Hi <<First Name>>, 2016 has been a big year at Inspirations HQ.  We published 4 issues of Inspirations Magazine (#89 #90 #91 & #92) launched our new book ‘A Passion For Needlework’, released a 2016/2017 wall calendar, brought the book ‘Home Sweet Home’ back in print, hosted over 250 fabulous stitching enthusiasts at Beating Around The Bush, held Kaffe Fassett events in Canberra and Adelaide, set sail for another Masterclass On The Mekong, created ready to stitch kits for over 40 different projects, added 50+ digital patterns to our growing download library, and sent 43 issues of Embroidery News, including this one, the last for 2016. But that is just a drop in the ocean compared to all the amazing projects that the needlework community at large created in 2016, many of which (over 200 in fact) we enjoyed sharing right here in EN.  Together we really did make the world a more beautiful place because of our needlework and from our Inspirations family to yours, may your homes be filled with laughter and joy this Christmas.  Thank you for all your support, kind words, encouragement and most of all your participation, we look forward to doing it all again with you in 2017, when EN returns on January 27th.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Share your needlework journey with us by emailing news@inspirationsstudios.com

As this is the final issue of Embroidery News for 2016 and the Inspirations office will be closed over the Christmas / New Year break, please make note of the following:

ONLINE ORDERS

Online orders received BEFORE December 21st will be fulfilled and dispatched per usual, subject to stock availability. Orders received AFTER December 21st will be not be processed or shipped until JANUARY 10th.

PHONE CALLS & EMAILS

The Inspirations office will be unattended from Friday Dec 23rd until Tuesday January 10th, so feel free to leave a voice message which we will respond to soon as possible upon our return. Please note this also applies to emails.

NEXT ISSUE OF INSPIRATIONS #93

Inspirations issue #93 will begin arriving to subscribers middle to late January, with the digital issue released January 26th. The official release date for issue #93 is February 9th, after which time it will be available at selected newsstands and book stores.

NEXT ISSUE OF EMBRODIERY NEWS #73

The next issue of EN and the first for 2017 will be #74 and is scheduled to arrive in your Inbox January 27th.

Save the date and invite your friends for a needlework experience like no other as Inspirations presents Beating Around The Bush 2018.

Join us from October 3rd to 10th 2018 in Adelaide, Australia and help us celebrate 10 years as the world’s most beautiful needlework convention.

Stay tuned to Embroidery News for more information about BATB 2018 coming soon.

> Purchase your copy of the Inspirations 2017 Wall Calendar HERE.

It’s Another Very Merry Trish Burr Embroidered Christmas

One of the most popular Christmas themed projects we have featured in Inspirations, has been ‘Prancer’ by Trish Burr from issue #88.  You will see for yourself how popular it is in ‘What Are You Stitching’ below.

This year Trish is back with another stunning Christmas project which is sure to be equally as popular.

Shades Of Christmas by Trish Burr

This is the quintessential modern day Christmas stitching project.  ‘Shades Of Christmas’ features a classic wreath made up of iconic Christmas symbols, stitched in a combination of traditional surface embroidery techniques accentuated with subtle use of thread painting, couching and eyelets, presented in a contemporary hoop.

The garland is a potpourri of all things Christmas including holly leaves and berries, poinsettias, pine cones, mistletoe, acorns, even a pudding with berries thrown in for good measure, all neatly wrapped up with bow on top.

What really makes this project a stand out is the very clever and subtle use of threadpainting to give each symbol a burst of colour and shading, which is then further enhanced with couching giving the finished piece a three dimensional, rich textured finish.

Thank you Trish for creating yet another Christmas masterpiece for us all to enjoy.  We look forward to seeing all the photos come in from needlework fans across the globe as they eagerly re-create this gorgeous design.

MAKE YOUR OWN ‘SHADES OF CHRISTMAS’

Step 1/. – Purchase Inspirations Issue #92

‘Shades Of Christmas’ by Trish Burr is featured in Inspirations issue #92.  Complete with a comprehensive project requirements list, detailed instructions, step-by-step diagrams for dot stitch, satin stitch dots, and eyelets as well as design templates included on the pattern sheet, everything you need to know is included.

> Printed copies of issue #92 are now available to order HERE.

Step 2/. – Purchase ‘Shades Of Christmas’ Kit

Kit contains everything you need to re-create the wreath as shown in the magazine with the finished size measuring 12cm x 13cm wide (4 3/4" x 51/8") – all you need to do is use your own hoop and ribbon.

Ready To Stitch Kit contains: fabric, embroidery threads and needle.

BACK IN STOCK – Yet another project from issue #92 that sold out in the first weeks of release. ‘Shades Of Christmas’ kits are now back in stock.   

> Purchase ‘Shades Of Christmas’ Kit HERE.

LOOKING FOR MORE TRISH BURR?

