Needlework designs and delights
One of the great joys of my work has been finding good people to work with – and Cottage Garden Threads are one of my favourite collaborators and friends. As an early champion of their beautiful threads (and an explorer of the innovative things we stitchers can do with them!), it’s heartwarming to see how…
Read MoreFeatured in Autumn 2025 Just Cross Stitch Magazine It’s such an honour to have a design featured in Just Cross Stitch! I was asked late last year to contribute to their “Inspired by a sampler” series, and my mind (typically going sideways) took the brief in a slightly different direction. Although I am constantly inspired…
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An antique reproduction Nestled among roses, Mrs Patmor’s home was clearly a haven. I like to think that the anonymous antique stitcher loved Mrs P and the home she created around her. While I can’t pinpoint Mrs Patmor in time (save Downton Abbey!), I love that we can remember her, and the kind stitcher, by…
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A stitching panel for Cottage Garden Threads’ “Work Cushion” pattern Some time ago, Katie from Cottage Garden Threads re-released a pattern she designed for a work cushion – an ingenious idea to create a cushion to use as a stitching surface that is adjustable in height, and that contains lots of clever little pockets to…
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Can we call three birds a flock? I think we’re well on the way to creating a flock to dance across your wall… ‘Rosella Rests’ is the third in my series of reproductions of Victorian-era bird needlepoints. I just love these pieces – and this one in particular. I adore the movement in the leaves…
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A special treat for fellow alphabet lovers, this stunning French sampler took my breath away. With colours still vibrant and some of the most beautiful alphabets I’ve ever seen, I’m thrilled to be able to share it with you. Stitched in a French convent school (the Convent of ‘Notre Dame’ – ‘Our Lady’), this piece…
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Whenever I am lucky enough to glimpse an antique piece of stitching, I can’t help but wonder about their stitchers, their lives and their personalities, while admiring their skills and artistry. I wonder about Jane Whiston, from 1818, who created the original piece that inspired ‘On Kindness’. Jane’s little sampler touched my heart, and echoes…
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It’s been very humbling to me to see the love for ‘The Humble Sampler’ – I thought Harriett’s sampler was a beauty, and I’m delighted that you agree. As I have had some requests for colour conversion for the bright colours on the back, I’ve put one together, as well as a silk conversion for…
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An antique adaptation with heart. Sometimes a little piece of history comes your way and just captures your heart. From the moment I saw Harriett’s needlepoint sampler, I knew she was a kindred soul. While the beautiful, almost abstract flowers first caught my eye, it was the sentiment that really drew me to the piece.…
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An antique reproduction and a mini design. When I’m especially busy (or, let’s be honest, a bit frazzled), I find I reach for monochrome stitching. Working with a single colour is particularly restful, as you can just focus on the calming repetition of thread flowing through linen. And, more often than not, it’s a redwork…
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Mojo Stitches 