NeedleXChange

In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Vanessa Marr, an artist, researcher, and lecturer whose work explores the invisible labour of women through textiles.In this half of our conversation, we dive into the challenges people face when learning embroidery, including how gender and past experiences shape their confidence with stitching. We explore how embroidery can be a tool for storytelling and activism, and Vanessa shares insights from her PhD research on the connection between textiles and invisible domestic labour. We also discuss the ongoing impact of the Domestic Dusters project, from international collaborations to the need for an official archive. If you haven’t listened to part one yet, be sure to check that out first!Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro00:01:30 - Teaching Techniques in Embroidery00:02:46 - Exploring the Red Thread Philosophy00:04:16 - Creative Uses of Everyday Materials00:05:43 - Exhibiting Duster Art00:07:44 - Community Engagement and Collaboration00:10:03 - Documenting the Duster Journey00:13:22 - Future Directions and Academic Pursuits00:15:44 - Theoretical Framework of the PhD00:21:21 - Personal Reflections on the Project00:25:10 - Cultural Influences and InspirationsLinks:Website: domesticdusters.wordpress.comInstagram: vanemarrIntro music is The Juggler by Ch@ntarelle via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Vanessa Marr, an artist, researcher, and lecturer whose work explores the invisible labour of women through textiles. Her long-running project, Domestic Dusters, invites people to embroider their personal experiences onto the humble yellow duster, transforming it into a powerful storytelling medium. We discuss the origins of the project, the unexpected history of dusters, and how embroidery can reclaim narratives of domesticity and gender roles.Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro00:01:30 – Why are dusters always yellow? The unknown history behind them00:06:00 – How Vanessa’s project started: Choosing the duster as a medium00:10:30 – Fairy tales, feminism, and how stories shape women’s roles00:19:00 – The meditative nature of stitching and how it allows for reflection00:30:20 – The hidden labour of women and how embroidery highlights itLinks:Website: domesticdusters.wordpress.comInstagram: vanemarrIntro music is The Juggler by Ch@ntarelle via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange, I continue my conversation with Rosie James, a machine embroidery artist who stitches everyday moments into intricate textile pieces. In Part 2, we dive into her technical process, from working with transparent fabrics to engineering large-scale embroidery. Rosie also shares insights into her evolving artistic practice—and her unexpected love of playing the accordion!Timestamps:00:00:00 – Intro00:00:45 – Engineering large-scale embroidery: hoops, tension, and materials00:09:33 – Stitch speed and movement: balancing control and fluidity00:18:26 – Appliqué vs. line work: when to add colour00:27:54 – The evolution of Rosie’s work and what’s next00:35:40 – Folk music, film, and… accordion playing?!Links:Website: rosiejamestextileartist.wordpress.comInstagram: rosiejamestextileartistIntro music is The Juggler by Ch@ntarelle via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!Subscribe to XStitch Magazine here: https://xstitchmag.com/modern-cross-stitch-magazine/And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Rosie James, a textile artist renowned for her free-motion embroidery that captures fleeting human moments. Rosie’s work explores movement, liminality, and the unseen narratives of crowds, often stitching figures frozen in time from photographs she takes in public spaces.Timestamps:00:00:00 – Intro00:01:46 – Absurdism, liminality, and waiting in Rosie’s work00:10:27 – Documenting movement through stitch00:19:35 – The role of loose threads in capturing energy00:28:10 – From print to embroidery: Rosie’s artistic journey00:35:55 – Crowd Cloud and the transition to large-scale installationsLinks:Website: rosiejamestextileartist.wordpress.comInstagram: rosiejamestextileartistIntro music is The Juggler by Ch@ntarelle via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!Subscribe to XStitch Magazine here: https://xstitchmag.com/modern-cross-stitch-magazine/And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Alison Carpenter-Hughes.In part two of our conversation, Alison dives deeper into the emotional and symbolic aspects of her work. We discuss her connection to Leicester’s textile heritage, her ventures into community art, and how she plans to push the boundaries of her practice with bold colours, symbolism, and new materials. Plus, we get a glimpse into her personal world - her love of rock music, film favourites, and the books that inspire her creativity.