NeedleXChange

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Chloe Savage.

Chloe is a conservation embroiderer, couture specialist, and educator whose studio practice spans everything from National Trust restorations to hands-on needlepoint kits.

In this first part of our conversation, we dive into the power of shared studio spaces, the value of peer critique, and how Chloe has built a collaborative practice that's both rigorous and restorative.

My recent NeedleXChanges with Kirstie McLeod, founder of the Red Dress project, also emphasised the benefits of collaborative projects and if you’ve not listened to those yet, you’re missing a treat. Find that chat at episodes 112 + 113.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:30 - Introduction to Creative Spaces and Community

00:06:51 - Collaborative Environment and Skill Sharing

00:12:36 - Finding Community and Support in Art

00:18:05 - Teaching Skills and Embracing Failure

00:24:46 - Creative Solutions in Crafting

00:29:23 - Childhood Influences and Artistic Roots

00:35:06 - Reconnecting with Needlework

00:39:44 - Fashion and Couture Insights

00:44:31 - The Pressure of Fashion Week

00:47:37 - Navigating Design Collaboration

Links:

Website: chloesavageembroidery.com

Instagram: chloesavageembroidery

Intro music is Getting Good at Letting Go (Instrumental Version) by Vicki Vox 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: needl.exchange

Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews

If you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: mrxstitch.com

If you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need! Find out more here: xstitchmag.com

And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!

• Facebook: mrxstitch
• Instagram: mrxstitch
• Pinterest: mrxstitch
• YouTube: mrxstitch
• LinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Severina Seidl.

Severina is a German embroidery artist whose work blurs the line between thread, paint, and narrative abstraction.

In this second half, Severina shares her ambitions in fashion embroidery, reflects on the push-pull between creativity and career, and gets candid about what it means to pursue art without a roadmap. Plus, we get her picks on books, music, and life growing up without TV.

For another artist making mixed media with a hint of darkness, my NeedleXChanges with Ruth Norbury (NX 27 & 28) are definitely worth a listen.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:01:30 – Reflections on Artistic Journey

00:02:45 – Influences and Inspirations

00:09:45 – Cinematic Inspirations

00:10:43 – Growing Up Without Television

Links:

Website: severinaseidltextiles.com

Instagram: severina.seidl_textiles

Blue Mind (Instrumental) by Torii Wolf 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: needl.exchange

Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews

If you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: mrxstitch.com If you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need! Find out more here: xstitchmag.com

And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!

• Facebook: mrxstitch
• Instagram: mrxstitch
• Pinterest: mrxstitch
• YouTube: mrxstitch
• LinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Severina Seidl.

Severina is a German embroidery artist whose work blurs the line between thread, paint, and narrative abstraction.

We explore her journey from fashion school in Germany to the Royal School of Needlework, unpacking the nerves, transitions, and discovery of her personal style. From her early experiments in French knots to the impact of McQueen critiques, Severina charts an evolving, experimental path.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:01:30 – Moving from Germany to the RSN

00:09:11 – Developing a Unique Style

00:11:59 – Embracing Mess and Mistakes

00:14:28 – Maleficium: Concept and Creation

00:23:02 – The McQueen Feedback Shift

00:30:49 – Public Perception and Artistic Identity

Links:

Website: severinaseidltextiles.com

Instagram: severina.seidl_textiles

Blue Mind (Instrumental) by Torii Wolf 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: needl.exchange

Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews

If you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: mrxstitch.com If you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need! Find out more here: xstitchmag.com

And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!

• Facebook: mrxstitch
• Instagram: mrxstitch
• Pinterest: mrxstitch
• YouTube: mrxstitch
• LinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Manuela Caniato.

Manuela is an Italian-born textile artist and educator now based in Belgium, with a background in linguistics and fashion history.

In this episode of NeedleXChange I continue my conversation with Manuela Caniato.Manuela shares the thinking behind her embroidered portraits that explore themes of damage, decay, and beauty. We discuss her techniques with fine threads and beads, her playful sense of anarchy, and her upcoming exhibition in Leuven.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:30 – Artistic Expression and Personal Projects

00:05:15 – The Intersection of Art and Music

00:09:48 – Literary Influences and Favorite Reads

00:12:05 – Cinematic Inspirations and Visual Storytelling

00:17:08 – Personal Aspirations and Life Reflections

Links:

Website: manuelacaniato.com

Instagram: manuela_caniato

Intro music is Easy Breezy by Boogie Wheel 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: needl.exchange

Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews

If you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: mrxstitch.com

If you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need! Find out more here: xstitchmag.com

And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!

• Facebook: mrxstitch
• Instagram: mrxstitch
• Pinterest: mrxstitch
• YouTube: mrxstitch
• LinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Manuela Caniato.

Manuela is an Italian-born textile artist and educator now based in Belgium, with a background in linguistics and fashion history.

In this first half we talk about her journey from advertising to academia, her teaching in both Italy and Belgium, and how fashion functions as a language of identity. She reflects on the symbolic power of clothing, heirlooms, and shoes, as well as visible mending and the ongoing challenge of fast fashion.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:30 – The Intersection of Linguistics and Fashion

00:05:45 – The Language of Fashion and Identity

00:10:17 – Fashion's Symbolic Power and Social Commentary

00:14:42 – The Impact of Fast Fashion and Sustainability

00:19:11 – Decadence and the Transience of Beauty

00:28:07 – Anarchy in Art: The Evolution of a Textile Artist

00:33:46 – Fashion Perspectives: Italy vs. Belgium

00:35:33 – The Evolution of Textile Arts

Links:

Website: manuelacaniato.com

Instagram: manuela_caniato

Intro music is Easy Breezy by Boogie Wheel 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: needl.exchange

Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews

If you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: mrxstitch.com

If you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need! Find out more here: xstitchmag.com

And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!

