Julie Morton

‘I have only been stitching for a few years, but quickly discovered the joy of stumpwork. I have done a few classes but have now moved to creating my own.’

‘This piece was from my favourite book as a child, I think many little girls would have wanted to grow up and marry a prince, but this story is about not judging a book by its cover.’

‘I am inspired by Georgina Bellamy; I love how she creates texture using metal threads in an unconventional way.’

‘This is on my dining room table for my granddaughters to find all the little creatures and I’ll continue to add more insects to it. I was brave enough, (only just) to enter this in the ANZEG conference and my frog won second place in the guild members’ section. I was super stoked to enter my first embroidery conference exhibition.’

Your creativity with this piece has blown our socks off, Julie! We can see the influence of Georgina Bellamy in your work and adore all of the texture you have created with different techniques. Is that even a fish in his pond? Your Frog Prince is very well deserving of its prize and we look forward to seeing what you stitch next!

Judy McMullan

‘I made this linen cover for my son's guest/photo book for his wedding, earlier this year.’

‘I'm a member of the Canadian Embroiderers' Guild Guelph in Canada and I thought I'd send it in for everyone to see!’

This is such a thoughtful and beautiful gift for your son’s wedding, Judy! A keepsake made all the more special with your superbly stitched flowers.

Karen Bainbridge

‘I began stitching at school but got back into embroidery in 2009. Since then, I've taken up lace making as well and rediscovering my love of stitching.

I love several forms of embroidery but particularly love to do goldwork as I adore anything shiny. Or nué is a particular favourite and having studied art at university I love to create a real image of something using the technique.’

‘This ammonite took three months to complete, and the objective was to create something that looked three dimensional and as if it could be lifted from the fabric.

This was stitched horizontally to create the perfect replica of the fossil.’

‘I used the smooth passing thread to add the highlights from below, DMC stranded cotton to reproduce the dull effect of the fossil and multiple needles to create the detail.

People have asked about stitching with so many needles, I think I reached about 25 on this piece, but it allows me to control the colour changes better and to create an almost soft pencil sketched effect.

I intend to create a second one based on a polished ammonite. This was in a recent exhibition in the UK at RHS Hyde Hall and was sold. It was a joy to stitch.’

Your return to stitching has been a triumph, Karen. Not only are you rediscovering techniques you love but bringing your educational background into your stitching is creating exquisite results. Your attention to detail and commitment to the piece is truly impressive. Congratulations on selling it.

Have you rediscovered your love for stitching? Have you stitched a keepsake for a loved one or special occasion? Or have you found yourself blending your interests when it comes to choosing a subject matter to stitch?

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