Hi <<First Name>>, Quilt it. Stitch It. Love It. There are quilters who like to stitch and stitchers who also like to quilt, and together all form one big mutual admiration club centred around the love of embellishment. Embellish [em-bel-ish] : make (something) more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features. Some of the world’s most spectacular quilts are those embellished with hand stitching which, just like the definition suggests, adds a layer of ornate beauty and textural richness to further enhance the overall finish.  This is part of why we stitchers love what we do – it’s not only the creative process, it’s also about leaving something more beautiful than how we found it. This week we’re about all things quilting, starting with celebrating the return of the book ‘William Morris In Appliqué’ by Michele Hill which is now finally back in print.  So, get on the quilting and stitching love boat… we promise something for everyone! Share your needlework creativity with us and send photos, stories, ideas and dreams to news@inspirationsstudios.com

TENTMAKERS OF CAIRO

The following is an extract from an article published in Inspirations issue #92 written by Ansie van der Walt.

Khayamiyas are the highly decorated canvas panels making up the roof and sides of traditional Egyptian tents. They originated in the Ottoman Empire, but are now uniquely Egyptian. Khayamiyas are used as backdrops during weddings, funerals, concerts, and other celebrations.

Sadly, in the last few decades cheap factory-printed, fake khayamiyas have flooded the market and taken the place of the real thing during ceremonies and celebrations. With their market waning, the tentmakers turned to a new clientele to keep their trade alive. Their canvases became smaller, more affordable and more suitable as wall hangings, cushion covers and other household items that would appeal to Egypt’s main source of income – tourists.

Although khayamiyas were a familiar sight in Egyptian society, the average Egyptian was not familiar with the craft or the artisans themselves. Those who did know about it referred to it as peasant work. The tentmakers lead a mostly unrecognized existence. But then Jenny Bowker walked into the souk, and into the story.

Jenny is a well-known Australian quilt artist who moved to Cairo in 2005 with her diplomat husband. She immediately recognized the unique skills of these tentmakers.

Intrigued by the fact that they received so little recognition and respect in their own community, she arranged an exhibition of their work in Australia. This successful event was soon followed by other exhibitions in France, Spain, the UK and the USA. Jenny also arranged for these men to travel to quilt shows in Europe, the USA and Australia to demonstrate their unique way of working to people who could appreciate their craft. Quilters across the world were mesmerized by the skill, speed and accuracy of these craftsmen. It is no wonder that back in the narrow lanes of the Cairo souks Jenny is now affectionately known as Umm al-Khayamiya, or Mother of the Khayamiya.

The process of making a khayamiya is a time consuming and intricate business. A new design always starts on paper. The full-size paper square or circle is folded into quarters, eighths or sixteenths, depending on the complexity of the design. The craftsman then draws with chalk onto the top of the folded paper, working from the centre point of the paper outwards, so creating one segment of the design. Once he is happy with the design it is redrawn in pencil and pierced with a needle. The piercing occurs at around 2mm intervals, following all the pencil lines. The pierced paper is then unfolded to reveal a lace-like pattern.

To copy the pattern onto the fabric the paper is sprinkled with talcum powder (for dark fabric) or charcoal (for light fabric) which is then rubbed into all the piercings. After the paper pattern is removed the design is once again copied in pencil along the powdery dots before this fabric is tacked onto a canvas backing. At last it is ready to be appliquéd.

The daily lives of the tentmakers are mostly still the same, stitching away surrounded by the colourful fabrics and designs of their age-old craft. But today they are not doing peasant work. They are artists.

Did you know? The tentmakers feature in Kim Beamish’s film The Tentmakers of Cairo which was first screened in 2015. The film has since received several awards and accolades, including the Margaret Mead Filmmaker Award.

Let the love of quilting continue with these fabulous quilting books and project...

A IS FOR ALPHABET Q IS FOR QUILT

‘A is for Alphabet Q is for Quilt’ by Heather Scott includes a fabulous quilt, cushion and soft toys to appliqué and embroider.

Stitch this cute and colourful children’s quilt with a combination of patchwork, appliqué, embroidery and quilting – perfect for a bed or wall, plus a matching cushion, two adorable felt animals and a gorgeous rag doll.

