Hi everyone

Black and white embroidery is striking. And when you use a variety of stitches, it adds texture and depth.

B+W Beetle does just this. The number of different stitches also keep the embroidery interesting to do while using just one colour thread, and the end result is crisp and eye-catching. Obviously you can stitch it in any colour – or colours – you like though.

You could also embroider an entirely different beetle. Anatomical Beetle is larger and, like B+W Beetle, different stitches create the knobbles and grooves of the carapace. Both the PDF patterns are available as instant downloads from my Etsy shop.

Other black and white embroidery patterns include (clockwise from top left) Daisy Chain Monograms with instructions to make fabric-covered notebooks, Go Team! Sampler to learn couched and woven stitches, Anatomical Bat, Classic Monograms in two colourways, Heart Gift Bag with instructions to make the twisted cord and bag, Full Moon wall art, B+W Safari made up of a buck, elephant, giraffe, lion and rhino, Bookshelf wall art and Mock Blackwork.

Janine of Uppercase magazine is reprinting Stitch•illo, one of the early editions of her Encyclopedia of Inspiration. It features innovative styles of embroidery from 46 artists globally and is a truly beautiful and inspiring book. This is your chance to get a copy.

A reminder that nine of my designs are available as Bundels on Maydel.com. This means you can get all the threads, fabric, needles, etc you need to embroider the projects with one click – it’s super convenient and your sustainably sourced supplies ship from Chicago in the US to anywhere in the world. As a newsletter subscriber, you get early access ahead of the official launch on 19 May.

Zimbabwean Sheila Upenyu uses "vibrant African fabrics to create products that celebrate her heritage and empower her community”.

Narumi Takada posts progress shots so you can see how each embroidery develops.

Sasha Koffer’s 3D wall panels are fun. And Leonard’s Techni-Colored Dream Skin by Liam Kane caught my eye.

Amy Frazer’s Empowered Embroidery lets you stitch “strong, iconic women from the past and present”.

Keep stitching, Kelly

PS. The secret to keeping the filling in your crepes.