Needlework magazines are a great source of inspiration, but there are only a few that I subscribe to faithfully. Among them is Inspirations Magazine, "The World's Most Beautiful Embroidery Book," to which I've subscribed for quite a long time now. Well, when the current Inspirations hit my mailbox, I was glad to see I wasn't the only one on an embroidered box kick. And hey, if Inspirations can feature an embroidered box, then I suppose I'm in pretty darned good company!
Inspirations is published by Country Bumpkin in Australia.
Now, it's true. It's not an inexpensive magazine. In fact, it's an expensive magazine, as magazines go. But for me, it's worth it! Take Inspirations Issue #65 that just came out. It's packed with twenty beautiful projects. Each project comes with photos of the finished piece (the photos in their magazines are stunning!), complete patterns, materials lists, and step-by-step (illustrated) instructions for completing the project. Twenty! Although each issue doesn't always feature a full twenty projects, they do feature many projects from start to finish - enough that they call the magazine a book rather than a magazine.
Ok, enough slathering over the magazine itself. What I wanted to get at is this: I'm not the only one with my mind bent on embroidered boxes. Perhaps there's a trend here! On the cover of Inspirations #65, there's a wonderful little embroidered box - an etui - with lots of little needlework accessories that match. The style of the embroidery is definitely Quaker, and the box is really beautiful!
Inside, there are step-by-step illustrated instructions for completing the box, as well as the embroidery pattern and materials lists. I love it! I want to make it! Or... I want to make something similar, anyway.
Of course, there are other projects in the magazine that bear mentioning, so what the heck? I might as well mention some of them!
There's a crewel work project that's very pretty, while at the same time being small and manageable.
There are some other needlework accessories to make - this scissor case and fob feature a small needlepainting design that is quite striking.
There are a couple leeeeetle stumpwork projects that are manageable in size - perfect for trying out stumpwork without launching into a complicated design. The ladybug above is just that - a ladybug on a leaf.
There are several designs to stitch and use in paperweights, like the little goldfish in the photo above. Instructions for finishing the project - installing it in the paperweight - are thorough and clear. The larger goldfish on the left is a promised project for an embroidered blanket in the next issue.
Aside from these projects, there's a darling embroidered crib set, an embroidered doll with heaps of curly hair, an appliquéd and embroidered quilt, and on and on!
This was a great issue of the magazine - I don't think there's anything in it that I don't like! And so many ideas for projects!
But back to the box - I was happy to see the box on the cover, and even if I don't stitch that exact pattern in that exact style, the instructions are really helpful.
If you're looking for some project inspiration, you might consider purchasing an individual copy of the magazine if you aren't up to subscribing. Individual copies can be had through various local outlets - check your local needlework shop to see if they carry the magazine, or maybe call a nearby bookstore that might carry it. In the US, Wooly Thread carries individual copies. And, of course, you can always order straight from Country Bumpkin (to which I have no affiliation, beyond being a fan!)
Now, back to my needle 'n thread, because guess what? I've started a new project....
|
