Stitch Talk
By Mindful Stitching Company
Stitch TalkOct 29, 2020
Spring Stitching...and a life update!
It's all being a bit quiet around here and I have no excuse other than that I've been at Disneyland! But here I am, back in your ears, to bring you the joys of Spring Stitching, drool over some patterns I can no longer afford and generally fill you on all the goings on my end!
Thanks for joining, you are all awesome!
Making Time to Stitch
In this episode I am talking all about making time to stitch!
From hints and tips for finding little pockets of the time to making the most of the cross stitch communities out there - this episode is packed with ideas to make more time for stitching in your life!
Motivational Tips for Tackling WIPs and UFOs
We all have them. Those pesky unfinished projects (UFOs) and Works-in-Progress that we never quite get around to actually working on.
Today I'm sharing some top tips for getting motivated and tackling those unfinished projects - from bribery to breaking it down into bitesize chunks, these are all the ways I'm motivating myself to tackle those WIPs this year!
Making Creativity a Habit
If you are a creative person then you will know how important making space for creativity is in your life. Today I'm talking about a three step process to flex those creative muscles daily - collect, collate and create!
Perhaps you have a project that you are working on and you need some inspiration, or perhaps you just want to create with no goal except your own satisfaction. Either way, today's episode is for you!
Stitching Goals
It's a brand new year and a brilliant time to think about your stitching goals for 2024!
In this episode I lead you through a plan for reviewing your past year and looking ahead to everything you would like to achieve in 2024. From growing your skills to tackling your WIP piles, let's make a plan to tackle it all this year!
I'd love to hear what your stitching goals are for 2024, drop me a message on Instagram and let me know!
A Very Merry Stitchmas!
Welcome to this thoroughly daft episode of Stitch Talk to celebrate the festive season - get ready for the Great Cross Stitch Quiz of 2023 and a lovely stitchy festive sing-a-long!
Stitching Stuff for your Christmas Wish List
Does anyone else draw a complete blank when someone asks you what you want for Christmas?!
If so then this episode is for you! I've come up with a whole range of stitching items you can add to your wish list (that even non-stitchers will understand!) plus lots of 'stitching adjacent' ideas for your best Christmas ever!
See you on the next episode for A Very Merry Stitchmas! I can't wait!
Sewing Basics for Finishing Off Your Projects
Following on from my last episode on Cross Stitch items to make, today I am sharing the supplies to gather and sewing skills to master to be able to make whatever you like with your finished projects.
I will be sharing my sewing essentials to add to your sewing basket plus my tips on when and if you should get a sewing machine. I also share some hand sewing stitches to master and a simple approach for making a cushion from your finished cross stitch piece.
Some items mentioned in the episode
50 Cross Stitch Items to Make
Are your drawers overflowing with finished cross stitch makes? Here's so much needed inspiration for what to do with all those lovingly stitched projects.
From homewares to fashion, I've got you covered with these 50 ideas for cross stitch items to make! ENJOY!
Let's Get Festive!
In the Cross Stitching World festive stitching begins early, so much so that you can feel like you've missed the boat if you are only thinking about it now!
But there is still plenty of time to enjoy and stitch for the festive season and today I am sharing some tips for a cosy and creative winter season.
Here's a few of the people I recommend checking out in this episode:
Durene Jones (a bonus one I didn't mention but such lovely designs!)
Starting an Etsy Shop
Have you ever thought of starting an Etsy shop to sell Cross Stitch patterns but have no idea how to start? Or perhaps you are curious about the behind the scenes of running an online patterns business?
In this bonus episode I share why I think it is worth considering starting up a little pattern business and give you all the practical details of how to start you own Etsy shop.
If you have any questions following this episode then do feel free to drop me a DM on Instagram!
Heirloom Stitching
There are times when a special project is called for - perhaps something major has happened in your life or you simply want to make some beautiful seasonal items.
Whatever the reason stitching and finishing these special, heirloom items has its own special requirements - and I'm talking about all of these in today's episode!
I'll be talking about the kind of heirloom items you might take on, tips for a successful heirloom stitching project and sharing some of my favourite heirloom stitching projects over the years.
Enjoy and thanks so much for listening!
