Our Past Challenges

The Animal Challenge

The Animal Challenge was a 15-week embroidery and design challenge which ran in Spring 2026. This course guided people through the design process to create their own animal embroideries.

We are so proud of everyone who took part! They shared their work, asked for advice, and supported each other throughout the challenge. We wanted to share all their stunning pieces with you, since they deserve to be celebrated.

A Little Background About the Challenge

The Animal Challenge is part of our series of Live Studio Challenges which are available to our Studio members. This is our second challenge, and we couldn't be prouder of how it went.

We had four different colour palettes, based on Arctic, Desert, Jungle and Marine landscapes. We chose a small, rectangular frame to push people to create more unusual animal shapes and really think about how they used the space.

During the challenge, they had access to our online challenge platform, where we gave them weekly prompts to take them through the design process. They could also interact with each other, asking questions and getting advice and support throughout.

Here are some things the participants said about the experience:

Testimonials from the Challenge

The Animal Challenge was enormous fun and the community group utterly inspiring. I thoroughly enjoyed working through the processes each week, giving me the confidence to create my own design. Thank you again!!

Rosie G.

What great fun. I have learnt so much and am sad it’s over . Thank you to all at the fabled thread for guiding us through the past few weeks.

Louise H.

This was my 1st attempt at designing something myself - only used kits before. Normally I would have maybe not posted my work, but am do glad I was brave and did, because that sharing is integral to the course / our learning. The daily supportive encouragement, feedback and ideas was fabulous.I am so pleased I did this...

Karen

I enjoyed the challenge and learnt a lot. I have never designed my own embroidery before and only started stitching with a kit in September but fell in love instantly with the style of the fabled thread and the mindfulness/ mindlessness of stitching a kit. The challenge taught me a process to have confidence to be more...

Helen B.

This was my 3rd challenge and I'm still learning new things! This time around I found the sessions on pattern play and stitch practice especially helpful, as they really highlighted how to move from the design stage to a plan for stitching - it was such a joy to have a clear idea of where I was going before I started s...

Susanne

I have designed quite a few of my own embroideries. I was inspired to do this by reading articles, posts & also watching Fabled Thread videos, completing a previous project with stories as the theme and using some of your kits. I love the way you have opened a door for me to explore and express my own ideas as well as ...

Esther J.

I really loved the animal challenge. It was my second challenge with the FT and, like in the first one, I absolutely loved the creativity, support and inspiration in the group! It is such a fun and beautiful experience and the best way to create a unique embroidery piece and connect with other creative people!Both chal...

Maria

Fabled Threads is a joy to belong to. I find the girls who work for Fabled Threads charming, friendly and so helpful. I have done 3 challenges so far and found this challenge more informative, more helpful. I found the design part of the challenge really helpful and I feel I want to design more in the future. Thank you...

Janet

Thank you The Fabled Thread! This workshop has been the most fun and I feel like I have learnt and grown so much from all the wonderful exercises we did. I had previous experience creating my own embroideries before but this process taught me a new approach which I found to be of great value creatively. The Maker’s Spa...

Bree N.

Have really enjoyed this challenge. Loved looking at all the other people’s work. Already wondering what the next challenge might be.

Susan S.

I’ve enjoyed the challenge so much. It’s reminded me that I still have it in me to create. And having a group of wonderful people to share ideas and feedback with has been so lovely! Thank you to Eppie, Meg, and The Fabled Thread team for creating a space and process that made everything feel so collaborative and doabl...

Lou K.

Thoroughly enjoyed the process and actually like my finished piece!

Susan L.

So, here are the finished embroideries and process photographs from the 2026 Animal Challenge! A huge well done to everyone who took part!

The Gallery

Amy M., Canada

Annalisa, UK

Anna J, UK

Angie NG, Hong Kong

Bree N., Australia

Claire C., Cornwall, UK

"I loved this slinky panther’s shape which I stretched out and filled with rather satisfying circles and dots, and some swirly stitching. Learned that simple stitches are my happy place; will be doing more!"

Ellie B.