With so many fabulous Trish Burr projects featured in Inspirations over the years to choose from, it’s an embarrassment of riches.  Here are just a few to whet your appetite:

A great place to start for Trish Burr brilliance is Inspirations issue #88 which includes the projects ‘Winter’s Song’ (as seen on the front cover) and ‘Prancer’ (see ‘What Are You Stitching’) below.

> Purchase printed copies of issue #88 HERE

‘From My Garden’ is another Trish Burr project to adorn the front cover of Inspirations, this time issue #84.  This superb thread-painted piece is a study of sweet peas in shades of pink and violet.

> Purchase printed copies of issue #84 HERE

Trish Burr Digital Patterns

To view our range of Trish Burr projects available to purchase as digital download patterns, click HERE.

MEET TRISH BURR

Read all about Trish’s fascinating needlework journey and learn about her fresh approach to creating her world renowned designs in the contributor profile ‘Meet Trish Burr’ in Inspirations issue #92. 

> Purchase printed copies of issue #92 HERE

A muse can be described as a source of artistic inspiration and it turns out that Susan Porter’s project ‘Modern Crewel’ which featured in Inspirations Issue #90 has become quite the ‘Modern Muse’!

After capturing the attention of many an Inspirations reader, the project also piqued the curiosity of Mary Corbet who reviewed the kit on her Needle ‘n Thread blog back in June. The review can be read HERE. Mary’s Modern Crewel stitching has now begun and she has generously shared her progress to date in her blogs from 2 Dec and 7 Dec which can both be read HERE & HERE.

If you’re yet to discover the modern muse of Modern Crewel for yourself, there are still printed copies of Inspirations #90 and ready to stitch Modern Crewel kits available for purchase, so why not grab yours today and stitch along with Mary Corbet?

> Purchase printed copies of issue #90 HERE
> Purchase ‘Modern Crewel’ Kits HERE

Wondering how you will survive the Christmas / New Year break until Embroidery News returns January 27th 2017?

NEW CHRISTMAS DIGTAL DOWNLOAD PROJECTS
JUST ADDED

‘Celestina’ by Carolyn Pearce 

‘Celestina’ from issue #67 by Carolyn Pearce features lustrous pearls, sparkling beads and the glimmer of gold and silver threads which combine to richly ornament this lovely hanging angel.

> Purchase Digital Download of 'Celestina’ HERE

‘Red Robin’ by Helen M Stevens

The scarlet-breasted robin forms a wonderful centrepiece for this charming garland of foliage and berries in ‘Red Robin’ by Helen M Stevens from issue #67.  Curling tendrils of gold glow against the black background, reflecting the high lustre of the silk filament thread.

> Purchase Digital Download of ‘Red Robin’ HERE

DIGITAL PATTERN LIBRARY KEEPS GROWING

The Inspirations / Stitch.ology website team have been working harder than Santa’s elves to add as many digital patterns as possible to keep everyone busy over the Christmas / New Year break. With nearly 200 patterns available, you’re sure to find something you like!

> To see what’s NEW click HERE

JANUARY 17 CALENDAR PROJECT NOW AVAILABLE

In anticipation of turning the page on your Inspirations calendar to January, we have released the featured project ‘Garden Fresh’ as a digital download.

‘Garden Fresh’ by Julie Kniedl from Inspirations issue #90, is a fabulous three-dimensional corn cob. 

Nothing beats the flavour of a freshly picked ear of corn, cooked in boiling water with a touch of salt and dripping with melted butter but you may want to look a little more closely before sinking your teeth into this delicious looking cob! Cleverly fashioned from fabric, wire, beads and thread, this fabulous three-dimensional embroidery utilises a number of stumpwork techniques to create the luscious plump kernels and papery green leaves that make it look good enough to eat!

The Inspirations calendar is not just beautiful needlework eye candy, the instructions for each project featured are also available for purchase.

Inspirations issue #90 Print                               Digital Download ‘Garden Fresh’

MAKE YOUR OWN ‘GARDEN FRESH’ CORN COB

> Purchase Printed Copies of Issue 90 HERE
> Purchase Digital Pattern for ‘Garden Fresh’ HERE

DON’T HAVE A 2016/2017 INSPIRATIONS CALENDAR YET?

COPIES OF THE CALENDAR STILL AVAILABLE

Be inspired all year around with the World’s Most Beautiful Needlework Calendar.  Purchase one today and have it shipped directly to your door anywhere in the world. 

> To order your copy, click HERE.

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

For our final ‘What Are You Stitching’ in 2016, we’re going out with a HUGE Christmas Spectacular!

One of our favourite sayings here at EN is ‘for every amazing needlework project there is an equally amazing back story’ and this week we have rounded up some phenomenal Christmas projects, each with a fabulous story to share.  So rather than us add any narrative, this week we’re going to let the stories from each needle artisan do the talking….

