What Are You Stitching?

Gardens are a way of having a little bit of nature all to ourselves. Many stitchers are also gardeners, and as a result many stitchers like to stitch their gardens. Some gardens are neat and well kept, while others are beautiful and wild. The projects we have for you this week run the gamut of our love of the garden, whether within our own fences or outside in the wide world.

‘My mom used to make crochet doilies, and sewed most of the clothes for her seven children. At eight, after being inspired by my brother’s girlfriend, I begged my mom to get me a sewing machine. I have been sewing ever since.’

‘I love to do patchwork quilting and any type of needlework. I started doing embroidery and knitting when I wanted something portable. I took some knitting classes where I learned so much and met some wonderful people. I started to do needlepoint around 2005 and that became something I loved as well.’

‘So, I do a little of this and a little of that, as my heart desires. I may be in the mood to do one thing today and not tomorrow, but I have a lot of projects that I can easily get my hands on and be inspired.’

It is fabulous to enjoy such a wide range of techniques as you’ll always have something to do. It sounds like you’ve had a wonderful stitching journey so far, Yvonne, thank you for sharing your beautiful needlework with us.

‘I started my stitching journey at primary school and have dabbled in knitting, crochet, scrapbooking and card making but always returned to embroidery. I joined the ACT Embroiderers’ Guild in Canberra, Australia 13 years ago where I have attended classes and meetings improving my stitching skills. I’m currently studying my Certificate in Embroidery with the South Australian Embroiderers’ Guild. I really enjoy learning new techniques and the history of the different types of embroidery.’

‘I recently collected my ‘Sea View’ from the framers. It was a pleasure to stitch and even the framer commented on the loveliness of the piece. The kit was a Christmas present from my late mum who loved the beach – so now it has even more meaning for me.’

Sea View by Jo Butcher from Inspirations issue #107 has been an incredibly popular project and looking at your finished piece Tracey, you can see why – it is a gorgeous design. You have done a superb job stitching it, the framing looks fabulous and what a beautiful way to preserve the memory of your mum. All the best with your Certificate in Embroidery, we look forward to seeing your next piece.

‘A while ago in All Stitched Up! you talked about a book by Sarah Abbondio on crocheted succulents. She also has a book on crocheted cactuses and, for better or worse, I own both books! These little projects are quite addictive and the staff at my work are always keen to see the next one I create.’

How fabulous Nicole! Don’t they look amazing when they are all hooked up? Your crochet garden is really coming along – we can understand why they’re addictive to make when you see the results! We can’t wait to see your next instalment…

‘As a reasonably new member of the Tasmanian Embroiderers’ Guild, who are a wonderful group of talented people, I know help is willingly offered to me. I have recently finished a piece of landscape embroidery inspired by Judy Wilford’s book Embroidered Landscapes.’

This is a beautiful landscape piece, Susan. The layering and colour is magnificent and we’ll be looking forward to seeing more of your creations.

Do you love stitching gardens? Or do you swoon over landscapes? Or do you prefer interior scenes, with flowers in vases rather than in the ground? Whatever subjects you prefer to stitch, we’d like to see them. Send us a picture of your work with a bit of information about the project and your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com