What Are You Stitching?

Marla Redding

‘I picked up a set of 8 napkins in an antique store that were in pristine condition and looked like they had never been used.’

‘I looked for a simple design I could add to the corner of each napkin. I had pulled a picture from Cottage Country magazine of a table setting that had embroidered napkins, and I drew the pattern from that picture. The magazine did not mention the origin of the design. It’s a simple design but I love the results.’

‘I had a group of ladies at my house for tea and used my basket napkins. The table looked so pretty.’

Your table setting sounds absolutely idyllic, Marla. A wonderful find from an antique store that you have stitched beautifully. We love that have found a practical use for your stitching joy and no doubt you have the most enviable tea décor around!

Holly Jackson

‘I almost never work on seasonal pieces, but I had so much fun making this contemporary stumpwork project using historic techniques. I am so happy with how it turned out.’

We loved your pieces in All Stitched Up! issue #365 and issue #318 and you’ve created yet another gorgeous design, Holly. We love the contrast of using historic techniques to make a modern piece full of colour and interesting textures. We look forward to seeing more of your work in 2024!

Susan Shafrir

‘This is the hand stitching I was referring to when I wrote my contribution on accountability in Have Your Say in All Stitched Up! issue #361.’

‘It’s now finished, so thought you might like to see it. I call it ‘Defiance’. There is over 60 hours of hand work here, plus some calming vibes. Happy new year to you all.’

Susan, thank you for sending an update of your stitching, we spent some time looking over your design and the flow of stitches. It is lovely to see the piece finished, we feel a sense of calm and also the ‘defiance’ coming through your needlework. And finally, a happy new year to everyone indeed! May it be a year full of stitching joy…

Did you get some time with needle and thread during the break? Did you try a new technique? Or perhaps you have started a project for the year ahead?

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