Classic Inspirations magazine - 128.00

Classic Inspirations Issue 128 will be dispatched to subscribers/customers from Thursday 23 October 2025.

Stitch with the vibrant hues of the colour wheel and embroider fabulous projects ready for Christmas, perfect for special gifts or festive decorations for your home. Featuring the second in a series of three goldwork knot gardens by Tania Cohen along with beautiful projects utilising a variety of embroidery techniques including
crewel, whitework, beading, metal thread and surface embroidery.

PROJECTS: Scarlet Glory by Anna Scott - Fabulous crewel cushion with striking colours and expertly combined stitches. | Gardening with Silver by Tania Cohen - Explore the meticulous paths and formal beds of this silver-themed parterre, the second in a series of three goldwork studies. | Reindeer’s Wish by Jenny McWhinney - Threadpainted Christmas ornament featuring an enchanting deer beneath a festive garland. | Plume by Helen Richman - Goldwork techniques and brightly coloured threads perfectly combine to depict a rainbow lorikeet feather. | Nuts & Berries by Jane Nicholas - Delightful walnut shell pincushions with sprigs of beaded berries and a stumpwork or glass ladybird. | Butterfly, Butterfly by Fumie Suzuki - Pretty butterfly needlebook worked with Hedebo embroidery. | Adorn by Susan Casson - Three-dimensional Chinese lantern flower ornament in the vibrant colours of Christmas. | A Fine Table by Hazel Blomkamp - A highly decorative serviette ring showcasing a red poinsettia in sparkling, three-dimensional beading.

Classic Inspirations magazine - 127.00

In this issue we introduce the first in a series of three goldwork knot gardens by Tania Cohen, each featuring a different metal thread colour. We also present a beautiful project showcasing Aemilia Ars, a style of Italian needlelace, for the first time, with a delicate design surrounding a linen square by Di Kirchner.

You will also find projects utilising crewel embroidery, blackwork, stumpwork, silk ribbon and threadpainting, as well as a cute little box with surface embroidery.

PROJECTS: Exquisite goldwork knot garden with gold metal threads - Tania Cohen | Bountiful spring flowers in a large wreath in crewel embroidery - Brenda Sortwell | Three-dimensional apple pincushion utilising blackwork patterns and couched metallic thread - Christine Burton | Aemelia Ars needlelace adorning a small square of linen - Di Kirchner | Threadpainting study of a spotted wood kingfisher - Renette Kumm | Pretty flowers embellish a box designed for gifting Easter eggs - Ana Mallah | Stumpwork fairy wrens with a painted and embroidered background - Susan Casson | A lilac bloom with the life cycle of a small moth in silk ribbon and stumpwork - Di Van Niekerk.
 

Classic Inspirations magazine - 126.00

In this issue you will find exciting opportunities to grow your personal stitch and technique repertoire, with projects ranging from effortless, complete-in-a-day embroidery to more elaborate projects to savour over time.
 
Designs feature flowers in many forms, from silk ribbon wildflowers to patterns in counted thread, and from a flourish of Jacobean colour and texture to graceful depictions in stumpwork and three-dimensional goldwork.
 
Featured Projects | Inspirations Issue 126 features the following projects:
Blomst by Fumie Suzuki - Circular zip pouch with a blossom design showcasing an early style of Hedebo embroidery | Flowering in Red by Christine Burton - Needlework accessories showcasing one beautiful design on three different weights of linen | Fritillary, Fennel & Scarab Beetle by Jane Nicholas - Superb stumpwork study of a uniquely patterned flower carefully matched with fennel and a gleaming beetle | Ripple by Katherine Kennedy - Handy cotton huck towel using simple stitches to create a pretty, decorative border | Splendid Jacobean by Colleen Goy - Richly textured Jacobean design exploring myriad embroidery stitches to depict a colourful array of flowers | Spring Posy by Hannah Mansfield - Stunning brooch composed of spring flowers created with three-dimensional goldwork | Wildflower Profusion by Lorna Bateman - Wreath filled with flowers utilising silk ribbon embroidery.

