1

THE WORLD'S MOST BEAUTIFUL EMBROIDERY MAGAZINETM

ISSUE 79, 2013

ITALIAN CUTWORK MASTERCLASS

LEARN PORTUGUESE

REDWORK

Counted �read Work

IN FOCUS

FABULOUS CREWEL WORK

welcome

2

COUNTING ON INSPIRATION

Don’t you just love linen? I do, it is so versatile and is one of my favourite

fabrics to stitch on, not just for counted thread embroidery.

Counted thread embroidery covers so many fabulous styles across the

globe. Cross stitch, which is possibly the most popular stitch technique

of all, is only the beginning. From fabulous textures and patterns

created with various needlepoint stitches, to captivating blackwork designs, to delicate

motifs and borders formed by all means of pulling and manipulating fabric threads. With

such a variety of counted thread techniques to discover, we decided to throw the spotlight

on a few in this issue.

Linen fabric also makes a perfect ground for traditional crewel work and many forms of

ethnic embroidery styles such as ‘Pontos Vermelhos’ on page 72. Worked in simple stitches,

the authenticity represented in this little bag is exquisite, and it is surprising to learn that

beautiful bags such as this were used as lunch bags!

I am almost certain you will be intrigued by the beautiful tray cloth ‘Summer Fields’ on

page 58 by Patricia Girolami. Patricia is among the tutors who will be joining us for

Beating Around the Bush in September 2014. It might seem a long time off, but when it comes

to organising our next spectacular international needlework convention, it is ‘just around

the corner’. You can see the exciting line-up of tutors on page 6 and if you are not familiar

with their work, just look for the butterflies in

this and coming issues of Inspirations.

While taking a break and looking for butterflies,

why not join in the fun, quick contest on page

51 – no stitching required, I promise.

I am really delighted that we are receiving an

increasing number of letters and emails from

readers who are applying patterns and designs

from Inspirations to their own projects. After

all, that is what ‘Inspiration’ is all about, and

I hope you will find plenty of it in this issue.

Happy Stitching,

anna@countrybumpkin.com.au

NEXT ISSUE

Don’t miss 20 YEARS of Inspirations!

It is hard to believe and very exciting

that Inspirations is in its 20th year.

We will celebrate the milestone with

the most spectacular 80th issue, featur-

ing fabulous new projects from your

all-time favourite Australian contribu-

tors and who knows, we might even

have a few surprises up our sleeves…

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO RUTH IRVING AT AL-RU FARM AND PHILICIA’S ANTIQUES.

For news and updates, subscribe to our FREE newsletter at www.countrybumpkin.com.au and follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/CountryBumpkin.Publications

CONTENTSregular features4 Meet Our Contritbutors 5 Your Inspirations Letters and stories6 Noticeboard BATB 2014!7 Show and share Visit a What’s On exhibition8 Inspired by the needle Nicola Jarvis uses her knowledge

of embroidery to create amazing artworks10 Embroidery and beyond A trail of fabric flowers in

South Africa

projects12 Petit Bouquet Dainty counted thread pincushion

18 Circle of Life Enjoy wool embroidery with this captivating crewel work cushion

26 Gilly Flower Explore counted thread techniques while creating this unique trinket box

38 Scented Rose Pretty cosmetics pouch embellished with shadow appliqué and delicate embroidery

46 Starburst Easy to stitch cosy and matching coasters to keep your coffee hot and served with style

52 Gentle Romance Luxurious silk lingerie bag with beautiful bullion roses

58 Summer Fields Our Masterclass guides you through each step for this exquisite Punto Antico cloth

72 Pontos Vermelhos Discover authentic embroidery from Guimerães with this clever drawstring bag

80 Delicate Shadow Elegant shaded blackwork poppy inspired by Art Nouveau design

cutting edge86 Fabulous tips and ideas, exciting products,

book reviews, and what’s on

come shopping92 Needlecraft Directory

98 Kits, thread, fabrics – ready-to stitch kits for all the delightful projects in this issue and more

step-by-step instructions16 Diagonal tent stitch 24 Herringbone stitch 34 Double four-sided stitch 35 Raised stem stitch 36 Cylindrical peyote beading 44 Bullion rose, Cretan stitch 45 Knotted blanket stitch 50 Blanket stitch edge 51 Pistil stitch 56 Fly stitch leaf 70 Italian hem stitch 78 Eyelet 84 Mounting fabric onto a roller frame

liftout patterns Petit Bouquet | Circle of Life

Gilly Flower | Scented Rose

Starburst | Gentle Romance

Summer Fields

Pontos Vermelhos

Delicate Shadow

Enjoy wool embroidery withthis captivating crewel work cushion

thread techniques while creating

pouch embellished with shadowappliqué and delicate embroidery

Easy to stitch cosy and matching

26

12

18

38

4652

58

72

80