> A is for Alphabet Q is for Quilt – Available in Print HERE

QUILTING THROUGH THE GARDEN BY JILL NEWTON

‘Quilting Through The Garden’ by Jill Newton brings the delights of a country garden into your home. With this magnificent embroidered queen size quilt, matching cushions and bedroom accessories, you can savour the ambiance of a country garden all year round.

> Quilting Through The Garden in Digital –
Book Download Available HERE

ROSE VICTORIANA – INSPIRATIONS #57

‘Rose Victoriana’ by Kris Richards is a glorious quilt, lavishly embroidered with timeless scenes from a perfect cottage garden.

> Rose Victoriana in Digital – Pattern Download Available HERE

A-Z OF QUILTING

‘A-Z of Quilting’ is a comprehensive guide to many of the techniques, tools and tricks involved in creating beautiful quilted projects for any occasion. Clear, photographic step-by-step guides describe how to prepare a template, how to embellish, all the way through to the final binding stages.

All refreshed A-Z Titles feature Flexi-Bind – an innovative binding technique that allows pages to lay flat while you work. Spine won’t break and doesn’t damage pages.

> A-Z of Quilting – Available in Print HERE

MORRIS MAGIC BY MICHELE HILL

When broaching the subject of beautiful needlework quilts, you can’t go past the fabulous rich and decadent work of the William Morris inspired quilts by Michele Hill.

First | A quick history lesson… Who was William Morris?

William Morris (1834-1896) was a leading member of the Arts and Crafts Movement. He is best known for his pattern designs, particularly on fabrics and wallpapers. His vision in linking art to industry by applying the values of fine art to the production of commercial design was a key stage in the evolution of design as we know it today.

Morris started his own firm in 1861 to produce a range of original domestic furnishings including embroidery, tableware and furniture, stained glass and tiles. Wallpapers were soon added to the list because Morris was unable to find any he liked well enough to use in his own home. From there he went on to become one of the greatest pattern designers in modern history.

Next | Who is Michele Hill?

Michele is a highly celebrated and awarded stitcher, quilter, designer and historian who operates under the mantra ‘keeping the genius of Morris alive’. She discovered William Morris during a serendipitous visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London back in 1997 and has been in love with his work ever since.

	Michele Hill (right) with Anna Scott

Michele has been involved in designing and creating Morris inspired quilts, ranges of printed fabrics, running sell out William Morris tours in the UK and publishing three books on the subject. 

Now | William Morris In Appliqué Back in Print

To celebrate her first book ‘William Morris In Appliqué’ coming back in print, we contacted Michele for an update on all things William Morris and her thoughts on her amazing journey to date… 

‘I am so excited to share in the news that “William Morris in Appliqué” is being reprinted! I know so many will be thrilled as well as it has been so hard to get this first book for several years!

So much has happened in the eight years since the book was first released and it is serendipitous that the book is being re-released exactly 20 years since I stitched my very first Morris inspired quilt!

Several quilts from both “William Morris in Appliqué” and “More William Morris in Applique” now have a new home. I donated “Kelmscott” to the Quilters Guild of SA several years ago as their charity raffle quilt and I was thrilled that over $6,000 was raised for Carers SA (http://carers-sa.asn.au).

A couple of years ago I also donated the quilt “Friends” to the Society of Antiquaries London (https://www.sal.org.uk) as a part of a silent auction raising much needed funds for the restoration of Kelmscott Manor – the country home of William Morris. The lucky bidder lives in the US and the quilt is now hanging in a bedroom that she has painstakingly restored reflecting William Morris’ bedroom at Kelmscott Manor (see photo below).

My husband Larry has now asked me to stop giving away my quilts (!) especially the quilt “Morris Magic” - one of his favourites! This intricate design was based on a drawing I saw at the Victoria and Albert Museum back in 1997.

	Morris Magic – William Morris In Appliqué

It is thought it was designed for embroidery but I have yet to see the finished product. There are many drawings by both William Morris and his daughter May that may have never been used but I do wonder if perhaps they were and are now stored away in someone’s home!

