Cathy Monier

‘I live in Castres, in the Tarn region of France. I learned some basic stitches in my youth and have always held a needle to relax. I used magazines to learn new techniques, but my work as a programmer and office computer trainer means I embroidered little due to lack of time.

During Covid, I started to get back into it, and after retiring three years ago, I started embroidering more and more and it delights me.’

‘I discover lots of techniques and I often mix them in my creations. But my preferences are long and short stich, needle lace, or nué and finally knots, beads and post stitches to simulate greenery.

I don't know how to paint, so I use photos and watercolours that I find on the Internet to create my creations.’

We’re so pleased you’ve found your way back to a needle and thread, Cathy, and that it brings you a sense of relaxation. Your creativity in discovering and mixing techniques sounds like a wonderfully joyful process, and your pieces are intricate and eye-catching. Keep up the terrific work.

Tracy Reeb

‘This is the latest project I stitched for the Cherrywood Fabrics Challenge, which accept submissions from people all around the world. I call this project Seahorse Inspirations.’

‘Growing up, we had a saltwater aquarium filled with fascinating sea creatures and vibrant plant life - starfish, sea anemones, colorful fish, and seahorses, which were always my favorite.’

‘The seahorse continues to inspire me with its quiet strength and symbolism: adaptability, balance, and persistence.

Seahorses adapt seamlessly to their surroundings, reminding me to stay flexible and embrace change with grace.Seahorses adapt seamlessly to their surroundings, reminding me to stay flexible and embrace change with grace.

Their upright swimming posture encourages me to remain centered and grounded, even in turbulent times. And when faced with strong currents, they anchor themselves with their tails - teaching me the importance of holding on firmly to my goals and values.’

‘The background of corals and plants is machine quilted, and a hand appliquéd seahorse and colorful corals and plants are then hand embroidered with coral knots, eyelet stitches, French knots, fly stitch, stem stitch, chain stitch, lazy daisy stitches, trellis stitch, seed stitch, fern stitch, feather stitch, back stitch, straight stitch, buttonhole wheels, cross stitch, wheatear stitch, and granitos stitch.’

The sentiment and meaning behind your design makes for an inspiring read Tracy, and full of wonderful reminders for us all to remain grounded, adaptable and principled. Your work is fun and vibrant, and the collection of techniques used adds a great element of visual interest to the finished piece. We’re thrilled you chose to share this with us.

Debbie Chambers

‘This is an image of a piece of embroidery I finished last year. For me this marked the 5-year anniversary since I first took up embroidery.

I had been feeling a bit of a failure since I flunked out of a course I was doing, but when I had finished this I took a step back and I was filled with pride and a renewed confidence.’

‘The pattern is one from Trish Burr called Little Bee-eater friends.’

Debbie, we have no doubt that almost everyone in our community has felt as though their embroidery is inadequate at some stage; you’re definitely not alone. We are so thrilled to hear that this piece has restored your confidence and renewed a sense of pride in your work. And so it should! These bee-eaters are gorgeous and the skills you have developed in your five years of stitching speak for themselves. We encourage you to keep up the wonderful work.

Have you recently returned to embroidery? Have you completed a design with something sentimental from your childhood? Or has a recent piece restored or boosted your confidence in your work?

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