What Are You Stitching?

Margarete Grandjot

‘I am writing to you on behalf of my wife Margarete because she does not know English very well. She is somehow famous here in Germany for her experience in all kinds of stitching, especially in ‘Schwaelmer Stickerei’ (Schwalm Stitching).

As you may know ‘Schwaelmer Weißstickerei (Hessenstickerei)’ recently has become ‘Immaterielles Kulturerbe’ (Intangible cultural heritage) according to the German branch of UNESCO.’

‘Now she has invented something new: She has combined the traditional Schwalm embroidery with new motifs.

So, this Snail in Schwaelmer technique is something new beyond the traditional heart, tulip and sun motifs.’

‘The aim is to fill the old traditional stitching with new life and keep it alive and of interest for future generations. You can find many of her works here: www.stickatelier.de. Best regards, Walter.’

Walter, thank you so much for sharing your wife’s beautiful Schwaelmer technique. Her needlework is delightful, and the cushion is finished beautifully. It is lovely to see the Schwalm technique being reinterpreted and passed on, that’s why we love our community!

Piera Tavano

‘I’ve just finished stitching this project. The kit comes from Paola Matteucci of Panicale (Italy).’

‘Some years ago, I attended various lessons regarding embroidery on tulle held by Paola and after having put aside this technique I came back to it recently and greatly enjoyed this project.’

Your tulle piece is superb, Piera! The long stems look beautiful on the tulle, and the stumpwork flowers are charming. This is such a delicate technique you have mastered; you must be very patient!

Have you adapted a traditional technique? Do you stitch onto tulle?

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