I adore the symmetry of many of Morris’s designs in particular this one with the meandering stems and leaves. Since the book with this project was first released many versions have been made some even winning awards!  That is a great honour for me and I hope William Morris would have been thrilled too.  I’ll leave you with just a couple of examples:

	Winner of the The Waverley Patchworkers Quilt Show 2014 June Lyons Award - Morris Magic by Jan Smart

	Morris Magic recreated in blue shades by Melissa

MAKE YOUR OWN MORRIS MAGIC BY MICHELE HILL

Purchase ‘William Morris in Appliqué’

FINALLY, BACK IN PRINT! Thank you to everyone who has been patiently waiting for Michele Hill’s best-selling book ‘William Morris In Appliqué' to return. Featuring six stunning projects including quilts, wall hangings, a cushion, and more than 40 individual appliqué designs with full-size pattern sheets, it’s not hard to see why this book has been such a hit.

> William Morris In Appliqué – Available in Print HERE

LOOKING FOR MORE MICHELE HILL?

MICHELE HILL BOOK -
AFTERNOON TEA WITH MAY MORRIS

‘Afternoon Tea with May Morris’ by Michele Hill features appliqué projects based on May Morris designs.

> Afternoon Tea with May Morris – Available in Print HERE

STITCHING WITH BEATRIX POTTER BY MICHELE HILL

‘Stitching with Beatrix Potter’ is the brand-new book by Michele Hill celebrating the whimsical world of Peter Rabbit and more. Featuring projects that are achievable for all skill levels, it includes four quilts, a cushion, and several smaller projects.

> Stitching with Beatrix Potter – Available in Print HERE

As mentioned in our welcome this week, embellishing is all about making something more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features. This week’s WAYS celebrates the beauty of the stitched embellishment.

Last week, we saw a gorgeous collection of stitched monograms from Halide Celiker in the UK and this week we share how enhancing her pieces with stitched flowers has taken them to a new level of beautiful…

‘I experienced postnatal depression and my stitching helped me overcome the misery, loneliness and isolation that I felt. I have joined a stitching group called Hand Embroidery Lovers and we do projects like Artist Trading Cards, pin cushions and place mats to name but a few. I have also started an Instagram account of my stitching.’ 

Halide, we love that your wide array of stitching projects also includes the Needlecases (seen above) from Inspirations Issue #2! 

Now to Susan Dunham from the US who has taken humble soap boxes, embellished them with embroidery and transformed them from functional items to pieces of true beauty…

‘My interest in Ribbon Embroidery was sparked by your wonderful publication - Inspirations Magazine - that I began reading some years ago.

After that, the A to Z of Ribbon Embroidery fuelled the flames. A never-ending interpretation of these lovely ribbons is what keeps me spell bound.’

Susan, what a transformation your soap boxes have been through – they are a true testament to the power of embellishing!

Embellishing caskets with embroidery became popular in the 17th Century. They were widely used to store small personal items such as jewellery, cosmetics, writing equipment and letters, needlework tools, tiny toys or keepsakes. This week we see the casket of Lynda Beer from Scotland whose embellishments have been inspired by her idyllic surroundings in Argyll…

‘This is my recently completed Stumpwork box. I became interested in Stumpwork when I saw a book by Kay Dennis and was then inspired by 17th Century caskets I viewed on line.

I worked some designs by Lorna Bateman and then after attending her Alpine Experience Retreat, felt ready to design and work my own box.’

Lynda, you have taken a ‘simple’ casket to a whole new level with your detailed embellishments! What a beautiful keepsake of Argyll your casket has become.

We close this week with the work of Francoise Richard from France who has embellished her stitching with a unique finishing method…

‘I am a French stitcher from Dijon in Burgundy and I always await the next issue of the magazine with great impatience! I have finished several kits from Alison Cole as I am a total fan! This embroidery, however, is my own little creation. I have also made the bookbinding (with the help of tutors). The book is La Chartreuse de Parme by Stendhal who is a famous writer of the 19th Century. For the embroidery, I was inspired by an illuminated book of the Carolingians.’

Francoise, the addition of the bookbinding featuring your stitching has given the book a truly superb setting. Stendhal would be proud to see his work interpreted in such a way!

What have you embellished with the beauty of stitching? We’d love to see it! Please email photos of your work and a few details about your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com

INTERESTED IN RIBBON EMBROIDERY?

‘A-Z of Ribbon Embroidery’ is a complete manual for the beginner through to the advanced embroiderer with 40 beautiful designs with full details of materials, order of work and stitches used for each design.

> A-Z of Ribbon Embroidery – Available in Print HERE

NOT A SUBSCRIBER? JOIN TODAY…

Become part of the Inspirations family by subscribing to the magazine... we’d love to have you join us!

