Nicole Martin

‘Thought you might like to see the scissor case that I made some time ago. I used the DMC threads that I had on hand and used template plastic to give the case rigidity.’

This is a beautiful rendition of Susan O’Connor’s Chatelaine, Nicole, and a terrific way to use up some threads from your stash. Thank you for being part of the Inspirations ‘family’ and for sharing your wonderful project with us all.

Maureen Sharkey

‘I am moving from paper napkins to cloth napkins (non-renewable to renewable). Of course, I had to embroider them - I couldn't just use plain 'ole cloth napkins, right?’

‘I purposefully bought a packet of different coloured napkins. Other projects have put this one on the back burner, but now that I'm retired, I am catching up on all my backlogged embroidery projects.

I have completed fuchsia flowers and a jelly fish. I am currently stitching a stained-glass penguin, and next in line is a fantasy mermaid, and then a robin.

The napkins will have mostly flowers and animals - all my favourite things - a different one on each napkin. The jellyfish is a replica of a picture I saw and liked. The flowers are my interpretation of a hanging fuchsia plant.’

What a wonderful and personalised way to move towards a more environmentally friendly home, Maureen. The uniqueness and vibrancy of your designs are eye-catching and fun. We’re certainly cheering you on from the sidelines to keep on going and would love to see your finalised collection once done.

Flora An Bernstein

‘I have been collecting the parts to make several goldwork pieces for so long, I finally decided to actually open the packages and use them! ‘There's no time like the present!’ This little goldwork piece measures 9"(23cm) square and is my own design. All done in a variety of silk threads and goldwork on yellow damask.’

‘The Jacobean piece is a variety of silk and cotton threads on pink satin, mounted on a cigar box. I am self-taught, and thoroughly researched through many, many books, web pages and tutorials.’

Flora, the amount of time, care and research that has gone into honing your technique is certainly evident in your embroidery. The colours you’ve used and the motifs you’ve designed are a real joy. We look forward to seeing what you stitch next!

Have you recently completed a project using your threads stash? Do you enjoy creating sustainability focused pieces? Or have you taught yourself a new technique?

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