Patricia Nickel

‘I have been a cross stitcher since I was 23 years old. My sister invited me to a ‘Creative Circle’ party she hosted, where a lady sat with me and taught me the basics of how to do cross stitch.

Let me tell you, she ignited a fire within me that still burns hot and bright to this day.

It's true what they say about stitchery, it causes you to focus on what you're doing, it calms your mind and stills your heart.’

‘It has just been the perfect hobby for me. It's portable and so easy to set down and pick it up anytime I need a few moments peace.’

‘I am single, no children, (I work as a Nanny) so lots of time to indulge in my past-time. I always find joy, peace and contentment with my needle in hand.’

What an extensive and remarkable body of work you’ve created since your introduction to the world of cross stitch, Patricia. Your work is precise, your designs are fun and your passion for needlework shines through your pieces. We have no doubt our readers will resonate with the joy, peace and contentment you find with your needle and thread; thank you for sharing with us.

Alison Ellwood

‘I live in the Lake District in the UK and have always enjoyed sewing, painting and other crafts. I really look forward to receiving the Inspirations magazine and if it arrives during the day when I am busy I don’t open it, but put it to one side so that I can open it when I have time to take it all in.’

‘I have completed several projects from Christmas decorations to The Embroidered Village Bag all of which I enter in local Agricultural shows.

Last year I completed Trish Burr’s Ladybird, Ladybird and entered it into Cartmel Agricultural Show. Much to my surprise I won the trophy for the best exhibit in all the embroidery classes.’

‘I have since embroidered Trish Burr’s Bumblebee, entered it at Cartmel again this year and it won the same trophy as the Ladybird had the year before. How surprised and pleased I was. I am at present sewing Floe the Fairy Penguin by Carolyn Stanton.’

Alison, what gorgeous pieces these are, and absolutely worthy of the trophy; congratulations on your win two years in a row. Your stitching is precise and impressive, and your experience with embroidery is evident in your work. We wish you luck with your future entries and would love to see your Floe once done.

Rhonda Brummel

‘My stitching journey began with my Aunt Jeneveve, my mother's sister, who was always sending beautiful embroidery creations to my sister and myself.

At around 8 years old, I told my mom I wanted to learn to embroidery, and she offered to teach me

I was so surprised she knew how to embroiderer, but I guess with 5 children she didn't have much spare time to stitch.’

‘We went upstairs to my bedroom, where it was quiet, and sat on the bed. I remember being so excited to learn, mom had a flour sack dish towel with a printed pattern. The thrill of learning quickly turned into frustration, and though I wanted to quit, mom wouldn’t let me.

She patiently taught me how to do the easy stitches (chain stitch, running stitch, back stitch), and I was soon moving the thread and needle through the cloth, and I remember feeling like time was passing so quickly.’

I am now 73 years old, and I have been creating embroidered gifts for family and friends for 65 years.

I concentrate mostly on creating cards to celebrate birthdays, weddings, births of new babies, and all of life's milestones. My mom died when she was 58 years old. I have never stopped missing her and whenever I create with needle and thread I feel her gentle spirit with me.

One of my other passions is writing and collecting quotes, and I’d like to share two that I love: ‘embroidery is the art of turning thread into stories’ and ‘in the hands of an embroiderer, fabric becomes a canvas of expression’, both with unknown authors.’

What a heartwarming stitching origin story, Rhonda, and such a sentimental memory. Your designs are gorgeous and vibrant, and we can see through the quality of your stitching that your mum was a wonderful teacher. Your family and friends are certainly lucky recipients of your talent. Thank you for sharing your story, your stitching and those beautiful quotes with us.

Do you specialise in one particular stitching technique? Have you stitched a piece that’s won an award? Or have you been stitching since childhood?

Whatever you are stitching, we’d love to see it! Email photos of what you’ve created with needle and thread along with a few details about your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com