Kay Gower

‘Watching two robins fighting in the garden, I decided to embroider the winner. He looked very much the worst for wear, and I felt that he (like most of us), was looking forward to the coming of spring.’

What a beautiful piece Kay, with a charming backstory. The observation from your garden combined with your imaginative depiction of how the little robin might be feeling is fun and engaging. Keep up the terrific work.

Holly Jackson

‘I just finished a new piece that I am excited about! I moved to a tiny island a few years ago and have become very interested in the eco-system here.

A neighbour told me about the concept of oyster castles and how they are used to support oyster populations, and I immediately pictured a glittering palace worthy of an oyster.

I was terribly disappointed to find out that they are basically just specialised concrete blocks!I was terribly disappointed to find out that they are basically just specialised concrete blocks!

I decided to create my own glamorous version of this important restoration project. I used a wide range of materials and hot textile processes and combined them with stumpwork and needle lace to create my whimsical vision.’

Holly, what a beautiful source of inspiration for this project. Unique, vibrant and imaginative, your finished piece is mesmerising to look at; if only the oysters on your island could have such a beautiful home! Thank you for sharing this with us.

Dona Carruth

‘I wanted to share my version of Floe the Fairy Penguin with you. This was such a FUN stitch!’

As you can see I played around a bit with the colours; she is a Fairy after all. She has a teal body and whimsical natural(ish) foliage colours.

I absolutely love how she turned out. And after seeing Issue #129, I’ve added Harnie the Hen to my ‘must do list’! Thank you for such a wonderful magazine!’

Your Floe is gorgeous Dona, with a stunning colour scheme. Well stitched and constructed, the joy you had stitching her shines through in the finished project. We can’t wait to see your Harnie!

Have you stitched a design inspired by your backyard flora and fauna? Do you enjoy creating pieces honouring your local ecosystem? Or have you embarked on your own Inspirations 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