NeedleXChange

By Jamie Chalmers

Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers interviews needlework and textile artists to find out how they make their art, how they build their business and why they love working with a needle and thread.

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· Arts

5

44 ratings

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FAQs about NeedleXChange:

How many episodes does NeedleXChange have?

The podcast currently has 103 episodes available.

NeedleXChange episodes:

August 18, 2025Claire Voelkel-Sedlmeir - Domestic Documentary Part 2 [NX103]
In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Claire Voelkel-Sedlmeir.
Claire is a textile storyteller whose work transforms scraps of family life - old clothes, baby socks, even diaper cloth - into intimate quilts and stitched offerings.
We explore the second phase of her practice: community, upcycling, and the emotional weight textiles can carry. Claire shares how she’s embraced memory quilting, involved her children in the process, and honoured personal history through fabric. We also talk about the online communities that have shaped her artistic journey and the joy of letting go - by giving her stitched offerings away.
Links:
Website: clairevoelkel.com
Instagram: thread.yarn.paper
Intro music is Electric Kids by Falcon Dives 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
Follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrxstitch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrxstitch
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers
...more
30min
August 11, 2025Claire Voelkel-Sedlmeir - Domestic Documentary [NX102]
In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Claire Voelkel-Sedlmeir.
Claire is a self-taught textile artist who uses embroidery as a storytelling tool to explore memory, motherhood, and creative discipline.
We discuss her two 52-week stitched story projects—how they emerged from a desire to carve out creative space amidst the chaos of parenting, and how small weekly acts of making became a powerful tool for self-discovery. Claire reflects on the freedom found in constraint, the messiness of memory, and what happens when we stitch the ordinary moments of our lives into fabric.
Links:
Website: clairevoelkel.com
Instagram: thread.yarn.paper
Intro music is Electric Kids by Falcon Dives 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
Follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrxstitch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrxstitch
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers
...more
29min
August 04, 2025Fuzzy Mall - Having It Large Part 2 [NX101]
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Fuzzy Mall.
Fuzzy is a visionary textile artist who transforms reclaimed fabrics into playful, large-scale works that break the mould of traditional quilting.
We explore how he uses his art to resist digital doomscrolling, experiment with ‘analog AI’ and 3D forms, remix old portraits into new pieces, and why music, reclaimed chaos, and joy fuel his creative process.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:25 – How the ‘masking’ project came about
00:03:05 – Turning old portraits into new stories
00:05:15 – On creative freedom and joy in stitching
00:07:35 – Mimicking AI aesthetics with hand-sewn collages
00:09:50 – Reflections on absurdity, humour, and defiance in art
00:13:55 – Managing chaos in the studio
00:16:35 – Embracing systems that evolve over time
00:19:55 – Music as a constant companion in his creative flow
Links:
Website: quiltedportrait.net
Instagram: fuzzymallart
Intro music is Her Name Is Edith by OTE 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/NeedleXChangeNews
If you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.com
If you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!
Find out more here: https://xstitchmag.com
And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrxstitch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrxstitch
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers
...more
42min
July 28, 2025Fuzzy Mall - Having It Large [NX100]
In this 100th episode of NeedleXChange I interview Fuzzy Mall.
Fuzzy is a self-taught textile artist celebrated for his huge, detail-rich portraits and installations made entirely from reclaimed fabrics.
We talk about how he evolved from painting to pushing the boundaries of quilting at an epic scale, the ideas behind his Faces of Hamilton project, and what draws him to go bigger and bigger with his joyful, community-focused work.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:20 – How Fuzzy stumbled into textiles after painting
00:06:10 – First experiments with quilting and thread as drawing
00:08:35 – The appeal of using reclaimed fabrics
00:12:20 – Working at large scale and dealing with detail
00:15:00 – The emotional impact of big textile portraits
00:19:10 – Beginning the Faces of Hamilton project
Links:
Website: quiltedportrait.net
Instagram: fuzzymallart
Intro music is Her Name Is Edith by OTE 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/NeedleXChangeNews
If you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.com
If you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!
Find out more here: https://xstitchmag.com
And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrxstitch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrxstitch
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers
...more
31min
July 21, 2025Deborah Simon - Animalistic Abstraction Part 2 [NX099]
In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Deborah Simon. Deborah is a Brooklyn-based sculptor and embroiderer known for her hauntingly beautiful bears and rabbits that blend faux fur, taxidermy and anatomy.
We talk about her early influences, how she went from painting to sculpture, and why she’s so fascinated by the tension between the cuddly teddy bear and the deadly wild bear - plus how camping trips and natural history books shaped her work.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:30 – The Evolution of Needlework in Contemporary Art
00:04:27 – The Intersection of Art and Science
00:09:34 – Balancing Accuracy and Aesthetic in Art
00:12:10 – The Value of Artistic Process and Rejection
00:17:32 – Resistance as a Path to Creativity
00:24:55 – Creative Challenges in Sculpture
00:26:41 – Audiobooks and Their Influence on Art
00:28:54 – Exploring Literature and History
00:31:31 – Music Preferences in the Studio
00:35:04 – Television and Film Recommendations
00:39:45 – The Art of Set Design
Links:
Website: deborahsimon.net
Instagram: deborahasimon
Intro music is Looking Like Me 1 by David Björk 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/NeedleXChangeNews
If you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.com
And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitch
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers
...more
59min
July 14, 2025Deborah Simon - Animalistic Abstraction
In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Deborah Simon. Deborah is a Brooklyn-based sculptor and embroiderer known for her hauntingly beautiful bears and rabbits that blend faux fur, taxidermy and anatomy.
We talk about her early influences, how she went from painting to sculpture, and why she’s so fascinated by the tension between the cuddly teddy bear and the deadly wild bear - plus how camping trips and natural history books shaped her work.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:30 – Introduction to Artistic Inspirations & Early Influences
00:04:12 – The Evolution from Drawing Animals to Sculpting Them
00:06:54 – Blending Art and Science — Anatomy Meets Embroidery
00:09:44 – Historical Anatomy Illustrations as Creative Reference
00:12:38 – The Role of Nature and Camping in Choosing Animal Subjects
00:15:22 – Developing the Bear Series — Teddy Bears vs. Trophy Bears
00:18:09 – Exploring the Idea of Charismatic Megafauna
00:20:50 – Cultural Reflections — How We See Wild Animals
00:23:37 – Art School Experiences and Early Influences
00:26:31 – Balancing Overthinking with Staying Creative
00:36:02 – Knowing When a Piece is Finished & Letting Go
00:36:54 – Shifting to Rabbits and Transparent Bodies
00:37:50 – Learning Embroidery and Mixing Needlework with Sculpture
00:40:07 – Pushing Back on Gender Norms in Textile Art
Links:
Website: deborahsimon.net
Instagram: deborahasimon
Intro music is Looking Like Me 1 by David Björk 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/NeedleXChangeNews
If you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.com
And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitch
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers
...more
38min
July 07, 2025Holly Searle - Subversive Stitcher Part 2 [NX097]
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Holly Searle.
Holly is a visual artist who transforms vintage tea towels into striking, subversive works of textile art,
In this second part of our NeedleXChange, the conversation turns fully to Holly Searle’s Tea Towel Project - a growing collection of over 180 vintage textiles transformed into bold, felt-lettered artworks.
Holly discusses the power of protest through domestic materials, how she balances sharp commentary with playfulness, and why she believes textile art can speak volumes about the world we live in.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:25 - The Power of Language in Art
00:06:07 - Cultural Reflections and Personal Identity
00:08:51 - Balancing Critique with Positivity
00:15:33 - Future Aspirations and Artistic Legacy
00:20:50 - Life as a Journey: Embracing Change
00:24:45 - The Duality of Identity: Artist vs. Everyday Life
00:27:43 - Holly's Favourite Music
00:29:00 - Talkin' Television
00:33:03 - Holly's Favourite Film by a Fathom
00:37:44 - Little Know Facts: Ghosts and Quirks
Links:
Website: thesubversivestitcher.com
Instagram: the_subversive_stitcher
Intro music is Electric Kids by Falcon Dives 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/NeedleXChangeNews
If you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.com
And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitch
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers
...more
48min
June 30, 2025Holly Searle - Subversive Stitcher [NX096]
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Holly Searle.
Holly is a visual artist who transforms vintage tea towels into striking, subversive works of textile art,
In the first part of the NeedleXChange, Jamie speaks with visual artist Holly Searle about the origins of her creativity - from childhood memories and charity shop treasures to her fascination with nostalgic and domestic objects.
Holly shares how personal history, humour, and a love of the overlooked inform her practice, and we begin to explore the foundations of her acclaimed Tea Towel Project.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:20 - Owls and other Curiosities
00:07:19 - The Impact of Objects on Memory
00:10:08 - Art and Creativity in Everyday Life
00:13:09 - The Role of Art in Community
00:16:02 - Dyslexia and Creative Expression
00:18:57 - The Journey to Tea Towels
00:21:41 - Tea Towels as a Medium for Expression
00:24:44 - The Evolution and Cultural Significance of Tea Towels
00:30:58 - The Allure of Nostalgia in Marketing
00:34:00 - Art as a Medium for Social Commentary
Links:
Website: thesubversivestitcher.com
Instagram: the_subversive_stitcher
Intro music is Electric Kids by Falcon Dives 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/NeedleXChangeNews
If you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.com
And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitch
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers
...more
34min
June 23, 2025Hattie McGill - Cinematic Goldwork Part 2 [NX095]
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Hattie McGill.
Hattie is an embroidery artist and costume specialist whose goldwork has graced screens from Doctor Strange to Bridgerton.
In this second part, Hattie talks about pivoting her practice during the pandemic by launching a series of goldwork embroidery kits, balancing studio life with film commissions, and the joys — and realities — of working in the embroidery industry today. She also shares what fuels her creativity, from gothic novels to Manchester’s indie music scene.
If you're interested in hearing more about embroidery’s adaptability and innovation, be sure to check out episodes 81 + 82 with CARO, a multidisplinary artist working with thread and with metal.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:30 – Balancing Work and Personal Life
00:08:50 – Celebrating Creative Talents
00:09:41 – Hattie’s Stitching Soundtrack
00:15:42 – Hattie’s Audiobook Picks
00:21:42 – Favourite Films, Forgotten Costumes, and On-Screen Surprises
00:25:46 – Personal Anecdotes and Fun Facts
Links:
Website: hattiemcgillembroidery.com
Instagram: hattiemcgillembroidery
Intro music is Emmanuel by Joyspring 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/NeedleXChangeNews
If you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.com
Follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitch
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers
...more
24min
June 16, 2025Hattie McGill - Cinematic Goldwork [NX094]
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Hattie McGill.
Hattie is an embroidery artist and costume specialist whose goldwork has graced screens from Doctor Strange to Bridgerton.
In this first part, we explore Hattie’s training at the Royal School of Needlework, her unexpected leap from furniture restoration into embroidery, and the behind-the-scenes craftsmanship that goes into cinematic costume design.
For another artist whose embroidery skills are Royal School of Needlework approved, check out episodes 17 and 18 with the wonderful Chrissie Juno Mann.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:30 – Embroidery Beginnings: A Family Legacy
00:04:32 – The Journey to the Royal School of Needlework
00:07:24 – From Furniture Restoration to Embroidery
00:10:30 – The Allure of Gold Work
00:13:28 – Understanding Gold Work: Techniques and Tips
00:16:34 – Teaching and Learning Embroidery
00:19:23 – The Challenges of Stitching and Project Management
00:22:26 – Film and TV Contributions: A Stitch in Time
00:26:05 – The World of Costume Design
00:29:23 – Embroidery in Film: A Niche Craft
00:33:40 – The Art of Detail: Handcrafted Costumes
00:38:02 – Navigating the Film Industry
Links:
Website: hattiemcgillembroidery.com
Instagram: hattiemcgillembroidery
Intro music is Emmanuel by Joyspring 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/NeedleXChangeNews
If you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.com
Follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitch
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers
...more
39min

FAQs about NeedleXChange:

How many episodes does NeedleXChange have?

The podcast currently has 103 episodes available.

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