Emma A-H., London, UK

Esme, London

Esther J., London

Faye S, London

Georgina, London

Grace O., London, UK

H Steele, Donaghadee

Harriet B., UK

Helen B., UK

Jan C, UK

Janet B., UK

Jen L-D, London

Jen O., Michigan, US

Jennifer W, Scotland

Joanne F., London, UK

Josephine F., Malaysia

Julie G

Julie MB, Baltimore, USA

Karen, UK

Kate C., London, UK

Laetitia M., London, UK

Lizz W., Cardiff, UK

Lottie, UK

Lou K., California, US

Louise H., UK

Louise K, California, USA

Loujane R., Kuwait

The text reads: "Do not rush, for sustenance is not gained through haste; it has already been written and decreed.”"لا تعجَلَنّ فليس الرزقُ بالعَجَل.. الرزقُّ في اللوح مكتوبٌ مع الأجل".

Lucy, UK

Maria, UK

Mary C, UK

Nancy, Winconsin, USA

Natalia, UK

Nora A.

Paula, UK

Polly, UK

Rosie G., Bath, UK

Shane C-S., UK

Stephanie C., UK

Susan L., Scotland, UK

Susan S., UK

Susanne H., UK

The Story Challenge

Our Story Challenge ran from April to June 2025. We were so overwhelmed by the beautiful array of embroideries everyone created, that we thought they all deserved to be celebrated.

While we don’t have the resources to do a physical exhibition (maybe one day...), what we can do is put together an online gallery of the final pieces people made, to share their stunning creations with all of you.

A little background about the challenge

In case you’ve missed us talking about the story challenge, I wanted to give you a little background about what the challenge entailed. The Story Challenge is part of our series of Studio Challenges which are available to our Studio members. The Story Challenge was the first official challenge we launched, and we're so proud of how it went.

The two colour palettes and frame options participants could choose from

For the Story Challenge, we offered people the choice between two different colour palettes, as well as two framing options – two small squares or one large rectangle. They each chose a story they wanted to depict, and we gave them weekly prompts to take them through the design process. During the challenge, they had access to The Maker’s Space where they could interact with each other, asking questions and getting advice and support throughout the process.

This created a real sense of community, with participants helping each other to gain creative confidence, while each person stayed true to their individual creative vision – really encapsulating everything we strive for at the Fabled Thread.

Here are some of the things people said about their experience taking part in the challenge.

Testimonials from The Challenge

I really loved taking part in the story challenge! It was an amazing experience from beginning to end and the best way to design my first embroidery. The weekly tasks were really well-thought and helpful and there was so much inspiration and support from the fabled thread team and the community members. It was really l...

Maria

Just loved it! Every element! And felt it was a great rhythm to get 'homework' every week...took me away from day-to-day life and unbelievably/embarrassingly my phone usage went down by about 90%! What a success!

Emma

If, like me, you find new things sometimes a bit daunting, then the Fabled Thread is for you. Eppie, Meg and all the team are so supportive, full of helpful advice and ideas. It creates a feeling of ‘Yes I can do this!. What more could you ask for? Dive in and enjoy.

Sue

One of the most rewarding creative experiences I’ve taken part of. Eppie and team guide you from an initial concept to the grand finale—hanging your art on the wall. I knew I’d enjoy the embroidery, but the 12 weeks proved to be so much more than needle and thread. I was pushed out of my creative comfort zone with plen...

Kristin

The community has been so inspiring and encouraging! Everyone has been so supportive and generous with their feedback. It has been a real joy to be a part of this. I've had fun trying different creative techniques, such as using cut outs to help with composition, and I'm already looking forward to the next challenge! �...

Laura

This has been the most fun project I have taken part in for a long time. At every stage I felt that I had support and even though, at times, I felt that my artistic talents were lacking, the Fabled Thread team and other members of the project were so helpful. There was always someone saying “Keep going, have faith, d...

Lucy

The Fabled Thread materials are so beautiful and inspiring to use, staff are so encouraging and ‘nicely’ guide and motivate you, fellow course participants have been an absolute joy. Have simply loved the experience, thank you.

Nicky

An amazing course to help me open my soul. This creative course allowed me to have a creative voice, and communicate my story. I really enjoyed the step by step process I had to follow and learn how to approach a new project from start to finish. All the support materials that where provided where immensely useful for ...

