What Are You Stitching?

When it comes to the very first form of needlework many people encounter, cross stitch is one of the most popular forms of embroidery out there. Most of us do it or have done it at some point and many of us truly love it. We’re always thrilled to see your cross stitch projects and this week we’d like to highlight a few notable mentions:

Christine Sharpe

‘At the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdown in Canada, I was furloughed from my job. Finding myself with some free time, I decided to get back into needlework. My sister-in-law is expecting a baby, so I wanted to make a modern birth announcement for her and her husband. They love travel, so I foundthis patternon Etsy which seemed perfect.’

‘I did most of Europe before I realised I’d miscounted and unpicked the entire thing! There are mistakes – and not a small amount of dog hair – in it, but I embraced it all as I went. Now I’m (im)patiently waiting for the birth of my nephew so that I can add in his name.’

‘Doing needlework makes me feel connected to history.

I think of all the women, related to me or not, that spent a little part of their lives trying to make their world more beautiful.

There is also something centring in stitching. In these times of confusion and uncertainty, I needed something to put my mental energy into, something I could make with my own hands to celebrate the birth of my newest family member.

Calling the needle arts ‘women’s work’ is nonsense. The needle arts are proof of humanity, and the beauty inherent within.’

Thank you for sharing with us your needlework work Christine, and for your impassioned wise words. We hope your new nephew looks on your beautiful creation in years to come and feels the sense of profound joy that we suspect you’ve stitched into his piece.

Jan Barclay

‘I just love stitching counted work. I have been stitching for over 50 years and at 70 I am still stitching on 32 count linen. This is my latest finish.’

What a fabulous finish, Jan and well done for still stitching on 32 count linen! The results are just beautiful.

Christine Wellnitz

‘How lucky we are to have our embroidery during these terrifying times! Just before the Coronavirus pandemic began, I started a simple cross stich design by Rosenstand with a wreath of flowers.’

‘I recently learned the word CORONA in Spanish means ‘wreath’, so I stitch every day while thinking of those who have fallen ill. And for sure – when I finish this lovely design, I will never forget that I stitched it ‘in times of Corona’.’

What a lovely way to remember and to connect with the world, despite all of the difficulties which surround us, Christine. Your work looks beautiful.

Nancy H

‘Stitching has been truly a blessing to me during the pandemic. Here is my version of Jane Marshall 1857 from Hands Across the Seas samplers. This is one of my great achievements as I stitched it on 53/63 linen – my magnifier needed a magnifier!’

It is so delicate on such fine linen, Nancy. Despite the need for double magnification, you’ve really done a magnificent job, well done.

Are you a cross stitch fanatic? Or does the thought of counting send you into cold sweats? Whether you like to count or not, we’d love to see your work. Send us pictures of your project as well as a bit of information about your stitching journey and the project itself to news@inspirationsstudios.com