Inspirations Inspirations issue 95

Embroidery projects come in all shapes and sizes with varying levels of complexity and skill required. While there are some that can easily be finished in a few blissful hours of stitching, others require a more concentrated effort over days, weeks and even months to complete. So what type of project do you gravitate towards: the quick stitch or the epic embroidery? If you are like many of our readers you probably choose both, something complex and challenging, perhaps with new techniques or vast amounts of stitching, and a few small projects to work on at the same time that will provide a little light relief when the going gets tough on the major project. If you are looking for your next ‘big’ project then we may have just the thing!…

IN 1861, SHORTLY BEFORE MAY’S BIRTH, Morris and a group of his pre-Raphaelite companions established a small decorative arts firm (the precursor to Morris & Co.) using traditional methods to produce items for ecclesiastical and domestic use, including embroidered textiles worked by female friends and relatives. May and her elder sister, Jenny, learned to stitch from an early age, making pen wipes and kettle holders in the company of their mother, Jane Morris ( fig. 1) , and their aunt, Elizabeth Burden. Destined for a career in the decorative arts, May joined the National Art Training School in 1878, specialising in embroidery. The course was largely practical, but included historical study and training in design. The School’s close proximity to the South Kensington Museum (renamed the Victoria and Albert Museum in…

WALKING THE DOGS OR GOING FOR A RUN IN THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE near her home in Oxford provides Chloe with inspiration for her drawings. Birds, rabbits, deer and other creatures of nature cross her path every day. “I draw things that are familiar to me and that I grew up with. I am interested and touched by the fragility of our wildlife, especially birds and small animals, and it does reflect in my work.” A degree in illustration from the University of the West of England meant Chloe worked mostly in pencil and oil paints where she took a very formal approach to learning skills and techniques. This all changed when she discovered Michel Gondry’s film The Science of Sleep during her last year of study. This film features soft sculptures…

Founded in 1995 by Bärbel Ingeborg Zimber, the teaching facet began as local workshops after she had completed her training at the Royal School of Needlework in the UK. In 1998 certificate courses were introduced focussing on comprehensive teaching of technique that would allow students to develop their own unique style. In 2013 a new program was put in place that offers a range of classes available to students internationally. Class materials and detailed instructions are sent out by mail in high quality folders and all classes are available in English. Also on offer is a new local Master Needle Artist class, starting in September, offering a unique local apprenticeship on a full or part time basis that focusses on techniques and workroom experience. While encouraging the use of a wide range…

QUEENSLAND The Embroiderers’ Guild of Queensland Toowoomba Branch is holding its biennial exhibition, Toowoomba in Stitch , at St Ursula’s College dining room and chapel, cnr. Warra and Taylor streets, Toowoomba from September 22–23, 2017. The exhibition coincides with the city’s Carnival of Flowers and the Choice Challenge is inspired by the beautiful city’s floral heritage. Opening hours are 10am–3pm and admission is $5.00 and includes tea/ coffee and light refreshments. There will be a raffle and quality hand-worked items for sale. Further information is available from Cheryl Ph: 0427 328 685 or email cannek113@gmail.com The Guild is also participating in the Quilts, Stitches and Textiles Trail during the city’s Spring garden celebrations. See www.facebook.com/Quilts Stitches and Textiles Trail for more information The original artworks from Jeannie Baker’s latest book, Circle ,…

The Embroiderer’s Little Book of Hints & Tips Alison Cole | Self-published 2016 | Soft Cover 134 pg | ISBN 978-0-9943923-1-2 | RRP AU$39.95 Alison has many years of embroidery and teaching experience. For this book, she has thought about what you do when working on a project from every possible angle and what hints would be of use to anyone who loves to stitch. These have been included in one handy, wire-bound book that can fit into a bag and lies flat when opened to any page, perfect for taking along to class or keeping nearby when stitching. Alison imparts her know-how in a friendly manner, sharing what she has learned over the years with diagrams and photographs to illustrate the text. The scope of the hints is fabulous, and they are…