What Are You Stitching?

This week, after being inspired by Susan O’Connor’s ‘Flowers for Elizabeth’ blanket, we searched our What Are You Stitching? files to find stitchers who have created their own stunning blankets.

‘I made this blanket for a baby of a friend whose grandmother immigrated from Egypt. The pattern is Sahara by Jenny McWhinney from Inspirations issue #43.’ 

‘This was my second try at threadpainting and I loved all the details of this pattern.’

‘This second design was a request from our son for a beach quilt to give his first-born child. Try as I might I could not find a pattern. So, I created this one utilising the book A Sea to Stitch by Elisabetta Sforza to make the shells. I hope our first grandson will enjoy this cuddle rug.’

Karen, we love the time and talent you’ve poured into these blankets. We’re sure both children will reap the benefits from all your hard work in years to come as they become treasured keepsakes.

‘I bought this cloth in 1953 when I was 18 to embroider for my glory box.  After marriage, five children and four house moves the cloth became a UFO.’

‘I found it in the back of a draw in 2011 and finished it. Never give up on a UFO.’

Wow Marilyn, what an amazing commitment to the cause to have kept that piece since 1953 and then pick it up again 58 years later to complete it.

What an amazing feeling it must be to have finally finished it and now proudly have it on display for all to admire.

‘All Stitched Up! issue #356 announced the release of the Les Boutis digital pattern from Inspirations issue #48. Boutis is not a well-known method of embroidery but I was fortunate to learn boutis from a lady in the South of France.’

‘I used to watch her sewing at local markets. We had a shared interest in in patchwork and as our friendship developed, I was invited to her home to learn more about boutis. She is no longer with us but I am grateful she was able to pass on this skill as I have also been able to do too.’

‘I photographed them outside to show the delicate effect of the light coming through, but I have not done them justice!’

That is a spectacular piece Betty, it really captures your attention. We love that you were able to build upon your knowledge of stitching and continue to pass this on to others. It is so important to keep as many of these traditional techniques alive as possible, so thank you for sharing your love of boutis with us.

‘Here is a quilt I made during COVID lockdowns.’

‘The quilt was a whole cloth quilt, in that the blocks were printed like that, but I quilted along all the printed seams and quilted the leaf pattern, which can be seen on the reverse.’

Lorraine, during a time of uncertainty, we’re glad you could find comfort in needle and thread, and in turn produce a beautiful quilt that no doubt will be put to good use.

Do you design your own projects when you can’t find a pattern? Have you finished any long-lost UFO’s? Have you tried boutis or have another technique you’d like to share? 

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