What Are You Stitching?

The world over, there is a huge fan base consisting of thousands of stitchers who simply can’t get enough of cross stitch. This ubiquitous and foundational technique can result in some truly stunning finished pieces. This week we’re celebrating cross stitch and present to you a magnificent galley of stitching beauty.

Katrina Cowen

‘I’m sure everyone knows the feeling of not having enough time to complete a project or just to sew uninterrupted. Covid lockdowns here in Melbourne, Australia allowed me some of this time.’

‘The first thing I tackled was to complete an exceedingly large Mirabilia lady called ‘Villa Mirabilia’. The design allowed you to re-name her, I chose Villa Victoria.’

‘I also did this Nouveau Floral Design that I had imported some years ago from overseas.

Then in late in 2020 I started, and am still stitching, the most complicated cross stitch I have worked in over 40 years. However, I still never seem to have enough time to stitch!’

We can relate, Katrina! But your output has been prolific even with the lack of time. You should be incredibly proud of what you have achieved, they are beautiful pieces.

Monika van Bonn

‘Thanks to Inspirations, I have gotten to know the wonderful work by the talented designer Betsy Morgan. These projects inspired me to embroider the cover for my diary of 2022.’

‘Each year I embroider something new to brighten up my diary, so when I saw her Bee Contained Etui from the book Willing Hands 2 I was excited.’

‘I chose this design and made it my own by adding the year and some encouraging words. Now my diary is my perfect companion through the year 2022.’

This is a lovely way to brighten up your diary, Monika. We’re sure it makes you smile every time you check a date or write in an appointment and it’s great to see another innovative way of making the world more beautiful one stitch at a time.

Lorraine Lafrance

‘In the last 18 months or so, I have completed two long-haul projects. The reproduction of Van Gogh’s ‘Wheatfields and Cypress’ took 295 hours to complete. The kit was purchased at the National Gallery in London UK during a trip a few years ago.’

‘The second project, a Scarlet Quince reproduction of the dun horse from the Caves of Lascaux in France, required 475 hours to complete. Because of the pandemic, our trip to France last September was cancelled but having the horse in my space brings me joy.’

‘My current long-haul project is approaching the 600-hour mark and will soon be completed. I will send a photo when it’s framed.’

These are amazing projects, Lorraine and undoubtedly labours of love. The dedication and time you have devoted to your stitching is incredible and the results speak for themselves. We can’t wait to see the next one.

Do you love doing cross stitch? Do you get endless pleasure in choosing new cross stitch designs, getting your fabric and threads ready and then sitting down for the many hours of stitching it takes to complete? Or do you prefer surface embroidery? Whatever type of stitching you like, we’d love to see it. Send us a picture of your work and some information about your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com