Hi <<First Name>>,

Welcome to EN 67.  November has arrived and so too has our Christmas Countdown.  If we had a town crier, you can imagine they might be walking around Inspirations Town dressed in the finest embroidered attire, clanging their large bell shouting: ‘Hear Ye! Hear Ye! 7 Weeks till Christmas, so you’d better be stitchin quick!’ From gifts, tree decorations, table adornments or a new stocking to hang on the mantle, whatever it is you are creating for Christmas, we want to encourage you to ‘keep on stitching’ as the deadline is nigh! But for right now, take a break to enjoy this week’s Embroidery News, and remember if in the end it all comes undone and you can’t get it finished in time, there’s always Christmas 2017! Do you have something to share?  We’d love to hear from you!  Email us at: news@inspirationsstudios.com

To kick off our Christmas Countdown we’re going in with all needles blazing and this week bringing you the feature project from issue #92 ‘Sugarplum’ by Hazel Blomkamp.

Hazel Blomkamp is a super star needlework artisan from South Africa who is most famous for her stunning crewel work projects. However, what some may not know is Hazel is also a highly skilled bead embroiderer.  In fact the really observant among you may have already noticed one of the design elements that give Hazel’s Crewelwork projects that extra razzamatazz is her inclusion of beads in the majority of her designs.

So when it came to commissioning Hazel for a new project for Inspirations, our editorial team came across a striking beaded flower design in one of Hazel’s books and suggested she might like to create something for Christmas using this technique.

Next thing we knew, Hazel had gone exceedingly over and above anything we could have imagined and designed this superb Christmas decoration masterpiece, using her deft beading skills we now present to you as ‘Sugarplum’.

‘Sugarplum’ is a magnificent bauble adorned with beaded flowers and drops.  It is created using an intricate beaded net that surrounds a transparent sphere which forms a foundation for the peyote stitch flowers and bugle bead drops.

A dazzling addition to a festive tree, the ornament would also look wonderful in a sunny window and be equally as stunning worked in bright or pastel coloured beads.

As if designing, stitching and providing detailed instructions as to how to re-create this masterpiece wasn’t enough, Hazel even went beyond the call of duty and in collaboration with our design team, developed incredibly intricate and yet easy to follow diagrams for us all. 

If from a distance ‘Sugarplum’ looks like a daunting project to tackle, fear not… with over 30 colour coordinated diagrams and clear concise step-by-step instructions, the Inspirations team along with Hazel’s new found illustration skills, have really made re-creating this exceptional project, almost as easy as following the bouncy ball, or bouncy beads in this case!

Special thanks to our stylist Fiona and our photographer Brendan for making ‘Sugarplum’ look so amazing that it was picked for the front cover.  Shout out to Adeline (Fiona’s new baby) who is hard at work asleep on Mum during the shoot!
 
MAKE YOUR OWN ‘SUGARPLUM’

Step 1/. – Purchase Inspirations Issue #92

‘Sugarplum’ by Hazel Blomkamp is featured in Inspirations issue #92.  Complete with a comprehensive project requirements list, detailed instructions and illustrations on how to create each component and assemble it all, everything has been covered off to walk you through every step.

> Printed copies of issue #92 are now available to order HERE.

Step 2/. – Purchase Sugarplum Kit

Kit contains everything you need to re-create this superb glittering ornament which when finished measures 10cm x 8cm wide (4" x 31/8").

Ready To Stitch Kit contains: bauble; beads; braid; ribbon; beading thread and needles.

*PLEASE NOTE* Due to the huge popularity of this this kit, we are currently waiting on new stock to arrive. To avoid missing out, purchase your kit today as a back order which will ensure our kit team allocates enough materials for demand.

> Purchase ‘Sugarplum’ Kit HERE.

LOOKING FOR MORE HAZEL IN YOUR LIFE?

