How did you get into embroidery?

I was introduced to embroidery by a close friend a few summers ago, but I’ve been sewing for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid my grandma taught me how to sew on a machine and I was hooked! I’ve always had some sort of textile project in the works; making clothing, sewing bags, crocheting, or knitting. But I would jump around from hobby to hobby and nothing really stuck. When my friend Theresa invited me over to try embroidering on her porch two summers ago, I fell in love! I liked the freedom of embroidery and how I wasn’t limited by a pattern or needing to buy lots of expensive tools.

What are your favourite stitches and why?

For my thread paintings, I mostly use straight stitch (running stitch); boring, I know. It’s a really basic stitch, but I love how versatile it can be! Most of my work is created with a stumpwork base (several layers of felt used to build up the stitches from the fabric), and then I pile layers of straight stitch on on top of it. You can see this in the feathers of my birds. I also use satin stitch and French knots quite often. And turkey work is always a fun one, once I used it on a stumpwork bee to give it a furry look.

What stitches would you like to learn?

There are sooooo many stitches that I haven’t learned yet! I’d like to learn the cable chain stitch, it has such a nice texture. I’d also love to learn goldwork. Ever since seeing the work of Georgina Bellamy I’ve been dying to try it!

What other textiles would you like to explore?

I would really like to dive back into machine sewing. I just bought a few easy dress patterns to try out this summer. My father makes spacesuits for a living and when I was a kid I spent a lot of time watching him experiment and try out different pattern techniques for the best fit. I’m totally fascinated with the process and the practicality of clothing construction. I want to learn to be just a fraction of the seamster that he is!

What kinds of images or drawings do you like stitching and why?

I’m really drawn to natural patterns. Growing up in Maine on Mount Desert Island (home of Acadia National Park), I’m surrounded by the most incredible source material. The ocean is a huge inspiration to me, and anything you can find in the forest. I particularly like making birds; they have so much character and they’re a great challenge! On the opposite end of the spectrum, I really enjoy working with sequins and making rainbow patches. My first project with sequins was a back patch for my denim jacket that said “Anxious” with a rainbow swoosh underneath. I used the patch as a conversation starter to talk about my own mental health, and quickly found out that a lot of people in my life could relate! I decided to sell these patches and donate half the proceeds to Mental Health First Aid USA, a nonprofit that offers free training to adults and youths wanting to help people who are at risk or experiencing mental health crises. I’m really glad that I have this opportunity to give back a little with my art. Since then, I’ve had a lot of custom orders for sequin work, including two massive bridal patches, a patch that says “Resist”, heart patches, and a business logo.

Where do you buy your materials, thread and equipment from?

I buy my materials at whichever craft store is around, usually Michael’s. I always use DMC threads because I love how they shimmer and I’m terrified that other brands won’t be colourfast. Most of the fabric I buy is quilting scraps, since I don’t need that much for each project. As for sequins, I order them from Cartwright’s. After trying a few brands, they’re the best quality that I’ve seen so far.

How do feel about sharing your work on Instagram?

I love it!! The embroidery community on Instagram is so kind, encouraging, and supportive. At first I was worried that in such a niche business, the competition would be too fierce for any sort of community to exist. But I can’t even begin to express the amount of knowledge about running a small business I’ve learned from other stitchers on Instagram! I also think it’s a great platform to introduce embroidery to people who are unfamiliar with it. It’s nice to make a sale, but I think it’s more satisfying when I get a comment tagging someone and saying “you have to check this out, it’s so cool!”.

What other ways do you promote your work?

For the most part, my business has been online, using Instagram and Etsy to promote my work. Until very recently I was a college student (I just graduated with my Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance) and it was totally out of the picture to sell my work in person because I didn’t have time. A few weeks ago though, I participated in my first live show with RAW Artists in Queens, New York! I was super nervous to do a live show, but it was so fun talking to customers in person and seeing their reactions to my art. Totally worth it, and I’d love to do more live shows now that I’ve graduated!

I used to be a lot more worried about it than I am now. But I’ve become more confident in my skills and know that my style is unique enough that even if someone tried to copy my work, it wouldn’t be the same.

Who are three of your favourite embroidery artists to follow?

Just three?! First up is Shelly Georgopulos of Shelly_Sells_Lemonade, who I affectionately think of as my “stitch mom”. She’s given me so much fabulous advice and I look up to her a lot. Her political embroidery is incredible, and I love how she donates a portion of every sale to Planned Parenthood. Next up is Jessica Pambianco of LadyJaneLongStitches, maker of super realistic embroidered portraits and a fellow Mainer! Finally, I have to mention Kate Madeira, whose amazing embroideries remind me of little sarcastic diary entries, punctuated with sequins and beads. 

Lastly, what do you love about embroidery?

I’m very stubborn, so I love being able to make up my own designs and not have to follow a pattern! That being said, it doesn’t always come out perfect the first time… and I love how easy it is in embroidery to cut out stitches if you’ve made a mistake. I love how embroidery is super compact and it’s easy to carry a project in my bag (I store my current project in a tiny tin Curious George lunch box I found at Goodwill). But most of all, I love how accessible it is. It’s so easy to teach some pals the basic stitches and share the fun of embroidery! Some of my favorite stitching moments and ideas came about that way.

Follow Kiki on Instagram to see more of her work and if you’re interested in learning how to embroider join Embellished Talk’s workshop on Thursday 21 June here.