Classic Inspirations magazine - 125.00

Enjoy the delightful energy of vibrant colour in this issue, with a fun mobile for a child’s room featuring butterflies, bees and ladybirds, a bounty of spring flowers adorning a cushion and a field of poppies utilising stumpwork in combination with a painted background.

You will also find beautiful, classic surface embroidery including needlework accessories adorned with pretty bullion knot rosebuds and a sophisticated still life design.

PROJECTS: Poppies by Jo Butcher - A field of beautiful poppies is brought to life with stumpwork and surface embroidery over a printed background | Little Flying Things by Carolyn Stanton - A delightful mobile for a little one’s room with a collection of brightly coloured flying creatures amongst verdant leaves | Floral Cascade by Laurence Lieblich - Bring a gorgeous day from the height of spring indoors with this flower-filled cushion design | Chain of Hearts by Kim Beamish | Hardanger heart motifs are wonderfully accentuated with a textured background in pulled thread embroidery | Heartfelt by Louise Spriggs - Pretty bullion rosebuds framed by hearts adorn a set of needlework accessories | Fly me to the Moon by Trish Burr - A fabulous moth in the designer’s signature whitework with colour embroidery style | Still Life with Loquats by Margaret Light - Superb design utilising asymmetry and negative space along with varied stitch textures to create a special embroidery to frame.

Classic Inspirations magazine - 124.00

Get ready for Christmas with the cutest angels, stunning stumpwork and fun counted thread ornaments, and a Christmas stocking. Meet Betty, the latest in Tania Cohen’s enchanting series of beetle brooches, and a fabulous goldwork frog to add to your accessory collection.

You’ll also discover a beautiful solution for decorating your Christmas table and a divine Reticella project to enjoy throughout the year.

PROJECTS: Mistletoe & Holly by Anna Scott - Ornaments with stumpwork sprigs of mistletoe and holly in classic Christmas colours | Festive Table by Fumie Suzuki - Whitework table linen with baubles in Hedebo embroidery amongst sprays of foliage | Betty Beetle by Tania Cohen - The latest in a series of elegant and fun brooches showcasing goldwork techniques | Christmas Treats by Betsy Morgan - Double the joys of counted thread stitching with clever ornaments that are also pincushions | Rana by Maria Clara Warschauer - Little frog in three-dimensional goldwork using coloured metal purls | Little Angels by Naomi Small - Enchanting pair of angels made with delicately embellished felt | Reticella Rose by Di Kirchner - Beautiful linen needlework accessories featuring reticella motifs | Hark the Herald Angels by Taetia McEwen - Christmas stocking inspired by a classic carol and utilising a raised stitch pattern

Classic Inspirations magazine - 122.00

Explore a range of whitework embroidery techniques, a stumpwork study, beautiful surface embroidery, fabulous velvet needlework accessories and a well-planned tote for carrying a project along with supplies and your favourite tools for stitching on the go.

PROJECTS: Stumpwork toadstools emerging from a forest floor - Denise Mackey | Spectacular three-dimensional butterfly - Martina Frank | Linen hand towel embellished with Schwalm embroidery - Luzine Happel | Beaded velvet strawberry pincushion and scissor fob - Mary Jo Hiney | Whitework sachet with Mountmellick embroidery - Deborah Love | Large embroidery keep to hold a project, supplies and tools - Gail Doane | Wreath design using raised embroidery techniques - Taetia McEwen | Whitework butterfly in Richelieu embroidery - Joanna Jakuszewska

Classic Inspirations magazine - 121.00

Become immersed in beautiful florals in a range of dimensions and styles, from exquisite silk ribbon embroidery and raised techniques to lace-like deruta sfilato and detailed surface stitching, utilising a kaleidoscopic palette of threads.

