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 - Introduction00:01:30 – Balancing Work and Personal Life00:08:50 – Celebrating Creative Talents00:09:41 – Hattie’s Stitching Soundtrack00:15:42 – Hattie’s Audiobook Picks00:21:42 – Favourite Films, Forgotten Costumes, and On-Screen Surprises00:25:46 – Personal Anecdotes and Fun FactsLinks:Website: hattiemcgillembroidery.comInstagram: hattiemcgillembroideryIntro 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.exchangeSign 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.comFollow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitchLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers
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23:54
Hattie 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 - Introduction00:01:30 – Embroidery Beginnings: A Family Legacy00:04:32 – The Journey to the Royal School of Needlework00:07:24 – From Furniture Restoration to Embroidery00:10:30 – The Allure of Gold Work00:13:28 – Understanding Gold Work: Techniques and Tips00:16:34 – Teaching and Learning Embroidery00:19:23 – The Challenges of Stitching and Project Management00:22:26 – Film and TV Contributions: A Stitch in Time00:26:05 – The World of Costume Design00:29:23 – Embroidery in Film: A Niche Craft00:33:40 – The Art of Detail: Handcrafted Costumes00:38:02 – Navigating the Film IndustryLinks:Website: hattiemcgillembroidery.comInstagram: hattiemcgillembroideryIntro 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/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comFollow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers
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38:39
Niamh Wimperis - Arts & Crafts & Business Part 2 [NX093]
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 - Introduction00:01:40 – Navigating Artistic Passion and Financial Realities00:03:44 – The Joy of Teaching and Community Engagement00:06:42 – The Importance of In-Person Connections00:08:38 – Craft Shows: A Platform for Growth00:11:43 – The Balancing Act of Pricing and Value00:19:48 – Wholesale vs. Direct Sales: A Strategic Choice00:24:44 – A Life-Changing Experience on Television00:33:47 – The Influence of William Morris and Arts and Crafts Movement00:40:09 – Balancing Tradition and Modernity in Craft00:47:59 – Cultural Reflections in Media and Literature00:50:58 – Personal Anecdotes and Humorous MomentsLinks:Website: wimperis.co.ukInstagram: wimperisembroideryIntro 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/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/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmersRSSVERIFY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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59:20
Niamh Wimperis - Arts & Crafts & Business [NX092]
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 - Introduction00:01:45 – Art as a Medium for Expression00:04:42 – The Journey of an Artist00:07:49 – The Evolution of Political Art00:10:34 – Finding Identity in Craft00:13:56 – Navigating the Commercial Art World00:16:34 – The Subscription Box Experience00:19:51 – Challenges in Running a BusinessLinks:Website: wimperis.co.ukInstagram: wimperisembroideryIntro 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/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/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmersRSSVERIFY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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28:56
Bren Ahearn - Needlework as Witness Part 2 [NX091]
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 - Intro00:01:30 – Navigating Identity and Masculinity00:12:23 – The Role of Kindness in Art and Life00:22:33 – The Evolution of Craft and Queer Identity00:27:17 – Reflections on School Experiences and Identity00:30:49 – Musical Influences and Cultural Contexts00:34:28 – Literary Inspirations and Alienation00:38:51 – Unexpected Life Experiences and Future AspirationsLinks:Website: brenahearn.comInstagram: brenahearnIntro 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/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/mrjamiechalmersRSSVERIFY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
South Africa