Hi <<First Name>>,

Welcome to Embroidery News Issue 57.

Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve given issue #91 a warm welcome and looked at some gorgeous gift ideas to celebrate the arrival of babies into our lives.  This week we change gears and present: ‘Fine Feathered Friends Part 3’  This, the third instalment of Embroidery News dedicated to bird lovers, features even more galleries full of stylish and elegant birds ready to show off their fantastically stitched plumage, including a ravishing bejewelled Finch by Nicola Jarvis.   If you missed the first two ‘Fine Feathered Friends’, Part 1 was in EN 36 (click HERE) and Part 2 in EN 41 (click HERE). Our community has so many highly skilled people in the art of stitching birds, it really is a very popular subject matter, so without any further ado… this one is for the birds!

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

Last week we shared how World Embroidery Day was celebrated in Canada and this week we’re off to the USA and Australia to see what other celebrations were taking place, as members of the Embroidery News Community took up their needles, hit the streets and showed the world what real stitching is all about! We took great delight in seeing the current issue of Inspirations Magazine feature in one of the celebrations – make sure you look out for it.

USA

‘Several members of the Indian River Chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of America stitched on the 30th July in honour of World Embroidery Day. These residents of Brevard County in Florida were on a river boat cruise, travelling through several western states, spreading the joy and skill of embroidery in a unique location.’

AUSTRALIA

‘Lynda and I accepted Keryn Cooper's invitation to join her at the Queensland Embroiderers’ Guild on Saturday 30th July. We were made most welcome by the ladies’ present, had a happy lunch together, admired the ladies inspiring work and are hoping to join them again. Thank you for making the occasion possible.’ June Felt.

It’s wonderful to see everyone having a terrific time.  If you have anything to share regarding how you celebrated World Embroidery Day we’d love to hear about it.  Email us at news@inspirationsstudios.com.

        - 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 7 weeks to go, NOW is the time to book. Join with other passionate stitchers from all over the world and with plenty of classes and onsite accommodation still available, 2016 can still be your year to attend.

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.

The best way to describe the project ‘Bijou’ by Nicola Jarvis in issue #91 is to refer to the meaning of the word itself:

bijou (noun)  bi·jou \ˈbē-ˌzhü | A small dainty usually ornamental piece of delicate workmanship : jewel.  Something delicate, elegant, or highly prized.

Nicola’s project certainly is all that and more … such an apt name for a wonderfully vibrant piece.  This spectacular study of a bullfinch resting on a glittering golden swing, is worked in stranded silk and a selection of superb metal threads onto a candy pink silk background.

While the design and ornately patterned sections appear complex in nature, the project itself is relatively straight forward to stitch with silk embroidery used at first followed by a range of standard gold work stitches for the embellishment with all work done straight onto the ground fabric.

It is in fact the clever use of metallic threads and beads that create the lavish surface for this highly decorated finch. 

‘Bijou’ makes use of some wonderful specialist coloured metallic threads which have been around for a while now and are widely available but you may have not come across before, as they are not often used but are definitely worth experimenting with.

So bird lovers, if you are looking for a new feathered friend to add to your collection, Bijou will certainly bring some razzle dazzle, bling and zing to your hoop!

CREATE YOUR OWN ‘BIJOU’ FINCH

‘Bijou’ by Nicola Jarvis is featured in Inspirations issue #91.  Complete with project requirements list, detailed step by step instructions and pattern sheet, printed copies of issue #91 are now available to order.

> Purchase Issue #91 HERE.

An Inspirations Ready To Stitch Kit is also available for Bijou.

Kit contains: Silver No.5 Passing; Metallic French Blue and Gunmetal 018 braid; Metallic Black and Bronze 022; Metallic Midnight Blue and Bronze 060; Baby Pink Millary; No.4 Copper Bright Check Purl; Copper Check thread; No.1 Copper Pearl Purl; Wire Check Purl Supa Blue; Gilt Japanese No2 K12; No.1 Gilt Twist; No.1 Gilt Pearl Purl; No.6 Gilt Bright Check Purl; Beads; Needles and Silk Fabric. > Purchase Bijou Kit HERE.

INTERESTED IN MORE NICOLA JARVIS?

CLASSES

Don’t miss the rare opportunity to attend a class with Nicola Jarvis at Beating Around The Bush 2016 in October, Adelaide Australia.

> Places still available, register today by clicking HERE.

WILD STRAWBERRY

Nicola’s project ‘Wild Strawberry’ from Inspirations issue #84 is a luxurious cushion worked onto sumptuous fabrics with surface embroidery and metal threads.  Printed copies of issue #84 featuring ‘Wild Strawberry’ are still available and include all the project requirements a complete list of detailed step by step instructions and full size pattern sheet. > Order issue #84 HERE.

Last week, we closed our travel diaries for Ireland and Scotland, so as promised we open up our next lot of conversation starters this week and look forward to the journey they’ll take us on over the coming issues of Embroidery News.

