Stitch April/May 2023

The Coronation of King Charles III this May provides yet another reminder of how intrinsic embroidery is to special occasions, with the large amount of regalia usually worn on days like this. Only last year we looked back to the exquisite embroidery used on the Queen’s Coronation Dress and Robe as we celebrated her Platinum Jubilee. Now we enter a new era and the Coronation will provide an extra layer of interest for those of us keen to discover or spot any specific embroidery patterns or goldwork that have been created especially for the King. In the meantime you can celebrate the King’s Coronation from the comfort of your own home with a unique online goldwork class by Hand & Lock, taking place on 5 May. Turn to page 32…

Find details of this issue’s competitions at: bit.ly/stitch-win The closing date is Friday 31 May 2023. Prizes, gifts, or give-aways offered in competitions might be substituted with ones of similar value. Unless otherwise stated, all competitions, free samplings, discounts and offers are only available to readers in the United Kingdom. Winners are picked at random; the Editor’s decision is final. You’ll need to register if you’ve not already done so. Please state when entering if you do NOT wish Warner’s Group Publications plc to contact you regarding their products or services that may be of interest. Or for your details to be shared with reputable third party companies. Full terms and conditions are available on our website at warnersgroup.co.uk/competition-terms/ Join us: facebook.com/stitchmag Follow us: instagram.com/stitch_magazine Email us: stitcheditor@warnersgroup.co.uk Visit us:…

ENJOY 20% OFF! This book demonstrates the exciting scope of pictorial feltmaking and explains how to create felt pictures with the depth and atmosphere usually associated with a graphite drawing or a watercolour painting. Enjoy practical instruction whether you are a novice or an experienced embroiderer and learn how to add metallic thread for visual impact. Aimed at guiding you through each stitch and technique, and with tips for moving on to your own designs, this book is an essential guide. Crewelwork has a long history but this book brings the technique right up to date. It mixes contemporary styles with older traditions to give an exciting twist on this enduring and beautiful style of embroidery. Follow step-by-step sequences to over forty different stitches ranging from filling to outlining stitches,…

Feathers have long been cherished by many cultures and have taken on many different symbolic meanings. They’ve been associated with freedom, transcendence, strength and wisdom. Like the birds they come from, feathers symbolise the ability to move beyond our barriers and limitations. I hope stitching this feather inspires you in that way and reminds you that you are capable of more than you realise. Great and beautiful things can be accomplished if you put your mind to the task. YOU WILL NEED MATERIALS • Fabric: - Linen, medium to heavy weight, or 56 count, White. Cut on thread to 33 x 38cm (13 x 15in) if working on a slate frame. If working on stretcher bars or a Hoop, cut fabrics to 30.5 x 35.5cm (12 x 14in) - Calico…

How long has the group been running? Threadmill was formed in Cheshire in 1995 by a group of eight like-minded stitchers. Membership of the group has changed over the years but we have continued to maintain a happy and productive atmosphere. We currently have 15 members drawn mainly from a wide range of art, design and textile backgrounds. The last two years have given us more thinking time. We met regularly on Zoom when we couldn’t meet face to face and this has helped us to move forward with our social media input as well as our individual and group approaches. Where do you meet and how often? We meet regularly in Handforth, Cheshire on the first Sunday of the month. Everyone has a role to play and the various…

I’ve always loved the colourful canal folk art that was used to decorate working narrowboats in the 19th century. It’s typified by strong vibrant contrasting colours, and stylised flowers. Often known as Roses & Castles, it was used to decorate the boats and anything used within. For this design we are just focusing on the roses, along with some of the other flowers typically depicted, to create a striking pillow. I’ve chosen to use my signature wool thread for this crewel embroidery. The word crewel is an old English or Welsh word meaning ‘wool’ which was the traditional material for embroidery. These days it simply means ‘embroidery with wool’. My modern interpretation of crewelwork means simplifying the stitches and aesthetic. Instead of using intricate stitches as decoration I prefer to…