Joanne Crane

‘I’m a fan of Trish Burr and have been working my way through her book ‘Whitework with Colour’. I had to stop for a couple of years due to health problems, but I’ve decided to ignore them and get back to my favourite pastime.’

‘I’ve also included ‘A Partridge in a Pear Tree’, done before my hand started shaking. But I’ve decided to persevere and now I’ve started on the hummingbird from the book.’

Joanne, what a fun project to be working on. Trish Burr’s book and your completed pieces are terrific. We’re thrilled to hear you’ve picked your needle and thread back up again and we look forward to seeing your completed collection once done.

Ursula Osmond

‘I am fortunate to live near Marlborough College, who usually run a Summer School. One of the tutors is Chrissie Juno Mann, whose books you have mentioned in the newsletter.

I have been lucky enough to attend a couple of her courses, and with her excellent and patient teaching, have made my first steps into goldwork – it is surprising what one can accomplish when in such an environment, with an RSN tutor immediately on hand – I attach a photo of the result!’

What a wonderful institution and array of tutors to have so close, Ursula. Chrissie is an exeptionally talented designer, tutor and author so you are most certainly in good hands. Your first goldwork piece is both beautiful and very well stitched; you should definitely be impressed with your accomplishment. Keep up the excellent work.

Joan Kolar

‘I have recently completed Aurora from Inspirations issue #97. I have loved the look of Aurora for a number of years but always seemed to have had other projects taking precedence. I finally decided it was time!’

‘Once I’d completed the bag and decided to use it, as suggested, to hold embroidery supplies I felt it would be really nice to have some matching accessories.

Having made that decision, I moved on to making a matching scissor sheath and scissor fob, a small needle book and a thimble pip. I’m not entirely sure that I’ve finished yet and may decide to add a pin cushion and possibly a pin wheel at a later date.’

We love this, Joan! Your recreation of Aurora is gorgeous, and your matching accessories are stunning. Not only are their designs fantastic and match Aurora perfectly, but your stitching and construction of each item is excellent. We hope these pieces continue to be as practical as they are pretty for many years to come.

Are you stitching your way through an embroidery book? Have you recently learnt a new technique with the guidance of a wonderful tutor? Or have you added your own elements to an Inspirations project?

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