A Passion in the Making

Expectations are a curious thing. Left unchecked they can amp themselves up to the extent that the imminent event is either not as bad as expected, or conversely not as good. All of us have different ways of managing these expectations.

Over the past 18 months the team here at Inspirations Studios has been working on a much anticipated follow up to ‘A Passion for Needlework’ and with so much expectation riding on this second book, internally it has been quite the roller coaster ride to complete it.

‘Two years ago, we set out to produce the ultimate needlework book. We wanted it to be bold, evocative and convey the beauty of needlework in the most vivid way possible. Whenever you see the needlework projects we publish in real life, you can’t help but be drawn into their beauty and wonder – that’s what we wanted to convey in our book. When we released ‘A Passion for Needlework’ in 2016 the response was amazing and it gave us the confidence to follow it up with another book in the series.’

This new book has the unique and intriguing title ‘Factoria VII’ which, as Andrea explains, references the charming location the book is set in.

‘We believe that every needlework project has a story to tell, so while planning the second book we sought a location that would help with the story telling process. When we first saw the house Factoria VII it was like striking gold… here was this hidden-away rustic cottage that was so perfect, it ended up with its own starring role alongside each project.’

After the acclaim of the first ‘A Passion for Needlework’, as we’ve mentioned, there were high expectations on the team to deliver a second book equally as good, if not better. How did everyone go managing that process?

‘At Inspirations we’re always pushing ourselves to innovate and ensure our publications are constantly evolving just like the art of needlework itself.’

‘So, one of our golden rules is to ensure the projects we feature are the hero in every story. When you have 12 spectacular projects designed by some of the most talented needlework artisans in the world, that’s always a great place to start. Susan and Ellaine are responsible for curating all the projects in our publications and the line-up they selected for Factoria VII was among the very best we’ve seen. That set the stage for an amazing foundation and helped take the pressure off.’

12 amazing projects, tick. Fantastic location, tick. Making the rest of the book was easy then?

‘Not quite! On the first day of shooting, the weather was inclement, the lighting in the house was much darker than expected, and Factoria VII was even more raw and industrial that we counted on. After all, the cottage was well over 100 years old and was once a bacon factory, of all things, so one does not typically associate scarred stone walls with the delicate intricacies of fine, hand-stitched reticella or precise goldwork. We were worried we had taken it a little too far.’

‘Yet when it all came together, a wonderful dichotomy ensued which creates both familiarity and tension – it’s what you expect, but not necessarily where you expect it. A collision of two beautiful worlds.’

‘A Passion for Needlework | Factoria VII’ has most definitely raised the bar and set a new gold standard for needlework publications. Finished with a hard cover, linen wrapped spine and a handy pocket in the back for the pattern sheets, Andrea said the early feedback has been flattering.

‘Initial comments we’ve received from those with advance copies has been wonderful, everyone is taken back with just how beautiful the book is. Some have no intention of using any of the step-by-step instructions, but it takes prime position on their coffee table. We’ve even had non-stitchers let us know it had such an impact on them, they are considering taking up needlework! That’s when it makes us feel like everything we do it worthwhile.’

And what did the Inspirations team think when they saw the finished book for the first time?

‘Having worked on this project for many, many months and pouring so much of our collective hearts and souls into bringing it to life, as you can imagine, we had high expectations. We had pushed the boundaries, taken risks and laid it all on the line. And then the advance copies arrived. The final product exceeded our expectations and we were absolutely thrilled. We can’t wait to share it with everyone in the Inspirations Community and beyond.’

Inspirations’ ‘A Passion for Needlework | Factoria VII’ is now available to purchase online at inspirationsstudios.com along with first book in the collector’s series which has just been re-released as a deluxe edition in hard cover with linen wrapped spine, as a matching pair to the second title.

A Passion for Needlework | Factoria VII

Indulge your needlework passion with the new book in the Inspirations ‘A Passion for Needlework’ series. A Passion for Needlework | Factoria VII tells the story of beautiful sophisticated needlework in a rustic hide-away cottage.

12 new unique and individual stories. 1 unified aesthetic.

A Passion for Needlework | Deluxe

To celebrate the release of volume two, A Passion for Needlework volume one is being re-released in a deluxe edition to cater for the discerning needleworker who can now create a collection of this premium book series.

‘A Passion for Needlework Deluxe’ features a hard cover complete with linen binding, pocket for removable pattern sheet and premium quality stock.

*Special discounted shipping rates to anywhere in the world are currently available for these new titles, when purchased through our website.