What Are You Stitching?

5th May 2023

Recipe for an embroidered box: You will need 1/. A passion for needle and thread, 2/. A dash of creativity and 3/. A dollop of construction wizardry. When you mix these all together you get today’s ‘What Are You Stitching?’ segment featuring immaculate boxes our incredibly talented needlework community have whipped up. Serves: All Stitched Up! readers.

Janet Granger

‘I was really pleased to see the release of Susan O’Connor’s new book ‘Flowers for Elizabeth’ which expands on her original designs.

‘When the original book came out I wanted to use the designs but I didn’t have space to make the blanket, so I used five of the motifs, at about 4 inches high, around the sides of a shaped box (stitching them using Anchor stranded cotton), and one of the corner motifs on the lid.

 I got the box pattern from Pinterest (it was originally made to have crazy patchwork all over it).’

Wow! What a spectacular finish, Janet. We love that Susan’s project inspired such a clever alternative to making the blanket and clearly you were ahead of your time, as this is the sort of creativity Susan expands upon in her new version of the book. You’ve created a beautifully shaped box that we’re sure you will enjoy using for many years to come.

Jane Page

‘I acquired a Panettone tin and immediately knew how to recycle it inspired by Carolyn Pearce’s iconic project The Embroidered Village Bag.’ 

‘I drilled a hole in the lid before padding the top to make a roof, then used a threaded bolt to fasten a wooden cotton reel on the top for a chimney. I had fun raiding my button and sewing box for all sorts of embellishments that had lurked in dark corners waiting for the day they would find a use. I now use it to store large reels of thread.’ 

You’ve created such a beautiful and practical item, Jane. This is a wonderfully creative way to display your stitching and give the Panettone tin a second life! 

Maureen Bradley

‘I attend classes at The Embroidery Den in Melbourne with tutor Christine Burton. Christine introduced me to goldwork embroidery, needle lace and most significantly to the Trevelyon Miscellany of 1608.’

‘I used the embroidery designs of Thomas Trevelyon filling them with bright colours, lots of sparkle and the new stitches I had learned from Christine. I really enjoyed this project.’

A truly breath-taking piece, Maureen. What a beautiful way to showcase your newly learned stitches. The colour and design is stunning, and the finishing is just perfect. 

Do you enjoy making boxes? Have you used a tin to mount a stitched project? How do you practise new stitches?

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 

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