Enchanted Embroidery...

This book is the newest addition to my needlework library. Enchanted Embroidery by Jenny Adin-Christie. It's a gorgeous hardcover book! Within the covers are pages upon pages of stunning needle art, and patterns are included.

The very first piece she shares is this lovely embroidery that she created as a book cover, The Owl and The Pussycat. She employs a number of techniques and materials, including sequins to bring this piece to life.

This is a lovely needlecase that features a fish on the front. Inspirations is the publisher, and kits are available to make most of these pieces, but many are already - understandably - sold out.

I really love this little wren. It has a special compartment in its back to carry a thimble, and needles can be safely stored under its wings. This is also available as a kit, but fair warning, they're not inexpensive to purchase. I think I remember the kit for the owl on the cover was about $500 Australian.

Even so, I'm thinking that most of the piece can be constructed by the needleworker, with the exception of the beaks and feet on the birds. I might need help from a woodworker to reproduce those! I think when I'm ready, I'll begin with something like a scissor or needle case and work my way up to something framed. 

Either way, I will enjoy paging through this book to take in every sweet detail, and dream of the day when I'll finally tackle one of the projects.

If you're interested in obtaining your own copy, you can visit HERE for more information. Magazine subscribers receive a discount on purchases.

Clara's Article...

Issue 123 - Inspirations Magazine

I just received the latest issue from my subscription of Inspirations magazine in the mail. I love exploring each issue for ideas, and I always mark the projects for my copious To Do list. Every photograph and article carries me away for a little while.

Imagine my delight when I turned the page to find one of Clara's goldwork frogs ready to jump off the page! My dear friend and tutor, Clara Warschauer submitted her class to the magazine, and it was accepted for publication. I immediately sent her a text to tell her I'd just found it.

She told me that she hasn't received her copy yet, so I actually got my copy before she did! I'm only showing a partial of this page because it includes her tutorial for making the frog, and the pattern is with the others from this issue at the back of the magazine. 

If you're interested in creating your own version of this piece, you can order a copy of the magazine HERE. In addition to Clara's frog, there are many other fun projects you might consider, too. As I've already stitched fourteen or fifteen (I can't remember) of these wee frogs, I think I'll wait before I tackle more. I do love the project, though, and once you make four or five, you can feel like you've gone a long way toward mastering the technique.

Congratulations, Clara! I'm pleased to be able to say, "I knew you when."

Needlework Therapy...

 

What do you do when you can't stitch? Grab the Blue Emu™ and your fave needlework magazines and a good book. Make a nice, hot cuppa, put your feet up and read, darling. Daydream a little about the next time you'll be able to pick up a needle and thread, and choose your next project (15 down on the list).

Life really is good. Count your blessings, and never challenge "worse". It can always be worse, so be grateful for where you are. Tomorrow will be better.

Button Bouquets...

Button Bouquets - The Original and My Version

I managed to get a little playing in two nights ago. I couldn't wait to share this sweet project with you!

 

Inspirations Magazine - Issue 111

I recently received the latest issue of Inspirations Magazine. (I have a subscription, I love this periodical so much!) I adore the cover project (the little macaron coin purses, but the kits to make them are a little lot expensive. Even so, there are plenty of projects between the covers, and the Button Bouquets are just one of them.

 

Inspirations Article and Instructions For Button Bouquet Projects

I didn't have the larger rings on hand, but I did have some that are just a bit smaller. They'd have to do, because I wasn't going back out to get larger ones. I even love the projects they share for utilizing the Button Bouquets once you've created them.

 

My Version

 

So, I sat down and chose my materials to make one of my own. I have another idea how I'll use mine, but that's for another time. I don't think it's bad for a first effort. I'm already looking forward to choosing new colors to make more. (I'll get larger rings soon enough.)

 

I Have To Do This...

Brynwood Needleworks - Inspirations Magazine Issue 109

 

My latest issue of Inspirations Magazine arrived last Saturday and I've been enjoying paging through it. The cover design features a gorgeous butterfly designed by British needleartist, Emillie Ferris. I actually have a few of her designs.  

This was just the first of the designs that caught my eye. There are a few lovely designs with crewel embroidery tutorials, and so much "inspiration"!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Inspirations Magazine Issue 109 Baby Blanket

 

You have to know I fairly squealed when I turned the page to see this project. It's a beautiful wool blend baby blanket with a wee opossum front and center!! This piece was designed by Jenny McWhinney of Australia using a technique called threadpainting.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Inspirations Magazine Issue 109 Opossum Embroidery Project

I have a brand, spankin' new great-niece, born yesterday (her name is Wynter Carol), and she's gorgeous. I think I may have to do this blanket project for her. I know I'm absolutely going to make the project, at least once!

 

I have to locate the blanket fabric first (the kit from the magazine is a bit pricey for me at $276.25.) I have lots of supplies (threads, needles, hoops) but I need to purchase the blanket and backing. I don't think that will be a problem. Once I locate that, I'll be ready to work on it in no time. 

 

Isn't it just adorable? I've come to really love the Hickory Hill opossums, and this little critter will be a perfect tribute to them.

 

Needlework Inspirations...

Brynwood Needleworks - Inspirations Magazine

By now, you know that needlework is my first love. Putting needle and fiber to fabric creates some of the most beautiful results. To me, it is a restful and genteel pursuit, limited only by the imagination of any given needleworker.

Brynwood Needleworks - Inspirations Magazine

Inspirations magazine is an Australian publication that exemplifies the incredible beauty created by the work of talented and diligent hands.

I happened upon images from this particular issue (#35), and was so smitten with some of the projects that I had to locate and purchase a copy of it. It arrived here from an eBay seller yesterday.

Brynwood Needleworks - Inspirations Magazine

I had to stop what I was doing long enough to page through it and take in the photos. Soon, I will sit down and digest every word and file away a project or two to attempt myself.

Brynwood Needleworks - Inspirations Magazines

I already had a project in mind when I saw this, which is what prompted me to purchase this issue. Ahhhh. If only there were (at least) twice as many hours in a day.