What Are You Stitching?

‘Here is my embroidery, based on a woodcut template from 1524.

It is a woodcut by Urs Graf, a Swiss from Solothurn, (*1485 + 1528) goldsmith and engraver. Here Death is shown lurking in a leafless tree on the shore of a vast, mountain-bound lake, pointing to his hourglass.’

‘Graf created many of his pictures from his own perspective and experience. My embroidery measures 40 x 60cm²(15.7 x 23.6”), the work took 2 1/2 years.

I also made this second piece for my daughter. Diaries are rarely written by hand these days, but my youngest daughter writes one.’

‘A new volume will be needed soon, and I have bound a new book. What I was missing was a suitable picture for the cover. A template for ‘Alice in Wonderland’ on Pinterest helped me with this.’ 

Wow, Fred, your pieces have once again left us speechless. The talent and time you pour into all your pieces is remarkable. The woodcut template from 1524 is such a fascinating composition and your stitched interpretation has really done it justice. And that striking diary cover – Wow! What a superb piece, your daughter must love it.

‘I finished Burst of Colour from Inspirations issue 118. When I saw it, I knew my mother would love it! 

Mom is at a transition point in her life and just bought a new apartment in a different location further from where I live. To encourage a joyful atmosphere and to give her a smile, I thought it would be wonderful to stitch her a ‘Burst of Colour’.’

‘To transfer the pattern, I marked it up on Sulky adhesive and stuck it onto a pre-made linen pillowcase (I didn’t trust my ability to sew up one on my own). 

I opted to use my plentiful DMC stash and figured out how to choose the best colour matches by doing online research. I know it’s not exactly the same, but I am pretty happy with the way the colours turned out using the cotton floss. 

What a beautiful project to stitch for your mum, Laura! You have done a wonderful job of substituting the silk for threads in your stash and the project still looks fabulous indeed. We’re sure she will love her ‘Burst of Colour’ made with many hours of love…

Have you recreated a historic artwork with stitch? Embroidered a cover for a diary? Or have you stitched a loved one a housewarming gift?

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