Lorena

I have loved this project! The whole process gave me confidence to try something new and to stretch myself - it has been a joy. The kit is fantastic with everything you need. The weekly guidance and encouragement helped move me forward and i felt supported and able to ask for help and advice if needed. I will be doing ...

Joanna

I signed up for The Story Challenge in the spring and have loved every single stage. I am a complete beginner and this course has given me knowledge and confidence. The course is well thought through at every stage and a joy to be a part of. I would sign up for another course with The Fabled Thread and would not hesita...

Samantha

“The Story Challenge” was a great way for me to take a quote that I have loved for years and turn it into a physical art piece. Although the quote wasn’t an actual story, it was written with a feeling of a story. Translating it to an embroidery was truly a challenge! I loved all the suggestions and support of my cohort...

Heather

If you think a creative challenge sounds scary, I can assure you that it’s a challenge in the best kind of way! From someone who is very new to stitching.

Lizz

So, without further ado, here are the finished pieces and works in progress from the 2025 Story Challenge! A huge congratulations to everyone who took part!

The Gallery

Amy H., Massachusetts, US

Inspired by the story of Persephone

Amy M., Ontario, Canada

Inspired by the story of Helios and Serene.

Anna F., Sussex

Inspired by the poem How Doth the Little Crocodile, by Lewis Carroll.

Camille, Canada

Inspired by the story of The Emperor and the Nightingale.

Catherine, France

Inspired by the story of The Boy and the Dung Beetle.

Chun, Somerset, UK

An underwater scene.

Emma A.H., London

Inspired by the story of the Turtle Lake of Hoi-An.

Esme, London

Inspired by the story of the Mermaid of Zennor.

Esther, London

Inspired by the story of The Blue Coat.

Grace, London

Inspired by the poem 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening' by Robert Frost.

Heather, Vermont, US

Inspired by a quote: 'she was an adventurer at heart'.

Helen C., London

Inspired by the story of The Monkey, the Shark and the Washerman’s Donkey.

Helen D.J, Yorkshire

Inspired by the story of the Dreamers.

Janet, Lincolnshire, UK

Inspired by the story of the North Wind and the Sun

Jen, Michigan, US

Inspired by the story 'The Sneetches' by Dr Seuss.

Joanna, West Sussex

Inspired by 'When the Boat Comes in'

Julie, Baltimore, US

Inspired by the Italian folktale 'The Girl with the Blue Thread'

Kristin, Austin, Texas, US

Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia.

Kristina, South Wales

Inspired by the story of ‘Vasilisa the Beautiful and Baba Yaga’

Laura, Portsmouth, UK

Inspired by the story of 'Alice in Wonderland'

Lizz W., Cardiff, Wales

Inspired by the 'Rime of the Ancient Mariner'

Lizzie, Devon, UK

Inspired by the 'Owl and the Pussycat'.

Lorena, Toronto, Canada

Inspired by 'The Girl Who Became a Bird'

Louise, Wiltshire

Inspired by the story of 'the Bird Wife'

Lucinda, London

Inspired by 'the Princess and the Pea'

Lucy, Lincolnshire

Inspired by the story of the Chinese Zodiac

Maria, Sheffield

Inspired by song ‘O the Sun’ by Alice Boyd

Mena, South Wales

Inspired by the story 'Anne of Green Gables'

Meredith, Ohio, US

Inspired by the story of 'Watership Down'

Miriam, London

Inspired by the Old Testament Creation Story

Natasha, Yorkshire

Inspired by the story of On Ilkley Moor Bar t'At

Nicky P., Sheffield, UK

Inspired by the story 'The Salmon of Knowledge'

Nicola B., North Wales

Inspired by 'The Owl and the Pussycat'

Niki H., UK

Inspired by the story of 'The Secret Garden'

Rachel, Hertfordshire, UK

Inspired by the story of 'Kelpie and the Blacksmith'

Sally, Yorkshire, UK

Inspired by the stories of ‘The Cracked Pot’ and ‘The Little Red Hen’

Samantha, Antigua

Inspired by the story of 'The Kashmir Shawl'. (Samantha's piece looks different from the rest since she used her own fabric and threads for the challenge. This was because her friend could not get Samantha's kit to Antigua in time.)