NeedleXChange

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

Jamie “Mr X Stitch” Chalmers talks with contemporary embroidery, cross stitch, textile art, and mixed media art creators about how they design their work, build sustainable creative businesses, and stay inspired with a needle and thread. NeedleXChange shares in‑depth conversations with fiber artists, stitchers, and makers so you can discover new techniques, creative journeys, and the modern needlework scene.

  1. Charlotte Woods - Beauty in Ugliness Part 2 [NX139]

    4H AGO

    Charlotte Woods - Beauty in Ugliness Part 2 [NX139]

    In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Charlotte Wood, a mixed media artist known for exploring the beauty in ugliness through character-led, emotionally resonant work. Charlotte trained through an MA in embroidery and works across hand, machine, and sculptural textile approaches - with a deep curiosity for how craft and experimentation collide. We go deep on her making: learning the rules before breaking them, moving from perfectionism towards controlled chaos, what commercial embroidery taught her about speed and being “less precious”, and how her technician/teaching role (plus special effects + foam fabrication skills) are shaping what she wants to build next. Links: Instagram: woodsembroidery Website: woodsembroidery.weebly.com Intro music is Ever So Blue by Hearth via Epidemic Sound. About NeedleXChange An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers. Stay Connected needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com Social: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

    1h 2m
  2. Charlotte Woods - Beauty in Ugliness [NX138]

    APR 27

    Charlotte Woods - Beauty in Ugliness [NX138]

    In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Charlotte Wood, a mixed media artist known for exploring the beauty in ugliness through character-led, emotionally resonant work. Charlotte’s recent practice includes a standout 3D textile sculpture, “the man on the chair”, alongside layered narrative pieces where colour, form, and surface stitch carry memory and mood. We talk about her Hand & Lock journey, how she uses characters to hold sadness and introspection without losing joy, and the Leonard Cohen influence behind the work — plus how ideas like object constancy and “finding balance” show up in what she makes. Links: Instagram: woodsembroidery Website: woodsembroidery.weebly.com Intro music is Ever So Blue by Hearth via Epidemic Sound. About NeedleXChange An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers. Stay Connected needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com Social: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

    30 min
  3. Robert Ossant & Jessica Pile - The Art of Couture Embroidery Part 2 [NX137]

    APR 20

    Robert Ossant & Jessica Pile - The Art of Couture Embroidery Part 2 [NX137]

    In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Jessica Pile and Robert Ossant. Jessica Pile and Robert Ossant are researchers and authors focused on couture embroidery, combining technical analysis with historical and creative context to better understand how and why these works are made. In this second half of the conversation, we move beyond the garments themselves into the wider landscape of fashion. Topics include the economics of clothing, sustainability, and the tension between high fashion and everyday wear. The discussion also turns to education, skill development, and the personal journeys that led Jessica and Robert into embroidery and fashion history, offering insight into what it takes to build a creative career in this field. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:01:15 - Historical Influences: Icons of Fashion 00:06:06 - The Business of Fashion: Balancing Art and Commerce 00:12:03 - Personal Journeys: From Passion to Profession 00:25:43 - Exploring Emotional Literature 00:27:42 - Musical Favorites and Nostalgia 00:30:20 - Cinematic Classics and Personal Connections 00:32:40 - Parenting and Children's Entertainment 00:39:06 - Unexpected Insights and Future Projects Links: Instagram: houseofossant & jessicajane_pile Intro music is Lost Lover Undercover by Ryan James Carr via Epidemic Sound. About NeedleXChange An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers. Stay Connected needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com Social: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

    38 min
  4. Robert Ossant & Jessica Pile - The Art of Couture Embroidery [NX136]

    APR 13

    Robert Ossant & Jessica Pile - The Art of Couture Embroidery [NX136]

    In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Jessica Pile and Robert Ossant. Jessica Pile and Robert Ossant are researchers and authors focused on couture embroidery, combining technical analysis with historical and creative context to better understand how and why these works are made. In this conversation, we explore their approach to breaking down couture garments - examining not just the stitches, but the ideas behind them. The discussion moves through fashion history, the role of inspiration versus technique, and how couture functions as both a creative laboratory and a cultural statement. Along the way, we consider the relationship between fashion and art, and how embroidery sits at the centre of that dialogue. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:01:15 - Introduction to Fashion Embroidery 00:02:31 - Overview of the Book's Purpose 00:04:19 - Deep Dives into Designers 00:09:36 - Selecting Designers for the Book 00:11:18 - Gaining Respect for Italian Designers 00:19:17 - Inspiration vs. Intimidation in Embroidery 00:27:16 - The Disconnect Between Runway and Reality 00:35:10 - Economic Disparities in Fashion 00:37:02 - The Art of Fashion: A Complex Relationship 00:38:25 - Sustainability in Couture: A New Era Links: Instagram: houseofossant & jessicajane_pile Intro music is Lost Lover Undercover by Ryan James Carr via Epidemic Sound. About NeedleXChange An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers. Stay Connected needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com Social: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

    44 min
  5. Helen Adams - Textile Curator Part 2 [NX135]

    APR 6

    Helen Adams - Textile Curator Part 2 [NX135]

