERE.

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.

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

After sharing June Felt’s letter about her desire to gather with other members of the Embroidery News Community to celebrate World Embroidery Day on the Gold Coast in Australia last week, we heard from Keryn Cooper . . .

‘I belong to the Gold Coast Embroiderer's Guild who meet at 7 Mick Vievers Way (off Queen Street) in Southport. We will be meeting on Sat 30 Jul between 9:30 & 2:30. June Felt and her friends would be most welcome, and anyone can come at any time in between those hours and stay as long as they like!’

Thank you for the lovely invite Keryn, don’t forget to take some photos on the day so you can share with us how it all goes.

Inspirations Kits

Kits for the projects featured in the new issue of Inspirations #91 are now available for order.

To browse these new Inspirations kits, click HERE.

Inspirations Issue #48 Now Added

‘Santa’s Little Helper’ by Beth Allen issue #48

Printed copies of Inspirations issue #48, featuring this delightful Christmas bear with a sack full of toys, are now available for purchase.

Inspirations issue 48 features a potpourri of projects including a silk dupion cushion with ribbon embroidered blooms, flower carrier embroidered with hydrangeas, flowers to frame, fairy on cashmere blanket, bootees and bib in the traditional French technique boutis, a silk ribbon embroidered coat hanger, Christmas bear and a regal silk Christening gown. To purchase a printed copy of issue #48, click HERE.

Now Available!
Inspirations Brand New 2016/17 Calendar

We have created this gorgeous monthly wall calendar for you to enjoy a stunning Inspirations project every month as it softly calls to you ‘stitch me!’.  Our 16 month wall calendar features:

> Dates for public holidays for Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA and Canada
> Open measurement is 60cm x 30cm wide (24" x 12")
> September 2016 through to December 2017

To order your copy and have it shipped directly to your door anywhere in the world, click HERE. 

What: The Embroiderers Guild of WA | Stitch in the City
Where: Woogies Espresso | King’s Square Perth, Western Australia
When: Tuesdays 11:30 to 1:30
Details: Tracey Hollands – niffty@iinet.net.au or 0478 635 850

What: 62 Group of Textile Artists Exhibition | Making Spaces
Where: The Silk Museum | Roe Street Macclesfield, UK
When: to 3 Sep
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, New South Wales
When: to 11 Sep
Details: Click HERE

What: Shoreline Stitchers’ Showcase | CALL FOR ENTRIES!
Where: South Coast Botanic Garden | 26300 Crenshaw Blvd Palos Verdes Peninsula, California
When: 1 & 2 Oct
Details: Click HERE

What: Making the Australian Quilt: 1800 to 1950
Where: National Galley of Victoria Australia | Federation Square – Flinders Street & Russell Street Melbourne, Victoria
When: 22 Jul to 6 Nov
Details: Click HERE

What: The Melbourne Craft & Quilt Fair
Where: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre | 1 Convention Centre Place South Wharf, Victoria
When: 28 Jul to 31 Jul
Details: www.craftfair.com.au

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