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 - Introduction00:01:25 - The Power of Language in Art00:06:07 - Cultural Reflections and Personal Identity00:08:51 - Balancing Critique with Positivity00:15:33 - Future Aspirations and Artistic Legacy00:20:50 - Life as a Journey: Embracing Change00:24:45 - The Duality of Identity: Artist vs. Everyday Life00:27:43 - Holly's Favourite Music00:29:00 - Talkin' Television00:33:03 - Holly's Favourite Film by a Fathom00:37:44 - Little Know Facts: Ghosts and QuirksLinks:Website: thesubversivestitcher.comInstagram: the_subversive_stitcherIntro 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.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.comAnd 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/mrjamiechalmers
-------- Â
47:09
--------
47:09
Holly 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 - Introduction00:01:20 - Owls and other Curiosities00:07:19 - The Impact of Objects on Memory00:10:08 - Art and Creativity in Everyday Life00:13:09 - The Role of Art in Community00:16:02 - Dyslexia and Creative Expression00:18:57 - The Journey to Tea Towels00:21:41 - Tea Towels as a Medium for Expression00:24:44 - The Evolution and Cultural Significance of Tea Towels00:30:58 - The Allure of Nostalgia in Marketing00:34:00 - Art as a Medium for Social CommentaryLinks:Website: thesubversivestitcher.comInstagram: the_subversive_stitcherIntro 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.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.comAnd 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/mrjamiechalmers
-------- Â
33:40
--------
33:40
Hattie 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 - 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
-------- Â
23:54
--------
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
-------- Â
38:39
--------
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.
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