SUBSCRIBE TO INSPIRATIONS MAGAZINE

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@inspirationsstudios.com

MAKE YOUR OWN SECRET POSSESSIONS
BY ELISABETTA SFORZA

Step 1 –
Purchase ‘Inspirations A Passion For Needlework’ Book

‘A Passion For Needlework’ includes all the information you need to make your own ‘Secret Possessions’ along with step-by-step instructions, requirements list and pattern sheet template, which includes a complete alphabet for the monogramming.

> Inspirations | A Passion For Needlework - Available in Print HERE

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The ‘Secret Possessions’ Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch Kit includes everything you need to re-create your own beautiful monogram, surrounded by flowers on a linen sachet, including: fabric, ribbons, threads and needles.

> Secret Possessions - Ready To Stitch Kit Available HERE

LOOKING FOR MORE ELISABETTA SFORZA?

LOVE LETTERS – INSPIRATIONS #89

‘Love Letters’ by Elisabetta Sforza is the perfect project to personalise a special gift by adding a beautiful initial.

> Love Letters in Digital – Pattern Download Available HERE
> Love Letters in Print – Inspirations #89 Available HERE

MORE MONOGRAMS

A FINE TRADITION – INSPIRATIONS #55

‘A Fine Tradition’ by Susan O’Connor is an elegant and perfectly stitched monogram cushion, embroidered with high relief stitching using classic white thread on natural linen.

> A Fine Tradition in Digital – Pattern Download Available HERE
> A Fine Tradition in Print – Inspirations #55 Available HERE

WARM WELCOME: THE BLANKET – INSPIRATIONS #91

‘Warm Welcome: The Blanket’ by Susan O’Connor features soft fabrics and a tone-on-tone colour scheme creating the perfect complement for this elegant, highly padded monogram design.

> Warm Welcome: The Blanket – Pattern Download Available HERE
> Warm Welcome: The Blanket – Inspirations #91 Available HERE
> Warm Welcome: The Blanket – Ready-To-Stitch Kit Available HERE

PETITE AMOUR – INSPIRATIONS #17

‘Petit Amour’ by Susan O’Connor is a beautiful baby’s quilt lined with silk twill, edged with piped satin binding and features a monogrammed ‘B’ in the centre.

> Petit Amour in Digital – Pattern Download Available HERE

What: Fibres West 2017
Where: Muresk Institute | 1 Muresk Drive Northam, Western Australia
When: to 8 Jul
Details: Click HERE

What: Inspired by Gardens & Landscapes of Tatton | Altrincham, Chelford, Manchester & Warrington Branches of the Embroiderers’ Guild
Where: Steward’s Room, Tatton Park| Knutsford, Cheshire UK
When: to 30 Jul
Details:  Click HERE

What: RSN | Stories in Stitch Exhibition
Where: Hampton Court Palace
When: to Aug
Details: Click HERE

What: Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award Exhibition
Where: Wangaratta Art Gallery | 56 Oven Street Wangaratta, Victoria
When: to 6 Aug
Details: Click HERE & exhibitionsofficer@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

What: Stitch at Home Challenge | Summer of Love
Where: San Francisco School of Design & Needlework
When: Deadline 15 Aug
Details: Click HERE

What: Wangaratta Stitched Up Textile Festival
Where: Stitchy Central | Gallery Two | Wangaratta Art Gallery | 56 Oven Street Wangaratta, Victoria
When: 8 to 16 Jul
Details: Click HERE

What: Hand & Lock | Heritage, The Now & The Future of Embroidery Conference - London
Where: Bishopsgate Institute | 230 Bishopsgate London
When: 13 Jul
Details: Click HERE

What: The Sewing, Stitching & Handcraft Show | Adelaide
Where: Adelaide Showground | Goodwood Road Wayville, South Australia
When: 14 to 16 Jul
Details: Click HERE

What: Barbara Rowney – A Passion for Textiles | The Embroiderers’ Guild of SA Museum Exhibition
Where: 16 Hughes Street Mile End, South Australia
When: 21 Jul ->
Details: Click HERE            

What: Out of Hand | Stitching & Beyond Exhibition
Where: Long Gallery & Sidespace Gallery | 77 Salamanca Place Hobart, Tasmania
When: 28 Jul to 8 Aug
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
news@inspirationsstudios.com

Happy Stitching
The Embroidery News Team