Laurel Selwood

‘I recently completed an intermediate level course on Hardanger embroidery through the South-West branch, Warrnambool of the Embroiderers’ Guild of Victoria in Australia with the tutor Sue Gass.

I have always loved the look of Hardanger embroidery and when I saw the chatelaine (designed by Janice Love) owned by another Warrnambool member, I knew I wanted to make one of my own as part of the major piece for the course.’

‘I still have some pieces to complete the chatelaine but managed to get four of the seven components made by the end of the course, plus a couple of other pieces.’

What a terrific achievement Laurel. Attending courses is a great way to increase your stitching repertoire, and it’s wonderful to hear of the inspiration you took from another member. The time, effort and care you’ve put into your project is self-evident, and we wish you well for finishing the remaining components.

Patricia Siwanowicz

‘In Ottawa Ontario, Canada back in 2002, I purchased a set of nativity needlepoint canvases designed and hand painted by the late artist, Sandra Jenkins. At that time, I was a young mother of grade school aged children and soon had to put down my work as I returned to university and the workplace.

The little canvases got tucked away and almost forgotten. Many years later when the world was hit with the COVID pandemic, suddenly I had more time and was given an opportunity to get back to stitching my little canvases.’

‘The more I worked on them the more I came to appreciate how beautifully they were designed and so accurately painted. My stitches included long and short, couching, turkey work, basket weave, bullion knots and the herringbone stitch.

These stitches helped create interest, depth and texture along with using a combination of cotton, wool, silk, metallic thread and gold cording.

Further embellishment of them with bugle beads and sequins helped to bring these little figures to life.Further embellishment of them with bugle beads and sequins helped to bring these little figures to life.

I sewed velvet, silk and tapestry fabric on the backs and stuffed them with fibre-fill. I hand sewed small bases on the bottoms of them out of the same fabric to aid them standing upright. They are now completed and will have a special place of display on our living room mantelpiece for Christmas.’

Talk about a project that was years in the making, Patricia! We have no doubt that having to tuck your embroidery away for children, work and study is a very common experience, and we are so thrilled you’ve returned to the world of needlework. Your Christmas figures are divine, and we’re excited to see what’s next on your stitching journey.

Mendie Cannon

‘I am in my animal phase. I started with a black and white cow (think Chic-fil-A) and it went on from there. I have included photos of two of my designs that I am getting ready to publish to the world.

I stitch in Brazilian embroidery as I love the texture and sheen of the threads, not to mention the way the flowers jump off the fabric.’

Mendie the detail, texture and vibrancy of your work makes for wonderfully eye-catching pieces. This is a terrific example of how recreating animals with a needle and thread can be done with so much creativity. We applaud your work, Mendie, and certainly hope to see more of your creations.

Have you recently picked up a new technique? Do you have a project you’ve recommenced after a stitching hiatus? Or are you a keen animal embroiderer?

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