CHARMAINE GOODMAN – Victoria | Australia

‘I could not resist sewing the elves from the project ‘Santa’s Helpers’ by Jenny McWhinney from Inspirations issue #92 immediately when I saw them and I relished every stitch.   They were great to sew as each one is a little bit different.

I live in Doncaster East, Victoria in Australia. I am 82 and have been stitching on and off since age 11 when it used to be called fancy work and we’d do tea towels, aprons and table cloths while listening to radio serials.  In 1944 a local U3A was forming and I offered to show basic embroidery stitches.

It was about this time embroidery seemed to explode and all these wonderful books were coming out. I have an extensive library of all kinds of embroidery from which we taught ourselves.

I have one U3A group every fortnight at my home and three groups of friends every week.  Sometimes we talk more than sew but that is what it is all about.  I like all kinds of embroidery, perhaps crewel might be a favourite, however whatever it is I am working on I love.

I have every Inspirations magazine and book and am just putting the finishing touches to a blanket for my third great grandchild due in two weeks.  We have so many things to do we may have to live forever.  Charmaine Goodman

DIPA SURI - California | USA

Hi Embroidery News, Jenny McWhinney’ s whimsical Elves featured in issue #92 reminded me the elves I did last year on the bodice of a child's dress.  My elves were taken from a Victorian era Christmas card that had appeared in 'Victoria' magazine some decades ago.  

I'm a retired software engineer and enjoy nothing more than to sit and embroider… which is a far cry from when it was mandatory for me to stitch under strict supervision during middle and high school in India.  

A VERY long hiatus ensued which ended when my niece was born (now 23, a Medical School student) and I took a handful of embroidery and heirloom sewing classes at a local specialty fabric store, followed by more formal study through the Japanese Embroidery Center in Atlanta, Georgia. 

I love Stumpwork over and above other techniques and have an ever growing library of embroidery books that keep my interest piqued.   I live in the San Francisco Bay Area of California and can hardly wait to take classes through the 'San Francisco School of Needlework and Design' center which through its founders, is loosely affiliated with the Royal School of Needlework.  Regards, Dipa Suri

NATALIE DUPUIS - Québec | Canada

Dear Inspirations and Trish Burr, I wanted to thank you both for granting me permission to teach some of Trish’s projects in a recent class I held including ‘Prancer’ from Inspirations issue #88.  Here are a few pictures from the class, all the students had a great time and we all enjoyed reading about Trish while we stitched in the article featuring her from Inspirations issue #92.

I have given them a year to finish and perfect their satin stitch and long and short stitch techniques, they did very well doing the eyelets and working out how to make their dot stitch stand up proudly. Thank-you for your support in bringing embroidery to a wide range of stitchers.  Warmly, Natalie Dupuis www.sewbyhand.com

JAN NANCE - California | USA

Dear Inspirations, I could no longer resist the urge to complete Trish Burr's little reindeer design ‘Prancer’ in whitework featured in Inspirations issue 88.  This year I have been working my way through Trish's "Needle painting Embroidery" book however I took a week off to focus on this smaller project of creating my own wall hanging version of ‘Prancer’ which proved a nice respite. 

I enjoy working with needle and thread.  Counted cross stitch has been a mainstay during my working career.  Now that I am retired, I can broaden my scope to include more hand embroidery techniques, picking up where I left off over 30 years ago. 

The Sierra Nevada foothills in Northern California, USA is my home, and with a population of less than 1,000 it is rich with wildlife.  I enjoy watching all the deer, turkey, fox, skunk, bear, mountain lion, birds and many other small woodland critters that wander past my sewing room window whom live in the surrounding forest nearby. 

Thank you for this wonderful magazine and to all the contributing artists for sharing their talent.  Best Regards, Jan Nance | Heirloom Expressions

LEILA SCOTT - United Kingdom.

‘Dear Embroidery News, as a keen embroiderer I wait eagerly for each Inspirations magazine and I thought you would like to see the Reindeer ‘Prancer’ that I made from issue 88.  I have been stitching all my life and always have a project or two on the go. My favourite techniques are needle lace and stumpwork as it allows me the freedom to incorporate several techniques.  I treasure the friendship of the needle work community and those willing to share ideas.  Regards Leila Scott’

BARBARA NICHOLLS - Queensland | Australia

Trish Burr's ‘Prancer’ and ‘Winter’s Song’ from issue #88 of Inspirations had me quickly reaching for my needles and threads, then I hesitated…. My beloved cat, Tink, had recently been put down due to age and health issues, and I had seen Trish's design of 'Katarina' on her website. That's where my attention turned and I had the absolute pleasure of embroidering this supercilious cat. What a delight.

