Hi <<First Name>>,

Welcome to Embroidery News Issue 58. Flowers are such an amazing gift of nature.  They immerse our senses with colours and aromas in such a way that, just by being around fresh flowers, the world feels wonderful again.  Not too dissimilar to taking up needlework really!  In fact, the marriage of needlework and flora is one of life’s great pairings, akin to cheese and wine, tea and scones or coffee and donuts.  So select a beverage and its associated pairing, sit back and enjoy this week’s issue of Embroidery News as we present a collection of gorgeous needlework, showcasing flowers in all their stunning glory.

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

Last week we saw how members of the Embroidery News Community in Australia and the USA took up their needles, hit the streets and showed the world what real stitching is all about in celebration of World Embroidery Day. This week we’re off to Russia, South Africa and then back to Australia to see what other celebrations took place in honour of the day.

Image courtesy of ‘In The Quiet Hours Hand Embroidery’

The Golden Needle Club in Khabarovsk, Russia took the opportunity to celebrate World Embroidery Day in conjunction with two other important events on their calendar – their President’s 76th Birthday and Summer Harvest Day.  

The Cape Embroiderers’ Guild from South Africa were able to show the world what real stitching was all about when two of their Guild Members were interviewed on ‘Expresso’ on local Television in honour of World Embroidery Day.

The YouTube clip of their interview can be seen HERE.

The Embroiderers’ Guild of South Australia celebrated World Embroidery Day by having their Annual General Meeting and Election of Officers meeting.  They had a great library sale and trading table, a shared lunch and then the meeting – a most enjoyable day was had by all!

Hopefully hearing how the Embroidery News Community has celebrated World Embroidery Day has now inspired you to start thinking about what you can do to celebrate in 2017. We look forward to hearing all about it!

         - T H E   C O U N T D O W N   C O N T I N U E S –

                  With only 6 weeks to go, NOW is the time to book for BATB 2016.
    CLASSES AND ACCOMMODATION STILL AVAILABLE!

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.

Margaret Light has been a regular contributor to Inspirations for over 13 years now, with her first piece appearing in issue #38, and it is our great privilege to feature her project ‘Spring Delight’ in issue #91.

With a rich and accomplished career in needlework, Margaret is a regular tutor at Beating Around The Bush and is well known for her striking crewel work designs and gorgeous botanical and floral pieces.

To fully appreciate ‘Spring Delight’ we must first understand more about the subject matter at hand – the dogwood flower.

The dogwood has its origins in North America and Asia and is much loved for its superb spring display. Four large colourful bracts, resembling petals, surround the tiny, insignificant flowers at the centre and the beautifully shaped leaves form a perfect background.

Margaret first drew up the design for ‘Spring Delight’ working from photos she had taken in New Zealand depicting the various stages in the development of the dogwood flowers and fruit.

From here she worked in variegated wool threads on linen twill, to stitch this graceful garland which illustrates each phase of growth, from the opening bud to the formation of the richly coloured seed pods.  In essence it’s the complete life cycle of this wonderful flower all told through needle and thread in this spectacular design.

Perfect as a framed piece, this delightful design would also make a superb cushion or a wonderful motif on your next floral-themed project.

CREATE YOUR OWN SPRING DELIGHT

‘Spring Delight’ by Margaret Light 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 Spring Delight.

The kit contains all the fabric, threads and needles you need including: - 30cm (12") square of antique white linen twill - No. 9 crewel & No. 26 tapestry needles - Gumnut Yarns ‘Daisies’ wool threads: 091; 099; 581; 584; 587; 589; 604; 606; 607; 608; 626; 645; 677; 746; 850; 853; 855; 859 and 867. > Purchase Spring Delight Kit HERE.

INTERESTED IN MORE MARGARET LIGHT?

CLASSES

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

> Places still available, register today by clicking HERE.

PROJECTS

A collection of projects by Margaret Light are available to purchase as digital downloads. 

>To view click HERE.

One of the conversations we started last week was regarding a big move Ruth Nuesch has planned for later this year as she moves from Switzerland to Ottawa in Canada. This week we point Ruth in the direction of stitching joy which will hopefully make Canada feel like home in no time at all and also ensure she doesn’t run out of stitching supplies any time soon!

Whilst Barbara Gilbert lives in Victoria, British Columbia and therefore couldn’t point Ruth in the direction of any shops in the area, she was able to recommend the local chapter of the Embroiderer’s Association of Canada – the Ottawa Valley Guild of Stitchery. Their contact information can be found on the EAC’s website HERE.

