Angela Sprott

‘I’ve just finished this letter from Elisabetta Sforza’s Flower Alphabet. I’ve not done much of this type of embroidery before and the individual flowers are far from perfect, but the final massed effect is very pretty, making this an achievable project for less experienced embroiderers.’

This is indeed a very pretty piece Angela, and everything looks to be stitched pretty close to perfect from what we can see! The colours you’ve chosen to work with are gorgeous, we love everything about this and it’s a great recommendation you make, these projects are indeed most suitable for stitchers of all experience levels. We’re so pleased you shared this with us.

Carol Scheele

‘Last April, I finished Colleen Goy’s Nature’s Delight from Inspirations Issue 119. I love stitching Colleen’s designs, as there is a lot of room for impromptu colour and stitch changes, depending on how the whimsy strikes me.’

‘I am now stitching a piece called ‘Efflorescence’ by Colleen Goy as a companion to Nature’s Delight. I love them, because they've both brought me many hours of stitching pleasure, and they're so filled with colour.’

We couldn’t agree more Carol, Colleen Goy’s designs are simply gorgeous and we’re very fortunate to feature her work in our publications. Your personalisation of her designs has complemented the originals perfectly and made these pieces truly yours. Colleen is a frequent reader of All Stitched Up! and she will be thrilled to see what you have achieved here. Well done!

Judy Mitchell

‘My sewing journey started after I retired at 65 when I joined a patchwork and quilting group - by sewing machine. After a few years I enrolled in a crazy quilt course at Faeries in my Garden and received quite the shock when I realised the joins were enhanced with hand embroidery and using only a single thread.

At the end of the six-week course I found that I enjoyed embroidery so much I thought I could tackle a Trish Burr design that I had admired for years; I hope you enjoy my ‘African Series’ embroideries from Trish Burr.’

‘I bought Trish's Whitework with Colour book and started on the difficult design, the African lady. I had never done satin stitch or beading. I loved the giraffe and so he was next. I learnt lots of patience and to take out the last stitch done if I am not happy with it, which meant re-threading the needle many times.’

‘I did the zebra next, while in the meantime I completed a crewel work class at All Threads Embroidery. Anna Scott was the tutor; I loved it and Anna's instructions for handling the crewel stitches complemented what I had been doing.’

‘Then came O, Tannenbaum, which I just had to do when I saw the magazine. Once I framed this, I envisaged the African subjects to be framed together as well. The lion joined in and then Tambo, the elephant.’

‘After two years of persistence the series was completed and framed. I am so pleased with the end result. I could never work out raised embroidery but have now have also finished Anna Scott's ‘Ripe for the Picking’ at the Barossa Retreat last May. Onwards to gold work!’

Judy, what a journey you have been on to complete such a gorgeous montage. Your persistence, patience and willingness to tackle new techniques has been amazing and your attention to detail and high standards for your work shows through in the quality of your finish. Keep up the terrific work.

Have you stitched a beginner friendly project? Do you enjoy stitching complementary designs? Or have you tried your hand at some new techniques?

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