Many of Hazel’s projects have appeared in Inspirations Magazine over the years, all of which are still available for purchase as follows:

PRINTED COPIES AVAILABLE

(1) ‘Papermate’ issue #84 – Purchase HERE
(2) ‘Magnifique’ issue #77 – Purchase HERE
(3) ‘Jacobus Rex’ issue #87 – Purchase HERE
(4) ‘Masterpiece’ issue #70 – Purchase HERE
(5) ‘Small Change’ issue #90 – Purchase HERE
(6) ‘Sweet Savour’ issue #78 – Purchase HERE

‘Sweet Savour’ by Hazel Blomkamp issue #78

DIGITAL PATTERNS AVAILABLE

(4) ‘Masterpiece’ issue #70 – Purchase Pattern HERE

Purchase A Copy Of Hazel’s Latest Book

‘Hand Stitched Crazy Patchwork’ is Hazel’s latest book, where her passion for using innovative and interesting ways to utilise needlework stitches, leads her into the world of crazy patchwork. > Purchase a copy of the book HERE.

‘Berries For The Birds’ Kit Now Available

‘Berries For The Birds’ by Lorna Bateman is included in our book ‘A Passion For Needlework’.  Featuring luscious stumpwork berries on a linen pincushion, the kit includes everything you need to recreate this stunning piece, even including the wooden base.

> To purchase the kit, click HERE.

‘What Are You Stitching’ is one of our most popular segments of Embroidery News.  It’s where everyone gets to share their own needlework adventures and in turn be inspired and encouraged by the creativity and achievements of others.  One of the reasons we love the segment is the privilege you give us of learning more about you and the importance of needlework in your life.

This week we start with a very personal story from Carolyn Woods who has been kind enough to share with us the challenges she has been enduring over the past several years and how needlework has helped her through:

‘Dear Inspirations, I thought you might like to see some of the projects I stitched for friends between 2006 and 2014. 

This period in my life covers a series of unfortunate events beginning with my husband being diagnosed with cancer for the second time; a major house move from French speaking Switzerland to German speaking Switzerland; then my husband's death in 2011 after a four year battle with cancer, my mother's sudden passing in 2012; the seemingly endless miles of red tape and complications encountered during the process of settling my husband's complex estate and closing our companies; and losing two dogs, one to cancer (2013) and one to old age (2014).

During these difficult years, it began to feel as though the heartache would never end - however being able to sit down at the end of a long day and stitch a few flowers - knowing they were destined for a person who's friendship had also accompanied me through that difficult period, definitely kept me from going crazy and there was definitely a sense of triumph when I was finally able to give her the finished project in the autumn of 2014.

Now that life is finally returning to something resembling normal, I'm looking forward to exploring some new ideas. "Inspirations" plays a key role in those plans!  With kind regards, Carolyn

Carolyn thank you so much for your inspirational story, we can only imagine how tough these past few years have been, and yet you have continued to be a blessing to others the whole time through your needlework.  Your projects are beautiful (we especially love the fish!) and you are a role model for us all, to have endured all you have and yet remain positive and enthusiastic for your future.

Up next is Colette Bonnet who lives near the city of Poitiers in France, and has sent in some delightful pieces to show us.  Thanks again to Google Translate here as her original email was sent in French:

‘Hello, I live in France and subscribe to Inspirations which I always wait for its arrival with great anticipation. I wish I could do everything, but I do not have time, also unfortunately I do not speak English which for me is a challenge.

I do a little of all types of embroidery including threadpainting, needlepoint, counted stitch, Hardanger, Reticella, Hedebo, crewel etc.

I made this little bear which came from the French edition of Inspirations. As for the Reticella piece below, I found this pattern on the internet and modified it by changing the edges to my own design.  Have a good day.’

Thanks Colette, that is a really cute bear you have created there and your Reticella work is stunning – great work adding your own elements to an existing design, it looks magnificent.

Monique Nazaret is also from France and lives in the eastern region of Lougres, and has sent in this amazing piece featuring a bird we are very familiar with here in Australia…

‘Hello, here is a photo of my embroidery piece of a Cockatoo.  I have been using the technique of "thread painting" for the past 10 years during which time have I learnt from a professional embroiderer in France.  I live in a small village in the east of France near Besancon and often go to embroidery exhibitions in France and Italy.’

