Revival by Brenda Sortwell

When producing each issue of Inspirations magazine, it often begins with some conceptual ideas of the types of projects we would like to include. We discuss this with our designers, sometimes giving them a direction, and then we wait to see what wonderful projects arrive at our office each quarter.

When we shared the idea of creating a display box with crewel-work designer, Brenda Sortwell, her enthusiasm assured us we were in for a real treat. And sure enough it was a sheer delight when we received her stunning project, Revival, which is featured in issue #111.

Brenda’s specialty is modern crewel design, and the first thing that struck us with Revival was the beautiful blend of autumnal colours. The entire design is worked in shades of greens, golds and purples, with just a hint of blue on the butterfly.

Then, when we finally unpacked the entire piece, we were in awe of the presence and beauty of the piece. Brenda has fashioned a glorious hexagonal box that is large enough to fit all of your stitching accessories as well as a couple of unfinished projects. But there’s even more… she’s created two glorious matching needlework accessories to go with the box.

There is a scissor sheath that, unlike many, is large enough to fit all sizes. For those of us who have slightly larger scissors to accommodate fingers that are not quite nimble enough to fit the smaller embroidery pairs, it’s nice to have a larger sheath to take both the delicate and larger scissors.

The other gorgeous accessory is a needle storage box. Designed perfectly to complement the hexagonal box itself, this is a very clever and practical way of storing a good number of needles. Adorned with a fluffy bee, matching foliage, and lined with the same striking black floral fabric as the hexagonal box lid, this item is equally suitable as a matching part of the set, or as a beautiful standalone needlework accessory/home décor item.

And then there’s the hexagonal box itself. When you buy the kit for the box, you’ll be pleased to discover that all of the mount board required to re-create it is included and what’s more, it is laser cut perfectly so that your box construction will be a breeze.

Accompany that with the detailed instructions in the magazine and this box will stand in pride of place on your stitching table or even your bedroom table in no time.

We do, of course, understand that box construction isn’t for everyone, and we didn’t want anyone to miss out on the pleasure of stitching this gorgeous design. Revival would work perfectly as a framed picture or you could even make it into a cushion. You are only limited by your imagination and what might fit in your own house, so rather than having to buy the entire box kit, we also have an option to buy the kit containing just the threads and fabric for the panel itself, enabling you the flexibility to turn it into whatever you want.

Revival is a stunning crewel design in a warm colour palette to fit in with any type of décor. Whether you are keen box maker, have fallen in love with the design and have your own finish in mind, or adore the matching accessories, Revival is the perfect project for when you next pick up needle and thread. 

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Revival by Brenda Sortwell is a large hexagon box topped with glorious autumn colours in crewel embroidery, with matching needle box and scissor sheath.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kits for Revival includes everything* you need to re-create this stunning box, crewel panel or accessories:
Fabrics (unprinted), wadding (box & accessories), interlining (box & accessories), gimp cord (accessories), pre-cut mountboard (box & accessories), sewing threads (box & accessories), comic board (accessories) embroidery threads, beads and needles.

*Please Note: To cater for flexibility of purchase, instructions are not included with our kits. For step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to the magazine/digital pattern.