Hi <<First Name>>, Needlework – A Melting Pot of Cultures. Pioneers, adventurers, aviators, astronauts etc. all have something in common – a desire to broaden horizons and introduce us to something new. Needlework enjoys and celebrates our own rich history of pioneers who invented, discovered and disseminated their conquests for the benefit of those who came after them - us!  Every country in the world has its own stitching history filled with unique learnings and fascinating and diverse ways that, over time, unlocked the secrets of the needle and thread. Our generation has the great privilege of having all this needlework knowledge from around the world, right at our fingertips. It allows us to enjoy a smorgasbord of stitching techniques, styles, designs, fabrics, tools and threads from every culture and from every land like none before us. This week we embrace our needlework cultural melting pot by exploring some Asian inspired stitching and launch our brand-new book ‘The Art of Bead Embroidery – Japanese-Style’ by Margaret Lee.

Join our melting pot and share your needlework with the rest of our tribe by sending photos and stories to news@inspirationsstudios.com

MARITA MITCHELL | PIETERMARITZBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

One definition the Merriam Webster dictionary has for ‘melting pot’ is: ‘a process of blending that often results in invigoration or novelty’. This week we see how true this is as we discover how Marita Mitchell was able to blend years of stitching experience and techniques to reinvigorate her life as she immersed herself in the joy of needlework once again.

‘I had been depressed since I was 13. While there were times of relief, the depression always came back. In my 40s I started group stitching classes with Hazel Blomkamp and learnt every stitch and trick, as well as the aspiration of perfection. We beaded and stitched – and being a group of women, also chattered away – and through it all my true love became Jacobean Embroidery. I remember being alone with Hazel one day and confessing that I thought embroidery had cured my depression. It turns out that this certainly wasn't a new idea!’

‘Unfortunately, life took a turn and I couldn't inspire myself to stitch once our group had separated. I knitted furiously for a while, until I was finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, a very painful, debilitating illness that also encompasses depression. Fortunately, my therapist was very perceptive so while I couldn't create anything, she encouraged me to look at pictures on-line and to dream of what I would make when able again. We often spoke of colour and texture and that's what I would do my meditations on.’

‘At 61, I was retired and almost housebound when I started to embroider again. What joy! At first I stuck to what I knew - Jacobean Embroidery and perfection. But as I've become more adventurous, I hover between exploring fabric and art, and the divine delight of stitching perfection. Inspirations takes me to colour, texture, and beyond! With much respect for all of you, Marita Mitchell.’

Has needlework had a significant impact on your life? We’d love to hear about it and share your story with the Embroidery News Community. Email us at news@inspirationsstudios.com.

To coincide with the release of our new book ‘The Art of Bead Embroidery Japanese-Style’ and in keeping with the notion that needlework is a fabulous melting pot of cultures, here are some Asian inspired projects for your stitching pleasure…

HANA – INSPIRATIONS #91

‘Hana’ by Merrilyn Whittle is a delightful scissor fob embellished with Japanese bead embroidery.

> Hana Ready-To-Stitch Kit Available HERE
> Hana in Print – Inspirations #91 Available HERE

KOKESHI – INSPIRATIONS #71

‘Kokeshi’ by Jenny McWhinney is a delightful glasses case with enchanting Japanese imagery.

> Kokeshi in Digital – Pattern Download Available HERE
> Kokeshi in Print – Inspirations #71 Available HERE

KIMONOS – AUSTRALIAN SMOCKING & EMBROIDERY #95

‘Kimonos’ by Kris Curtis - sweet baby jackets in traditional pink or a contemporary floral. Sizes 6 and 12 months.

> Kimonos in Digital – Pattern Download Available HERE
> Kimonos in Print – AS&E #95 Available HERE

KAKISUBATA – INSPIRATIONS #74

‘Kakisubata’ by Margaret Lee is an elegant and refined Japanese Embroidery study worked in lustrous silk.

> Kakisubata in Digital – Pattern Download Available HERE
> Kakisubata in Print – Inspirations #74 Available HERE

CIRCLES BY MARGARET LEE

Are you ready for this? No… REALLY ready? We’re about to take Bead Embroidery to a whole new level – we’re talking Japanese-Style level! 

To help everyone keep pace, let’s break this down by starting with a quick history lesson:

WHAT IS JAPANESE-STYLE BEAD EMBROIDERY?

Margaret Lee explains…

‘Japanese-Style Bead Embroidery’ was the brainchild of Iwao Saito, the founder of the Japanese Embroidery Organisation, Kurenai-kai.

The techniques are drawn from the traditional practice of Japanese silk embroidery and adopt a more disciplined and planned approach to the embroidery and design process, which results in bead embroidery that is meticulous and visually pleasing.

Some of the key differences between Japanese-style embroidery and regular bead embroidery are:

• Almost exclusive use of seed beads, which relies on a good working knowledge and understanding of bead size, colour and finishes to produce texture and movement. Other bead types, such as crystals, are only for highlights or small feature areas rather than the main embroidery.

