Kath Hudson

‘I live in Wales, and although I did a little very simple embroidery in my late teens it’s only in the last four years (later 50s) that I’ve really got into it.’

‘So much easier these days with excellent kits, video tutorials etc to learn new things.

Embroidery has become my favourite way to unwind after a busy day at work.

I enjoy the fine detail of real silk, but equally the texture of crewel work. This is a vintage RSN Wind in the Willows kit I found on eBay and then stitched.’

Welcome back to the world of embroidery, Kath, and we’re honoured you’ve become a member of our All Stitched Up! family. Many of our readers will resonate with using embroidery to unwind after a busy day, and this gorgeous vintage RSN kit is a great find. This piece is charming and your stitching is terrific; we’re thrilled you chose to share this with us.

Mary Thompson

‘When I opened Inspirations magazine issue 118 and saw Sturt's Desert Pea by Denise Mackey I just knew I had to give it a try. I had never tried stumpwork before.

I have to admit that it took some courage to cut the detached flowers away from the hoop.

I was pleased with the results. I decided to present it to my brother and sister-in-law when I stayed with them in NZ and it now takes pride of place in their hallway for all visitors to see.’

‘The Hydrangea by Ana Mallah in Inspirations magazine issue 119 was inspired by the colours I saw travelling in NZ. I am now in the process of doing another using the original colours Ana used. These will hang on my wall and hopefully be passed on to the girls in the family in years to come.’

‘Like most subscribers to your magazine I have a long list of projects that I would love to do.’

We are indeed all very familiar with the sentiment of too many projects to stitch and not enough time Mary! Your desert pea is stitched masterfully and is such a thoughtful gift for your brother and sister-in-law. That hydrangea is also beautiful with such a stunning colour combo you’ve chosen - these will no doubt become cherished heirlooms within your family. Keep up the excellent work at making your way through your to-stitch list.

Rosemary Koenig

‘Here are a couple of photos of my Bugle Fairy. I have stitched it for my God-daughter who has just had her first child, Beau.

The design is from Cicely Mary Barker’s book ‘Flower Fairies Alphabet’ that was produced as part of the DMC Collection (published by Frederick Warne & Co).’

‘Unfortunately, this book is now out of print so I had to borrow a copy from an elderly member of my stitching group. It has designs for every letter of the alphabet with different fairies on each letter. A little bit of whimsy in our busy lives!’

Rosemary, you’re absolutely right; this is such a fun and whimsical design and certainly brings a touch of magic. Beau is certainly the very lucky recipient of such a gorgeous gift that has been stitched beautifully. Well done!

Have you recently found and stitched a vintage design? Have you re-worked a design based on inspiration from your own travels? Or have you recently stitched something to add some whimsy to your life?

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