Alice Hoyle from Alberta in Canada also made mention of The Embroiderers’ Association of Canada of which she is a member and went on to add that ‘I am a subscriber to Inspirations magazine and also an avid reader of Embroidery News – they both keep me inspired! I read of Ruth Nuesch’s upcoming move to Ottawa and her concern that she hadn’t found a source for embroidery supplies.

As I live in Western Canada, I have not been to this store, but I have ordered supplies from Gitta’s website and been very pleased with the service. Gitta’s is located at 271 Lakeshore Road E in Mississauga, Ontario. I also regularly order from Traditional Stitches in Calgary, Alberta and The Stitcher’s Muse in Nanaimo, British Columbia. They both have websites - Visit Traditional Stitches HERE and visit The Stitcher's Muse HERE - so you can order supplies online. I hope some of these suggestions are of assistance.’

Sheila Kimmel from Toronto echoed Alice’s recommendation of Gitta’s as she visited the shop just a few weeks ago and ‘was in embroidery heaven’ and mentioned that it caters to the advanced stitcher. As Sheila is contemplating an imminent move herself, she was also able to recommend that Ruth check out both the Ontario Network of Needleworkers (Website HERE) - and the Ottawa Newcomers Club (Website HERE)

We also heard from ‘A Stitching Friend’ who shared . . .

‘Unfortunately, there are no stitching only stores in Ottawa, but a large wool/yarn store called Wool Tyme which carries a few stitching supplies (the basics - some patterns, basic fabric, thread, beads, needles) it’s not a large selection but helps in a pinch!’ Wool Tyme can be found at 190 Colonnade Road #2 in Ottawa.

Along with both Barbara and Alice, our stitching friend also went on to recommend the EAC - ‘I would seriously suggest Ruth join the Ottawa Valley Guild of Stitchery to get to know kindred spirits in the stitching world and help her find new ways to enhance her stitching stash.’

Helen from Manitoba was able to let us know that the Ottawa Valley Guild of Stitchery meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7 to 10 pm at the City View United Church | 6 Epworth Avenue Ottawa and hopes that Ruth will find some stitching companions.

Ruth, we do hope these suggestions help you settle into your new life in Canada and that you’ll find your stitching joy there in no time at all!

Next week, we’ll unpack Janice’s conversation starter about finding blanketing fabric that doesn’t contain wool, but in the meantime if you have something to add to one of our conversations, or a conversation you’d like to start, please email us at news@inspirationsstudios.com.

NEW DIGITAL PATTERNS RECENTLY ADDED

‘Silken Dreams’ by Monique Johnston & Kris Richards Beautiful needlework bags.		‘Sweet Slumber’ by Annette Drysdale Luxurious embroidered pillowcase.
> Click HERE to purchase		> Click HERE to purchase

LOOKING FOR MORE PROJECTS FEATURING FLOWERS?

Inspirations #89 is an entire issue dedicated to ‘Fabulous Flowers’

Featuring an abundance of blossoms stitched in a range of techniques, from tumbling garden favourites to more formal designs, there is a floral project for every needlework enthusiast.

> Printed copies of Inspirations #89 are available HERE.

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

What better way to start off a floral needlework gallery in ‘What Are You Stitching’ than with not just one, or two, but a whole parterre garden beautifully presented as a pincushion:

‘Good morning Inspirations, I am Margaret from Cardiff, Wales, UK, am 71 years old and only took up embroidery when I retired from work 6 years ago.  I have taught myself cross stitch, embroidery, Goldwork and ribbon work.  I only wish I started younger, but with time restraints on every day life, I never thought of taking up a hobby.  Now there's not a day goes by that I don't have some work in my hand. 

I thought you would like to see the Knot Garden pin cushion project ‘Blooms’ by Robyn Rich, which I made after seeing the talented Janet Granger's completed version on her blog.  It was so pretty, I just had to search for a back copy of Inspirations issue #17, in which it appeared.  I was successful and all my current projects went on hold whilst I got to work!  

I Just love Inspirations. What a treat it is when it pops through the letterbox and I can study the delights of the projects in each new issue. Regards, Margaret’

Margaret we sure are glad you discovered the joy of needlework when you retired, not only do we get to welcome you to the community, we also get to enjoy this delightful pin cushion piece you have created.  It’s really is divine, terrific job.

If you are interested in creating your own ‘Blooms’ pin cushion, the digital pattern is available for purchase HERE.

Nancy Bocskor from the USA is up next with this terrific piece featuring a rabbit rushing off to be somewhere with his bountiful basket of flowers…

‘Hi, I'm a Country Bumpkin / Inspirations alum and took classes in Adelaide with Jan Kerton and Jenny McWhinney back in 2006, where I learned thread painting and stumpwork.  I also discovered Cascade House fibres that I have used in this completed needlepoint design.

