I am so excited with the new Inspirations magazine, first time in a long time I’ve been bit by the embroidering bug.  The cover shows the pillow that has sparked my imagination with the Celtic separators on the silk ribbon flower sampler.  (Click on the image to see a larger view).

Here is a close-up of the embroidery that has my fingers itching to adapt this design to the silk ribbon flower sampler I already have in the works.

(Click on the image to see a larger view).

I like the layout so much better.  Reminds me of a smocking design or a really elegant tapestry.

If you wish to order Inspirations #64 please go to our site at  http://www.smockingstore.com/insp3.html

Six new plates from the Ellen McCarn Company have arrived.   Ellen always pleases with her creativity in picture and geometric smocking and the price, just $3.50 each.

She has come up with some cuties for baby’s first picture smocked outfits, a topic that always needs new inspirations.  These two new additions to Ellen’s plate collection are quick and easy to make and oh so charming.

Here are Martha’s Minis and Holiday Designs for Carol.

For geometric smocking fans here are three new plates designed for the smallest members of the family in straight yoke or round yoke style.  Can also be smocked on bags as gifts to young mothers.

Here are Allison Leigh,

Robbie’s Bubbles & Bonnets, & Christening Day for Carlos

Trains are always a fun choice to smock and once again Ellen (the queen of smocked tractor trailers and trucks) has designed the cutest Birthday Express yet.  Also included is a separate birthday cake design.

Kathy Awender’s Smocker’s Tote

Kathy Awender’s Smocker’s Tote, easily adapted to carry baby’s necessary things all in one spot.

Two great new books for silk ribbon embroidery lovers and enthusiasts, both by masters in their art.

A to Z Ribbon Flowers - Ann Cox

What a book! A comprehensive reference book on the methods of embellishing silk ribbon embroidery. You will learn to understand how to put a background together by painting or hot-iron transfer method using your scanner and printer and special iron-on transfer paper. Other methods of transferring images to your fabric are discussed. You will also learn how to sew ribbon to make flowers and hand paint them for more detail on simply gorgeous silk ribbon floral pictures (ah the Wisteria!). Each flower that represents a letter looks almost real as Ann pays close attention to detail. You will once again pick up your ribbons and be inspired to embroider again. Holiday gifts can be made ANY time of the year. Hardback edition

Price $39.95 - ON SALE $30.00

Embroidered Alphabets by Di van Niekirk

Another lovely book. Pretty pictures, a delight to the visual senses. Each letter of the alphabet has been embroidered in monogram style but embellished in the beautiful South African silk ribbon style with various threads and embroidery stitches all complimenting each other into perfection. Softback edition.

Price $25.95

You can purchase both these items at our Silk Ribbon Books page