What Are You Stitching?

‘I always look forward to waking up on Friday morning and drinking my coffee while reading about the wonderful Inspirations projects in All Stitched Up! and the beautiful work that many of your readers create.’

‘I thought someone might like to see the fun pillow I made with the Nicola Jarvis pattern called Forbidden Fruit. 

I grew up sewing and making crafts but when I graduated from college, started work and then had children, my sewing time dwindled. Then in early 2020 I decided it was time to retire, which unfortunately coincided with the beginning of the Pandemic.

To keep from going mad in lockdown, I thought I would try my hand at embroidery, which I hadn’t done before. I have definitely improved and have really enjoyed learning new stitches and creating something beautiful – mostly gifts for friends and relatives.’

‘A few months ago, my daughter asked if I would make a colourful pillow for her living room. So, I started looking for a pattern on the Inspirations website and found this fabulous Nicola Jarvis bird from Inspirations issue #93. What a fun project from start to finish! And best of all, my daughter loves it.’

Karen, we loved hearing your All Stitched Up! ritual and thank you for joining the What Are You Stitching? conversation – we’re sure everyone will indeed enjoy seeing your delightful cushion! We love the fabric you have chosen to finish your cushion, and the green edge is beautiful. No surprise that your daughter loves it… you should be very proud of your achievement.

‘I recently had a few long-haul flights… so I just started stitching circles. There was no thought as to colours (I grabbed a handful of leftover threads), no outlining, just chain stitch until the thread ended and another random colour was started.’

‘I loved seeing it evolve and the freedom of no rules. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did (yes it did shorten the journey).’

Your no rules piece is so bright and fun, Liz! What a wonderful project to do when you have very little room and only a small number of supplies. We will remember this hack for our next long-haul flight, for sure.

‘I purchased the project Woodlands by Jenny McWhinney and decided to work it on Doctor’s flannel instead of linen.’  

‘Here are some pictures of the plaid that I made. I have changed the threads and did some in 3D. I am a fan of her work and of Inspirations magazine.’

Joanne, Woodlands is one of Jenny’s most popular projects, so you’ve chosen well. As it is also quite a large piece, you’ve done a wonderful job completing it. We love that you’ve put your own spin on the design – the 3D elements are very clever additions.

Have you stitched your loved one or yourself a pillow? Do you? Or have you stitched a design for a bag?

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