Fred Sander

‘Now that granddaughter number 3 has entered the scene, a new photo album has become necessary. I found this template on Pinterest, but am unsure who designed it, and next to it is my version.

It's embroidered in the center, with suede trim at the edges. Everything is handmade. The book measures 30 cm by 42 cm², with 50 sheets each, spaced accordion-style.’

What a gorgeous tradition Fred; your family is very lucky to have your creativity and generosity to create such beautiful gifts. We love your interpretation of this design, the colours are so vibrant and your stitching is excellent. No doubt your granddaughters will cherish these for years to come. Thanks for including us in such a joyful project.

Robyn Rawling

‘I thought you might like to see the first stumpwork pieces I made in the early 1990s, when I attended the first classes that Jane taught on the lower North Shore in Sydney. Up until then I had never heard of stumpwork and I wanted to learn something new. Well, I certainly did that and loved every minute of it!

In the centre of one of the works, I embroidered the words: ‘Love is patient and kind’. I took another series of classes to make a similar piece and this time the centre embroidery says: ‘Love is forgiving and for giving’.’

‘My love for embroidery came from my grandmother and her sister who taught me the basics of embroidery, knitting and crochet in the 1950s.

Since then, I have expanded my embroidery and handwork techniques into all areas of crewel work, bobbin lace, tatting, crochet of all types, knitting, quilting, patchwork, dressmaking, etc.

In Jane’s class in the 1990’s, I also made these two smaller stumpwork pieces.’

‘In 2012, (after 2 years of hard work and at 69 years of age) I completed The Embroiderers' Guild NSW Inc Certificate of Completion for their Traditional Crewel Embroidery and Variations Correspondence Course.

One helpful thing my experience has taught me is to compare my finished project to other similar pieces of my work to see if it’s improving. (Comparing only to the work I have copied can be unsettling!).’

What a fun step back in time, Robyn! The foundation of stitching knowledge imparted by your grandmother and her sister can definitely be seen here in the quality of your work. Your Embroiderers’ Guild Certificate certainly sounds very well deserved. We loved hearing about your interest and willingness to constantly learn new techniques, and your advice to only compare with your previous work is sage indeed.

Elbé Coetsee

‘Thank you for all the wonderful inspiration included in your inspiring magazine and newsletter! We would like to share photographs of our annual Narrative Threads group exhibition that took place at Mogalakwena Gallery/Shop in Newlands, Cape Town.

The photographs show my work, Little Moments, measuring 10cm x 10cm framed. The other participating textile artists are Gina Niederhumer, Pat Louw, Beverly Gillespie, Liezl van Schalkwyk, Susie Bashall and Karen Wallace.’

Elbé, what a delightful collection of fun and bright pieces, certainly worthy of being included in an exhibition. These designs tell a heartwarming story and have been presented beautiful. Congratulations to you and all the other participating textile artists on what sounds like a wonderful event. Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your work with the Inspirations community.

Have you stitched a design to celebrate the arrival of a new family member? Do you enjoy revisiting your work from years ago? Or have you completed a piece for an exhibition?

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