Donna Lyons

‘My sister and I have both enjoyed needlework our entire lives, and after deciding it was time to step out of our embroidery comfort zone, we joined the 2023 World Needlework Convention tour, co-sponsored by Inspirations and guided by Maureen and Simon Laughlin.

The 2023 London convention was an unbelievably rich experience, and I enjoyed every moment of the needlework activities, tours, and presentations.

Although I was a beginner in all my classes, the opportunity to work with such talented teachers and stitchers from around the world pushed me to have the confidence to continue working on my own embroidery.

Since then, I have completed three embroidery projects, joining two online classes this past spring and then turning to Inspirations magazine for my third piece.’

1. Kingfisher by Becky Hogg - taught over three inspiring online sessions through EGA’s Neapolitan Chapter in Naples, Florida.

2. Trevelyon's Needlebook by Kathy Andrew - taught through an online studio class through the same EGA Chapter.

3. Winter’s Song by Trish Burr –from the cover of Inspirations magazine #88 which, even though I was a bit nervous working without the support of a teacher and stitching classmates, I kept at it and finished it just recently.

‘The first issue of my new Inspirations magazine subscription is arriving soon, and I can’t wait to open the pages!’

Donna – what a triumphant story! Isn’t it amazing what can happen when we take a leap of faith and expand our horizons… just look at what you have achieved as a result!

We’re so pleased to hear you had a wonderful time at The World Needlework Convention. Simon and Maureen from Needlework Tours are some of the kindest and supportive people you’ll ever meet.

As for your needlework, we’re not sure you were that much of a ‘beginner’ in your classes Donna. Looking at the superb finish and mastery of technique in your work here, you have well undersold your talents!

Angela Anderson

‘This year, I took part in an Unstitched Coif group, where 130 embroiderers took part in stitching a 17th Century coif design with our own spin. Founded by Toni Buckby in the V&A Collections, and linked with her PhD, our pieces will be on exhibit the week before Christmas.’

‘Inspired by the 1632 pattern book reproduced in 1998 ‘A Schole-House for the Needle’, I had the idea to design and create a Christmas decoration.’

‘My finished piece features a holly leaf motif using silk thread to stitch a 17th Century blackwork pattern inside, outlined with silk gimp and couched gold passing thread, then embellished with a vintage pearl braid stitched around the decoration.’

Thanks for writing in Angela, and informing us all about this wonderful project you were involved in. It’s fascinating to see your creative process here, where you ultimately created your own design yet strived to remain true to the look and feel of the 17th century – not an easy task!

Your finished ornament looks superb: we love the strong, elegant motif you created, your choice of colours and materials are spot-on, and your techniques have been perfectly executed. Well done!

For anyone not familiar with the Unstitched Coif you can read this editorial piece by Zara Kesterton that provides more information.

Liz Williams

‘I’ve seen Hazel Blomkamp’s work in Inspirations magazine, and last year the EGA had an online class with Hazel and her Frank the Zebra project.

I simply had to do it, and I’ve since gained the confidence to change from wool to cotton when doing crewel work.’

‘Thanks for still being the BEST Embroidery Magazine ever!’

You can always tell you’re going to have fun stitching Hazel’s projects just by the fabulous names she comes up with! Liz, you have re-created Frank beautifully here, from the intricate and diverse techniques Hazel packed into the flowers around Frank’s face to those delightful eyelashes, every element has been stitched beautifully. You’ve done well.

Have you been involved in a group project? Taken a leap of faith and after stepping out of your comfort zone elevated your embroidery? Or perhaps you’ve stitch one of Hazel Blomkamp’s delightful designs or another project with an equally creative name?

Everyone LOVES to see what everyone else is stitching, but that means you have to share what YOU have been stitching too!

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