Inspirations

Referred to by readers as 'the World's most beautiful embroidery magazine', Inspirations is where you find the best classic hand embroidery by leading embroiderers throughout the world. Complemented with superbly styled photography and captivating stories, each issue brings a diverse collection of timeless projects from home wares and bags to gifts and accessories. A wide variety of embroidery techniques is presented with detailed and easy to follow instructions, step-by-step tutorials and full size patterns, making each issue a valuable resource for people new to embroidery and seasoned needleworkers alike.

FROM THE EDITOR

ABOUT FACE • “At school I loved to draw pencil portraits of my favourite pop stars and I would even ask my school friends to sit and pose for me during lunch breaks. So, you see, I am just returning to something I loved to do years ago and expanding on it.”

Encyclopedia of Embroidery SERIES

TRC TEXTILE RESEARCH CENTRE • DR GILLIAN VOGELSANG-EASTWOOD, textile archaeologist and director of the Textile Research Centre in Leiden, the Netherlands, is a specialist in Middle Eastern embroidery, textiles, and dress. She worked for many years as a textile archaeologist in Egypt before returning to Europe and is the editor and principal author of The Encyclopedia of Embroidery series published by Bloomsbury.

BETWEEN THE COVERS

Mistletoe & Holly • Decorate your tree, your table, your doorknobs or anything else your heart desires with these gorgeous stumpwork ornaments, worked onto oyster silk dupion with stranded silk and metallic threads.

BEADED KNOTTED PEARL STITCH • The two lines on the fabric represent the edges of the fabric-covered card of the ornament front and back card. Secure the thread through one seam allowance and emerge between the front and back pieces (A).

CUTTING OUT A WIRED SHAPE • When detached shapes are added to a ground fabric, the wire tails are inserted through the fabric and secured to the wrong side of the work.

SINKING WIRE TAILS • To form a hole large enough to pass metal thread or wire tails through, use a needle with a large eye and sharp tip. Wire may show through the fabric, so ensure the wire tails are bent behind the detached element.

Festive Table • Good food is an important part of any celebration and a beautifully prepared table creates a wonderful environment in which to enjoy a delicious meal and the company of family and friends.

Betty Beetle • Handsomely attired in shades of copper, grass green and opal metallic, this splendid, threedimensional beetle is patiently waiting for a new home where she can rest and be admired by all who see her.

Christmas Treats • Looking for a fabulous gift for your stitching friends? Look no further than these delightful cylindrical pincushions, ready to hang on the tree or hook onto a pair of scissors to create a pretty and practical fob.

Rana (SPANISH: frog) • Frogs exist in a variety of habitats on every continent on earth except Antarctica and in many traditional cultures are regarded as important symbols of transformation, wealth and abundance.

Little Angels • Everyone needs an angel on their shoulder to guide them safely through their day!

Reticella Rose • Reticella or point coupé is a beautiful style of needlelace that dates from the 15th century, a time when ornate clothing and fine lace were important symbols of wealth and status.

Hark the Herald Angels • Hang this spectacular stocking from your mantle on Christmas Eve and you are sure to find it filled with wonderful treats on Christmas Day.

Inspirations

SEASONS • Welcome to Loose Threads. Join Ansie every issue as she shares inspirational stories about all things needle and thread.