What Are You Stitching?

From stitches big and small, this week we’re taking a look at some of the work from our needlework community in celebration of the wonderful variety that projects created with needle and thread can come in!

Sharlene Jones-Martin

‘I’d like to share some fruit slice inspired brooches I made up recently to test out different stitching bases for threadpainting – an orange, lime and grapefruit.’

‘They were a fun project where I tried different weights of interfacing as well as Lacey’s Stiff Stuff as the base instead of fabric. I think the brooches worked out quite well and they remind me of summer!’

So fun and bright, Sharlene! We’re sure they will make a fresh addition to your outfits throughout summer. Such a simple yet very clever design – well done.

Rachel Watkins

‘I have been a China Painter for over 50 years and this art form (like no other) teaches the blending of colours. I have been doing silk embroidery for almost as long and have been blending silks the same way I blend paint.’

‘The Cougar is my 5th portrait. It is stitched on a silk fabric using flat silk that has no twist and gives a lovely reflective shine.’

‘The whiskers and ear hairs are finely twisted silk and touches of metallic thread are incorporated to enhance the features. Satin stitches are laid in differing directions to replicate the animal’s hair growth. This requires subtle blending to create the Cougar’s markings.

This is one in a series of animal portraits that I am stitching to alert people to the tragic loss that would result from their extinction.’

Wow, Rachel, your Cougar is spectacular. Your attention to detail has really brought your portrait to life and truly showcases the beauty of this animal. Congratulations on a remarkable piece.

Gill Richards

‘I made this cushion 16 years ago for a friend who died recently. All the clues and details on the back were about her husband who had died.’

‘It took pride of place on her coffin with her MBE medal displayed on it.’

We’re sorry for your loss, Gill. The cushion you made for your friend is a very creative and clever way to honour a loved one – we’re sure she treasured your thoughtful stitches. Such a touching tribute.

Have you stitched a project to wear in summer? Do you like stitching for a cause? Or do you stitch your projects with sentimental meaning?

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