Featured Projects: Arts & Crafts Hellebore by Margaret Light - Intertwining stems of hellebore in the style of a much-loved design movement | The French Birdcage by Christine P. Bishop - Counted thread workbox that opens to reveal delightful needlework accessories | Perfect Pink by Di Kirchner - Crewel embroidered flowers in a harmonious palette of pinks, greens and golds | Conversations by Deborah Love - Little birds amongst flowers showcasing Schwalm embroidery filling stitches | Fleurs Sauvage by Lorna Bateman - Sturdy pincushion adorned with a dainty circlet of flowers | Jacobean Flower by Margaret Lee - Coin purse sparkling with Japanese-style bead embroidery | Constable Country by Helen M. Stevens - Beautiful landscape embroidery of a view across country fields | Hummingbirds by Noriko Livingstone - Elegant design of softly shaded hummingbirds and flowers.

Classic Inspirations magazine - 120.00

To celebrate 30 years of Inspirations, we asked designers to create a project incorporating some favourite elements from their own embroidery journey. The result? Exciting dimensional work, exquisite threadpainting, meticulous goldwork and contemporary needlelace, alongside a delightful array of embroidery stitches and beading techniques.

PROJECTS: Busy Bees by Susan O'Connor - Honeybees gathering pollen adorn a unique pincushion and etui with red gerbera flowers | Echinacea by Jo Butcher - Vibrant coneflowers in surface and stumpwork embroidery against a watercolour background | Nature's Realm by Trish Burr - Threadpainted panel of flowers and pollinators using an analogous colour palette | Bertie by Tania Cohen - Fabulous beetle brooch in soft, silk shades with shimmering metallic highlights | Bella Dama by Ana Mallah - A cottage garden beauty with pretty, stumpwork petals creating dimension | Cinnamon & Sugar by Hazel Blomkamp - Small cushion with an elegant motif showcasing four needlelace patterns | Grapevine & Ladybird by Jane Nicholas - A golden trellis supports a stumpwork vine with beaded fruit and a visiting ladybird | Favourite Things by Betsy Morgan - Counted thread sampler featuring favourite stitches, motifs and colours.

Classic Inspirations magazine - 119.00

Stitching Stories. Beautiful flowers to stitch in a fabulous array of colours and techniques. Become immersed in beautiful florals in a range of dimensions and techniques, from exquisite silk ribbon embroidery and raised techniques to lace-like deruta sfilato and detailed surface stitching, utilising a kaleidoscopic palette of threads.

PROJECTS: Myosotis by Di van Niekerk. Pretty silk ribbon forget-me-not flowers delicately framed with metallic threads and beads | Fiori by Maria Elide Melani. A flower meadow captured in a table mat worked in Deruta Sfilato | Hydrangea by Ana Mallah. Beautifully shaded stem of hydrangea featuring stumpwork petals and beads | The Blue Bead by Tatiana Popova. A flowing design utilising a wonderful variety of stitches inspired by a magical children’s story | Nature’s Delight by Colleen Goy. Scrolling stems filled with flowers and pollinating visitors in a symphony of colour | Terrazzo by Christine P. Bishop. Highly textured, counted thread mat evoking an arrangement of Italian patterned floor tiles from the 15th century | Littleleaf Sensitive Briar by Katherine Diuguid. Botanical stem with a selection of goldwork techniques to enhance the foliage and flowers | Summerberry by Taetia McEwen. A summer garland in soft, shimmering shades of silk, beads, sequins and metallic mesh ribbon.

Classic Inspirations magazine - 118.00

Flight of fancy. Stitch gorgeous designs utilising a fabulous range of techniques from superb goldwork to captivating whitework, along with colourful stumpwork and silk embroidery, and elegant counted thread work.