I have attached a photo of the result, of which I am very proud. The framer I use has complemented the work beautifully.   Also, I did manage to complete 'Winter’s Song' which gave me just as much joy and experience in thread painting, which I have decided is (at present) my favourite style of embroidery.  As always, thank you for the most beautiful magazine.  Barbara Nicholls, Stanthorpe Queensland, Australia.

THANK YOU! Charmaine, Dipa, Natalie, Jan and Barbara for sharing with us your fabulous needlework and fascinating stories, it’s so wonderful to hear about your individual stitching journeys.

THANK YOU! to everyone who has sent in photos of projects this year, we have thoroughly enjoyed showcasing them and writing about you in ‘What Are You Stitching’.   PLEASE CONTNUE to email us updates of what you’re working on – remember your projects and stories inspire and encourage others, so you too can play your part and help us all make the world more beautiful one stitch at a time.

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

‘Santa’s Helpers’ from Inspirations issue #92 by Jenny McWhinney is a set of six fun ornaments for your tree or home, bringing extra festive cheer.

> Purchase printed copies of issue #92 HERE
> Kits available from Jenny McWhinney direct HERE

JOIN THE PRANCER CRAZE

If you have not yet stitched ‘Prancer’ by Trish Burr, the good news is the project is available both in print and via digital download.

‘Prancer’ by Trish Burr is a contemporary whitework portrait of a stylish reindeer.

> Purchase printed copies of issue #88 featuring ‘Prancer’ HERE
> Purchase Digital Download of ‘Prancer’ HERE

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’.

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

In Issue #65 of Embroidery News we updated you on the happenings at Beating Around the Bush and shared that the incredibly generous BATB class of 2016 help us raise in excess of $2,000 for charity. Fine Cell Work was our charity of choice and after telling them the good news they were indeed most grateful:

‘Thank you for so kindly choosing Fine Cell Work as your charity of choice at the Needlework Convention – how wonderful! For us as a small charity, one of the most invaluable things to us is people sharing our story, which you are clearly already doing to a fantastic degree! Directing people to our online shop is also fantastic as we are able to ship to Australia, and we rely on trading to raise almost a third of our annual income. Of course fundraising (which makes up the other two thirds of our income) is vital for us to be able to continue our core work in prisons.’
Katie Steingold – Events Manager | Fine Cell Work

As part of our ongoing support for Fine Cell Work, we wanted to share their current flyer which showcases the work of the charity and the prisoners beautifully.

To view click HERE. 

Also why not visit www.finecellwork.co.uk today to find out how you can play your part in supporting such a worthy cause.

If you are scrambling for a last-minute Christmas stitched gift idea, this week we’ve added a couple of smaller projects as digital downloads just for you!

‘Collector’s Item’ by Margaret Lee

The ‘Collector’s Item’ range by Margaret Lee from issue #21 is a set of glorious bathroom linen adorned with colourful pansies and sunflowers. The set includes hand towels, a cosmetic purse and face washer.

> Purchase Digital Download of ‘Collector’s Item’ HERE

‘Good Tidings’ by Jenny Brown

‘Good Tidings’ from issue #24 by Jenny Brown is two quick and easy Christmas cards to give with love.

> Purchase Digital Download of ‘Good Tidings’ HERE

POPULAR LOUISE SPRIGGS PROJECTS

Louise Spriggs is a wonderfully talented designer who, over the years, has marvelled Inspirations readers with her very clever simple, yet striking designs.  Here are some of her more popular pieces:

‘A Pinch Of Spice’ plus ‘Spice Up Your Life’ - Issue #83

Starring on the front cover of issue #83 is ‘A Pinch Of Spice’ a wonderfully vibrant felt brooch.  This exotic flower motif design also features on the project ‘Spice Up Your Life’, a richly coloured tablet cover, both incorporating Louise’s signature ‘simple but stunning’ design architecture.

> Purchase Printed Copies Of Issue #83 HERE

‘Bird Baby Hat’ - Issue #68

This super cute and super quick bonus project which comes with issue #68, measures 5cm (2”) in diameter making it the perfect embellishment for any children’s wear.

> Purchase Printed Copies Of Issue #68 with ‘Bird Baby Hat’ HERE

‘Circa’ - Issue #74

Another simple but stunning cushion from Louise with modern motifs and an elegant colour scheme of natural and black.

> Purchase Printed Copies Of Issue #74 featuring ‘Circa’ HERE
> Purchase Digital Download of ‘Circa’ HERE

What: Opus Anglicanum | Masterpieces of English Medieval Embroidery
Where: Room 38 | Victoria & Albert Museum
When: to 5 Feb
Details: Click HERE

What: Undressed | A Brief History of Underwear
Where: Room 40 | Victoria & Albert Museum
When: to 12 Mar
Details: Click HERE

What: RSN | Stories in Stitch Exhibition
Where: Hampton Court Palace
When: to 31 Mar
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