What Are You Stitching?

In art, landscape painting has been popular for centuries. Often rendered in watercolour, but just as frequently painted in oils, it doesn’t matter what gallery you attend, you’ll find walls filled with landscape paintings from all over the world. 

But landscapes aren’t simply the preserve of painters – embroiderers love them too. Embroidered landscapes can be equally, if not more, stunning, so here are a few for you to enjoy:

‘Jo Butcher’s Sea View meadow scenes inspired me to do these four. I needed presents for four people that all live near coast lines here in the United States; three in California and one on the Gulf Coast. I didn’t want them all the same so I mixed it up a bit.’

‘I really enjoyed the painting for the backgrounds. I had never done that before. These kept me busy during this past crazy year. It made staying at home bearable.’

They are all so different and so lovely, Greta. It’s fabulous how you’ve taken one scene and added your own interpretation each time. Congratulations on creating some absolutely stunning gifts.

‘I have embroidered for about 50 years, wandering across various techniques from ribbon embroidery to crewel work. However, what I most enjoy working in the simple French knot.’

‘I design my own landscape embroideries and complete them primarily in this simple stitch. Here is a photo of an embroidery I have worked on for some time. It just needs to be framed as soon as we are out of lockdown.’

It’s hard to believe you have primarily used one stitch, Norma! What a wonderful result, that will look stunning when it is framed and hanging on the wall.

‘A dear friend taught me how to paint my fabric for In Flanders Fields by Jo Butcher that appeared in Inspirations issue #99. I loved every minute of working on this project. The poppies are so lovely and reminded me of my brother selling them every year for the Knights of Columbus in our city.’

The background is fantastic and the stitching is wonderful, Peggy. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

‘Here are a few examples of my embroidery. I started stitching as a student nurse on night duty in the late 1940s, and I have been enjoying it ever since.’

‘I stitched with a local group for many years and have always loved creating projects to sell or fundraise. I’ve always done embroidery for the enjoyment as I’d be completely lost without it.’

You produce beautiful work, Josie. With so much experience, it is a joy to see that you’re still getting pleasure out of your embroidery.

Do you enjoy stitching landscapes, or have you tried portraits instead? If landscapes are your thing, are there particular scenes or locations you love? Are they real or fantastical?

Whatever it is you like to stitch, we’d love to see what you’re doing. Send us a picture of your work and a bit of information about the project and your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com