Fruit of the Vines by Margaret Light

There’s a timeless quality to an image of vines heavy with fruit, their twisting stems and clustered berries symbolising abundance and beauty.

In Fruit of the Vines from The Handpicked Collection 5, Margaret Light translates this enduring motif into a superbly crafted bag, where the elegance of decorative design meets the practicality of everyday use.

Worked on a base of black wool felt, the bag becomes a striking canvas for Margaret’s richly coloured embroidery.

Coiling stems unfurl across each panel, adorned with trefoil and grape leaves, heart-shaped velvet foliage, and clusters of berries that shimmer with tiny beads.

The palette is sophisticated yet vibrant - subtle greens, rich plums and glowing raspberries are illuminated against the matte black background. It’s a study in contrast, where texture and colour combine to bring the design to life.

Margaret’s hallmark was her ability to blend tradition with innovation, and this project was no exception.Margaret’s hallmark was her ability to blend tradition with innovation, and this project was no exception.

While vines and fruit have long been a decorative theme in textiles and the arts, she re-imagined them here through appliqué, sumptuous threads and a scattering of sparkle.

The variety of stitches will keep you engaged at every stage with coral stitch, satin stitch, whipped running stitch, French knots and more, each one adding nuance and detail.

The construction of the bag itself is as carefully considered as the embroidery. Finished with wide handles, it folds down neatly when not in use, but its embroidery ensures it never fades into the background.

This is a piece to be carried with pride, a perfect union of function and artistry.This is a piece to be carried with pride, a perfect union of function and artistry.

To work this design is to follow the winding path of the vine itself, each curve revealing new textures, colours and delights. Each stitch reflecting Margaret Light’s deep love of nature and her gift for capturing it with needle and thread.

With Fruit of the Vines, Margaret has given us a reminder of how embroidery can transform the everyday, elevating a simple bag into a celebration of nature’s bounty to carry with you wherever you go.

Ready-to-Stitch kits for Fruit of the Vines are now available.