Pat Armour

‘I am a long-time member of the Toronto Guild of Stitchery (TGS) and the Embroiderers Association of Canada (EAC) with my world of embroidery having been enriched by both.

Over the years I have been exposed to many techniques, and I've developed deep friendships. The members have been generous with their support, knowledge and praise. It truly can take a village to create an embroiderer.’

‘Recently a new member to our city and country found her way to a guild meeting. Miho, from Japan, wanted to learn crewel embroidery and was matched with me. Her English is excellent but learning a new skill can be challenging without the addition of a new vocabulary.’

‘I would like to share my ‘students’ first two pieces. The smaller crewel is the practise piece and the larger is her first full piece.

I think she has done a lovely job and I'm so proud to have played a small part in welcoming a new stitcher.

Her current project is a beautiful design taken from Inspirations magazine, a beautiful source for crewel projects.’

‘I was just so excited to introduce a talented new stitcher who has found ‘Inspiration’ from your publication as well as from meeting guild members.’

This is such a heartwarming story, Pat. It sounds like the Toronto Guild of Stitchery and the Embroiderers Association of Canada have created a wonderfully welcoming and supportive community. Miho’s work is absolutely beautiful – what an amazing start to her crewelwork journey!

Carol Marriott Grover

‘I come from a long line of British Needleworkers. When I saw this pattern by Vickie Higley, it reminded me of childhood stories of gnomes and fairies in the ancient forests in England and I knew it was mine to create!’

‘Wool appliqué is a unique opportunity to combine many different techniques into one.’

‘I also add my own spin with lots of beads, sparkle, variety of threads and colour.’

‘I was surprised and happy to receive 3 ribbons for my wool appliqué quilt in a quilt show hosted in 2024. I hope you enjoy it!’

What a beautiful connection between heritage and your creativity, Carol! Blending beads, sparkle and a variety of threads makes your quilt truly magical. Huge congratulations on your well-deserved ribbons!

Cristina Casoli

‘Here are some boxes I've made.’

‘I titled the first Fabergè, because it is very small and ‘full’.’

‘The second has a small base inserted to be used as a pin cushion.’

‘For both, the project, design and entire creation are mine.’

It is always inspiring to see such creativity and craftmanship come to life in your work, Cristina. Your boxes are absolutely stunning, and your names for them truly apt. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Have you taught a technique? Do you stitch project inspired by your life? Or have you crafted a box?

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