What Are You Stitching?

Whenever we have the pleasure of including a Betsy Morgan design in our newsletter, as we have this week, it reminds us just how much we love counted needlework. It seems we never tire of enjoying this form of stitching and we’re not alone… here are some counted creations from our talented community for us all to enjoy:

‘Over the years I have attended many of Christine P. Bishop’s classes. One class I enjoyed in particular was for her No-Fail Linen Bag.’

‘The first bag has a cross stitch design which I had to quickly stitch in one night. The second bag has Russian drawn thread embroidery, designed by Carol Stacey. The pink bag is my own design.’

‘All in all, I’m very pleased with them all. The construction of the bag is straightforward but time-consuming, but it is well worth the effort.’

‘Christine is a patient teacher who encourages you to persist because she believes you will be successful. It’s always a pleasure to be one of her students.’

These bags are fantastic and you definitely should be pleased, Mary. Christine’s belief in you is well founded as these gorgeous and varied no-fail bags attest.

‘I took a slightly different approach with the Jane Marshall sampler which was featured in All Stitched Up! issue #235 and commemorated a significant event in my lifetime.’

It’s fantastic to see different interpretations of the same pattern, Kate. I’m sure you’ll look upon this piece as a fitting memory for such a strange time.

‘These two miniature carpets are from ‘Oriental Carpets in Miniature’ by Frank M. Cooper, 1994. Unfortunately, the book is now out of print.’ 

‘The original patterns were stitched on needlepoint canvas using Paternayan wool yarn. However, I stitched these using 18 count Aida and DMC cotton floss, matching the colours as best I could. Each one took about a year to stitch.’  

These are very elegant pieces, Nola. We love your variation on the original – they have a crispness and fineness all of their own.

‘Last year I resumed needlepointing after many years absence and have attached a picture of the completed project that got me started.’

‘The evening clutch was made as a Christmas present for my daughter.’

 Your daughter must have been thrilled, Trudy. This is such an elegant and beautifully finished gift. We’re already looking forward to seeing photos of your next needlepoint project.

‘This picture shows a charity shop find – these beautifully stitched pieces were squashed in a bag and sold for £10. I have asked in our local crafters group to see if anyone recognises them, but have not yet discovered who stitched them.’

‘They are all slightly grubby but I plan to clean and use them. Two of the tapestry pieces are earmarked for tote bags to gift to my mum and mother in law.’

This story takes us back to Mendie’s dream at the beginning of this newsletter, Kirsty. We love to see your discovery and rescue of these pieces, as well as your intention to make them into something which others can treasure.

Cross stitch, needlepoint, tapestry, blackwork – whatever the counted technique, we want to see it. Send us pictures of your projects along with a bit of information about the project and your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com