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 - Introduction00:01:30 – The Intersection of Linguistics and Fashion00:05:45 – The Language of Fashion and Identity00:10:17 – Fashion's Symbolic Power and Social Commentary00:14:42 – The Impact of Fast Fashion and Sustainability00:19:11 – Decadence and the Transience of Beauty00:28:07 – Anarchy in Art: The Evolution of a Textile Artist00:33:46 – Fashion Perspectives: Italy vs. Belgium00:35:33 – The Evolution of Textile ArtsLinks:Website: manuelacaniato.comInstagram: manuela_caniatoIntro 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.exchangeSign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need! Find out more here: xstitchmag.comAnd follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: mrxstitchInstagram: mrxstitchPinterest: mrxstitchYouTube: mrxstitchLinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers
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33:47
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33:47
Kirstie MacLeod - The Red Dress Part 2 [NX 113]
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 - Introduction00:01:30 - The Stories Behind the Wearers00:07:48 - The Calico Garment Initiative00:18:13 - The Emotional Journey of Art and Connection00:23:26 - Navigating Vulnerability: Holding Space for Others00:31:11 - The Trifecta of the Red Dress Project00:39:03 - Reflections on Life: Love, Service, and GrowthLinks:Website: reddressembroidery.comInstagram: thereddress_embroideryIntro 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.exchangeSign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need! Find out more here: xstitchmag.comAnd follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: mrxstitchInstagram: mrxstitchPinterest: mrxstitchYouTube: mrxstitchLinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers
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52:19
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52:19
Kirstie MacLeod - The Red Dress [NX 112]
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 - Introduction00:07:00 - The Evolution of the Red Dress Project00:12:23 - The Impact of Collaboration00:18:08 - The Challenges of Performance Art00:24:55 - The Magic of Performance Art00:30:56 - Life Beyond the Mundane00:40:57 - The Global Impact of the Red Dress00:52:59 - The Red Dress: A Collective Creation00:59:29 - Preserving the Legacy of the DressLinks:Website: reddressembroidery.comInstagram: thereddress_embroideryIntro 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.exchangeSign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need! Find out more here: xstitchmag.comAnd follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: mrxstitchInstagram: mrxstitchPinterest: mrxstitchYouTube: mrxstitchLinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers
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54:16
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54:16
JPR Stitch Returns | Abstract Machine Embroidery Part 2 [NX111]
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 - Introduction00:01:39 – Preparing for the Exhibition00:04:08 – The Textile Connection: A Local Story00:06:25 – Curating Personal Art: A Balancing Act00:15:35 – Curating with Intention00:21:46 – Learning from Experience00:23:31 – Creating a Natural Flow00:24:56 – The Pursuit of Perfection00:27:38 – The Subjectivity of ArtLinks:Website: jprstitch.comInstagram: jpr_stitchIntro 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/NeedleXChangeIf 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
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 Improvement00:07:08 – Creating Art Through Daily Stitching00:12:56 – The Challenges of Book Production00:18:08 – Overcoming the Fear of Starting00:22:11 – Finding Balance in a Busy Life00:23:55 – Prioritizing Your Passions00:26:07 – Trial and Error in Daily Practices00:27:55 – Exploring Creative Practices00:30:00 – The Role of Public Accountability00:31:50 – The Intersection of Art and Administration00:39:52 – Disseminating Art: The Artist's Journey00:40:58 – The Importance of Sharing Art00:42:22 – Understanding Audience Engagement00:43:42 – Art as Emotional Expression00:45:30 – Mindfulness in Artistic PracticeLinks:Website: jprstitch.comInstagram: jpr_stitchIntro 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/NeedleXChangeIf 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
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