Netherlands & Czech Republic Maps Courtesy of Koekoek

We heard from Graciela W Aubey from Wisconsin in the USA who read with interest our travel tips for Ireland and Scotland. Graciela is hoping we can point her in a similar direction to all things needlework inspired for an upcoming trip she’s taking . . . ‘I am traveling to Amsterdam and Prague in October and if you have any tips for me I would appreciate it.  I do not have but a day in each place.’

We also heard from Janice Uehling from Pennsylvania in the USA who has a dilemma she’s hoping the Embroidery News Community can solve . . . I just love your newsletter - I often save it because there is so much to savor and it needs more that a quick read. I'm a new Grandmom of a beautiful granddaughter and handsome grandson.  I would love to stitch a blanket or one of the new teddies for them.  Unfortunately, my daughter-in-law (and so possibly my grandson) is allergic to wool.  I haven't been able to find any good quality substitute that would work for the beautiful blankets in Inspirations or for the Warm Welcome teddy bears.  I live in the US and have tried our chain fabric stores, but I'm worried that the polyester/velour type fabrics won't hold up.  Does anyone have any suggestions? I would love to find a mail order source for something that would be good quality, without wool.’

Ruth Nuesch contacted us regarding a big move she has planned for later this year:

‘I'll move from Switzerland to Canada to set up my new home in Ottawa, Ontario. As an addicted embroiderer, I have been on the lookout for embroidery shops for when I arrive, but so far in vain. Whilst I'll not run out of fabrics anytime soon, one can’t be too careful!  The pile of Inspiration Magazines are already packed for the move.’

Map Courtesy of Koekoek

Embroidery News Community, what do you have to add to Graciela, Janice and Heather’s conversations? Whatever it may be, big or small, we’d love to hear from you! Please email us at news@inspirationsstudios.com

Inspirations Issue #53 Now Added

‘Spring Sonnet’ by Prue Carvell issue #53

Printed copies of Inspirations issue #53, featuring this beautiful blanket decorated with a vibrant garland, are now available for purchase.

Inspirations issue 53 is bursting at the seams with 10 spectacular projects plus needlework articles from around the world.  Enjoy superb project ideas to make in a weekend, glorious stumpwork by Wendy Innes, learn fabulous felting, make a beautiful thread cutter cover, be inspired with great gift wrapping ideas and get tips from our very own master embroiderer herself, Susan O’Connor on creating embroidered flowers.

>To purchase a printed copy of issue #53, click HERE.

NEW DIGITAL PATTERNS RECENLTY ADDED

‘Rouge Bouquet’ by Margaret Light Striking redwork pin cushion.		‘Gentle Thoughts’ by Carolyn Pearce Delightful pansy embellished needlecase.
> Click HERE to purchase		> Click HERE to purchase

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

For part three of our ‘Fine Feathered Friends’ spectacular, What Are You Stitching begins with complete collection of giftware that Shay Abrash from Kirkland in Washington USA has created:

‘I wanted to share my bird projects that I made for Christmas gifts recently.    While I have been stitching off and on for forty years, prior to creating this range of bird gifts, I hadn't embroidered for ten years or more.  I had to look up the stitches!  I was inspired by an exhibit at the Bellevue Arts Museum, in Bellevue Washington, called "Counter Couture" that had fabulous embroidered clothing from the 1960's, including items worn by rock stars of that era.

The birds were made by photo copying an image and transferring the outline to fabric using a light box.  For the whimsical Blue Jay piece, I used an image from a placemat for inspiration. 

The pieces all used chain stitches and French knots almost exclusively.  I hope you enjoy them!  Shay Abrash

Well Shay we are sure glad you attended that exhibition and were inspired to get your needlework mojo back, as even after a ten year break your skills are brilliant.  The recipients of your gorgeous gifts were also very grateful no doubt and well done on creating a magnificent collection.

Marta Aldrighetti has a little bird embroidery she has been working on to share with us:

'I'm from North Italy, in a village on Alps mountain. My village was once in Austria but Italy took it over!  I love to stitch nature images, because nature is so perfect and beautiful!  Bye! Marta’

Your sparrow is adorable Marta, a real cutie.  The scenery and wildlife in Northern Italy is very picturesque, so we can only imagine how wonderful that would be for giving you inspiration.

From Italy now to France where we previously met Amasie in EN #39 with a delightful floral piece she sent in, this week she has joined the bird parade with a project from Inspirations issue #89:

‘I was so inspired by the swallows in the issue #89 project by Catherine Laurençon that, while I usually prefer to embroider flowers, I wanted to try this bird that appears in France when spring arrives.