• Facebook: mrxstitch
• Instagram: mrxstitch
• Pinterest: mrxstitch
• YouTube: mrxstitch
• LinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Kirstie McLeod.

Kirstie is a textile artist whose career has spanned performance installations, couture wedding dresses, and large-scale garments that test the limits of fabric and endurance.

Kirstie is the artist behind the Red Dress, a 13-year global collaboration of 380 embroiderers from 51 countries.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:30 - The Stories Behind the Wearers

00:07:48 - The Calico Garment Initiative

00:18:13 - The Emotional Journey of Art and Connection

00:23:26 - Navigating Vulnerability: Holding Space for Others

00:31:11 - The Trifecta of the Red Dress Project

00:39:03 - Reflections on Life: Love, Service, and Growth

Links:

Website: reddressembroidery.com

Instagram: thereddress_embroidery

Intro music is Meant to Love by William Benckert 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: needl.exchange

Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews

If you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: mrxstitch.com

If you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need! Find out more here: xstitchmag.com

And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!

• Facebook: mrxstitch
• Instagram: mrxstitch
• Pinterest: mrxstitch
• YouTube: mrxstitch
• LinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Kirstie MacLeod.

Kirstie is a textile artist whose career has spanned performance installations, couture wedding dresses, and large-scale garments that test the limits of fabric and endurance. In 2009 Kirstie launched The Red Dress embroidery project, something that has become far greater than anyone could have anticipated.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:07:00 - The Evolution of the Red Dress Project

00:12:23 - The Impact of Collaboration

00:18:08 - The Challenges of Performance Art

00:24:55 - The Magic of Performance Art

00:30:56 - Life Beyond the Mundane

00:40:57 - The Global Impact of the Red Dress

00:52:59 - The Red Dress: A Collective Creation

00:59:29 - Preserving the Legacy of the Dress

Links:

Website: reddressembroidery.com

Instagram: thereddress_embroidery

Intro music isMeant to Love by William Benckert 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: needl.exchange

Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews

If you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: mrxstitch.com

If you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need! Find out more here: xstitchmag.com

And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!

• Facebook: mrxstitch
• Instagram: mrxstitch
• Pinterest: mrxstitch
• YouTube: mrxstitch
• LinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange I welcome back Dr Jack Roberts AKA JPR Stitch.

Jack is a textile artist known for his bold, abstract stitchings and his dedication to daily practice.

This episode dives into the quiet and public sides of creative work. Jack talks about the unglamorous tasks behind the scenes, how he decides what to share, and the realities of having 90,000 followers who don’t necessarily buy your art.

We explore artistic visibility, validation, audience relationships, and why not everything in your practice needs to be seen.

For another great interview with another great machine embroidery artist, check out NX008 with the magnificent Meredith Woolnough.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:39 – Preparing for the Exhibition

00:04:08 – The Textile Connection: A Local Story

00:06:25 – Curating Personal Art: A Balancing Act

00:15:35 – Curating with Intention

00:21:46 – Learning from Experience

00:23:31 – Creating a Natural Flow

00:24:56 – The Pursuit of Perfection

00:27:38 – The Subjectivity of Art

Links:

Website: jprstitch.com

Instagram: jpr_stitch

Intro music is Let's Go Find The Sun 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.

Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChange

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 welcome back Dr Jack Roberts AKA JPR Stitch.

Jack is a textile artist known for his bold, abstract stitchings and his dedication to daily practice.

In this first half of our conversation, Jack shares the origins of his daily stitching habit, how a holiday doodle grew into a years-long discipline, and the making of his first book.

We explore the discipline of showing up every day, how practice can transform creative work, and the balance between big projects and small daily wins..

For another artist that made their practice into a habit, check out episodes 102 + 103 with Claire Voelkel-Sedlmeir.

Timestamps:

00:01:19 – The Hero's Journey of Home Improvement

00:07:08 – Creating Art Through Daily Stitching

00:12:56 – The Challenges of Book Production

00:18:08 – Overcoming the Fear of Starting

00:22:11 – Finding Balance in a Busy Life00:23:55 – Prioritizing Your Passions

00:26:07 – Trial and Error in Daily Practices

00:27:55 – Exploring Creative Practices

00:30:00 – The Role of Public Accountability

00:31:50 – The Intersection of Art and Administration

00:39:52 – Disseminating Art: The Artist's Journey

00:40:58 – The Importance of Sharing Art

00:42:22 – Understanding Audience Engagement

00:43:42 – Art as Emotional Expression

00:45:30 – Mindfulness in Artistic Practice

Links:

Website: jprstitch.com

Instagram: jpr_stitch

Intro music is Let's Go Find The Sun 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.

Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChange

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 Lesley Wheeler.

Lesley is a poet, quilter, and textile artist whose work merges narrative, symbolism, and stitch.

In this second half we discuss her development as a maker — from trusting her intuition with complex textile projects to learning embroidery, lace, and machine techniques. Lesley talks about fabric collecting, playful side projects that keep her creativity flowing, and how pop culture and music filter into her practice, from Busta Rhymes back patches to Beatles-inspired tarot cards. We also cover her favorite books, films, and poets, and the broader inspirations that shape her artistic life.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:30 – Exploring Textile Arts and Techniques

00:05:18 – The Journey of Creating Art and Reflection

00:08:36 – Balancing Projects and Creative Flow

00:11:51 – Influences of Music and Culture on Art

00:16:12 – Literary Inspirations and Personal Connections

00:21:09 – Personal Insights and Vegetarian Lifestyle

Links:

Website: lannwheeler.com

Instagram: major_arcana_textiles

Intro music is Summer of Love by Roy Edwin Williams 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

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