Halloween Stitching Round up 2023
Welcome Spooky Stitchers! Halloween is such a great time to make some gorgeous decorations or just a little nod to the season through your stitching!
As well as sharing some great patterns to inspire you and some spooky needleminders to add to your collection, I also share some tips for stitching on Black aida - an essential skill for many of the lovely Halloween patterns out there!
Here's a list of the patterns I mention in this episode, if you'd like to take a look for yourself!
Beelori Designs - The Quilted Witch (available as both a quilt and cross stitch pattern!)
Priscilla Blain - Withces Brew Coffee Co
Cuppa Cross Stitch - Books are uniquely portable Magic
Crafts to try if you love Cross Stitch
Of course we are all massive fans of cross stitch here but there are times when we might like to try our hand at something different!
I love to try a new craft and today I am sharing three to try that give you that same happy and relaxed feel that Cross Stitch gives.
I'd love to hear if you love any of these crafts too, or what your other favourites are too - let's spread the crafting love!
Autumn Stitching
For me Autumn is the ultimate stitching season! I love to get cosy with a new project and a cup of tea, what bliss!
In today's episode I'll be talking all things autumn stitching as well as sharing a round up of all my favourite autumn/fall patterns out there right now.
By the end of the episode you'll be bursting with inspiration for your best autumn of stitching yet!
Here are the recommendations I make in the podcast today:
Creating your Dream Stitching Space
Whatever your space and whatever your budget, a dream stitching space is a possibility for all of us. Join me as I share a run down of my stitching spaces through the years and share my fundamentals for creating a beautiful and unique sewing space.
Thanks so much for joining and being part of the Stitch Talk Family!
Stitching Round Up - My Favourite Things
In the first of this month's bonus episodes I am sharing some of my favourite things right now in the world of cross stitch. Here are the links for everything I share in the episode -
Satsuma Street - https://satsumastreet.com/
The Geeky Stitching Company -https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GeekyStitchingCo
Caterpillar Cross Stitch - https://www.caterpillarcrossstitch.com
Bobo Stitch - https://bobostitch.co.uk/
Stitch People - https://stitchpeople.com/
Clouds Factory - https://cloudsfactory.net/
Riverdrift Needlework - https://riverdriftneedlework.com/
Cross Stitcher Magazine - https://www.hobbies-and-crafts.co.uk/information/welcome-to-crossstitcher
And don't forget to come see me over on Insta to recommend your favourite things! - https://www.instagram.com/mindfulstitchingco/
Thrifty and Eco Stitching
We all like to make good use of the beautiful cross stitch items we have collected. In today's episode I am sharing some of my top tips for making the most of your fabric and threads, how to source items secondhand and how to finish your cross stitch items in a budget friendly way.
Here are the details for Stitch Talk Club launching with the first bonus episode of Stitch Talk very soon! https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mindful-stitching-company/subscribe
It's so good to be back, thanks for listening!
Episode 15 - 'Tis the Season to Get Stitching
.....fa la la la la la la la! Welcome to this months episode of Stitch Talk where I talk about my favourite kind of stitching, Christmas Stitching! I'll be talking about what makes stitching at this time of year so special and how you can make the most of it in the next month.
I'll then be talking about New Year Stitching and what makes this such a great time of year to take stock and plan your stitching for the year ahead.
I hope you love it, it's so good to be back!
To check out The Cross Stitcher's Year - Planner and Diary visit my Etsy store here.
Episode 14 - Designing Your Own Cross Stitch Patterns
This month we tackle one of my favourite subjects - Designing your own Cross Stitch Patterns! My top tips cover everything from getting started with design to how to go from sketch to pattern.
The Design Your Own Cross Stitch Patterns Course is currently on Sale with $10 off. Get it here: https://www.mindfulstitchingcompany.com/design-your-own-cross-stitch-patterns-course.html
To see the Stitch Talk Patreon Feed visit: https://www.patreon.com/stitchtalkpodcast
Episode 13 - Getting Started with Embroidery with Jenny Blair
Welcome to this month's episode of Stitch Talk! This month I am speaking with the lovely Jenny Blair - artist, creator and embroidery kit designer! Jenny shares her top tips for starting out in embroidery as well as a whole host of fascinating thoughts around living a creative life and finding inspiration all around you. You can check out Jenny's gorgeous kits here
To celebrate the podcast's first birthday I have also launched a brand new Patreon account! More Podcast! Hooray! Over on Patreon you can support the podcast and also get access to bonus behind-the-scenes episodes and my creativity mini series.
