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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
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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,
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.
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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
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