• Use of techniques that give the lines of beads a different visual movement and feel.

• There are no complex stitches, yet Japanese-style beading gives a softer and more delicate appearance.

Creating an overall emotive mood for the piece is a principle part of the aim. It becomes more than embellishment as significant attention is given to the design principles rather than just the actual needlework itself.

WHO IS MARGARET LEE?

Margaret’s passion lies in preserving the traditional arts of Japanese embroidery and bead embroidery, both of which have their roots in Chinese embroidery. Margaret is among the world leaders in the art of Chinese ‘Su’ embroidery, one of the world’s oldest and most admired embroidery styles, and has received teacher accreditation accordingly.

She is committed to passing on the knowledge and skills of these art forms in their best tradition and has developed a program, considered to be a world-first, to teach Chinese/Japanese embroidery techniques to the western world.

BEAD EMBROIDERY JAPANESE-STYLE - PROJECTS

This week is the official launch of Margaret’s brand-new book ‘The Art of Bead Embroidery Japanese-Style’ published by Inspirations. 

This gorgeous book features nine stunning projects ranging from simple beginner designs to a sumptuous evening bag.

To celebrate we’re checking out one of the beginner projects from the book, called ‘Circles’.

The simple design of the project ‘Circles’ provides a valuable tutorial in the understanding of and practice for the three foundation principles of stitch length, stitch placement and stitch direction. This project is perfect to develop an instinctive feel for these areas.

While no unique stitches are used as such, it’s the concepts and techniques incorporated into the work that create movement and a distinctive dimensional outlook. 

A key discipline used with Japanese-style beading is to adopt a holistic approach and to focus on individual aspects within a design to create a flow and exude an overall harmony and balance.

It is the use of these traditional Japanese techniques and approaches that explain the unexplained mesmerising beauty and incredibly high quality of finish in each project featured within the book.

So, there you have it – if you are ready to go beyond regular bead embroidery and learn the art of beading Japanese-style, this book combines the world’s best teacher and the world’s most beautiful projects, all for your stitching pleasure.   

MAKE YOUR OWN CIRCLES BY MARGARET LEE

Step 1 – Purchase
The Art of Bead Embroidery – Japanese-Style

Who can resist the alluring sparkle and infinite palette of beautiful beads, artfully worked to create truly spectacular results? Discover a whole new world of beading through the pages of this superb book which includes detailed step-by-step diagrams, full descriptions of the techniques involved and fabulous photography for the project ‘Circles’ plus eight other stunning pieces.

> The Art of Bead Embroidery Japanese-Style – Book Available HERE

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch Kit for ‘Circles’ includes everything you need to re-create your own fabulous piece including: fabric, wadding, sewing thread and beads.

> Circles Ready-To-Stitch Kit Available HERE

LOOKING FOR MORE MARGARET LEE?

MARGARET LEE BOOK –
THE ART OF CHINESE EMBROIDERY

Margaret’s first book ‘The Art of Chinese Embroidery – Foundation Level’ is an immaculate how-to study and introduction to this unique embroidery style.

> The Art of Chinese Embroidery – Book Available HERE

THE BUTTERFLY AND THE ROSE – INSPIRATIONS #24

‘The Butterfly and The Rose’ by Margaret Lee is an elegant black satin jewellery box.

> The Butterfly and the Rose in Digital –
Pattern Download Available HERE

COLLECTOR’S ITEM – INSPIRATIONS #21

‘Collector’s Item’ by Margaret Lee is a collection of white textured waffle weave bath linens, adorned with flowers.

> Collector’s Item in Digital – Pattern Download Available HERE

MARGARET LEE WEBSITE

> For even more Margaret Lee, visit her website HERE

Another definition the Merriam Webster dictionary has for Melting Pot is: ‘a place where a variety of races, cultures, or individuals assimilate into a cohesive whole.’ We love that ‘What Are You Stitching?’ has become a melting pot for the global needlework community where races, cultures and individuals have been brought together through their love of needle and thread and now exist as a cohesive whole. We should consider ourselves blessed that we have found our tribe!

This week’s WAYS celebrates our tribe, from places far and wide…

BRASIL | ROSELI VERONEZE BECKER

‘I love to talk about my passion for embroidery! It is a beautiful way to express what goes through the deepest feelings of our soul.’

‘Embroidering for me is like expressing what I cannot convey with words.’

‘When I embroider, I totally free myself from problems and day to day afflictions. So many demands, so many tasks, but embroidery only asks for a little time. To embroider is to let the soul speak without words.’

Roseli, your words are poetic and your stitching speaks of elegance and beauty. 

ITALY | SONIA BISIGHIN

‘My love for embroidery, crocheting and even knitting started in childhood when I was just 8 or 9 years old. I started to embroider at home under the loving guidance of my grandmother and at school I was taught by my primary school teacher. My innate love for drawing, colour and detail also helped my stitching journey.’