See you next month for more stitchy fun!
Nicola
Episode 12 - Travelling with Cross Stitch
I love stitching when I'm on holiday and I love displaying projects I have stitched while away that remind me of my travels. In today's episode I talk all about choosing the perfect project for holidays, how to pack up your project safely (and avoid the dreaded shampoo explosion!) plus taking holiday stitching as it comes so that you really enjoy it.
Support the Podcast by buying your travel stitching supplies from Love Crafts using our affiliate link - https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/?utm_medium=affiliate&a_aid=0a95f3a1
Episode 11 - Cross Stitch Fabrics with Claire Brown X Stitch
Welcome to this month's episode of Stitch Talk! This month I spoke with Claire Brown from Claire Brown X Stitch all about her beautiful printed cross stitch fabrics. We also delved into how to keep your creativity fresh in our comparison culture, how to find your own distinctive design style and, above all, how to keep stitching fun!
See Claire's lovely fabrics here - https://clairebrownxstitch.com/
Today's Sponsor is Love Crafts. When you shop with Love Crafts using this link https://www.lovecrafts.com?utm_medium=affiliate&a_aid=0a95f3a1 the podcast receives a small commission which allows me to keep bringing you all this lovely stitchy content every month. Thanks so much for using the link!
Episode 10 - Needlepoint with Emma from The Makers Marks
Welcome to this month's episode of Stitch Talk! This month we are exploring the wonderful world of Needlepoint with designer and crafter Emma from the Makers Marks. Emma shares her creative journey (and love of 80s style!), her journey to starting her business and all that inspires her about the stitching world.
Find Emma here: https://www.instagram.com/themakersmarks/ and here https://www.themakersmarks.co.uk/
This month's episode is Sponsored by Love Crafts. When you shop with the following link the podcast will receive a commission at no extra cost to you which helps to keep the show going. Thanks so much for using our link and supporting future episodes!
https://www.lovecrafts.com?utm_medium=affiliate&a_aid=0a95f3a1
Episode 9 - Storage and Organisation
We love stitching, and we also love stitching supplies but what to do with them all? This month I share my top tips on how to manage your threads, fabric and other lovely stitching stuff in a way that keeps them accessible and organised. Well....most of the time!
Visit my website for today's show notes with all the links you will need to all the storage solutions I mention in the episode and some pictures of my own space - https://www.mindfulstitchingcompany.com/blog/stitch-talk-episode-9-storage-and-organisation
Our sponsors today are
Stitched with Love (by Us) - https://www.stitched-with-love.co.uk/ use code MINDFUL10 for 10% off
Jem's Stitchery - @jemsstitchery https://andsotoshop.com/collections/jems-stitchery use code MSCPODCAST for 5% off
Episode 8 - Hannah from Bobo Stitch
Welcome to the February episode of Stitch Talk! Did anyone else blink and miss this month?! I have managed to get in a bit of stitching though and this month I share about my love of seasonal stitching followed by an interview with Hannah Sturrock from Bobo Stitch that is full of fun, laughter and cross stitch love! We talk about making heirloom cross stitch items, why cross stitch should be feel-good and the great joy of getting out there and meeting fellow stitchers.
You can check out Bobo Stitch here: https://bobostitch.co.uk/
You can find out more about my Design Your Own Cross Stitch Patterns Course here: https://www.mindfulstitchingcompany.com/design-your-own-cross-stitch-patterns-course.html
See you next month!
Episode 7 - Sew Sophie Crafts and the Cross Stitch Creatives
Welcome to this months episode where I speak to Sophie from Sew Sophie Crafts all about her stitching journey and her brand new project, the Cross Stitch Creatives! We talk about the problems of finding wall space for your many stitching projects, our love of the stitching community and how Sophie comes up with all her fabulous designs.
