Each year to coincide with Australia Day celebrations, a special group of people are awarded an OAM and appear on the Australia Day honours list.

This year, the needlework blogs were abuzz with the fabulous news that a talented embroiderer was among those chosen to receive this distinguished honour.

The Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) is awarded to people who have made a meaningful difference through service to their community or field. It celebrates the quiet achievers and everyday heroes whose contributions help shape a better Australia.

If ever there ever was an Australian needlework artist worthy of acknowledgement, Margaret Lee (also known as Margaret Soo Koo) is undoubtably a most deserving recipient.

It was an extremely proud moment for Margaret, and indeed for all of us in the needlework community, to see one of our own acknowledged in this way.It was an extremely proud moment for Margaret, and indeed for all of us in the needlework community, to see one of our own acknowledged in this way.

Margaret was interviewed by the ABC who introduced her as follows:

‘Margaret Soo Koo is the holder of ancient embroidery traditions.

At just nine years old, she began learning the craft from her mother.

Now, 60 years later, her work in preserving, practising and sharing that knowledge is being recognised with an Order of Australia Medal.’

You can read the article HERE (scroll down to see Margaret who appears fourth down the page) and you can also watch a short interview with her HERE (after clicking past a few adverts!).

Inspirations Studios has had the great privilege of working with Margaret and her husband David for over 10 years now. We have seen firsthand her passion and commitment to evangelising the ‘ancient embroidery traditions’ that she showcases and teaches brilliantly.

Congratulations Margaret – we are so thrilled for you!

To Celebrate the Occasion…

If you are not familiar with Margaret Lee’s work, then you are in for a real treat… click HERE to enjoy a gallery of 48 of her stunning projects.

For those of you who are familiar with her work, we have a treat for you too… kits for several of her projects are now back in stock..

If you’ve been waiting for any of the following Ready-to-Stitch kits to come back in stock, use the link below to get in quick before they sell out again!

Browse Kits Here