PROJECTS: Stumpwork Sturt's Desert pea DENISE MACKEY | Large cushions with two designs: geranium and nasturtium MARGARET LIGHT | Counted thread needlebook and scissor fob featuring Elizabethan butterflies BETSY MORGAN | Silk embroidered study of a buttercup and beetle VICTORIA MATTHEWSON | Linen table runner with stitches from Italy and Cyprus CHRISTINE P. BISHOP | Goldwork arum lilies DI KIRCHNER | Playful, small cushion with colourful butterflies, dragonflies and flowers LAURENCE LIEBLICH | Graceful whitework on a cushion and tote bag Ana MALLAH

Classic Inspirations magazine - 117.00

Full bloom. Create stunning, three-dimensional pieces using stumpwork techniques and explore the possibilities of pattern and texture with pulled thread, withdrawn thread and Schwalm embroidery. Enjoy sophisticated combinations of trellis couching and needlelace combinations, and delight your senses by working with soft, colourful wool threads.

PROJECTS: Fishing fly paperweights using silk and metallic threads - Susan O'Connor | Three-dimensional rose and daisies - Ana Mallah | Withdrawn thread lavender sachet - Deborah Love | Crewelwork pomegranate cushion - Kathy Andrews | Pulled thread table mat with raised flower motifs - Kim Beamish | Pincushion with crewel and Bargello embroidery - Di Kirchner | Cushion showcasing Schwalm embroidery - Luzine Happel | Ornate flower in surface embroidery - Hazel Blomkamp.

Classic Inspirations magazine - 116.00

Spirit of Christmas. An exciting variety of beautiful stitching techniques fill the pages of issue 116, with projects to stitch for Christmas. Enjoy simple  and effective surface embroidery, gleaming silk threadpainting, exquisite whitework and glorious goldwork, or have fun with vibrant stumpwork.

PROJECTS: Fine whitework homage to embroiderers - Jenny Adin-Christie | Goldwork Christmas beetle brooch - Tania Cohen | Red treasure box etui - Di Kirchner | Goldwork noël panel - Wendy Innes | Colourful bird tree decorations - Ana Mallah | Silk threadpainted crowned pigeon - Helen M. Stevens | Pulled thread whitework mat - Maria Rita Faleri | Pavlova-inspired stumpwork scissor case - Denise Forsyth

Classic Inspirations magazine - 115.00

Layers of colour and texture elevate the stitching experience and enhance the beauty of the projects in issue 115, with the use of raised embroidery techniques, cutwork, silk ribbon, wool threads, and translucent and hand-dyed fabrics with compelling surface embroidery.

PROJECTS: Primroses & Violets by Di van Niekerk - Dimensional silk ribbon and layering techniques bring these sumptuous blooms to life | Red Columbine by Trish Burr - Stunning presentation of a single, vibrant flower on translucent fabric | Golden Moth Orchid by Alison Cole - Superb stumpwork study of a golden Australian orchid | Sweet Stitches by Fumie Suzuki - Dainty drawstring pouch featuring exquisite Hedebo embroidery | Blue-Breasted Fairy Wren by Renette Kumm - Colourful, blue-breasted fairy wren depicted with threadpainting | Floral Symphony by Laurence Lieblich - Pretty flowers worked with lustrous silk threads adorn this small, linen cushion | Daffodils & Violas by Wendy Innes - Bright, spring flowers embroidered using stumpwork, raised and surface embroidery | Ophelia's Fox by Phillipa Turnbull - Crewel embroidery panel of a red fox in his woodland territory.

Classic Inspirations magazine - 114.00

Including the work of two new contributors, projects in Inspirations issue 114 utilise a variety of raised embroidery and playful surface embroidery techniques to create beloved birds and animals in stitch, from realistic portrayals to sketch-like artworks and delightful, picture-book characters.

You will also discover beautiful Dresden whitework, used to work an exquisite heart design, and pulled and counted thread techniques used to create needlework accessories.

