Adele Mandryk

‘This is a 1/4 scale dress that I hand sewed and embroidered. I attended a class that focused on using couture methods, silk fabric and our creativity to make a fully lined gown with a boned bodice, a layered underskirt and a corsage using the dress pattern designed by our teacher, Rowena Luke-King.’

‘The fabric choice and embellishments were up to the student. I used silk dupion for the dress and silk ribbon and glass beads for the embroidery of my own design.’

Your final piece is stunning, Adele, and the creativity and passion you put into the design and construction shines through. Your stitching is impressive and precise, and your choices of fabric, colour and design are elegant and eye-catching. We’re thrilled you chose to share this with us.

Helen Johnson

‘Here are three of my recently finished pieces. All are done in silk thread with some gold and bead work.

The first piece is 4” x 6” (10cm x 15cm) and became more elaborate as I played with different techniques and possibilities throughout the stitching process.’

‘The design began with this simple drawing; I hope others will use the design, and anyone is free to copy it. It’s fun to see how different people interpret the same design, and I am a believer in folks doing their own designs and interpretations because our work should be personal, not just technical.’

‘A group I am in decided to exchange postcards with the theme of ‘home’. I remembered moving to New York City at age 8 and being flabbergasted by the tall apartments.

In a museum art class when I was 12, I made a linoleum block recalling those times and used multiple images from a page of ‘real estate wanted ads’, a familiar section to me, as after WWII my family was without housing for two years.

I still have the Lino block and decided that my ‘home’ postcard would be a reinterpretation of that image. The postcard measures 4” x 6” (10cm x 15cm).’

‘My final piece is ‘Midnight Rituals’ which plays with my love of the human figure that occupied much of my youth as a lover of ballet and later as a painter.

The background is from scraps of antique kimono; two tiny embroideries on the piece are also from a kimono. The completed piece is is 9” x 13” (23cm x 33cm).’

‘I do not plan completely in advance as many embroiderers do but instead work in a painterly way, letting a piece find its way as I work and figuring out how to technically find ways to get the look I want and experimenting to see what will happen. It’s fun to share my work with other embroiderers.’

Helen, what a treat to read about the inspiration for each of your pieces as well as your creative process. The personal meaning and sentiment behind each of your designs is poignant, and it’s so generous of you to share your design with our community. We have no doubt our readers will have as much fun perusing your work as you have sharing it with them; keep up the incredible work.

Jane Evans

‘Here are a couple of photos of my latest needlepoint ornament, William Morris' Strawberry Thief. This little printed canvas was a delight to needlepoint and the self-finishing ornament made quick work of the process. I added a little twisted cord to add a finishing detail.’

What a wonderful piece, Jane; not only is the design vibrant and eye-catching, but your stitching is so precise. We love the addition of the twisted cord, great idea.

Have you recently incorporated embroidery with a dress or item of clothing? Do you find inspiration for your designs from your own experiences? Or do you add your own final touches to projects you complete?

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