What Are You Stitching?

The pace of modern life means that it isn’t often we get out a tablecloth to have a meal or put out the hand embroidered cloth serviettes. Many of us have even dispensed with using doilies and table mats all together, which seems such a tragedy as these items are wonderful ways to display our needlework.

Fortunately, there are stitchers out there who still see the value in exquisitely embroidered table linens, so this week not only are we celebrating the tradition they are helping to uphold, we bring you a gorgeous selection of these projects to help whet your appetite in case you want to join the cause.

Susan Tigwell

‘These napkins are the latest embroidery pieces that I have finished.’

‘They are to commemorate my youngest son and daughter-in-law for their wedding.’

We trust your son and daughter-in-law loved these unique table napkins, Susan. They’re absolutely beautiful and we’re honoured that you chose so many designs from Inspirations magazine to stitch on them.

Margaret Cobleigh

‘Antique Society Silk embroidery holds a special place in my heart. I love the designs, the materials, well, everything! I have always wished I could stitch my own piece.’

‘A few years ago, I bought a couple of antique stamped centrepieces with violet sprays. I think they’re from around 1900, but could be older.’

‘I gathered some antique silk for the violets and found a modern washable white filament silk floss for the border and started stitching. It was so much fun. I even used a vintage needle for the embroidery.’

‘The little centrepiece turned out beautifully. The nearly flat filament silks glow and dance in the light which makes them a bit tricky to photograph’

The silk thread really brings out the design, Margaret. There’s a richness in the colour which you just can’t get from cotton thread and you’ve done a marvellous job creating these, well done.

Manuela Antelo

‘I’m sending a picture of my recently finished project. It took a year and a half to complete.’

‘I’m a porcelain lover and I’ve had this crockery for a long time. I love it so much that I’ve always imagined making a matching embroidered tablecloth. The images were difficult to reproduce because of the detailed subjects. However, I managed to achieve what I had in mind. I think it is beautiful!’

So do we, Manuela! You’ve reproduced the design beautifully. The crockery and the embroidery are perfectly matched. We hope you enjoy many happy cups of tea on this beautiful piece.

Do you love using hand embroidered table linens whenever you have a meal? Or are you still passionate about table runners and doilies? Perhaps you’ve recently discovered how practical and beautiful these projects can be? If so, we’d love to see your work. Send us some images of your stitching and a little bit about your project and your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com