NeedleXChange

Jamie Chalmers
  • 5.0 (4)
  • VISUAL ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 🎧 Members get the ad-free feed + monthly Q&A + the AfterShow segment appended to Part 2. Join the Green Room: patreon.com/xstitch

  1. Katarina Orolinova - Lace and Lasers Part 2 [NX131]

    1D AGO

    Katarina Orolinova - Lace and Lasers Part 2 [NX131]

    In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Katarina Orolinov. Katarina is a Slovakian contemporary embroidery and textile art artist known for laser-cut perspex panels built from lace and geometric pattern logic. Katarina shares early making (drawing, sewing, textiles clubs) and a schooling route that builds serious technical range (embroidery, bobbin lace, weaving). We dig into heritage vs experimentation, studio life, what plays in the background while stitching, and the closing line: the dream upgrade is a laser cutting machine. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – The origin story: drawing, sewing, and deciding on art early 00:01:25 – Learning the fundamentals: embroidery, lace, weaving (the whole toolbox) 00:03:50 – Choosing your path young: how the Slovak system works 00:09:00 – Getting into art university: tests, live models, and creative tasks 00:13:00 – Heritage, but make it future: what belongs in the work (and what doesn’t) 00:19:00 – Studio life: making for work, making for fun 00:20:10 – What’s on in the background while stitching 00:27:50 – Books and blackwork (Jane Goodwin) 00:32:20 – A personal note: summers with Katarina’s grandmother in a foster-care community 00:35:25 – The closer: “I don’t want that ring. I want a laser cutting machine.” Links: Instagram: katarina_orolinova_art Intro music is Below Horizon by Luwaks via Epidemic Sound. About NeedleXChange An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers. Support on Patreon Join the Green Room for weekly aftershows, monthly Q&As, and searchable transcripts. Become an Executive Producer to join quarterly roundtables and shape the show's future. patreon.com/c/xstitch/membership Stay Connected needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com Social: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

    38 min
  2. Katarina Orolinova - Lace and Lasers [NX130]

    MAR 2

    Katarina Orolinova - Lace and Lasers [NX130]

    In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Katarina Orolinov. Katarina is a Slovakian contemporary embroidery and textile art artist known for laser-cut perspex panels built from lace and geometric pattern logic. Katarina traces the work from a bobbin‑lace brief into bitmap squares, then laser cutting/engraving perspex and stitching into it. We talk architecture as a pattern engine (glass blocks, safety glass, reflection), and the practical reality of scale: thousands of holes, modular panels, and machine‑bed limits. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – “Come to the perspex…”: lace meets laser cutting 00:02:55 – Finding patterns in glass blocks and safety glass 00:04:31 – Reflection, infinity, and letting structure do the talking 00:06:10 – Close your eyes: what the work feels like in space 00:14:45 – The jump from small pieces to a wall 00:15:52 – 2000 holes: laser cut, but every hole placed by hand (digitally) 00:18:09 – Building it as 22 panels (and why that matters) 00:21:38 – The hard limits: machine beds and human arms 00:26:13 – One pattern, many techniques: knitting/weaving/needlepoint logic Links: Instagram: katarina_orolinova_art Intro music is Below Horizon by Luwaks via Epidemic Sound. About NeedleXChange An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers. Support on Patreon Join the Green Room for weekly aftershows, monthly Q&As, and searchable transcripts. Become an Executive Producer to join quarterly roundtables and shape the show's future. patreon.com/c/xstitch/membership Stay Connected needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com Social: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

    38 min
  3. Charlie Reeder - Stitchsperational Part 2 [NX129]

    FEB 23

    Charlie Reeder - Stitchsperational Part 2 [NX129]

