What Are You Stitching?

Monika Balschun

‘I have embroidered a 3D stumpwork piece for my further education in the master class at the International School for Textile Arts. My fairy garden ‘the hidden treasure’ was the result.’

‘The treasure box is filled with gold, there is a small fairy house in the garden, a lemon tree with a trunk made of driftwood, a flowering bush, embroidered mushrooms, an old garden wall and, of course, the fairy. The garden is a green oasis.’

‘Around 275 hours of embroidery fun went into my garden. I used the following techniques:

– Boxmaking*– Stumpwork**– Needlelace**– Needle weaving**– Appliqué**– and many different embroidery stitches’*

‘I hope you like the pictures!’

Wow, Monika you have been busy! The design for your ‘hidden treasure’ is whimsical bliss. The detail that has gone into your project is testament to the many hours you spent on this magical piece. There is just so much to love about your project, we could write a whole feature article about it!  We love all the aspects of the project, especially the added detail of the stone steps outside the house, with moss peeking through the cracks – delightful!

Jennifer Reed

‘I wanted something to stitch at the beach in my motorhome that didn’t require a paper pattern, tiny needles or perfect light, and was quick… and here it is! Three weeks from start to finish just sewn up and lined on my first day back at home!’

‘The bag is a cheap store-bought heavy calico bag, with sides unpicked for ease of stitching. I just drew the pattern on using a dinner plate, a metal washer and some coins to get good circles.’

‘Every flower is unique with whatever stitch, design or colour I felt like trying out. Threads are just my random collection of DMC Pearl 8 plus some beads for highlighting. It will be a present for my sister in the UK when I visit later in the year.’

Stitching at the beach sounds like quite the tranquil experience, Jennifer! Especially with your clever pattern-less stitched bag solution. The colours and flowers are stitched beautifully and look very pretty together – we’re sure your sister will love her gift. With a triumph like this we suspect you might stitch some more beautiful bags!

Claude Lecerf

‘It is most often Laurence Lieblich’s projects that make me want to embroider.’

‘I just finished the bouquet of hibiscus she created for the beginning of 2023. Thanks for your newsletter of new discoveries and new works.’

A beautiful bouquet, Claude! It’s no wonder you were inspired to stitch this beautiful piece, the colours and composition are beautiful – made all the more perfect with your exquisite stitches! We adore Laurence’s work as well and have had the privilege of publishing some of her embroidery that  you can check out HERE.  Thank you for sharing this piece with us Claude.

Have you created a magical garden? Taken a project on the road? Or been inspired by a particular designer?

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