Helena Gum Moth by Emillie Ferris
12th February 2021
With the release of Inspirations issue #109, we’re absolutely delighted to introduce several brand-new designers to the Inspirations family. We love bringing new talent to you and Emillie Ferris, the creator of this issue’s cover project, is truly a delight.
Emillie only started embroidering in 2013. She states that, since that wonderful first experience, not a day has gone by when she hasn’t worked with a needle and thread.
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Initially believing that embroidery was something that only ladies from the Medieval or Victorian periods did, she soon discovered a whole world of creative possibilities.
Her love affair with embroidery began almost instantaneously.
Emillie lives in the Suffolk countryside in England and gains most of her inspiration from the beautiful and abundant natural world which surrounds her.
Her chosen technique is threadpainting as it provides the blending of colours, smooth texture and endless freedom to exquisitely recreate the animals, insects and plants which inspire her.
Choosing subjects from a variety of places, both from her own back garden and from other parts of the world, Emillie’s skills have increased and gone from strength to strength since she first began.
The project which features in Inspirations issue #109 is a perfect example of the type of needlework Emillie has perfected. The Helena Gum Moth is a glorious, peach coloured moth generally found along the eastern coast of Australia.
The subtle shading which characterises this particular moth is captured beautifully by the choice of DMC colours Emillie has employed, producing an image so striking it is difficult to believe it isn’t real.
Setting off the main subject, Emillie has completed her piece with a delicate background of leaves and stars which provide a unique depth and style to the design. Although one might be tempted to start stitching the moth before anything else, it is recommended that you do the background first, only moving on to the richly threadpainted insect once complete.
One of the things we love about Emillie, aside from her prodigious talent of course, is her enthusiastic embrace of modern technology.
She has a huge following on Instagram and gains endless encouragement from her audience, who come from all over the world.
Her large community has encouraged her to set up a digital teaching practice andshe now has a range of digital e-book tutorials available covering an array of designs which is being added to frequently.
If you love the Helena Gum Moth as much as we do, then you simply must follow Emillie on Instagram and take a look at some of her other work.
We will never cease to be amazed at the talented embroiderers and designers out there. Emillie’s large body of work already demonstrates her skill and breathtaking eye for detail.
By following her fabulous instructions, and absorbing some of her passion, you’re guaranteed to produce a piece which will become a much-loved heirloom and a project you’ll never tire of looking at in years to com
Make Your Own Helena Gum Moth
Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions
Helena Gum Moth by Emillie Ferris showcases the gentle colours of this large Australian moth.
Inspirations Issue 109
Helena Gum Moth – i109 Digital
Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit
The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Helena Gum Moth includes everything* you need to re-create this spectacular study: Fabrics (unprinted), wool felt, embroidery threads and needles.
Helena Gum Moth – i109 Kit
*Please Note: To cater for flexibility of purchase, instructions are not included with our kits. For step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to the magazine/digital pattern.