What Are You Stitching?

Does it seem like there are more embroidered bags being stitched these days because we’re all realising the value of bringing our own bags with us when we go shopping? Or perhaps we’re more determined to make our own purses fit any occasion? Or is it because it is a wonderful way to display our work that has a practical purpose as well? Whichever reason it may be, everyone loves stitching bags, and here are a few from our community to inspire you.

Kate Brown

‘Margaret Light has so many beautiful designs, it can be hard to know where to start! This zippered pouch, ‘Tres Belle’, is from Inspirations issue #84. Constructing this pouch looked intimidating, but the instructions were excellent and it was done in half a day.’

It’s been beautifully stitched and constructed, Kate. No doubt clear and easy to follow instructions are important, but that takes nothing away from the level of skill on display here, your talent has played a huge part in the results achieved.

Norah Jackson

‘This bag is one I started with Susan O’Connor when she held a workshop after the Toronto Creative Hands show many years ago. With lockdowns, I have finally finished it and a few other things that have been in my stitching cupboard for many years.’

It’s wonderful that these older, unfinished projects look just as good when we get them back out again as they did when we first started them, isn’t it? Well done, Norah.

Susanne Zientarski

‘I wanted to teach myself long and short stitch embroidery when I saw Trish Burr’s work. I followed her directions from her Long and Short Stitch Embroidery book. I made these embroideries into zippered pouches using Kaffe Fassett fabrics.’

‘Here is also another pouch I just completed plus I also enjoy collecting vintage textiles and this small tablecloth shown in the photograph is an example of one piece.’

These are stunning pouches, Susanne. Your stitching is magnificent and the complementary fabric choices are just divine.

Do you love making bags, pouches or purses? Do you have a different bag for every occasion, each beautifully stitched and displaying your embroidered work? Or do you prefer to mount your embroidery in frames?

However you like to finish your work and whatever you like to stitch, we’d like to see it. Send us a picture of your work with a bit of information about your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com