    In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Helen Adams. Helen is the Textile Curator who has been shining a light on contemporary textile art on her terrific blog since 2014. Her fantastic book, Textile Fine Art was published in September 2025. In this second part of our XChange, Helen shares how she became the Textile Curator. We talk about starting a website to “wake up the world”, what it’s like building something as a team of one, and the practical realities of monetising a niche platform. We also get into why social media can feel like finding “your little tribe”, and we finish with Helen's cultural touchpoints. Helen is curating a show at Saatchi Gallery! Textile Art Redefined runs from April 10th - May 10th which is a must-see if you're in the vicinity. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:01:30 - Navigating social media for artists and curators 00:10:20 - The future of textile art and building a legacy in communities 00:15:20 - Helen's upcoming exhibitions and festival plans 00:19:50 - The role of mentorship in the textile art community 00:24:20 - Exploring innovative textile techniques and materials 00:29:35 - Engaging with textile art enthusiasts 00:36:05 - Helen's advice for aspiring textile artists Links: Instagram: textilecurator Website: textilecurator.com You can get a 20% discount on Helen's book with free shipping from the Lawrence King website until April 9th using the code MRXSTITCH at checkout. Intro music is U Dirty Dawg by Def Lev via Epidemic Sound. About NeedleXChange An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers. Stay Connected needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com Social: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

    54 min
  6. Helen Adams - Textile Curator [NX134]

    MAR 30

    Helen Adams - Textile Curator [NX134]

    In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Helen Adams. Helen is the Textile Curator who has been shining a light on contemporary textile art on her terrific blog since 2014. Her fantastic book, Textile Fine Art was published in September 2025. In this first part of our chat we talk about making a textile art book that lasts longer than algorithms, how you choose artists when everyone is good, and what kinds of work genuinely “buzz your buttons”. We also get into exhibitions and the pressure of doing textile art justice in major spaces, including Saatchi, plus the practical logistics of hanging work properly. Helen is curating a show at Saatchi Gallery! Textile Art Redefined runs from April 10th - May 10th which is a must-see if you're in the vicinity. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:03:40 - Helen’s career shift from fashion to textile curation 00:05:45 - The inspiration behind her publication and showcasing textile artists 00:08:06 - Curating at Saatchi Art: the process and challenges 00:13:41 - The importance of art galleries and Helen's vision for a textile hub 00:17:45 - The recognition of textile art in the mainstream art scene 00:21:50 - Challenges of managing art spaces and exhibition logistics 00:25:46 - The significance of personal relationships with artists 00:30:05 - The creative process and inspiration behind textile projects Links: Instagram: textilecurator Website: textilecurator.com You can get a 20% discount on Helen's book with free shipping from the Lawrence King website until April 9th using the code MRXSTITCH at checkout. Intro music is U Dirty Dawg by Def Lev via Epidemic Sound. About NeedleXChange An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers. Stay Connected needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com Social: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

    33 min
  7. Iskren Lozanov - Fashioning Future Folklore Part 2 [NX133]

    MAR 23

    Iskren Lozanov - Fashioning Future Folklore Part 2 [NX133]

    In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Iskren Lozanov. Iskren Lozanov is an embroidery artist living in Ibiza, originally from Bulgaria. He came third in the 3d Textiles category of The 2025 Mr X Stitch Contemporary Needlework Prize and 2nd in the Open Textile Art category in the 2024 Hand & Lock Prize. We pick up with what’s next for Iskren Lozanov’s practice, including using everyday objects, collaboration hopes, and how this technique can be applied to almost anything. We also get practical about making a living, brand work vs artwork, staying well, and end on favourites plus a brilliant Spice Girls fact. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:01:20 - Future directions: exploring everyday objects and collaborations 00:03:05 - The freedom found in upcycling and working with found objects 00:06:59 - Balancing slow fashion and original art 00:09:34 - Sharing favorite books and cultural influences 00:13:56 - Music’s role in Lozanov’s creative process 00:17:22 - Favorite films and how storytelling influences his art 00:18:36 - Bulgarian folklore, fairy tales, and cultural motifs 00:19:22 - The acceptance of men in embroidery and needlework communities 00:21:24 - A fact that not a lot of people know about Iskren Lozanov Links: Instagram: iskrenlozano Website: iskrenlozanov.com Intro music is Cyber Bazaar by HATAMITSUNAMI 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

    27 min
  8. Iskren Lozanov - Fashioning Future Folklore [NX132]

    MAR 16

    Iskren Lozanov - Fashioning Future Folklore [NX132]

    In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Iskren Lozanov. Iskren Lozanov is an embroidery artist living in Ibiza, originally from Bulgaria. He came third in the 3d Textiles category of The 2025 Mr X Stitch Contemporary Needlework Prize and 2nd in the Open Textile Art category in the 2024 Hand & Lock Prize. We talk about language and identity, Ibiza as a place to make work, and how Iskren Lozanov’s practice moved from fashion into embroidery and sculptural pieces like “Rebirth” and “Veil of Transcendence”, including the research, planning, and labour behind them. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:01:20 - Growing up in Bulgaria and cultural influences 00:05:42 - Moving to Ibiza and what draws him to the island 00:08:56 - Lozanov’s artistic journey from fashion to sculpture and embroidery 00:11:55 - Primitiveness and beauty in Lozanov’s work, blending ancient symbols with contemporary techniques 00:18:27 - The 'Veil of Transcendence' and exploring cultural afterlife symbols 00:23:05 - His experience in art competitions and building confidence 00:24:59 - Navigating social media and creating sustainable art practices 00:34:26 - The impact of learning and personal beliefs on his views of the afterlife 00:37:46 - Techniques inspired by Orthodox and Catholic iconography Links: Instagram: iskrenlozano Website: iskrenlozanov.com Intro music is Cyber Bazaar by HATAMITSUNAMI 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
See All (139)

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Jamie “Mr X Stitch” Chalmers talks with contemporary embroidery, cross stitch, textile art, and mixed media art creators about how they design their work, build sustainable creative businesses, and stay inspired with a needle and thread. NeedleXChange shares in‑depth conversations with fiber artists, stitchers, and makers so you can discover new techniques, creative journeys, and the modern needlework scene.

Information

  • Creator
    Jamie Chalmers
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    139
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jamie Chalmers
  • Show Website
    NeedleXChange

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