Stitch August/September 2025

Hello, Stitch readers! As summer reaches its golden peak, there’s something undeniably uplifting about this time of year – long days, radiant sunshine, and the natural world in full bloom. It’s a season that sparks joy and creativity, and in this issue, we’ve embraced that spirit with open arms! This August/September edition is brimming with colour, texture, and imagination. Whether you’re escaping the heat with a quiet afternoon of stitching or bringing a bit of summer sparkle to your projects, there’s something here to brighten every moment. We kick things off with beaded botanicals by Imogen Melissa – an intricate, floral piece that brings the blooms to life in 3D, accompanied by an inspiring interview where she shares the joyful philosophy behind her work. Speaking of joy, there’s something truly…

FIND TEMPLATE FOR THIS PROJECT ON PAGE 57 Summer is my favourite season of the year. The long hours of daylight and warmer temperatures always spark my creativity and lift my mood. I wanted to capture that feeling by creating a piece of 3D beaded embroidery that reflects that summer joy. I hope it brings a little sunshine and creativity into your day! YOU WILL NEED MATERIALS: • DMC stranded embroidery thread in 791 • Yellow linen fabric (8in square) • Gutterman 100% polyester thread in 852 • Paintbox cotton yarn in ‘spring green’ 31 • 6in embroidery hoop • Beads (all available on imogenmelissa.com): ◯ Lilac milky, size 8 ◯ Lilac metallic colour lined, size 11 ◯ Blue transparent, size 11 ◯ Coral pink, size 6 ◯ Bright pink…

For Surrey-based embroidery artist and designer Imogen Rhodes-Davies, also known by her brand name imogen melissa, creativity with needle and thread has always been deeply tactile, three dimensional, and joyfully intricate. “I studied textiles throughout school and into university, where I specialised in embroidery design for fashion and interiors,” she explains. Graduating in 2018 with a first-class degree, Imogen’s final collection was inspired by coral reefs - translating their vivid colours and complex forms into sculptural embellishments made from paper, plastic and, most distinctively, beaded embroidery. “Coral is a huge inspiration for my work. I find the deep underwater world to be hugely inspiring. It’s filled with the most beautiful colours and textures, which are wonderful to re-create through beaded embroidery.” From Couture to Creative Freedom After university, Imogen worked…

FIND TEMPLATE FOR THIS PROJECT ON PAGE 57 Goldwork - any goldwork – has the wow-factor. But or nué takes it to another level, with a background of solid bling created by couching metal threads to completely fill a shape, setting off the image formed with coloured couching. This pair of designs lets you choose between gold or silver, forget-me-not or snowdrop, spiral or straight couching, and a roundel or display hoop. Follow the models or mix and match - create your own piece of medieval-inspired magnificence! YOU WILL NEED MATERIALS: FOR EACH DESIGN: • Tightly-woven, medium-weight, white cotton or linen, 18x18cm • Backing fabric (e.g. lightweight calico), 18x18cm • Buttonhole thread or extra strong sewing thread for plunging, 20cm FOR THE SNOWDROP: • Smooth passing no.6, gold, 7m •…

FIND TEMPLATE FOR THIS PROJECT ON PAGE 58 In my exclusive pattern for Stitch, I’ve combined much-loved florals with the shimmering metallics of the moon and night sky, using rich pinks and deep greens to bring the design to life. This embroidery is not only a joy to stitch, but also a beautiful keepsake - a creative way to capture the magic of your summer evenings and a lovely reminder of the time spent making something special by hand. YOU WILL NEED MATERIALS: For the background fabric: • White cotton drill fabric, or organic calico with cotton fabric to back, 10x10in • Black felt to back your work (before your start your embroidery, trace a circle around the outside of the inner hoop in order to give you the correct…

Thames Valley Contemporary Textiles Group is a warm and welcoming community of textile enthusiasts and artists, founded in 2009 by Sandy Snowden, Merete Hawkins, and Jane Glennie. The group, which meets quarterly in Bracknell, Berkshire, was created to bring people together, to learn from one another, share skills, and grow a collective interest in working with textiles. “We’re open to all textile crafts and skill levels,” explains current coordinator Joanne Saunders. “We have quilters, textile sculptors, embroiderers, and members whose work spans several forms. Some of our former members have even gone on to become professional artists.” Meetings are held four times a year - on the third Saturday of January, May, September, and November at Birch Hill Community Centre. On average, 30 members attend each session. And there’s an…