What Are You Stitching?

Stitching accessories are always a favourite. They offer the perfect way to display your work and they are practical to boot. And who can stop at just one? Whether stitched as a gift or for personal satisfaction, everyone loves needlework accessories. Here are some wonderful projects our readers have recently completed that would take pride of place in anyone’s needlework bag.

Florance Kochenberger

‘Here is my rendition of Marsha Papay-Gomola’s Bluebird Needlebook.’

‘Last summer I finally had my first pair of bluebirds nest successfully in one of my boxes. The male sat on the top of the fence near the box and all summer I could watch and admire him. I kept a chair under a tree just for bird watching. I stitched my bluebird from the photo I took of my male.’

What a lovely story, Florance. How satisfying for you to watch the nesting bluebirds – something you can relive every time you pick up your gorgeous needlebook, which has been superbly stitched by the way. Well done!

Julie Harvey

‘Here is another Betsy Morgan project I just finished: ‘This One’s for Betty’ from Willing Hands. I took this as a class with Betsy last summer. Betsy’s projects are always so much fun to do with all the beautiful, interesting pieces. She’s a wonderful teacher, and her instructions are always detailed and complete. I’m looking forward to working all the other projects from her Willing Hands books in the future!”

We’re glad you love Betsy’s designs so much, Julie. You’ve done an excellent job mastering both her stitching and construction techniques, as your version of ‘This One’s for Betty’ is spectacular. Also, now that Betsy’s new book Willing Hands 2 is available for pre-order, you’ll have a whole new range of her projects to work on!

Robyne Undy

‘My friend, Robyne Undy, recently took out the Viewer’s Choice award at The Embroiderers Guild, Victoria annual member exhibition ‘Stitch Brilliance’ with her Home Sweet Home.’

‘She had it sitting on a mirror so that everyone could see the stitched portion when one side of the roof was open – with the contents spread around – all housed under a specially made Perspex cover.’

Special thanks to Alison Cole for sending us this lovely note and photographs. Robyne, what a magnificent achievement. Congratulations and well done.

Stephanie Murphy

‘I recently finished a drawstring blackwork bag by Carolyn Standing Webb and so decided to start a little collection, including a few Betsy Morgan pieces. I have more already in the queue to stitch when they bubble to the top.’

‘I already have Betsy’s Willing Hands, so I am anxiously awaiting Willing Hands 2.’

We love your collection of accessories Stephanie, they are all delightful and we look forward to seeing more of them as you keep adding new treasures.

Do you love handmade stitching accessories? Do you stitch accessories for yourself, or do you prefer to give them away as gifts? Have you fallen in love with an accessory set, conveniently forgetting you’ve already stitched at least ten others already?

It doesn’t matter what you like to stitch or how many times you stitch it, we’d like to see it. Send us a picture of your work with a bit of information about your project and your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com