    In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Charlie Reeder aka Stitchsperation. Charlie is a cross stitch designer with an unashamedly joyful aesthetic. In this first part of our NeedleXChange, we talk imposter syndrome, naming the inner critic (“Brenda”), and how stitching can be a safe, meditative place to build confidence. Charlie shares ideas around stitched affirmations and repetition, plus the beginnings of Stitchsperation: bold typographic work, painted backgrounds, and designing what they couldn’t find. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:30 - Art vs craft vs design (and getting put in boxes) 00:05:33 - What Charlie actually likes: clean lines, bright colour, CMYK 00:10:20 - The “very Charlie” look (home, colour palette, recognisable style) 00:13:43 - Brand boundaries + the “teddy bear in an igloo” problem 00:17:30 - Losing the mojo, then finding it again (and managing overwhelm) 00:24:30 - Quick-fire culture picks: books, films/TV, music 00:35:20 - Plot twist: pole dancing is the other happy place 00:38:45 - Injury, depression, and realising what matters Links: Website: stitchsperation.com Instagram: stitchsperation Intro music is Easy Breezy by Boogie Wheel via Epidemic Sound. About NeedleXChange An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers. Support on Patreon Join the Green Room for weekly aftershows, monthly Q&As, and searchable transcripts. Become an Executive Producer to join quarterly roundtables and shape the show's future. patreon.com/c/xstitch/membership Stay Connected needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com Social: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

    37 min
  4. Charlie Reeder - Stitchsperational [NX128]

    FEB 16

    Charlie Reeder - Stitchsperational [NX128]

    In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Charlie Reeder aka Stitchsperation. Charlie is a cross stitch designer with an unashamedly joyful aesthetic. In this first part of our NeedleXChange, we talk imposter syndrome, naming the inner critic (“Brenda”), and how stitching can be a safe, meditative place to build confidence. Charlie shares ideas around stitched affirmations and repetition, plus the beginnings of Stitchsperation: bold typographic work, painted backgrounds, and designing what they couldn’t find. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:47 - Imposter syndrome and “Brenda” (naming the inner critic) 00:06:07 - Stitching affirmations (repetition as reprogramming) 00:10:28 - Back from Canada, broke, and making a Sweden wedding gift 00:12:00 - Painting the fabric, then stitching the words 00:14:42 - Aesthetic in one phrase: “Typographic bright shit?” 00:15:41 - Positivity without going “toxic” 00:17:25 - Cross stitch as TV-time sanity (not doom scrolling) Links: Website: stitchsperation.com Instagram: stitchsperation Intro music is Easy Breezy by Boogie Wheel via Epidemic Sound. About NeedleXChange An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers. Support on Patreon Join the Green Room for weekly aftershows, monthly Q&As, and searchable transcripts. Become an Executive Producer to join quarterly roundtables and shape the show's future. patreon.com/c/xstitch/membership Stay Connected needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com Social: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

    40 min
  5. Ruth O'Leary - Creating Icons Part 2 [NX127]

    FEB 9

    Ruth O'Leary - Creating Icons Part 2 [NX127]

    In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Ruth O'Leary. Ruth O'Leary is an award-winning embroiderer who’s been exploring AI image generation as a tool for design, iteration, and self-expression. In part two, we move from the big AI conversation into the grounded maker reality: how Ruth learned needlework, what the Embroiderers’ Guild taught her, and why community still matters even in an online world. Ruth also breaks down their process — using AI outputs as reference material, collaging and redrawing in Procreate, then translating it into applique and embroidery — plus a quick run through favourite sci‑fi and a brilliant family‑history curveball. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:30 - The Crafting Landscape: A Need for More Exposure 00:02:46 - Roots of Creativity: Personal Journeys in Needlework 00:04:47 - Community and Learning: The Value of Guilds 00:07:51 - Bridging Generations: Attracting Youth to Craft Guilds 00:11:07 - Digital vs. Physical: The Evolution of Craft Communities 00:12:58 - Exploring Techniques: The Art of Stitching 00:14:32 - Cultural Reflections: The Influence of Music and Film 00:25:12 - Heritage and Legacy: Stitching Poetry into Art Links: Website: rostara.co.uk Instagram: rostara.handmade Intro music is Far Enough by Shiver Disk via Epidemic Sound. About NeedleXChange An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers. Support on Patreon Join the Green Room for weekly aftershows, monthly Q&As, and searchable transcripts. Become an Executive Producer to join quarterly roundtables and shape the show's future. patreon.com/c/xstitch/membership Stay Connected needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com Social: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

    26 min
  6. Ruth O'Leary - Creating Icons [NX126]

    FEB 2

    Ruth O'Leary - Creating Icons [NX126]

