What Are You Stitching?

Now who among us doesn’t love a little bit of gold and sparkle? Especially with Christmas coming up, it seems appropriate to start highlighting all of those wonderful, shiny projects glittering with metal threads. Here is a selection of projects stitched by our talented needlework community for you to get excited over:

Victoria Richardson

‘Here is my reworking of an embroidery done by my grandma in the late 1940s, when she was first married. Unfortunately, she passed away in 2012 while I was pregnant with my third child, but in reworking her piece I felt close to her again.’

‘My grandma’s piece is the one with the angels. I used DMC Etoile for the Bayeux stitch background and metallic threads for the halo on mine.’

Both versions are wonderful, Victoria. Such a meaningful pilgrimage you’ve been on with your needle and thread and what better way to keep her legacy alive for you and your family. We’re so glad you found comfort and connection in reworking your grandmother’s piece.

Rebecca Kemp Brent

‘My latest finish, Simply Irresistible from Inspiration issue #105, has been worthwhile in so many ways. Not least, I’ve taken several classes from Tricia Wilson Nguyen, studying embroidery, stumpwork, and metal work from the 17th Century, so this opportunity to dip a toe into 16th-Century techniques was delightful.’

You’ve certainly done this project justice, Rebecca. It has been beautifully stitched, well done.

Sally-Ann Duffy

‘In October 2018 I won a bursary to study for a City & Guilds Qualification through distance learning with the School of Stitched Textiles. I have slowly been working away on the modules in between a period of illness and treatment for breast cancer. This course has taught me new techniques and challenged me to try new styles and ways of approach to my work.’

‘Stitching is like meditation. Because your brain can only process so much information at one time, when you immerse yourself in creating something you lose focus on other negative things that might be weighing you down. Stitching allows the brain to focus and gives the body something to do, working together both mentally and physically.’

‘Stitching allows us to redirect energy and use it to create something beautiful. It allows us to connect with ourselves.’

Thank you for your insights, Sally-Ann, and thank you for sharing your wonderful work. We completely agree with the meditative aspect of stitching, and we’re sure all of our readers will too.

Jenny Whiteside

‘Or Nué has been one of this term’s projects under the guidance of our legendary tutor Beppy Berlin. My first effort was not perfect, but I have made it into a handy box for receipts. The second is an improvement, so is suitable to send to a good friend.’

You’ve done a wonderful job with this, Jenny. We always say that the more you do, the better you get, so well done for persevering and what a lovely gesture of gifting your marvellous stitched art to a friend.

Do you love all things gold, glittery and sparkly? Or do you prefer your colours and textures to be more demure? Do you like to add embellishments to your work, or does the minimalist look make your heart sing? Whatever style of embroidery you enjoy, we want to see it. Send us a picture of your work and a bit of information about the project and your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com