What Are You Stitching?

The purity of white on white is something almost every embroiderer adores. Whitework in all its forms has been incredibly popular for years and remains so to this day, whether it is Hardanger, Schwalm, or even filet crochet. The range of beautiful whitework pieces our readers have sent us is so dazzling, we’re sure you’ll enjoy this week’s selection.

Kerry Joyce | Victorian Filet Crochet

‘After renewing our bathroom with a claw foot bath and pedestal basin, it just begged to have towels with Victorian crocheted or knitted lace edgings. So, I decided to have a go. I didn’t know how they would turn out but must say I amazed myself and am so proud of the result.’

Just goes to show what you can achieve if you are just brave enough to have a go.’

‘Much encouraged, I decided to crochet a table topper for the dining room. It was from a graph in a magazine from some years ago. The graph had me quite alarmed as I had never worked from one before. It took some months to figure it out but I am thrilled at the result.

And what an achievement, Kerry. Your crochet is wonderfully fine and fits so well with the style of your new bathroom. It’s lovely to see this once popular craft still being practiced.

Anna Styles | Hardanger

You’ll remember that we’ve showcased Anna’s work before, but she’s prolific! So, here’s another one of her finished projects:

‘This Hardanger piece is a Judy Dixon design.’

This magnificent piece is just further evidence of your skill and versatility, Anna. Keep them coming!

Carolee Fields Withee | Reusing Antiques

‘When I inherited several vintage crocheted and embroidered pieces, I felt they needed to be celebrated instead of being saved in a drawer. So began a journey of designing many wall hangings, pieced and quilted; each with an antique handmade item as the focus.’

‘For several years I have taken a trunk show of my wall quilts, titled ‘Displaying Our Grandmothers’ Handwork’ to various groups throughout Maine, USA.

Currently I am designing smaller pieces which combine a vintage crocheted or tatted work with my own embroidery and tatting.

I hope to encourage others to showcase their inherited handwork, rather than storing it away.’

What a wonderful idea, Carolee. It always seems such a shame that the hard work of our mothers and grandmothers is often lost or forgotten. Your approach is a really special way to preserve and enjoy it.

Gaye Ames | Hidden Delights

‘I have just finished stitching the project ‘Hidden Delights’ by Deborah Love from Inspirations issue #93.  It was lovely to do and I am really pleased with my results.’

‘I thought the filling work would be difficult because I had done a little before without much success, but this was quite simple with really good stitching instructions.’

‘The detail on the outside folded edge of the antique hem just sets it off nicely.’

You’ve done a great job with this project, Gaye. We hope you’ll now be encouraged to try more.

Piera Ambrosino | Whitework

‘My name is Piera and I live in Italy.’

‘Embroidery is really important for me, and I have embroidered since my early years (I am now 60).

About ten years ago, I met Elisabetta Holzer and became a student in her group. With her guidance, I became a better embroiderer.’

‘My favourite technique is pulled thread embroidery although I also love Estense embroidery (of course), and needle painting.’

How lucky you are, Piera, to have Elisabetta for a teacher. Your embroidery is beautiful. We’re sure it is as much a result of skilled hands as good teaching.

Are you drawn in by white on white? Or does a white surface just say ‘colour me!’? Whether you like the crispness of the former or the excitement of the latter, we’d love to see your work. Send us pictures of your projects along with a bit of background about the project and your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com