What Are You Stitching?

28th July 2023

Today’s What Are You Stitching? features a selection of beautiful blooms that have been perfectly captured in stitch.

Mavis Brown

‘I have always loved embroidering birds. Last spring the magnolias were so beautiful I just had to embroider some.’

‘I found a tole painting design by Sherry C Morgan and adapted it to my needs. The meadowlark is added to the growing list of birds I have had the pleasure to stitch.’

Fabulous, Mavis! You’ve captured the beauty of the magnolias superbly along with another wonderfully stitched bird. Well done.

Susannah Whitney

‘This is an adaption of Susan Porter’s Full Bloom from Inspirations issue #85. I love stumpwork, and I loved this design because it’s so realistic.’

‘While the original design featured a pale pink rose on pale green fabric, I wanted my rose to be more striking. So, I changed the petals to deep red, and stitched it on silk habotai fabric in ‘Midnight’ from Colour Streams.

I am really happy with how this turned out. It was amazing watching the flower come to life as I added in the petals.’

Susannah, we love that you made the creative decision to change the colour of your ‘full bloom’! Your red rose is stitched beautifully and looks as though it was just cut fresh from the garden.

Elza Bester

‘Alley, my friend Karen’s daughter, got married February last year in Townsville, Australia. Due to Covid travelling restrictions, Karen could not attend the wedding. I should mention we both live in South Africa.’

‘I was really so sad for my dear friend. Knowing her disappointment and after seeing photos of her daughter’s bouquet, I suddenly had this lightbulb moment and decided to embroider the bouquet for her.’

‘The main flower is a King Protea with white iceberg roses, light pink roses and various other flowers and leaves. I mainly used one strand of stranded cotton and two strands for the French knots. 

It took me about six months, on and off, to complete. The actual size is 29cm x 25cm. At the moment it is at the framers.

Karen always liked my embroidery and is so happy with it and that in turn is the biggest compliment for me.’

You are indeed a beautiful stitcher, Elza, we’re sure Karen appreciates how much love and work you have put into this gift. The bouquet looks so divine, maybe the bride will ask for one too!

Have you been inspired by the blooms in season? Do you have a favourite colour to stitch flowers? Do you like to stitch bouquets, or do you prefer single flower studies?

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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