Inspirations Magazine Issue #131 | Out Now!

SPOILER ALERT

If you do not wish to see the projects from the new issue of Inspirations magazine #131 before your copy arrives, please skip this next article!

It only happens four times a year and this week is one of those times - issue #131 of the world’s most beautiful needlework magazine is here and it’s All Tied Up!

Eight extraordinary new projects spanning goldwork, silk ribbon, Opus Anglicanum, reticella, counted thread and surface embroidery, plus two feature articles and a scandalous idea that Editor-in-Chief Susan O’Connor references in her editorial about an embroidery vandal that led to a remarkable book we review on page 13.

Before we introduce you to the projects from this issue, all of which you’re sure to fall in love with, it’s worth taking a moment to enjoy them as a harmonious group.

Turning to page 2 you’ll see a lovely compilation of them all - almost like a family photo - and it’s quite striking how they range from beautifully floral to thematically dramatic in all their unique offerings.

In fact, as a collective they look good enough to be bundled together, all tied up, and presented with a gorgeous bow - just like the project on the cover.

Here is what issue #131 has in store for you when you unwrap it…

Case Study by Jackie du Plessis

A beautifully constructed small linen case with a repeating floral pattern worked in a variety of counted thread stitches - and finished with a gorgeous ribbon bow that gives this issue its name.

Japanese Plum Blossom by Jane Nicholas

A goldwork roundel featuring a trio of plum blossoms rendered in the style of Japanese family crests - refined, precise, and utterly stunning.

Blanche by Jenny McWhinney

A gloriously characterful hen worked in black and white surface embroidery on a large cushion. Blanche has opinions, and she’d like you to know it.

Bluebell Bonanza by Lorna Bateman

Silk ribbon forms the petals and foliage of one of the UK’s most beloved wildflowers in this joyful celebration of the bluebell.

Abelard by Tanya Bentham

The second chapter of a famous medieval love story, told in Opus Anglicanum. He’s been waiting since issue #130. Read all about it in this issue of All Stitched Up! below.

Trellis by Fumie Suzuki

A linen mat featuring reticella embroidery - the intricate needle lace technique that predates bobbin lace - showcasing pretty, symmetrical motifs with extraordinary delicacy.

Butterfly Reverie by Taetia McEwen

A softly coloured arrangement of ethereal flowers, feathers, leaves and butterflies in surface embroidery - dreamlike and delicate.

Jacobean Dragonfly by Colleen Goy

A sparkling dragonfly takes centre stage, surrounded by a colourful wreath of flowers, fruit and nuts in richly worked surface embroidery.

Also inside, you’ll enjoy the following articles:

A Grand Tour

Rebecca Devaney on building a career in art and haute couture embroidery in Paris, and the artisans and suppliers who made it possible.

Circle of Life

The story of an extraordinary commemorative cathedral project that brought together embroiderers from twelve cathedrals across England - and represents the most significant piece of Opus Anglicanum work produced in over 500 years.

Loose Threads

Ansie van der Walt is back with her regular column and this issue she’s thinking about fashion - not the kind you find on a runway, but the kind that tells the story of who we are, where we come from, and how we live. ‘Fascinating Fashion’ is a beautiful reflection on textiles as time capsules, and a timely reminder that the things we stitch are always saying something.

Inspirations magazine issue #131 is out now and available to purchase using the link below.