What Are You Stitching?

We’ve been discussing lace quite a lot in recent weeks. We went to our What Are You Stitching? cupboard, and sure enough, there were some gorgeous examples of lace and lacy embroidery sitting there. So now seems like the perfect time to showcase them and let everyone see how talented our wonderful community of readers are.

‘Greetings from Yorkshire! I read with interest your article on lacemaking. I usually attend a small class each week, and I have recently completed a piece of Torchon lace. I adapted a Hardanger pattern to complement the Torchon lace.’

What an exquisite finish, Ann! The lace is so delicate and the adapted Hardanger is absolutely perfect as an accompaniment.

‘I have stitched all my life and always have several projects on the go. In 2012, ready for a new challenge, I started to learn needlelace. I designed this parasol myself and it took two years to complete.’

‘It was stitched using Brock size 60 and 80 thread and a machine 50 thread, it is mounted on a background of blue silk, which a friend gave me.’

It’s magnificent, Leila. What a labour of love – one that is guaranteed to be an heirloom. You’ve taken our collective breaths away.

‘I took a class with Hazel Blomkamp in 2012 at Beating Around the Bush and loved the challenge. Subsequently I did her Pomander, and I had a wonderful time. It was definitely a challenge but what a learning experience!’

‘I didn’t realise there were so many ways to do blanket stitch! While stitching I was constantly reminded of the enjoyable class I took with Hazel.’

‘I am not the most creative person when it comes to originality but there are so many fabulous designers that I feel I have plenty of opportunity to totally enjoy my needlework experience. I like to think they would be pleased with my results.’

We’re absolutely confident they would be, Mavis. We can see Hazel smiling in satisfaction at your results as she is reading this very newsletter right now in fact! This is a stunning project that you’ve finished to perfection.

Do you enjoy lace making in any or all of its forms? Have you tried different ways to create lace, whether needlelace, bobbin lace or another type? Do you have a favourite method? Or are you comfortable leaving the lace making to the experts, preferring more solid stitches?

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