Heather Seamons

‘My 54-year-old daughter loved the dressing gown her late father gave her many years ago. As a result of many soakings, washings and wears, it developed holes in the sleeve and the band was almost thread bare! I was given the task of resurrecting this beloved piece.’

‘The sleeve required an innovative mend using fussy cut hexagons. These were attached with a vine of roses. To balance the sleeve, I employed the same combination of hexagons and embroidery on the opposite pocket.’

‘Then I cut the same fabric on the cross to create a bind which was hand sewn to the back. I then oversewed the bind in rows of machine stitching to further secure it. She now has a gown from both her beloved father and me!’

What a beautiful story and an even more beautiful act of love, Heather. The care and creativity you have put into mending this beloved gown has achieved amazing results - it looks gorgeous, and you’ve created a family heirloom for your daughter to treasure for always along the way.

Connie Kirby

‘I finally finished Susan’s Flowers for Elizabeth Blanket! She was kind enough to give me some guidance at the start and some comments on completion.’

‘It was a great project, and I thank her for designing it.’

Thinking about all that it took for me to complete it, I can’t even imagine what it took to create it in the first place. Kudos to her!

I’m looking forward to years of keeping warm beautifully and then, passing it on to others to enjoy.’

What a mammoth achievement, Connie! Susan will be delighted to read your kind words and the level of finish you have achieved with your needlework is remarkable. These photos you have provided are so good, we could almost be looking at Susan’s original. Well done you!

Cristina Casoli

‘The heat in Italy last year gave me the push to make a small, but functional, fan!’

‘Of course, the needles are a bit blackened, because embroidering in the heat is not exactly a pleasure, but so it is...’

The fact that the heat sparked you into action to create such a clever creation is a fabulous backstory, Cristina. There is much truth in the saying that necessity is the mother of invention. And the blackened needles show proof of true dedication to your stitching! No doubt it will keep you pleasantly cool for many years to come.

Have you repaired a beloved garment? Do you have a completed project to keep you warm this winter? Or have you been inspired by the elements to design a piece?

Whatever you are stitching, we’d love to see it! Email photos of what you’ve created with needle and thread along with a few details about your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com