What Are You Stitching?

The final week of What Are You Stitching? for this year is brought to you by St. Nicholas. What better way to finish than sharing some of the festive stitches we have received! Merry Stitchmas everyone…

‘I’m not sure if this is ‘noteworthy’ but I just finished three of these for each of my children’s families.’

‘I started with the Sew Your Own Felt Advent Calendar book as inspiration and then made it my own. They are 51cm by 89cm (20 x 36 inches) and will make it to each home before December 1st! Whew, made it!’

Susan, these are more than noteworthy, they are impeccable! What lucky families they are to receive one of your calendars that you have thoughtfully stitched in time for this year’s Christmas countdown fun! No doubt the lucky recipients will enjoy many years of festive joy from your beautiful gifts.

‘I live in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada and thought I would share some of the Christmas items I have made.’

‘For many years, I have photographed the Christmas ornaments I stitch before I give them away as gifts. Last year I took some of those photographs, made miniaturised versions of them on my computer and made gift tags. All that is required is coloured paper, punch a hole in the corner and add a ribbon and you have a gift tag that is a delight to family and friends.’

‘I also found a use for the black empty thread bobbins as you can see here, where I use plastic stickers on some while others I have embroidered.’

Delightful gifts indeed, Lousie! A great idea to share your stitching and such a thoughtful gift for your friends and family. We love the bobbin decorations, what a great way to reduce, reuse and recycle. Thank you for sharing!

‘With Christmas coming, I thought I would share some of my Christmas stitching. As well as doing my first love which is needlework, I also do miniatures. I work in scales of 1:12, 1:48 and 1:144. So, when I can combine both hobbies, I feel like I’m in heaven. During lockdown I decided to do just that while my eyesight was still good.’

‘I had many miniature kits from various artists that I wanted to complete for a miniature embroidery shop I planned to build. In the Christmas stocking photo, the top row are designs by Natalia Frank (USA) stitched in petit point on 48ct silk gauze. The second and third row are designs by Janet Granger (UK) stitched on 40ct silk gauze.’

‘The pillows are designed by various artists again. The deer in the top row is by Hong McKinsey stitched on 32ct silk gauze. The other six pillows are by Canadian needlework artist Caraline Stanley stitched on 30ct and 40ct silk gauze.’ 

‘The photo with the sampler and the seat cover are both designs by Annelle Ferguson (USA) stitched on 48ct silk gauze. I also made the frame for the sampler.

All pieces were stitched in petit point using one strand of DMC thread over one thread. These are small fiddly pieces that required more patience to attach the backs and trim and turn right side out than to do the actual stitching.’

Cathy, your miniatures have taken our breath away! Each one’s stitching is immaculate – and to think it’s all on such a small scale. We’re sure your miniature embroidery shop will be a sight to behold.

‘Over the years I have initiated a Christmas tradition with my sister,  I would buy a special ornament as a Christmas gift. She has them on display every year and is quite proud of them.’

‘When I started stitching, about 7 years ago, I decided to stitch her ornaments. I usually use the technique I learned during the year, these are the goldwork year and the Japanese embroidery year ornaments.’

‘One year I wanted to introduce a piece of jewellery from my mother and chose one of her earrings. Last year I used the second earring of the pair and used it on her ornament. She is now the proud owner of my mum’s set of earrings. Merry Christmas to all!’

A truly wonderful tradition you have with your sister, Ginette. We love that you started to stitch the ornaments yourself and even showcase a new skill learned each year. The goldwork and Japanese embroidery ornaments are divine and we’re sure they look amazing displayed altogether. 

Have you stitched something for Christmas you’re yet to share with us? Maybe you have a project planned for the holidays? Or perhaps you have some 2023 WIP’s you might like to send us?

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 

Until then, Merry Stitchmas from the team at Inspirations Studios. May your days be filled with merriment, needle and thread!