What Are You Stitching?

‘These are my attempts at stumpwork which I really enjoyed doing. They were something different to stitch and I do like a challenge! Having never done this type of work before, they slowly evolved. I used a magnifying glass and the sun over my shoulder for good light.’

‘The wooden bee and thistle frame was turned by my eldest son in camphor laurel wood. He was very thoughtful about the framing of this piece which made it all the more precious for me. Both projects were equally challenging, but enjoyable to do.’

Ann, you have risen to the challenge of stumpwork beautifully! Your pieces are intricate and have a beautiful sense of dimension to them.

‘I have stitched in one way or another for most of my life, eventually finding enjoyment like many of us, with cross stitch. It wasn’t until I attended a one-day class here in the NW of England with a lovely lady called Sumi, that I discovered a world of stumpwork, goldwork as well as surface embroidery.’

This Annie Huntley design was ordered from Australia. I loved working on it and added some of my own ideas. I belong to a stitching group who meets regularly We inspire and help each other, often stretching our talents far beyond our expectations.’

Jacqui, what a unique and spectacular piece! We love that you’ve found a group of like-minded people to share your stitching journey with and can’t wait to see what’s next from your needle and thread.

‘I recently acquired a wooden barrel which had previously held coffee and just knew it cried out to be covered and embroidered!’

‘It is perfect for holding my various sewing bits and pieces and complements the old mill reel I turned into a holder for crochet hooks perfectly.’

As always Jane, we love how incredibly creative you are with needle and thread! You definitely make the world around you more beautiful one stitch at a time.

‘First of all I just want to say how much I truly enjoy both your magazine and weekly newsletter. I’ve been inspired by them both as well as the vast collection of books I have acquired over the years. I have several Trish Burr books and have been telling myself for years that I was going to try one of her projects.

The flower turned out so well that I also decided to try my hand at stumpwork and added a butterfly, a slight variation of one I found in a Jane Nicholas book. It turned out better than I expected, and my Mom was thrilled!’

Sandra, what a beautiful gift for your Mom. The time and talent you’ve poured into it makes it something to be treasured and with that as your first attempt at needlepainting and stumpwork, the sky’s the limit!

Do you have something that you’ve ‘grown’ with needle and thread? We’d love to add it to our garden! Email photos of what you’ve created with needle and thread along with a few details about your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com