Anne Hefford

‘Last year’s autumn course with Helen McCook at Higham Hall in Cumbria featured a Stargazer lily. I really enjoyed making the piece and learned a lot from Helen.

Decorating the underside of the petals was a definite challenge. In the time available the techniques were all demonstrated and tried but it wasn’t until returning home that I was able to complete it - the leaves were my own addition.’

‘As it was coming up to Christmas, I bought a poinsettia plant and this acted as my ‘muse’ - I had a lot of pleasure stitching all the leaves and bracts, as well as using up some of my stash.

I didn’t embellish the undersides this time. I have just finished it and am now contemplating making an Amaryllis!’

What gorgeous pieces Anne, beautifully replicating their natural muses. The leaves you added to your Stargazer Lily provide a visually engaging three-dimensional element, and your Poinsettia is luscious and vibrant. We’d love to see your Amaryllis when done.

Frances Roark

‘This is a photograph of a peacock done mostly with beads. This is an original design using leftovers from other projects. Initially it was an experiment, but I like it enough that I’ll have it framed.’

What a fantastic way to use up your leftovers from other projects, Frances. What started out as an experiment certainly turned into a beautifully successful finished piece, well deserving of being framed and hung. Keep up the excellent work.

Gaye Collins

‘I’ve recently finished a small piece; approximately 8 inches by 8 inches. It’s a friendly sloth; one of my favourite animals. I’ve used turkey stitch for the hair and long and short stitches for the remainder.

I’ve also enhanced a few areas with fabric markers. I stretched the stitching over a batting covered wood cradle board to finish.’

‘Another piece that I’ve finished; this stylised horse created from some horsehair I received as a gift from a fellow creator.

She had a jockey friend who collected hair from horse’s manes when brushing them. I wanted to try working with Japanese Goldwork and thought to combine both of these products with my embroidery.’

‘I haven’t worked with either of these supplies before but I’m happy with the first attempts. It was mentioned to me that this piece fits well with the Chinese year of the horse.’

Gaye, what charming designs these are! Your sloth is indeed very friendly and adorable, the combination of long and short stitches mimicking their fur wonderfully, and your goldwork horse is such a unique and eye-catching design. Well done and thank you for sharing these with us.

Have you stitched inspired by a flower or plant? Do you enjoy creating experimental pieces? Or have you recently finished your own animal design?

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