Greater Bird of Paradise by Helen M. Stevens

The name could not be any more apt.

It’s the perfect project to be celebrating 20 years of publishing some of the world’s most beautiful needlework together.

Now, before we get ahead of ourselves, we’ll let Helen explain:

‘In 2004, twenty years ago, my first ever project for Inspirations was published in Issue 43.

The features team at the time called it ‘Bird of Paradise’ (although it was actually a peacock) and when I was asked to create a project for publication in 2024, I felt I had to celebrate the anniversary in some way.

And so the GREATER BIRD OF PARADISE seemed an appropriate subject!’

‘In my time with the Inspirations Studios, I have felt privileged to be part of magazines and books that have truly shared ‘the world’s most beautiful needlework’, and I hope I shall continue to share my work with them, and you all, for many more years to come.’

Thank you for your kind words, Helen, and there is no doubt the admiration is very much mutual!

As Helen mentioned, starting back in 2004 it has been our honour to publish some of Helen’s magnificent designs, which you can find in Inspirations magazine issues 43, 46, 48, 67, 72, 89, 98, 104, 109, 121, and of course the current issue 123.

Many of Helen’s projects we’ve published, including from our books, are available as digital patterns which, when you view them as a collection HERE, you get a feel for the variety yet consistency of her remarkable talent.

Today we are celebrating her piece Greater Bird of Paradise that is a true masterpiece utilising Helen’s trademark material of choice, filament silk with all its glorious sheen and lustre.

If you’re wondering what type of avian the Greater Bird of Paradise is, some folklorists declare that this resident of Papua New Guinea is the creature that inspired belief in the Phoenix.

Its smoky red flight plumage and wispy yellow display feathers, together represent the dying embers of the old and bright flames of the new, as the bird is reborn in fire.

There is so much to love about this piece, it truly is a striking example of making the most of using black ground fabric and choosing vibrant and dominating colours that appear to almost pulsate in their intensity.

When you compare Greater Bird of Paradise to the original Bird of Paradise, they make a gorgeous pair with complementary composition and design aesthetic. Very cleverly done Helen considering they were created 20 years apart.

And with that we take great pleasure in celebrating this milestone with Helen, who is always a consummate professional to work with, an accomplished designer to publish and just one of the loveliest people.

Thank you for gracing the pages of our publications with your projects Helen, and for inspiring thousands of stitchers the world over with your beautiful embroidery.

Make Your Own Greater Bird of Paradise

We have all the materials you need to re-create this project yourself, from easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions to a Ready-to-Stitch kit with everything sourced for you.

*Instructions – As this kit does not include instructions, for step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to Inspirations magazine issue 123 or the Greater Bird of Paradise digital pattern, both purchased separately.