What Are You Stitching?

19TH MAY 2023 - ASU #379

All the travel talk earlier in this issue made us think that maybe our last stop together this week could include a journey that we can all go on right now! Let us take you to a land far, far away. Up over the clouds and through the sky to a magical place where the dragons live….

Pam Stevenson

‘It was in early December when it dawned on me that both my son and his partner would have their 50th birthday during January. I realised that I would have to get a move on as I wanted to make something special for them.’

‘I decided to embroider a Wyvern for my son as he was born in Somerset and this is depicted on the Somerset Flag. His partner was born in Wales therefore I chose the Welsh Dragon. Both were completed on time!’

‘Thank you for your lovely magazine which a friend told me about four years ago. The magazine and books have become old friends.’

What a fabulous project, Pam! Your decision to work them up using goldwork was the perfect technique to really give these magical dragons a sparkling glow. We’re sure they will be treasured gifts for many years to come.

Grovenore Flato

‘In All Stitched Up! issue #368 you asked, ‘Have you ever stitched a dragon?’ Yes! In fact, several. The first one was on the right sleeve of my very first crazy quilt project started in 2003. That jacket took seven years to complete. It was entered in several shows in 2010, winning first place at both as well as a Best of Show. The dragon was mostly stitched with DMC satin thread.’

‘More recently (2018) I stitched a dragon cushion using a batik print for the centre that I found at a local quilt show. There are several dragons on it, but that central one is stitched with seed beads and sequins.’

Both designs and the stitching are fantastic, Grovenore. We love the colours and textures you have created through the use of different needlework techniques. Very creative indeed.

Lizette van Biljon

‘I am enjoying your Inspirations magazine extremely. The patterns inspire me to learn more about embroidery and sewing in general.’

‘I was so lucky to have Colleen Goy as a teacher and needless to say – I absolutely love her designs and stitched quite a lot of them. I stitched The Jade Dragon; in fact, I stitched two in different colour schemes.’

These are fabulous, Lizette. We can see why you wanted to stitch this majestic dragon twice, each in brilliant colourways! It is also wonderful to hear how you’ve been inspired to learn more about embroidery and we look forward to hearing more about your stitching journey.

Do you like stitching mythical creatures? Are you inspired by dragons? Have you stitched something with a little shimmer to it?

Whatever you are stitching, we’d love to see it! Email photos of what you’ve created with needle and thread along with a few details about your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com