Rosehip Needlecase by Margaret Light

The Rosehip Needlecase by Margaret Light from her book, A Fine Tradition, appears to be a beautiful example of Jacobean style crewel embroidery.

However, a careful examination of the design will reveal that there are subtle differences between it and traditional Jacobean motifs.

This is because the design on this needlecase was inspired by something entirely different, arising from a trip to India that Margaret undertook in 2011.

During the trip, Margaret was fortunate enough to visit many different parts of the country. She was able to learn and stitch with some of the embroidery cooperatives in India that were set up specifically to preserve traditional embroidery techniques.

Margaret also visited a number of block printing workshops around Bhuj and Jaipur where fabrics were printed and dyed using the same kind of patterns and methods that had been used centuries before.

It was after seeing these patterns that Margaret was inspired to create the Rosehip Needlecase. Although it might appear to be Jacobean, the main design is directly derived from typical Indian block print shapes. The inclusion of the rosehip was something Margaret added for good measure, bringing in a motif she’d discovered in New Zealand. The result is something wonderfully unique in the way that Margaret does best.

The Rosehip Needlecase is decorated front and back with intricate floral shapes and a wide range of stitches. Stitched on sturdy linen twill, this project is designed to be robust, so can be used with confidence once it is complete.

Inside the needlecase are plenty of pockets for needle packets, exquisitely embroidered with a flowing, rosehip design. There are also generously sized wool flannel pages so that all your loose needles will be stored safely.

Like all of Margaret’s projects, the range of stitches she uses can’t help but bring joy to the stitcher.

Every little detail has been considered in terms of colour, texture and stitch. This project is sheer stitching pleasure from beginning to end, and best of all, you can relive that pleasure every time you take out a needle.

Rosehip Needlecase is the perfect project to make as a very special gift, or it is ideal if you want to make something just for yourself.

Knowing Margaret’s inspiration just adds to the beauty of this project and will ensure that it will become one you’ll love to use almost as much as you loved to stitch.

Make Your Own Rosehip Needlecase

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Rosehip Needlecase by Margaret Light is a timeless case with needle pages and pockets, featuring floral designs inspired by Indian block prints.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Rosehip Needlecase includes everything* you need to re-create this stunning case: Fabrics (unprinted), batting, interfacing, buttons, sewing threads, embroidery threads and needles.

*Please Note: To cater for flexibility of purchase, instructions are not included with our kits. For step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to the book.