What Are You Stitching?

Karen White

‘I have always loved all kinds of sewing, dressmaking, cross stitch, tapestry and other crafts too. I have recently started doing hand embroidery again, because I can sit in our conservatory where the light is very good for smaller stitches. I make my little dog Paddington so happy as he can sit beside me in his happy place.

I have no idea how each piece is going to turn out. Sometimes I start with a shape and work around it but many times I add more and more stitches, which changes it completely.

I love making flowers from stitches that I have learned from the internet or books. Being left-handed it’s sometimes more difficult to learn them but I usually get there in the end.’

‘I love dainty work – I think it just looks nicer. The only thing is, I don’t know what to do with the finished pieces, so keep them in a box.’

Your conservatory sounds absolutely picturesque, Karen. Your dainty flowers are beautiful and the colours you have used look splendid together.

Hopefully you can find a way to display all your finished pieces and in the meantime keep up the stitching – we love what you’re doing and it sounds like Paddington is enjoying it as well!

Nathalie Arnold

*‘I feel quite like a novice sending in photos of my works, but I’ll give it a try…*This first piece is a sac à tarte  inspired by Josée di Stasio (Mes carnets de saisons, printemps-été) for which I added a layer of fabric and some embroidery.’

‘The second one is a handkerchief and its envelope inspired by one I purchased a few decades ago from April Cornell.

The embroideries are inspired by la Creative Fabrica, and use a mix of Quaker, seed, bullion, rambler rose and buttonhole stitches (DMC Mouliné) on 100% cotton and batiste fabrics.’

‘Being new to receiving your magazines and newsletters, I can hardly wait to start some projects seen in your publications lately.’

Thank you for sharing your beautiful stitches with us, Nathalie! We’re so glad to have you as a part of the Inspirations ‘family’. We love how you have used the inspiration of others to create these stunning, and practical pieces. And there’s no need to feel like a novice, your needlework is superb.

Abby Roane

‘I guess you could say I’m a fan of all things Carolyn Pearce. This is my newest creation, which I named Peachy Pie.’

‘I just finished her and couldn’t wait to share her with you. She’s from Carolyn’s Embroidered Patchwork Bear book and is embroidered with my favourite colours using threads, beads and lace.’

Abby, being a fan of all things Carolyn Pearce is sure to keep you busy! Peachy Pie is absolutely adorable, we love the roses on the bottom of her paws!

Have you got a favourite spot for stitching in your home? Have you stitched onto a handkerchief ? Or have you stitched Carolyn’s Patchwork Bear?

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