    In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Ruth O'Leary. Ruth O'Leary is an award-winning embroiderer who’s been exploring AI image generation as a tool for design, iteration, and self-expression. We talk about AI as a “new medium” (and the early chaotic phase of it), parallels with the Jacquard loom and past industrial shifts, the difference between screen-based fakery and physical needlework, and how Ruth uses AI outputs as reference material that gets reimagined through applique + embroidery to speed up making without losing what Ruth loves about stitching. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:30 - Exploring AI Art and Personal Journey 00:04:20 - The Evolution of Artistic Expression through AI 00:07:03 - The Unexpected Outcomes of AI in Art 00:12:46 - The Impact of Technology on Traditional Crafts 00:15:35 - Navigating the Challenges of AI and Authenticity 00:18:34 - The Balance of Speed and Craftsmanship in Art 00:22:17 - The Role of AI in Realizing Artistic Visions 00:25:07 - The Process of Creation and Inspiration Links: Website: rostara.co.uk Instagram: rostara.handmade Intro music is Far Enough by Shiver Disk 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: mrxstitchInstagram: mrxstitchPinterest: mrxstitchYouTube: mrxstitchLinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers

    33 min
  7. Robert John Hodge - Renaissance 2.0 Part 2 [NX125]

    JAN 26

    Robert John Hodge - Renaissance 2.0 Part 2 [NX125]

    In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Robert John Hodge. Robert John Hodge makes cross-stitch work based on Renaissance sculptures, using a CMYK / screenprint-style layering approach and recurring Wingdings symbols. In this half we jump into Robert’s newer series - smaller, quicker pieces that work like little stitched collages: videogames, screenshots, photos, culture… and, for reasons we absolutely get into, a whole run of nuclear weapons tests. Part 2 is where we widen out into the stuff that feeds the work: horror films from the 70s and 80s, documentaries that stitch history into a continuum, Kate Bush and Wagner, and even T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land as a kind of cultural collage blueprint. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:30 – Cross stitch as a serious art medium 00:05:44 – Challenging the “serious art” prejudice 00:07:50 – Balancing making work and making money 00:09:02 – Art-world reality: logistics + day job 00:11:22 – Film influences + nostalgia threads 00:18:16 – A wide media diet (and why it matters) 00:24:53 – Literary influences: T.S. Eliot and collage thinking 00:26:52 – Looping + obsession as the creative engine Links: Website: robertjohnhodge.com Instagram: robertjohnhodge Intro music is Cotton Candy by Cospe 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'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: mrxstitchInstagram: mrxstitchPinterest: mrxstitchYouTube: mrxstitchLinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers

    38 min
  8. Robert John Hodge - Renaissance 2.0 [NX124]

    JAN 19

    Robert John Hodge - Renaissance 2.0 [NX124]

    In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Robert John Hodge. Robert John Hodge makes cross-stitch work based on Renaissance sculptures, using a CMYK / screenprint-style layering approach and recurring Wingdings symbols. We talk about being a finalist in the Hand & Lock Embroidery Prize, how the work is technically constructed, and the bigger ideas underneath it: art vs craft, nostalgia, digital “glitch” language, and how slow, tactile making can transform images that started life as fast and disposable. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:10 – Hand & Lock finalist story + mentor + family cheer squad 00:03:56 – Renaissance sculpture → CMYK layers → Wingdings glitch 00:06:30 – Time-saving stitching: let the fabric do some work 00:09:27 – Hobby → medium (London limits shaping the practice) 00:11:58 – Art vs craft: embroidery as the point, not the punchline 00:14:36 – 90s Windows nostalgia: Wingdings, WordArt energy 00:17:19 – Making patterns: first self-draft + tools/workflow 00:20:01 – Scale, time, and the realities of big stitch work 00:26:30 – Inputs and influences feeding the work 00:30:28 – Process evolution: designing for a “digital” feel 00:36:40 – New “collage” series: smaller, quicker stitched mashups Links: Website: robertjohnhodge.com Instagram: robertjohnhodge Intro music is Cotton Candy by Cospe via Epidemic Sound. About NeedleXChange An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers. Support on Patreon Join the Green Room for weekly aftershows, monthly Q&As, and searchable transcripts. Become an Executive Producer to join quarterly roundtables and shape the show's future. patreon.com/c/xstitch/membership Stay Connected needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com Social: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

    39 min
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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. 🎧 Members get the ad-free feed + monthly Q&A + the AfterShow segment appended to Part 2. Join the Green Room: patreon.com/xstitch

Information

  • Creator
    Jamie Chalmers
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    131
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jamie Chalmers
  • Show Website
    NeedleXChange

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