Sea View by Jo Butcher

So many exquisite embroidery projects to do, but so little time! It is a lament heard over and over and, like the child reaching for the largest piece of cake, it is all too easy to underestimate just how long a project is going to take and how difficult it is going to be to finish it.

So, it really is a breath of fresh air when a stunning project comes along which can be completed in a relatively short period of time. Even though Sea View by Jo Butcher is ‘quick’ to stitch, it is still a breathtaking piece of work as are all her wonderful stitched landscapes.

Painting your ground fabric isn’t something that many of us think of doing. Perhaps it is because we fear we won’t be able to achieve the effect we want as we’re not comfortable with a paintbrush.

Or perhaps it is because we’ve always believed that our art is made with needle and thread which is different to that rendered in paint. Jo’s work should prove to us than when the two are brought together, magic really is the result.

If you’re starting with blank fabric, in this case a medium weight calico or muslin, Jo offers simple and clear instructions on how you can create your background. You only need two colours – blue and yellow. We all remember art class at school where we learned which colours to mix to create others. For Sea View, all of the colours and hues derive from yellow and blue so it really is difficult to get it wrong.

Once you’ve mixed your colours, the time has come to start painting. Just remember, it doesn’t have to be absolutely perfect. This is the background after all. The highlight of this exquisite little piece will be your stitching, so you can relax and have fun with the paint.

We’ve heard from many a stitcher who had never painted on fabric before and once they tried, their confidence was unlocked allowing them to experiment with other projects. After all, Jo’s wonderful designs give us the perfect opportunity to give it a try.

You might surprise yourself at how easy it is to meld two artistic forms together to create a work that is totally unique.

This way you’ll know that the hues are just right and the horizon line and grass fronds are precisely where they should be.

Sea View is the perfect project for so many reasons. As well as offering the opportunity to try your hand at painting, it also asks you to let go of the need to copy Jo’s piece precisely. You get to simply stitch the sea grasses and flowers wherever you feel, using the model as a guide but building up your stitches in your own way to achieve depth and movement. 

So, although there is so much to stitch and so little time, here is one piece which can be completed and on the wall before you know it. But the things you’ll learn and the satisfaction it will bring long outlast those wonderful hours spent stitching it.

Sea View offers complete freedom, designed precisely to let your inner artist fly. It’s no wonder we love it as really, isn’t this what embroidery should be all about?

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Sea View by Jo Butcher is a peaceful scene of grasses and flowers overlooking the ocean.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Sea View includes everything* you need to re-create this delightful scene: Fabric with pre-printed background, embroidery threads and needles.

Due to popular demand Sea View kits are currently sold out. The good news is that more stock is on its way. The not so good news is that due to sourcing lead times and current delivery delays there is an expected wait of 4-6 weeks. Thank you for your patience.

*Please Note: To cater for flexibility of purchase, instructions are not included with our kits. For step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to the magazine/digital pattern.