Fabulous needlework Monique, your thread painting skills are amazing and your Cockatoos are so lifelike, if we were to hang the piece from a tree in a park just near our office, no doubt the local Cockies would come over to have a chat to your gorgeous pair.

Christine Bruce is an avid fan of Inspirations and Embroidery News and Inspirations (blush, blush) and sends in this lovely note with some recent projects:

‘Hi.  I regularly enjoy Embroidery News and attach some photos of some pieces I've put together inspired by Inspirations. 

I live in Tarragindi, Brisbane. I was not a big stitcher as a child, although Mum still has a kids tapestry of a deer in her laundry which I did in the early years. I started cross stitching cushions and dressing table sets in my late teens. About ten years ago I visited the Greenslopes needlework and craft classes and was introduced by a wonderful tutor and other ladies to the mysteries of silk ribbon and other embroidery techniques.

I love Inspirations and have made many things over the years. It's how I enjoy spending my leisure hours, and it seems there are more of those than I realize. One of the earliest efforts was Dear Heart and more recently the black work strawberry from Inspirations issue 86, white work reindeer and Trish Burr’s Christmas bird both from issue 88. Regards Christine.’

So great to see the Inspirations projects you have brought to life Christine, you have mastered them well.  It’s humbling for us to see that our goal of inspiring others to re-create the world’s most beautiful needlework has and continues to be achieved with each issue.  Thank you for encouraging and inspiring us!

What Are YOU Stitching?  We’d love to see it… send your photos, a description of the project and a little about yourself including where you live, to news@inspirationsstudios.com

NOVEMBER CALENDAR PROJECT NOW AVAILABLE

In case you haven’t yet, it’s time to turn the page on your Inspirations 2016/2017 Calendar to November.

The project featured for the month of November is ‘Little Bits’ by Barbara Jackson from Inspirations issue #78.  These dainty crewel embroidered accessories may be small in size but they are enormous in appeal, and are sure to delight everyone who sees them.

Worked onto natural linen with cotton, silk and wool threads, the charming tray design features a sweet little bird surrounded by dainty blue flowers and a busy honey bee. The needle book and scissor sheath are decorated with elements of the tray design and are finished with matching twisted cords.

The Inspirations calendar is not just the world’s most beautiful needlework eye candy; our goal is to make sure every project featured is available for you to stitch yourself.

Inspirations issue #78 Print                               Digital Download Little Bits

MAKE YOUR OWN ‘LITTLE BITS’

> Printed Copies of Issue 78 Available For Purchase HERE
> Digital Pattern for Little Bits Now Available For Purchase HERE

DON’T HAVE A 2016/2017 INSPIRATIONS CALENDAR YET?

Be inspired all year around with the World’s Most Beautiful Needlework Calendar.  Copies are still available and can be shipped directly to your door anywhere in the world. 

> To order your copy, click HERE.

Beautiful Needlework.  Sold Here.  www.stitchology.com.au

Not A Subscriber?  Join Today!

Have the world’s most beautiful needlework magazine delivered right to your door 4 times a year,

PRINT | For a print subscription fill in our secure online form with your details HERE.

DIGITAL | Digital subscriptions can be purchase through Zinio direct HERE or through the Inspirations APP which can be downloaded via the iTunes and Google Play stores, by searching ‘Inspirations Magazine’.

CALL US - If you have any questions regarding an Inspirations subscription or just want to have a chat, we’d love to hear from you.  You can call us from anywhere in the world on +61 8 8293 8600 anytime and if we’re not in, leave a message and we’ll get back to you.  For anyone within Australia, call us on 08 8293 8600.

Otherwise email us anytime at subs@inspirationsmagazine.com.au

ISSUE #92 KITS – SELLING FAST

Kits for Inspirations issue #92 are now available on our website. Some kits have already sold out, however our super awesome kit team are working on replenishing stock ASAP, but if there is something you specifically want, order today to avoid disappointment.