Check out Sophie here: https://www.sewsophiecrafts.co.uk/
And check out the Cross Stitch Creatives on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossstitchcreatives/
Many thanks to today's sponsor the Spinneyfield Stitchery. Get your January New Beginnings Mystery Themed box full of stitching goodies here: https://andsotoshop.com/products/themed-cross-stitch-mystery-box
To check out my latest card designs visit: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MindfulStitchingCo
Episode 6 - 2021 Stitching Goals
Today on Stitch Talk I am going solo to talk about looking back at 2020, and all you have achieved in your stitching, and looking forward to 2021! I talk goals, ideas for challenges and how to take you stitching to the next level in the coming year!
Our Sponsors today are
Claire Brown XStitch - https://clairebrownxstitch.com/ use the code STITCHTALK for 10% off until the end of the year.
The Design Your Own Cross Stitch Patterns Course which is now on sale at a massive 25% off until 2nd January. The discount is already applied, and the course is now available for just $36! https://www.mindfulstitchingcompany.com/design-your-own-cross-stitch-patterns-course.html
Episode 5 - Rachel from Fuzzy Fox Designs
Welcome to this month's episode of Stitch Talk where I talk to Cross Stitch Designer Rachel James of Fuzzy Fox Designs!
Check out all Rachels' Designs here https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/FuzzyFoxDesigns
Early in the episode I mentioned the Clouds Factory Epic Storybook Princesses https://cloudsfactory.net/catalogsearch/result/?q=Epic+storybook+princess
And my Satsuma Street Christmas Stocking which is here https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/878971125/sky-high-santa-satsuma-street-cross?ref=shop_home_feat_4&bes=1
Our Sponsors today are:
Claire Brown X Stitch - https://clairebrownxstitch.com/ use the code STITCHTALK to get 10% off
And the Spinneyfield Stithery - visit https://andsotoshop.com/collections/the-spinneyfield-stitchery to check out the Winter Themed Mystery Boxes!
Episode 4 - Sally from Caterpillar Cross Stitch
Today I catch up with Sally from Caterpillar Cross Stitch whose designs I'm sure you all know and love! Sally and I talk about where her love of all things art and design began, how Caterpillar Cross Stitch grew into the successful business it is today and some plans she has up her sleeve! You can find out more about Caterpillar Cross Stitch and see their gorgeous designs here: https://www.caterpillarcrossstitch.com/
Today's Sponsors are:
Claire Brown X Stitch - https://clairebrownxstitch.com/ use the code STITCHTALK for 10% off
The Spinneyfield Stitchery http://andsotoshop.com/products/themed-cross-stitch-mystery-box to grab one of Harriet's exclusive and very last few remaining winter themed boxes!
Episode 3 - Hannah from Hannah Hand Makes
Welcome to this episode of Stitch Talk where I speak with the lovely Hannah from Hannah Hand Makes! Hannah produces a whole range of beautiful cross stitch designs and kits aimed at beginners to cross stitch as well as hosting regular Stitch-a-longs. Hannah is also the host of The Cross Stitch Podcast.
You can find all the details of Hannah's projects and how to connect with her here - https://hannahhandmakes.com/
Our Sponsors today are:
The Stitching Den https://www.thestitchingden.co.uk/ use the code mindful15 for 15% off across their site
Claire Brown XStitch https://clairebrownxstitch.com/ use the code STITCHTALK for 10% off
If you are interested in the Sampler I am currently stitching then visit https://riverdriftneedlework.com/
For more details of my Cross Stitch Design course visit https://www.mindfulstitchingcompany.com/
Episode 2 - Jennifer from Trouvaille Stitch Kits
This month I am catching up with Jennifer from Trouvaille Stitch Kits finding out all about her fabulous seaside inspired designs, how she gets her inspiration and where her love of cross stitch came from. I had so much fun recording this so I hope you have just as much fun hearing us chat and laugh about cross stitch life!
You can find Jennifer on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/trouvaillestitchkits/ and on Etsy here https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TrouvailleStitchKits
Welcome to Stitch Talk!
Welcome to Stitch Talk, a place where we talk all things cross stitch till our hearts are content! In this episode I introduce what you can expect from the Podcast and give a little bit of intro about me and my stitching story. I'll be waxing lyrical on the five things I love about cross stitch, expect thread talk, pattern love and the sheer joy of stitching. Thanks so much for joining me!