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:02:10 - The emotional impact of Alison’s work and historical research00:10:45 - Leicester’s textile heritage and community art projects00:22:30 - Exploring risk, experimentation, and storytelling in embroidery00:35:00 - The challenge of stitching on unconventional materials, including money00:45:40 - Moving beyond realism: symbolism, colour, and embracing her darker side00:56:20 - Music, film, and books that inspire Alison01:05:10 - What’s next? Big changes and new creative directionsLinks:Website: ajcgallery.comInstagram: pootlesmoonIntro music is The Juggler by Ch@ntarelle via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!Subscribe to XStitch Magazine here: https://xstitchmag.com/modern-cross-stitch-magazine/And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Alison Carpenter-Hughes.Alison is a machine embroidery artist known for her intricate, emotionally resonant portraits. Her work explores texture, layering, and the interplay of colour to bring stitched images to life. In this episode, she shares her journey from discovering free-motion embroidery to refining her craft, discussing the creative risks, technical challenges, and personal stories woven into her work.If you like free motion embroidery, then episodes 25 & 26 with Julie Heaton are also worth a listen!Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:25 - Alison’s journey into machine embroidery00:07:00 - Early works and first experiments with free-motion stitching00:15:40 - Winning Needle Crafter of the Year and gaining recognition00:21:10 - The technical challenges of embroidery, from puckering to stabilisers00:35:30 - Using thread like paint and the evolution of her artistic style00:45:55 - The emotional depth in her portraits and finding personal expressionLinks:Website: ajcgallery.comInstagram: pootlesmoonIntro music is The Juggler by Ch@ntarelle via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!Subscribe to XStitch Magazine here: https://xstitchmag.com/modern-cross-stitch-magazine/And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Harriet Riddell.Harriet is a globally celebrated free-motion embroidery artist who brings her sewing machine to life in unexpected places, capturing the essence of people, places, and stories through her unique art. Known for her adventurous spirit, Harriet has travelled the world—embroidering bustling Indian markets, serene UK woodlands, and everything in between.This is the first part of our NeedleXChange, and if you enjoy Harriet's work then listen to episodes 63 + 64 with Peter Frederiksen, another machine stitch marvel!Timestamps: 00:00:12 - Intro00:02:40 - Harriet’s process for stitching portraits and embedding personal stories00:10:15 - Capturing architecture and everyday life in embroidery00:18:34 - Creating large-scale works and balancing creativity with practicality00:25:08 - How motherhood shapes Harriet’s creative perspective00:28:12 - Harriet's favourite music, film and book choices00:38:00 - A fact that not a lot of people know about Harriett RiddellLinks:Website: institchyou.comInstagram: institchyouIntro music is 222 by Sarah The Illstrumentalist via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!Subscribe to XStitch Magazine here: https://xstitchmag.com/modern-cross-stitch-magazine/And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Harriet Riddell.Harriet is a globally celebrated free-motion embroidery artist who brings her sewing machine to life in unexpected places, capturing the essence of people, places, and stories through her unique art. Known for her adventurous spirit, Harriet has travelled the world—embroidering bustling Indian markets, serene UK woodlands, and everything in between.This is the first part of our NeedleXChange, and if you enjoy Harriet's work then listen to episodes 63 + 64 with Peter Frederiksen, another machine stitch marvel!Timestamps: 00:00:12 - Introduction00:02:54 - The story behind her son’s name and their love for Bluey00:10:58 - Emotional connections in media and the power of storytelling through embroidery00:17:05 - Harriet’s exhibition work, including innovative laser-cut felt pieces00:23:40 - The challenges of large-scale embroidery and new techniques00:27:14 - Harriet’s time in India stitching street scenes and saris00:33:28 - The creative freedom of a bicycle-powered sewing machineLinks:Website: institchyou.comInstagram: institchyouIntro music is 222 by Sarah The Illstrumentalist via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!Subscribe to XStitch Magazine here: https://xstitchmag.com/modern-cross-stitch-magazine/And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Betsy Greer.Betsy Greer is a writer, speaker and advocate for the benefits of craft as a tool for change. In this episode, Betsy shares how she came to be a craft legend, the value of Joy as a crafting direction and we touch on Betsy's cultural favourites. If you like this use of needlework, my NeedleXChange with Liz Kueneke might also give you food for thought.Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro00:01:30 - The Birth of Craftivism00:07:53 - Exploring Personal Influences in Crafting00:14:29 - The Importance of Safety in Craftivism Projects00:23:32 - The Pursuit of Joy00:26:40 - Betsy's Favourite TV show00:30:00 - Betsy's Favourite Films00:32:10 - Betsy's Favourite Album00:39:40 - Crafting as a Therapeutic Practice00:44:47 - A Unique Beginning: Betsy's StoryLinks:Website: hellobetsygreer.comInstagram: craftivistaIntro music is Fearless and Faithful by Christian Anderson via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comAnd follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers