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

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

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

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

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

In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Niamh Wimperis, an embroidery artist and craft entrepreneur known for blending personal experience with traditional needlework techniques.

We trace her evolution — from early frustrations with artistic gatekeeping to discovering embroidery as both a personal refuge and a political statement. Niamh shares how lived experience, including chronic pain, has shaped her work, and reflects on projects like This Is Art and her collaborative blanket fort installation.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:40 – Navigating Artistic Passion and Financial Realities

00:03:44 – The Joy of Teaching and Community Engagement

00:06:42 – The Importance of In-Person Connections

00:08:38 – Craft Shows: A Platform for Growth

00:11:43 – The Balancing Act of Pricing and Value

00:19:48 – Wholesale vs. Direct Sales: A Strategic Choice

00:24:44 – A Life-Changing Experience on Television

00:33:47 – The Influence of William Morris and Arts and Crafts Movement

00:40:09 – Balancing Tradition and Modernity in Craft

00:47:59 – Cultural Reflections in Media and Literature

00:50:58 – Personal Anecdotes and Humorous Moments

Links:

Website: wimperis.co.uk

Instagram: wimperisembroidery

Intro music is Two Plus Two by Another Notion 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!

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/MrXStitch

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitch

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers

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In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Niamh Wimperis, an embroidery artist and craft entrepreneur known for blending personal experience with traditional needlework techniques.

We trace her evolution — from early frustrations with artistic gatekeeping to discovering embroidery as both a personal refuge and a political statement. Niamh shares how lived experience, including chronic pain, has shaped her work, and reflects on projects like This Is Art and her collaborative blanket fort installation.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:45 – Art as a Medium for Expression

00:04:42 – The Journey of an Artist

00:07:49 – The Evolution of Political Art

00:10:34 – Finding Identity in Craft

00:13:56 – Navigating the Commercial Art World

00:16:34 – The Subscription Box Experience

00:19:51 – Challenges in Running a Business

Links:

Website: wimperis.co.uk

Instagram: wimperisembroidery

Intro music is Two Plus Two by Another Notion 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!

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/MrXStitch

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitch

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Bren Ahearn.

Bren Ahearn is a needlework artist using traditional samplers to unpack masculinity, memory and social conditioning. In the second half of my conversation with Bren Ahearn, we delve into the politics of craft, the evolution of his large-scale samplers, and the emotional realities behind making art that speaks to violence, identity and grief.

If you were fascinated by my conversation with Kate Kretz in which we explore ways in which needlework makes a political point - episodes 41 and 42 - you won’t want to miss this!

Timestamps:

00:00:12 - Intro

00:01:30 – Navigating Identity and Masculinity

00:12:23 – The Role of Kindness in Art and Life

00:22:33 – The Evolution of Craft and Queer Identity

00:27:17 – Reflections on School Experiences and Identity

00:30:49 – Musical Influences and Cultural Contexts

00:34:28 – Literary Inspirations and Alienation

00:38:51 – Unexpected Life Experiences and Future Aspirations

Links:

Website: brenahearn.com

Instagram: brenahearn

Intro music is Hipsters are Okay by Daniel Fridell 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!

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/MrXStitch
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitch
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitch
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Bren Ahearn.

Bren Ahearn is a needlework artist using traditional samplers to unpack masculinity, memory and social conditioning. In this first part of our conversation. we discuss the concept of magnified moments, early experiences of gender policing, and how these formative events shape identity and artistic voice. Bren also shares how his shift from weaving to embroidery became a way to challenge the gendered expectations of craft itself.

If you enjoyed our episodes with John Thomas Paradiso - 11 and 12 - where we talked about his queer thread connections, you’ll love this chat with one of the nicest needleworkers you could hope to meet.

Timestamps:

00:00:12 - Intro

00:01:40 – Magnified Moments: The Weight of Childhood Choices

00:07:51 – Embroidery: A Gendered Art Form

00:10:43 – The Evolution of Samplers: From Tradition to Commentary

00:16:37 – The Creative Process: Balancing Art and Marketing

00:19:39 – Contemporary Samplers: Addressing Modern Issues

00:22:49 – The Future of Needlework: Blending Tradition with Innovation

00:30:37 – Exploring Artistic Expression and Activism

Links:

Website: brenahearn.com

Instagram: brenahearn

Intro music is Hipsters are Okay by Daniel Fridell 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!

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/MrXStitch
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitch
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitch
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers

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In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Owen Kelly.

Owen is a fifth-generation embroiderer whose vivid, hand-stitched works blend folk art, cultural symbolism, and personal narrative — all anchored by a lifelong love of textiles and storytelling. In this first part of our conversation, Owen shares his early love of stitching, memories stitched into denim, and how his family history shaped his lifelong relationship with embroidery. It's a journey through punk rock, biker jackets, and the moving legacy of his 'memory skirt'.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Intro

00:01:25 – The Joy of Creating: Quilts and Feedback

00:04:16 – Maximalism in Art: Embracing Complexity

00:09:53 – The Grand Poobah: A Stitching Ambassador

00:16:32 – Introducing Seamus O'Commonsey: The Traveling Puppet

00:22:34 – Cultural Connections Through Creativity

00:28:33 – The Role of Music in Life

00:44:10 – Navigating the Music Industry

00:46:58 – The Influence of Music on Art

00:51:04 – Literary Inspirations and Favourites

00:54:50 – Cinematic Memories and Influences

00:59:20 – The Hidden Talent of Table Tennis Coaching

Links:

Instagram: slavetothestitch

Intro music is Silly Simon by TAGE 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!

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/MrXStitch
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitch
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitch
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.