Inspirations Issue 65 RARE

This stunning issue includes 20 inspiring embroidered gifts to re-create as you learn techniques, through step-by-step colour photographs, including an exquisite cross stitch etui, a gorgeous embroidered quilt with appliqu̩e flowers, an endearing and easy to make cloth doll and four enchanting embroidered glass paperweights, a puffin-embellished drawstring bag, a colourful cot sheet and pillowcase, plus other beautiful embroideries to give.

There are some letters from our readers who write about their involvement with Ecclesiastical embroidery – a special area of needlework requiring particular techniques to impart symbolism and reverence.

There are some photographs and quotes of those who attended Beating Around the Bush 2009 and, following our recent stories about historic samplers, Yvette Stanton takes a look at the Ackworth School which had a significant influence in this area of needlework.

Alison Snepp gives us some background on emeries, which were once an important part of a needleworker’s toolkit and follows with step-by-step instructions on creating a decorative embroidery scissor fob.