Jacquie Harvey

‘For the past nine years I have been busy helping to organise the textiles required for Norwich Castle in the UK where the Keep has been re-instated to what it looked like in the 11th Century.’

‘It has been a long journey, and many textiles have now been completed, including a Bayeux-style tapestry, banners, wall-hangings, throne cushions etc., all designs inspired by relevant historical embroideries. Although there have been several delays, Covid included, it is hoped that the Keep will now open to the public this summer.’

‘I have recently made this welcoming quilt in the style of the Bayeux-style tapestry, using appliqué instead of embroidery stitches.

The space under the horse is waiting for me to fill in the opening date, as soon as it is known.

Anyone contemplating a visit to the UK this summer and who may be interested in seeing the textiles can check the Castle website for updates HERE.’

What an extraordinary project to be a part of, Jacquie. It is inspiring to hear the dedication that’s gone into bringing the Keep back to life including all the associated textiles. And the finishing touch is your welcome quilt! It is such a clever way to echo the style of time though appliqué– bravo! Thank you for sharing the details of this exciting project with us all, it will no doubt be a very special day when it finally opens.

Josette Bélanger

‘I made two of the frogs named Rana by Maria Clara Warschauer from Inspirations magazine issue #124, one of which was for a friend who loves frogs and is currently fighting a cancer, the other was for me.’

‘A friend had given me coloured glass beads similar to the little water lilies that I was already imagining to be part of a marsh or pond themed embroidery. Of course when I saw Rana immediately a landscape to house her took shape.’

‘It's a pleasure to create these little critters, I made Balthazar and this May I start Betty Beetle with a group of embroiderers from the Brodeuses du Saint-Laurent of which I am a member. More hours of happiness and pleasure!’

Josette, your Rana is absolutely charming and the home you stitched for her is equally as amazing, especially the glass beads you added – what a lovely touch, they glimmer just like water droplets. Your thoughtfulness to create another Rana and gift it to your friend going through a difficult time was a beautiful gesture. Wishing you many more joyful hours of creativity ahead!

Pat Boyden

‘I so enjoy seeing everyone’s work in the newsletter each week.’

‘It has inspired me to send you my work from the Nicola Jarvis’ book Life in Seasons that are all framed and ready to give to my three great-grandchildren!’

‘I so love stitching - after 50 years I would be lost without it!’

Pat, we are so glad to hear you are enjoying All Stitched Up! The projects you have re-created from Life in Seasons are superb, the quality of your needlework and the high standard of finish you have achieved are so good they look like they’ve come straight from the pages of the book and we’re so glad you shared them. No doubt your great-grandchildren will treasure your stitches for many years to come and congratulations on fifty years of stitching - an incredible milestone!

Have you been a part of a textile restoration project? Do you stitch additional projects to gift to others? Or have you stitched a project for your great-grandchildren?

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