The project is called "I'm Late" although I have given him a large pocket watch so he's never late again!   The Canvas design is by Sandra Gilmore and the original stitch guide by the amazing Frances Jue of Stitches in Time in Houston. The lattice background is completed with River Silks threads and I have found some extraordinary trim to use when it's finished into a pillow. Thank you for giving the opportunity to learn and for teaching me how to be a better stitcher, all those years ago’

Thanks for the thanks Nancy, it’s humbling to hear how Inspirations has helped you become the fabulous needlework artist you are today.  This is truly an exceptional piece where you have demonstrated a range of different techniques and methods that have been skilfully combined to bring your rabbit and his flowers to life.  We love it.

Now from a rabbit with a basket of flowers, to a sheep pulling a wagon of flowers!  Denise Park from San Rafael in California USA explains…

‘Good Morning, Thank you for producing such a high quality magazine like Inspirations, when each new issue arrives, the kettle goes on, tea is poured, the feet are up and I relax into the beautiful pictures and stories for the next couple of hours.

Attached are some photos of my two latest projects.  The first is a painted canvas piece from Brenda Stofft titled “Sheep with Flower Cart II”.  I had recently taken a class from Jane Nicholas during her tour of the United States and this piece was just “screaming” for stumpwork elements.  The centres of the sunflowers are River Silk ribbon with beaded centres maintaining the checkerboard pattern.

The second canvas piece is also from Brenda Stofft, a sheep made up of many many many bullion knots. Her wreath is piled up French knots with some stumpwork leaves, and ribbon roses.

I hope that you enjoy seeing something different in the application of thread to canvas.  Thank you, Denise M Park’

Such enchanting, cute designs Denise.  Brilliant idea to incorporate stumpwork into your projects as it really adds a dynamic element, and no doubt you’d be very proficient at French knots now after finishing that wreath!

Our final project for this week comes from Gloria Engebretson of Atlanta, Georgia USA.  We met Gloria in EN 40 (Click HERE) which was another issue featuring flowers, so it’s only fitting she is back again with some new ribbon embroidery designs:

‘Hi Embroidery News, I have just finished another piece on a fabric background by Daniel Ridgeway Knight, an American artist who painted this in 19th century France.

I have also finished a monogram that I embroidered with floss and ribbon from a pattern by Di Van Niekerk and added a stumpwork bee, humming bird, and butterfly.  I continue to teach classes in in the Atlanta area which I thorough enjoy. Kindest Regards, Gloria Engebretson’

Magnificent needlework Gloria, these are some really beautiful works of art you have created and you must be so pleased with your achievements.

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 news@inspirationsstudios.com.

If you are looking for a kit with some floral inspiration, you can’t go past the project ‘Chatelaine’ by Susan O’Connor featuring the spectacular Tudor Rose.

Available in both pink and red, both kits are still available for purchase.

> Order The Red Kit HERE
> Order The Pink Kit HERE

‘Bijou’ by Nicola Jarvis Kits Still Available

Create your own sparking bejewelled Finch with this ready to stich kit which includes, Fabric (unprinted), Felt, Threads, Beads, Sequins and  Needles.

> Order Bijou Kit 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

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 RECENTLY 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

What: 62 Group of Textile Artists Exhibition | Making Spaces
Where: The Silk Museum | Roe Street Macclesfield, UK
When: to 3 Sep
Details: Cick 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: 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
Where: 27 Aug to 10 Sep
When: Buda Historic Home & Garden | 42 Hunter Street Castlemaine, Victoria
Details: Click HERE

What: The Hamilton Craft & Quilt Fair
Where: Claudelands Event Centre | Corner of Brooklyn Road & Heaphy Terrace Claudelands, Hamilton New Zealand
When: 1 to 4 Sep
Details: Click HERE

What: The Wellington Craft & Quilt Fair
Where: Te Rauparaha Arena | 17 Parumoana Street Porirura, New Zealand
When: 8 to 10 Sep
Details: Click HERE

What: The Samford Patchworkers | Quilt Show
Where: Samford Community Hall | School Road Samford, Queensland
When: 10 to 11 Sep
Details: samfordpatchorkers@gmail.com

What: RSN | Stories in Stitch Exhibition
Where: Hampton Court Palace
When: Sep 16 to Mar 17
Details: Click HERE

What: The Embroiderers’ Guild ACT | Annual Exhibition
Where: Albert Hall | Commonwealth Avenue Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory
When: 16 to 18 Sep
Details: Click HERE

What: The South Coast & Country Quilters Guild | 13th Bi-Annual Quilt Exhibition
Where: Batemans Bay Soldiers Club | 2 Beach Road Batemans Bay, New South Wales
When: 16 to 18 Sep
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