What Are you Stitching?

We asked you to send in more avian inspired projects and they literally flew into our inbox! We’re thrilled with all the wonderful submissions we received, so without further ado, this week we present more magnificent projects featuring our favourite feathered friends.

‘I have been stitching two of Nicola Jarvis’s Christmas Robins from Inspirations issue #108 for my family members overseas. I just loved doing them at 65% of the original size so that they fitted into a 6-inch hoop. They were such fun to do in stumpwork.’

Not one but two delightful projects, Jackie! You must have thoroughly enjoyed working these little robins as both of them look absolutely perfect. Brilliantly done.

‘I like doing many types of embroidery and needlework, but it seems like I always have a cross stitch project on the go. I started the heron in 2018, expecting it to take several years for me to complete. However, it became my COVID project and I actually finished it just recently.’

‘I live in the suburbs outside of Vancouver Canada and we’re lucky enough to have great blue herons in residence in many places around us. We have even had them in our backyard on a couple of occasions!’

It’s amazing what we can achieve when we’re given a bit of time, isn’t it, Colleen? This is definitely a finish to be proud of and how wonderful you can enjoy the blue herons both as a stitched piece and in real life!

‘My embroidery journey started when I met my mother-in-law. She is an amazing seamstress and taught me many techniques. I moved to the Tweed Valley and joined the Embroiderer’s Guild of New South Wales in Australia, where I took some correspondence courses and learned more.’

‘My favourite technique is goldwork but I love the designs of Nicola Jarvis for something different. These Bluebirds are for a dear friend’s 60th birthday.’

We love Nicola’s work too, Allison. There’s always so much detail and so many wonderful stitches to master in all of her designs. What a delightful piece you have created for your friend, no doubt a gift she will always cherish.

‘For the last few months, I have been working on my Ruru cushion. Ruru is the Maori name for our little Morepork (also known as Tasmanian Owl).  I have never seen one in the wild, but most nights can hear them calling. It is one of my favourite birds and is sometimes referred to as the ‘night guardian’.’

‘I am self-taught and the technique of needle painting fascinates me, although there may be areas where I forge my own path rather than the more accepted route. That’s how I am in life as well!’

Putting your own stamp on your stitching is very important, Judy. We love the result and you should be very proud too, it looks fabulous.

Should we ask for more birds? Well, why not! We don’t think there will ever be an end to the inspiration they can provide and the fantastic projects which will come out of our love for the avian world.

Of course, we love all animals too so if you’ve got any project you would like to share with us, send it in. Email us with a photograph and some information about the project itself and your personal stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com