PROJECTS: Jarrah & Grass Blue Butterfly by Denise Mackey: Beautiful stumpwork study of the life-cycle of a butterfly on eucalypt stems | Bush Beauties by Melissa Horton: Two Australian birds artfully depicted using a range of embroidery stitches | Little Brown Hen by Anna Scott: Sweet hen and chicks in two projects utilising raised embroidery techniques | Dresden Lace by Mike Parr: Graceful, whitework heart filled with flowers and leaves in Dresden embroidery | Rainbow Bee-eater by Wendy Innes: Stumpwork panel with colourful bee-eater and sun orchids | Dream a Little Dream by Taetia McEwen: Enchanting lampshade with characters dancing to the music of a frog band | Victorian Hearts by Kim Beamish: Charming needlework accessories with pulled and counted thread techniques.

Classic Inspirations magazine - 113.00

Heralding the warm, sun-kissed months that bring colour to gardens and meadows, Inspirations issue 113 showcases beautiful designs from wildflowers scattered across a meadow and a tree of life set amongst alpine peaks to an ordered garden in counted work or a single, beautifully rendered rose in silk and goldwork.

PROJECTS: Window of the Blue Dragonflies by Alison Cole, Superb stumpwork panel featuring a rose, honeysuckle, thistle and pansy surrounded by dragonflies | Woodland Strawberries by Margaret Light. Beautiful linen shoulder bag with crewel-embroidered luscious strawberries and flowers in full bloom | Allium Meadow by Jo Butcher, A sun-kissed meadow filled with alliums and salvias growing above grasses sprinkled with cornflowers and cosmos | Mountain Oak by Anna Scott, Stunning crewel cushion with a tree of life set among mountain peaks, worked in alpine colours | Sweet Eglantine by Cynthia Jackson. Graceful, soft pink roses beautifully depicted with silk and metal threads | Wedgewood by Christine P. Bishop. Blue linen stitching accessories featuring exquisite reticella embroidery | Wildflowers by Di van Niekerk. Pretty wildflowers worked with hand-painted silk ribbon for a contemporary display | Squarely Check by Christine Burton. Elegant pincushion with timeless flower and star motifs.

Classic Inspirations magazine - 112.00

Inspirations Issue 112 is packed with stunning projects with pops of Christmas colour and sparkle to help celebrate the season alongside beautiful botanical-inspired designs to frame. Choose from a great range of techniques including reticella, counted thread, goldwork using silver threads, Japanese-style bead embroidery, stumpwork and surface embroidery. Also enjoy feature articles by Ansie van der Walt including: In Profile – Pierre Fouché and Moroccan Buttons with Aziza Bourouaha, and Twelve Secret Voices by Anne and Damian Ward.

PROJECTS: Seeing Red by Di Kirchner. Redwork sweetbag with Elizabethan motifs and lustrous cords and tassels stitched with silk | Spring Song by Taetia McEwen. Delightful spring scene of delicately shaded flowers, dainty bird and nest with three blue eggs | The Holly and the Ivy by Margaret Light. Festive linen table runner with central design of holly and ivy encircled with gold braid | Invermay Wildflowers by Alison Cole. Superb stumpwork study of Australian wildflowers in rich shades of purple and yellow | Buon Natale by Di Kirchner. Beautiful reticella tree ornament worked in white and silver with a cord loop and beaded tassel | Colours of Christmas by Christine P. Bishop. Biscornu pincushion and sachet with counted thread design celebrating the festive season | Rose and Honeybee by Merrilyn Whittle. Japanese-style bead embroidery decorates a handy needlebook and coordinating scissor fob | Bright Butterfly by Natalie Dupuis. Small linen bag with deep border of couched goldwork inspired by kogin embroidery.

Classic Inspirations magazine - 111.00

This issue is filled with gorgeous projects in a range of favourite needlework styles. Following on from her popular Catherine de’ Medici design in issue 107, Maria Rita Faleri has created a stunning cushion cover featuring stylised birds and finished with hand-knotted tassels. The issue also showcases beautiful crewel embroidery, stumpwork with multiple techniques, pretty surface and counted thread embroidery, and sparkling Japanese-style bead embroidery. Also enjoy feature articles by Ansie van der Walt including: Layer by Layer with Marina Knyazeva; My Faded Laundry with Carol-lyn Jackson and The Alanakar Project with Liz Williamson.

