If you’ve been building your library of Inspirations Studios Handpicked Collection books, you’ll be happy to know that The Handpicked Collection Volume 7 is out and ready to order! Hurray!
Back in 2024, Inspirations Studios in Australia began publishing a series of embroidery project books called The Handpicked Collection. Each book features a variety of lovely embroidery projects in a wide variety of techniques, for all levels of stitchers from beginners to experienced.
They began with volumes 1 through 3, which I reviewed here.
Volume 4 (reviewed here) came out in March of 2025; Volume 5 (reviewed here) came out in September, 2025; Volume 6 (reviewed here) came out this past spring; and now here we are, at Volume 7!
Each volume is a treasure of techniques and projects, and Volume 7 is no exception. Let’s take a look at the book itself and its instructional assets, and then I’ll highlight some of the projects. That way, you’ll know what to expect from this latest volume.
I had to chuckle when I received my copy of Volume 7. The cover art features a lovely blackberry project by Jane Nicholas, which was originally printed in Jane’s book Stumpwork Butterflies and Moths, published back in 2014.
Blackberries are popular this summer! And it’s no wonder – they’re so pretty! Anna and I have been working on stitching a blackberry design as well (involving beads).
And I’ve also been eating a lot of blackberries lately, too. They are my favorite fruit… but I suppose that’s beside the point!
An Overview: The Assets for Every Project
Every volume of The Handpicked Collection series is arranged in the same logical way, according to the projects.
Each project is presented in its entirety – the materials lists, the techniques covered, the process of work, and all the step-by-step instructions to recreate the project. The designs and patterns are found in the back of the volume, as a pull-out section of full-sized designs – very convenient!
Readers will appreciate the clear photo instructions for all the techniques required for each project.
Inspirations Studios does such a fabulous job with step-by-step photo instructions in their publications. The way the instructions are presented makes unfamiliar techniques – easy or complex – accessible to beginners and beyond.
Throughout every volume, another indispensable asset is the photography.
Besides the beautifully staged photos that present each project, you’ll find many clear, detailed close-ups of embroidery and stitching that help the learner know what to aim for.
Personally, I love to see close-ups of stitchery! It’s not just fascinating – it’s actually helpful.
And a final asset: all the finishing!
If the project is intended to be something finished, you will find all the instructions to make the thing. And those instructions are just as clear and thorough as the stitching instructions.
The project above is a tiny, multi-functional tool pouch. Designed by Jackie du Plessis (“Jackie Iff” of “It’s Fine-ally Finished), it’s so perfectly clever! And yes, all the instructions for finishing are included in the instructions in Volume 7.
Project Highlights
So those are the “assets” of all the projects. You get the materials lists, the project overview and sequence of work, all the step-by-step instructions of any techniques involved, the pull-out full-size patterns, and all finishing instructions. In short, you get everything you need to know to successfully work each project.
There are eight embroidery projects in Volume 7, and each one is lovely in its own way. I’ll highlight a few of them below.
The projects are varied in techniques and in skill level, so there’s something – actually, many things! – for everyone.
The cover art of the book comes from Jane Nicholas’s Bramble Garland & Emerald Moth stumpwork piece.
Featuring a garland of succulent blackberries visited by an emerald moth, this project encompasses several stumpwork techniques, plus needle painting.
It’s such a pretty presentation! I especially like the fact that this project is small enough to be manageable, especially for stitchers who are just making their way into the realm of stumpwork.
The contrast in this whitework, stumpwork, and bead embroidery piece by Hannah Mansfield is so striking!
Wouldn’t that be lovely as a wedding gift?
Di Kirchner’s “Daffodil” needlelace corner is a brilliant way to explore needle lace on a smaller scale, but with an impressive scope and finish!
I have to admit, the project has caused me a little consternation.
Until I opened this book and saw this project, my life was going along fine and I was happy.
You see, although I am a dedicated tea drinker, I don’t have a teapot. (I know! Shock Horror!)
And until now, the thought of any teapot as part of my life – let alone a yellow teapot! – never occurred to me.
But now! Now I’m suffering from “Yellow Teapot Noise” in my head.
(*Sigh* The Things I suffer for Embroidery!)
“A Pocketful of Flowers” by Noriko Livingston of Japan is unique, charming, and useful! This external “pocket” – a drawstring pouch you can loop onto a belt or sash at your waist – has a little historical vibe to it, harkening back to the 17th century pockets of old.
The beaded fringe also adds another “vintage” vibe: it is a bit ’70’s, without being ’70’s!
Of course, it doesn’t have to be worn as a pocket, but isn’t it cute as one? I love it!
And So Much More!
Besides these quick highlights, you’ll find a lovely soft shading piece by Trish Burr featuring a bee set among stylized flowers, a silk needle painting project from Helen Stevens featuring a squirrel gathering nuts, a lovely stumpwork hellebore by Anna Scott, and the little tool kit in counted work by Jackie du Plessis.
Where to Find It
You can find The Hand Picked Collection Volume 7 available right here in my shop, ready to ship!
The book ships to the US and Canada in a sturdy, protective bookfold, via Ground Advantage or Priority, depending on your location. If you happen to order multiple items from the shop, we will combine everything, find the best shipping option for your location, and refund any notable excess in costs at the time of shipping.
Quick Reminder: Due to home-front constraints, I’m not able to work at the studio this week, and Anna is out of town. Shipping will resume next Thursday, June 25th. But don’t worry! The shop is open, and we will process all orders placed between now and June 24th next Thursday. Thanks for understanding!
Leave A Comment