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Interview with Nicole, who crafts stitcheries.
What kinds of items do you create with stitchery?Stitcheries are one of those forms of needlework that can be used for just about anything from cushions, wall hangings, photo frames, bags, mini quilts, as part of major quilts, cards, and in papercrafts such as scrapbooking. How and when did you become interested in stitcheries? I went to a craft camp in 2003 where I worked on a stitchery project for the weekend. It was so easy and quick to do and so effective that I continued to do Stitcheries. Now I own a stitchery business and I'm still stitching heaps!! What attracted you to starting this as a craft? I like crafts that are quick and easy to complete and that can be used for a number of projects. I don’t have heaps of patience (so I don’t do big quilts) so stitchery was a perfect craft for me. How did you go about learning how to do your craft?  Baby Boy Blocks Obviously I learnt the basics at the camp I went to, but I then began attempting some of the projects out of craft magazines. Today I search lots of websites for tips etc. What have you been working on this week? I have just completed 4 baby girl blocks in a lovely project using felt instead of calico.(as pictured) What kind of thread do you generally use in stitcheries? I generally use DMC embroidery threads, as they are very good quality, and easy to purchase. Where do you look for inspiration for the designs of your stitcheries? To be honest, I don’t really look for inspiration, I just wait until I get an idea of a design. I think my inspiration is tainted when I look through magazines etc, as there is some beautiful designs out there by other designers, and I don’t want to feel like I'm copying. So I have hundreds of craft books that I refuse to read!! I am lucky, because I have a designer who does designs for Country Lane Designs. Sharon Barr has designed some beautiful designs that I am proud to add to my collection!! She is the inspiration behind the newer designs.  Baby Boy Block Cards If you had to choose a favourite piece you have made what would it be? I’m really proud of the girl baby blocks (pictured). In trying to think up something new project wise, I used felt and found it really easy to work with and very effective. I love it. What was the most difficult piece you have created and why? Well, confession time. I used to do the stitchery part then send the ‘sewing’ of the borders etc home to my mum in Qld to finish for me. When she began working fulltime, I had to buy a sewing machine of my own and learn to sew. The first project I created with my sewing machine as a new kid on the block was extremely difficult. What do you find most pleasing about stitcheries? The amount of time they take to do, and how beautiful and versatile they are. Looking around the gallery on your site it seems that stitcheries incorporate well into some other crafts. What crafts have you seen them used alongside? Anything you can think of. Cards, bags, wall hangings, and I’m about to put out a challenge to some keen scrapbookers to see how stitchery can fit into scrapbooking and paper crafts as well. I know it can work!! Have you got any advice for people that are considering stitcheries as a hobby?  Baby Girl Blocks At least try it, I don’t think they will turn back!! What other interests do you have (besides stitcheries)? I love craft in general, and make my own handmade cards etc. I love homewares and interior decorating etc. and I love Real Estate. What kind of workspace do you have? Currently I am living in a house which overlooks the Adelaide coastline and the city, so I have lovely views out my window, but my workspace is very small. I can never find something when I need it . How much time a week do you spend crafting? I spend most of my week working in my business and some of that is stitching etc and putting projects together. Not as much as I’d like though
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