‘I started with a ready-to-stitch doily kit, then I went onto more intricate and complex projects giving preference to floral embroidery, especially after I discovered Stumpwork and Needle Lace which are my absolute favourites! Flowers are still my primary source of inspiration today.’

‘Embroidery has always been an integral part of my life. It has accompanied me in the most joyful moments and helped me overcome the many difficulties which I encountered during my journey. For the last few years I've found great joy in sharing my stitching experience with others and I've devoted myself to teaching the art of embroidery with great love and satisfaction. I taught these brooches a few months ago to a group of ladies. The course also involved their daughters and together we enjoyed beautiful afternoons together filled with much enthusiasm and passion for embroidery.’

Sonia, your brooches are delicate and intricately stitched and we love that you’ve found a way to share your enthusiasm and passion for embroidery with the next generation who will become the future of embroidery.

NETHERLANDS | MARIJKE NAMINK

‘I like to embroider every day. It has become a way of life as it gives me rest and I can make my head empty, almost a form of yoga! I have always embroidered, but since discovering the techniques of Goldwork and Whitework, I now have enough confidence to alter a pattern and make it more my own.’

‘When I saw the new book by Trish Burr - Whitework with Colour - I had to buy it as the patterns are so beautiful and the colours are lovely! I made Casablanca and gave it my own twist with goldthread and sequins.’

‘This Embroidery will be a present for my youngest sister as her zodiac sign is a lion.’

Marijke, we love that you were inspired by an existing design and then added something of yourself into the stitching process to make pieces that are truly your own!

UK | Catherine Patterson

‘Firstly, a huge thank you for producing such a wonderful magazine and weekly newsletter. I look forward to receiving both eagerly, and make sure I have a nice cup of tea - or two - ready for reading and catching up on all the needlework news!’

‘What sparked my love of needle and thread? Tricky question, I have had some kind of stitching around for as long as I can remember! Mum gave me a long stitch clown when I was probably not much older than six or seven - she still has it framed on the wall! My interest must have been piqued, as in the coming years, a couple of larger long stitches were created. I then turned my interest to cross stitch, and then whilst living in Calgary, I was introduced to all there is to offer in the embroidery world and I've never looked back!’

‘What I have been so thankful for over the years, is the sense of peace, calm and accomplishment I get from picking up my stitching regularly. Over the years I have had periods of lots of stitching, and periods of not a lot of stitching, but I have always drifted back to it when I've been stressed with work, anxious of an upcoming move, and most recently, when I was very unwell.’

‘So, it was my Mum giving me the first kit, watching my Nan create what I remember to be an enormous tapestry and encouraging me to sit beside her and stitch, and the continual sense of calm I get from the needle and thread that has kept me stitching over the years.’

‘Up until now, I've only ever stitched kits and other's patterns, but last year I decided to take the plunge and start the RSN Certificate Course where I would have to design and stitch my own work, so this was a big step for me. Thank you for providing such inspiring work - it gives me something to aim for!’

Catherine, what a success your ‘plunge’ has been! We look forward to seeing what else your Certificate Course with the RSN inspires you to create. If you’d like to learn more about Catherine’s stitching journey, her blog can be found HERE.

If you’re yet to share your stitching with our tribe, what are you waiting for?! Email photos of your work and a few details about your needlework journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com

WHITEWORK WITH COLOUR BY TRISH BURR

If Marijke’s stitching inspired you, why not create your own piece of whitework with colour?! Trish Burr’s book is available for purchase through our website to guide you every step of the way.

‘Trish combines two of her embroidery passions – the beautiful textures of whitework and the play of colour. The result is a fun collection of designs, some of which are based on artist illustrations.’

> Whitework With Colour – Available in Print HERE

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Otherwise email us anytime at subs@inspirationsstudios.com

MAKE YOUR OWN MORRIS MAGIC BY MICHELE HILL

Purchase ‘William Morris in Appliqué’

Featuring six stunning projects including quilts, wall hangings, a cushion, and more than 40 individual appliqué designs with full-size pattern sheets.

> 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.

> Stitching with Beatrix Potter – Available in Print HERE

What: Wangaratta Stitched Up Textile Festival
Where: Stitchy Central | Gallery Two | Wangaratta Art Gallery | 56 Oven Street Wangaratta, Victoria
When: to 16 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: The Sewing, Stitching & Handcraft Show | Adelaide
Where: Adelaide Showground | Goodwood Road Wayville, South Australia
When: 14 to 16 Jul
Details: Click HERE

What: Rusty Walkley lecture | Preserving the Past and Creating the Future: The Work of a Professional Embroiderer - Presented by Jenny Adin-Christie
Where: Alexander Library | Perth Cultural Centre, Northbridge WA
When: 15 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