PROJECTS: Revival by Brenda Sortwell. Large hexagon box topped with glorious autumn colours in crewel embroidery, with matching needle box and scissor sheath | The Hedgerow by Kay Dennis. Delightful stumpwork panel of hedgerow fruits and flowers, visited by a delicate butterfly and ladybird | Natural Wonder by Maria Rita Faleri. Catherine de’ Medici cushion cover featuring enchanting bird motifs and finished with hand-knotted tassels | Macaron Magic by Merrilyn Whittle. Cute macaron purses in four colourways showcasing Japanese-style bead embroidery | Shaker Spool Box by Betsy Morgan. Handy counted thread box for sewing thread spools with places for scissors, needles and an emery | Interlude by Di Kirchner. Stunning crewel cushion featuring vibrant fruits and acorns | Button Bouquets by Pat Olski. Beautiful Dorset buttons enhance a pincushion and tape measure cover worked with timeless cross stitch | Angel’s Breath by Taetia McEwen. Pretty ribbon and velvet flowers are combined to decorate a lampshade and wreath.

Classic Inspirations magazine - 110.00

Celebrate beautiful traditions, from the crewel embroidery heritage of a 144-year-old needlework school in Scotland and time-honoured techniques in Japanese goldwork with a new design by Margaret Lee, to embroidering stitching accessories with gorgeous floral motifs by Ana Mallah and Margaret Light. We also bring you Alison Cole’s iconic Australian blossoms in stumpwork, Susan Casson’s enchanting three-dimensional turtle hatchling making its way to the ocean, a beaded dragonfly by Hazel Blomkamp, and welcome new contributor Laurence Lieblich of Canevas Folies.

PROJECTS: Violets & Strawberries by Margaret Light. Two gorgeous needlerolls to keep your essential tools at your fingertips | Paradise by Laurence Lieblich. Brightly coloured flowers and birds in surface embroidery | Fireflower by Alison Cole. Stunning red-flowering gum with stumpwork leaves, blossoms and bee | Yuki by Margaret Lee. Elegant panel of traditional snow motifs in Japanese goldwork | Summer Blooms by Ana Mallah. Three charming needlework accessories featuring pretty garden flowers | Tiny Turtle by Susan Casson. Delightful green turtle hatchling in stumpwork approaching the water’s edge | Dragonfly by Hazel Blomkamp. Winged beauty depicted in needlelace and beading | Jacobean Dream by The Wemyss School of Needlework. Cushion featuring crewel embroidery based on a 17th century crewel hanging.

Classic Inspirations magazine - 109.00

Celebrate the natural world in stitch with fabulous projects inspired by Australian flora and fauna created by premier threadpainting designers Trish Burr, Jenny McWhinney and, new contributor, Emillie Ferris, along with beautiful wildflowers showcased with gleaming silk embroidery by Helen M. Stevens. Three-dimensional and crewel embroidery also feature, plus a Hardanger design perfect for beginners and a unique, history-inspired needlework set in delicate whitework.

PROJECTS: Arcadia by Brenda Sortwell. Ornate bird and foliage using the fabulous traditions of Jacobean crewel embroidery | Mind Games by Kim Beamish. Whitework table mat or cushion front worked with Hardanger embroidery | Aetna’s Bouquet by Helen M. Stevens. Signature silk embroidery celebrating wildflowers from the fenlands of England | Hello Possum! by Jenny McWhinney. Cuddly blanket with a cute possum amongst gum blossoms and a matching carry bag | Helena Gum Moth by Emillie Ferris. The gentle colours of this large Australian moth are showcased in threadpainting | The Great Charter by Mike Parr. Inspired by the Magna Carta, a kingly monogram in whitework embellishes a needlebook and scissor fob | Pretty in Pink by Trish Burr. An Australian rose robin resting on a splendid magnolia depicted in threadpainting | Remember by Philippa Todd. Elegant three-dimensional poppy that can be worn as a brooch.