What Are You Stitching?

The animal kingdom provides a wealth of inspiration when it comes to needlework. From the smallest of mice to the majestic animals found on the African plains, many stitchers love to feature the animal world in their art. Here are a few projects to inspire and encourage lovers of all things stitched animals.

‘After taking an online course with Marina Knyazeva, I ventured into designing and stitching my own piece of Russian Embroidery in the form of a giraffe. This was to raise awareness of the extinction we are witnessing every day in animals all around the world.’

‘I posted it on my Instagram account in support of World Giraffe Day (the tallest animal on the longest day 21st June).

So, Miss Curly Whirly Bling made her debut.’

What a magnificent tribute to the plight of giraffe’s Ann Marie, you have created an amazing project and nice to hear you had the opportunity to do an online course with the amazing Russian artist and teacher Marina Knyazeva, what a treat.

Your piece is a clever way to merge the needlework skills and talents you’ve acquired with a social justice cause that is well worth raising awareness about. Thank you for sharing this with us and may Miss Curly Whirly Bling achieve all that you had hoped.

‘I wanted to share with you one of my recent works; a brooch that I designed. I stitched it using mostly split-stitch, with a sprinkling of beads.’

‘I call this piece: ‘Rapunzel’ (Hare/Hair = Rapunzel, a little play on words there!) I hand tinted the osnaburg fabric with coloured pencils and used a shading technique that I have developed to add detail on the main motifs of my thread work. I enjoyed designing and working on this, as Rapunzel ‘sprang’ to life!’

What a delicate and lovely piece, Lori. We’re sure it garners plenty of comments when you wear it out.

‘I wanted to send you a picture of my musical animals. This is stitched with crewel wool and is just decorative. My husband is a folk singer and I enjoy the music as well as animals, so the piece came together for me. I hope you enjoy seeing the melding of nature and the arts.’

What a great way of bringing together two things you love, Pat. It’s a fabulous piece both in its design and skilful execution, we love it. Well done!

Do you love stitching animals? Or are plants more your thing? Do you have a favourite animal you like to stitch, or are you motivated, like Ann Marie, to stitch in order to raise awareness of the plight of different animals in the world? 

Whatever it is you love to stitch, we’d love to see it. Send us a picture of your work with a bit of information about the project and your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com