> Browse our complete range of issue #92 kits HERE.

NEW BOOKS NOW AVAILABLE

THE EMBROIDERER’S LITTLE BOOK OF HINTS & TIPS by Alison Cole.

This handy book from Alison Cole is full of tips from over 30 years of experience, where Alison has written down advice on everything from setting up your workbasket through to framing and photographing your completed work.

> To order your copy, click HERE.

EARLY-STYLE HARDANGER by Yvette Stanton

Join Yvette Stanton as she travels to a Norwegian fjord, studying historical examples of Hardanger and taking you back to where Hardanger all began.

This historical style of embroidery has traditionally been used on women’s clothing in the Hardangerfjord region, and was designed to emulate needle-made lace of the 1600s and 1700s.

> To order your copy, click HERE.

MORE ‘A PASSION FOR NEEDLEWORK KITS’ ADDED

Have you fallen in love with the projects from our new book ‘A Passion For Needlework’?  The range of APFN ready to stitch kits available keeps growing, with ‘Woodland’ and ‘Proud Peacock’ recently added.

> Browse our complete range of APFN kits HERE.

What: Adelaide Quilt & Craft Fair
Where: Goyder Pavilion | Adelaide Showground, South Australia
When: to 6 Nov
Details: Click HERE

What: Annemieke Mein Exhibition | Habitat
Where: The Gallery at Bayside Arts & Cultural Centre | Corner of Wilson & Carpenter Streets Brighton, Victoria
When: to 6 Nov
Details: Clcik HERE

What: Auckland Embroiderers’ Guild | Annual Display of Embroidery
Where: Onehunga Community House | 83 Selwyn Street Onehunga, Auckland New Zealand
When: to 6 Nov
Details:  Click HERE

What: EGA Convention | Star Spangled Seminar
Where: Alexandria Mark Centre | 5000 Seminary Road Alexandria, Virginia
When: to 6 Nov
Details: Click HERE

What: International Quilt Festival | Houston
Where: George R Brown Convention Center | 1001 Avenida De Las Americas Houston, Texas
When: to 6 Nov
Details: Click HERE

What: Making the Australian Quilt: 1800 to 1950
Where: National Galley of Victoria Australia | Federation Square – Flinders Street & Russell Street Melbourne, Victoria
When: to 6 Nov
Details: Click HERE

What: Embroiderers’ Guild of Tasmania Annual Exhibition
Where: Devonport LINC | 21 Oldaker Street Devonport, Tasmania
When: to 7 Nov
Details: heg@embroideryhobart.com

What: Opus Anglicanum | Masterpieces of English Medieval Embroidery
Where: Room 38 | Victoria & Albert Museum
When: to 5 Feb
Details: Click HERE

What: Undressed | A Brief History of Underwear
Where: Room 40 | Victoria & Albert Museum
When: to 12 Mar
Details: Click HERE

What: RSN | Stories in Stitch Exhibition
Where: Hampton Court Palace
When: to 31 Mar
Details: Click HERE

What: Embroiderer’s Guild of Victoria, Bendigo Branch | Embellish, Enhance, Enrich 25th Anniversary Exhibition
Where: St Andrews Hall | 26 Myers Street Bendigo, Victoria
When : 11 to 13 Nov
Details: Frances – 03 5441 8735

What: West Country Quilt & Textile Show
Where: Exhibition Centre, University of the West of England | Filton, Bristol
When: 11 to 13 Nov
Details: Click HERE

What: The Bobbin Tree Opens | Jenny McWhinney’s Embroidery Boutique | NEW DATE
Where: 31 Payneham Road College Park, South Australia
When: 22 Nov @ 10:00
Details: jennymcwhinney@bigpond.com

Send us details about events, exhibitions and celebrations happening in your place of stitch and we’ll include them in Embroidery News. Contact us at
embroiderynews@inspirationsmagazine.com.au

Happy Stitching
The Embroidery News Team