Have Your Say

As we waited patiently for spring to arrive at Inspirations HQ, All Stitched Up! issue #352 saw us doing a little spring cleaning as we dusted off some of the emails we had on file. The good news is that since penning those words, not only has spring finally sprung, but the Inspirations Community joined in on the conversations we shared in spades! So, this week we’re continuing to share the thoughts, ideas and insights they took the time to share with us.

After completing a substantial 9” x 40” (23cm x 102cm) cross stitch wall hanging, Clare wasn’t able to source a suitable hanger and was hoping someone from the Inspirations Community might be able to point her in the right direction. It turns out several ‘someones’ were able to do just that!

Penelope suggested brass bellpull hangers that she has used herself with much success.

Both Cristina and Diana suggested commissioning a local framer to create a customised frame in either metal or wood. While Marnie referenced magnetic poster frames that come with two pairs of magnetic wooden bars. The finished piece simply sits between the bars and hangs by an upper cord.

Marnie has also used brass curtain rods and clips to display particularly wide pieces. For both methods, Marnie recommends lacing the finished piece to stiff backing such as quilter’s template plastic to ensure a long-lasting, wrinkle-free look.

Moving onto the next topic now, and Doreen wanted to know if anyone in the Inspirations Community had used a Brother ScanNCut machine for printing onto fabric as she was hoping the process for transferring designs was as easy as she’d heard.

Doreen, it turns out you’re not the only one interested in the answer to this question, the conversation you started piqued the interest of both Carole and Susan as well. Susan, in particular, is eagerly awaiting the responses as she received a ScanNCut as a gift with purchase some eight years ago that is yet to be used!

The good news, Doreen, Carole and Susan, is that we heard from Joylene and Mendie who both sang the praises of the Brother ScanNCut.

Mendie uses her machine all the time to print designs onto fabric and finds it particularly useful when transferring patterns for teaching.

With a little help from Google, Mendie even found a way to use Frixion pens with the machine. As she noted, providing the initial drawing has clear lines, the ScanNCut will print beautifully clear lines.

Like Mendie, Joylene has also discovered the benefits of transferring multiple copies with the ScanNCut for teaching, finding it far quicker and more accurate than other methods of transfer. Joylene emphasised that the recommended mats should always be used with the machine and that ‘central printing’ gives a better result than ‘outline’, which prints a double line.

After reading those glowing recommendations, it sounds like we might just need to add a Brother ScanNCut to our Christmas Wish Lists!

Anne responded to our mention of Carrick Hill by sharing her connection with their collection of all things needle and thread.

‘I first saw these beautiful pieces on a tour with Michele Hill in 2018. The following year I visited William Morris’ Museum as well as his original printing press in Hammersmith, London.’

Anne shared some of the photos she’d taken at the Hammersmith Museum, which had been one of Morris’s homes where he made carpets, printed and conducted meetings of the Socialist League.

‘Thank you for prompting my memories of William Morris. Kind regards, Anne’

We closed issue #352’s Have Your Say with the inspiring story of Nina Burnsides who fought her way through unimaginable adversity with the healing power of needle and thread. Her story is an absolute inspiration, and, Nina, we hope you’ll be encouraged by the responses we received from the Inspirations Community:

‘Ever since I read Nina’s story, I can’t stop thinking about what a strong and resilient woman she is. She is an inspiration to us all and makes our little niggles pale into insignificance. Her work is amazing and to be able to produce a beautiful piece whilst trying to get the use of her fingers back is incredible.’

‘The recent articles in the newsletters regarding mindfulness and the cathartic benefits of needlework have certainly been acknowledged by Nina’s determination and sheer strength. Thank you for sharing, Nina. Victoria.’

‘It was so sad to read of Nina’s misfortunes, quite heartbreaking. What a lot of hardships she has had to overcome, so congratulations to her for overcoming them. Her finished piece is beautiful, and I can only wish her much good fortune and good health from here on. Such inspiration, Marg.’

‘Nina shows such resilience, and it is admirable. We sometimes wonder how one person can stand so many heartaches in a lifetime, and she is absolutely one of those people. I look up to her and would love to let her know that she is an example of courage for us all. Carole.’

‘It has been a difficult couple of years for me. After many, many years of good health, I had two injuries that curtailed my ability to embroider. As a result, I have just come through almost two years of Xray’s, MRI’s, lab tests, physical therapy, and innumerable doctor visits. It has been financially difficult and emotionally even more difficult, and I am ashamed to say I had begun to feel sorry for myself. Then I read Nina’s inspirational message and realized how lucky I have been.

She has more talent and good sense than I will ever have, but reading her story got me out of my personal pity party, now determined to overcome my minor handicaps. Thank you. Lalah.’

We can’t thank you all enough for not only starting, but also continuing the conversation with us. All Stitched Up! is far richer when we’re able to dialogue with you around our shared passion for all things needle and thread.