What Are You Stitching?

As we sit here and write, we pause for a moment to consider our words. The sound that breaks through our reverie is the sound of birds chirruping in the trees outside. Birds are delightful to listen to and even more delightful to stitch. We have so many bird projects in our cupboard, we are going to have to break them up over several weeks, but here are a few to start with.

‘The idea for this project came from a photo of an egret by David Rennie, who is an amazing wetlands photographer. The project took longer to finish than I expected. I started it in early 2020 but as with everyone, it was a year that didn’t go as planned. My husband died in May 2020, and I moved from New South Wales to Tasmania.’ 

‘Now, work means I have less time for embroidery and other crafts. I was so pleased to finally finish this as I had been looking at it for so long after I settled into my new house. My original plans for it have changed so I don’t know where it will end up. Time will decide.’

It sounds like you’ve faced a lot of changes, Jane. We’re so pleased embroidery has always been there to help you through, even when there seems little time for it. Congratulations on a beautiful finish and we wish you all the best in your new season of life.

‘Here are some photos of my threadpaintings in free motion embroidery, all stitched entirely in straight stitch.’

‘I live in Perth, Western Australia but was born and educated in Auckland, New Zealand. My profession is music – I’m a retired concert pianist – but I also love painting and machine embroidery.’ 

These are wonderful projects, Josephine. Judging by these, your creative talents obviously extend way beyond music and into needlework as well.

‘This is my version of Gary Clarke’s magpie from Inspirations issue #93. I decided to make it into a magnet rather than a brooch. All of the materials I used were from my stash and the magnet was a promotional magnet that I cut up.’

It’s great to be able to successfully re-create a design using items you have in your stash, isn’t it Linda? This is a perfect example of that, and we can only imagine how pleased you must be with it whenever you see it stuck to your fridge.

‘I love stumpwork and have been taking classes over the years to learn how to achieve all its intricacies. One of my favourite teachers is Marsha Papay Gomola. I have just finished a needlebook called Apple Blossom Time that I learnt at one of her classes at the EGA National seminar last fall.’

‘It was quite the challenge since I’m mostly a counted thread stitcher, but I always enjoy trying new techniques and expanding my stitching horizons! I’m looking forward to working on more stumpwork designs in the near future.’

This is a really wonderful project, Julie. We love the combination of stumpwork and counted embroidery. You have stitched it to perfection and we look forward to seeing more of your work as you continue your stumpwork journey.

Does the sound of birdsong inspire you to pick up your needle? Or are you motivated more by the sight of a beautiful flower? Perhaps when you look at your favourite pet, you just want to memorialise them in stitches?

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