Jane Page

‘I first saw Kris Richards’ Safari, a wonderful embroidered backpack, in Inspirations Issue 12 and it stayed in the back of my mind. When recently I obtained a white cotton canvas backpack I knew that I could embroider it and thought you would like to see how it turned out.’

With Inspirations magazine issue 12 having a publish year of 1996, this project sure has been a long time in the works Jane! Your design is so cute and charming. We are thrilled that you finally found the perfect backpack to bring this idea to life – well done.

Jamie Fairchild

‘This was my first needlepoint project that was created with different types of stitches other than standard tent stitches. We have a safari-themed master bedroom with African ethnic art on the walls and my husband and I both love it, even though we’ve never been to Africa. It is certainly on the bucket list!’

‘It was so much fun trying new and different stitches, working on shading, and learning how to do beadwork. I’m especially proud of how the lion head turned out.’

Jamie, this is a stunning well-considered and eye-catching piece that will no doubt be a wonderful addition to your master bedroom. We certainly wouldn’t have guessed this is your first time experimenting with different techniques; your stitching is very impressive, and you’ve done an amazing job adding life and dimension to your designs. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Bridget O’Brien

‘I took a class called Tudor Embroidery at my guild, Canadian Embroiderers’ Guild Guelph. I decided to create my design using a bit of each of Cynthia Jackson's works published in Inspirations A Passion For Needlework III | Blakiston Creamery, Inspirations Issue #113 and Inspirations Issue #105. All that’s left is to get it framed.’

‘Another class I’ve taken through my guild was ‘Stitching Architecture’ taught by Mavis Brown, who has been a contributor to your newsletter for a long time. I decided to stitch the house that I live in which was built in 1906. I used watercolours to paint the bricks and then I outlined them in DMC floss. I’m so happy with the result.’

What lovely pieces you have created Bridget. They are beautifully stitched and do a great job of showcasing your creativity and ability to take techniques and design elements you have learned and make them your own. We love them both! Mavis is indeed a long-time contributor and friend of this newsletter (Hi Mavis!) and we have no doubt she would be very proud of your result. Keep up the terrific work.

Have you stitched a design you’ve been thinking about for a while? Have you recently stitched an animal themed project? Or have you combined multiple designs to make your own?

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