Ann Sait

‘I have been busy recently making this for my 'other half'. He really loved it however is no longer allowed to use it for his chess games with his friends and our neighbours; they said he was cheating because he has an unfair advantage, as they keep looking at the patterns instead of concentrating on the game!’

‘I have always enjoyed blackwork; I think it is the way there are so many patterns to try, it is never boring. I love the Inspirations newsletter every week. A little bit of 'me time' is something we all need now and then, and it’s a great way to spend it.’

What a unique way to incorporate embroidery with something frequently used, Ann; we’re often talking about different ways to use and display embroidery, and this is a terrific example. Your work is precise, and your designs are gorgeous; we too would have trouble concentrating on the game! We’re thrilled you chose to share this with us.

Audrey Lauriston

‘I’m excited to share a recent piece: a silk-shaded iris with goldwork accents. As my first foray into metal threads, I battled self-doubt every step of the way! As I approached the final stitches, I stepped away for a few months to rest my purple-tinted eyes...’

When I returned, I made a few changes to my original sketch, added the finishing touches, and now I’m quite happy with how it turned out.’

‘Inspirations magazine has been a trusted guide on my needlework journey. Each issue’s elegant projects and clear, inspiring tutorials have pushed me to explore new techniques and refine my skills. I always look forward to what you’ll share next! Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to your community.’

Audrey, your finished piece is remarkable; we certainly wouldn’t have guessed this is your first time using metal threads. Your technique is refined, your use of colours is striking and vibrant, and your carefully considered changes at the end are what great design is all about - taking the necessary time to reflect and refine until you’re happy with the final result. Well done!

Mary Bak

‘My mother taught me at an early age about the basics of embroidery. She was born and raised in Innisfail in Queensland, Australia, married my father (a US Army guy during the war) and moved to the USA after it was over. She always had a needle or hook in her hand or was at the sewing machine.

I get my inspiration now from Mary Corbet. I am lucky to live a short three hours away from her home and visited her last Christmas during her open house. What a wonderful day. She is so, so talented.’

‘I like to do vintage cloths. Many times you can find them at estate sales or auctions. My walls are full of embroidery pictures - cats or horses or flowers. These flowers were originally a dresser scarf from probably 1950 or so. I cut the ends off.

I did the tote bag first with my own colors. I used DMC threads - 2 strands. Then decided to try what the instructions said and used a heavier pearl cotton thread using only 2 colors. I think the difference between the two is amazing.’

‘Then I made the yellow and brown into a messenger bag. The voided monogram (with encouragement from Mary) is a needle book. The fabric is the middle part of the scarf! Repurpose... you betcha!’

‘These three items will go to the county fair in July... I like to put in things that are different.

I find embroidery is very satisfactory and encourage others to take up the challenge.

We have a small group in our little town that meets once a week at the library for just an hour in the evening. Anyone can come and do any kind of needle work - tatting, crochet, knit, embroidery, whatever. You only fail if you don’t try! And... you can always rip it out!’

Well Mary aren’t you indeed the lucky one having the opportunity to spend time with Mary Corbet and receiving personal encouragement from her? There will certainly be many readers wishing they were so fortunate - Mary Corbet is an industry icon and a treasure for us all in the world of needlework. And as for your stitching, well you certainly have a fantastic talent for bringing new life into vintage items. Your projects are fun and vibrant, your stitching is excellent and we love your inclusive and positive approach. If only we could all have you in our stitching groups! Keep up the terrific work.

Have you stitched a design for a loved one? Have you recently tried your hand at a new technique? Or have you taken something vintage and repurposed it for a project?

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