While the birds did arrive per usual, unfortunately this year spring has not brought us many beautiful days in France I’m afraid.   Fortunately, we have our hands for which to stitch and enlighten our days!  With all my best thoughts from France.  Amansie’

Thank you Amansie, your version of ‘Les Hirondelles’ is perfection, it has been so well stitched, it looks exactly the same as the original piece.  Hopefully the summer weather in France makes up for your disappointing spring! By the way for those interested in this project, kits for ‘Les Hirondelles’ are still available, to purchase click HERE.

Someone else we have met before is Jane Winiarczyk from New South Wales, Australia who featured in ‘Fine Feathered Friends Pt 2’.  This week she brings us an update to the King Parrot piece we last saw as a work in progress.  Let’s see how Jane has been coming along…

‘G'day Embroidery News, I have been steadily working on my ‘Or Nue King Parrot’ project which has taken longer than I had intended thanks to a few interruptions.  In the photo above you can see the piece being worked on and guess who visited while I was working!? 

So I finally finished it and had wanted to add some detail in the green showing the feathers.  I decided to do it at the end but every time I added a line of black to give emphasis it just looked odd, so unpicked it and left it as is.  Now I just have to decide whether to keep, gift or sell!  Regards, Jane’

Congratulations on finishing Jane, it looks fabulous.  Exceptional attention to detail when you compare your piece to the photo you were working from, you really nailed it.  Lovely bonus to have a parrot visit you for some extra inspirations along the way too, in what must be a very special place to stitch outdoors.

Grace Lister from the UK is next to spoil us with a couple of magnificent pieces:

‘In response the Fine Feathered Friends issue of Embroidery News, here are a couple of my bird embroidery creations.  I design everything myself and birds are a great favourite of mine for inspiration.  These two were worked some 30 years apart and are embroidered in surface stitching in long and short stitch but I also do work in other techniques - blackwork for instance.  

I have worked embroidery for many, many years and have also just taken up painting and once again birds are a favourite subject.  Grace Lister.’

What marvellous stitching Grace – just remarkable.  These really are in the masterclass category with exquisite intricate needlework, superb colour selections and shading of threads and such life like features and details in the designs. 

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.

Warm Welcome – The Blanket and The Bears

Kits for the Warm Welcome Blanket and both Pink and Blue versions of the Bears are now available.

Personalise this elegant wool blanket with a monogram for someone special in your life. 

> Purchase kit HERE.

These sweet embroidered teddy bears make the perfect gift for anyone who needs a bear to love and to hold. 

> Purchase kit for PINK bear HERE.
> Purchase kit for BLUE bear HERE.

> Browse our complete range of Inspirations Kits HERE 

Subscribers – don’t forget to save 15% when purchasing Inspirations Kits.  A coupon code is printed on your fly sheet which you can enter at check-out and receive a 15% discount.

Don’t Have A Coupon Code?  If you are a subscriber but don’t have a coupon code, simply email us at subs@inspirationsmagazine.com.au and we’ll email one to you.

Not A Subscriber?  Join Today!

Have the world’s most beautiful needlework magazine delivered right to your door 4 times a year,

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’.

REMINDER – If you have a digital subscription to Inspirations, the new issue #91 is now ready and available to download.

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@inspirationsmagazine.com.au

You’ve read about them and emailed about them, asking… where can we buy the Dandelyne Mini-Hoops featured in issue #91?  FINALLY they are now on our website!

Dandelyne™ Mini Hoops are tiny replicas of the real thing that are just begging for you to stitch something to put inside. It can be as simple or as complex as you like as long as it’s small enough to fit!  The best thing is, they come as either a wearable brooch or can hang from a chain so that you have a perfect, personalised piece of embroidered jewellery. 

> Explore our range of Dandelyne Mini Hoops by clicking HERE

NEW DIGITAL PATTERNS RECENTLY ADDED

‘Sweet Hearts’ by Carolyn Pearce Two sweet little bears in softest ivory wool blanketing.		‘Petite Fleur’ by Kris Curtis Fine linen, lace and exquisite embroidery make this a special gift.
> Click HERE to purchase		> Click HERE to purchase

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

What: The Canberra Craft & Quilt Fair
Where: Exhibition Park | Flemington Road & Northbourne Avenue Mitchell, ACT
When: 11 to 14 Aug
Details: Click HERE

What: Slipstitch
Where: Castlemaine Art Galley & Historical Museum | 14 Lyttleton Street Castlemaine, Victoria
When: 20 Aug to 24 Sep
Details: Click HERE

What: Ighali 2016 | Stitching in Paradise
Where: Belvidere Manor Hotel | 169 Lower Duthie Drive Knysna, South Africa
When: 25 to 29 Aug
Details: Click HERE

What: NSW Embroiderers’ Guild | State Exhibition
Where: Masonic Hall | 315 Concord Road Concord West, New South Wales
When : 26 to 28 Aug
Details: Click HERE

What: 2016 Buda Contemporary Textiles Exhibition 2016
Where: 27 Aug to 10 Sep
When: Buda Historic Home & Garden | 42 Hunter Street Castlemaine, Victoria
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