Advertise on podcast: NeedleXChange

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Haf Weighton, a Wales-based contemporary embroidery and textile artist known for turning place, memory and identity into stitch. This is part two, where we turn to Wales, starting with Arts Council support and moving into language, cultural identity and what it means to be an artist who happens to be Welsh. Haf reflects on bilingualism, creativity and belonging, then we get into the practical side of her work: painting on recycled fabric, hand and machine stitch, and a fine-art-led approach to making, before finishing with books, music, films and an unexpected David Bowie story. Links Instagram: HafweightonartistWebsite: hafweighton.artIntro music is New Car Smell by Baegel 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/NeedleXChangeNewsmrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Haf Weighton, a Wales-based contemporary embroidery and textile artist whose work is rooted in places, journeys and the details we usually walk past. We talk about the story behind her High Street exhibition, from Arts Council support to a last-minute route to New Zealand and Australia, and the way travel, memory and architecture feed into her work. Along the way we get into sketchbooks, unfinished work, borders, looking at familiar places through other people's eyes, and the part artists can play in bringing new energy to overlooked town centres. Links Instagram: HafweightonartistWebsite: hafweighton.artIntro music is New Car Smell by Baegel 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/NeedleXChangeNewsmrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com

In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Prisma Andrade, a Chicago-based fiber and textile artist and recent School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduate whose work turns her family's archive into material and asks what makes something sacred. Prisma builds her pieces from spinning, jacquard weaving, dye painting and quilting, treating process as a way to make everyday objects sacred. In Part 2 we trace her path from an arts-magnet high school in Dallas to SAIC, her move from painting into fiber, digital jacquard weaving with laser-cut dyed frames, dye painting and quilting that reads like stained glass, her earlier bodily work, and a quickfire on Sing Street and Magdalena Bay. Links: Instagram: prismacolorhell Intro music is New Car Smell by Baegel 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/NeedleXChangeNewsmrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com

In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Prisma Andrade, a Chicago-based fiber and textile artist and recent School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduate whose work turns her family's archive into material and asks what makes something sacred. Prisma recreates artworks and photographs from her family, past and present, using weaving, quilting and dye to disrupt the border between painting and textile. In Part 1 we get into sanctity and what becomes sacred, how framing tells us to pay attention, her family's migration between Honduras, Spain and the United States, nostalgia and inherited memory, the gender hierarchy inside the family archive, and why textiles are the things that survive the chopping block. Links: Instagram: prismacolorhell Intro music is New Car Smell by Baegel 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/NeedleXChangeNewsmrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com

This is Part 2 of my conversation with mixed-media artist Margot Peer. We open with her breakout piece, "Cross Stitch of Me Crying in My Bathroom When I Was 16," scaled up to a three-foot-by-four-foot, full-body stitching experience in yarn, and the accidental "glitch" of cascading threads that became part of her style. Margot talks candidly about what it means to sit and stitch your own crying face, the difference between documenting a real cry and performing one, and the low-resolution "loophole" that let a nude piece slip past Instagram. We also cover animating cross stitch (a six-month stitched video), glow-in-the-dark experiments, needlework's fraught status as fine art at RISD, and a quickfire run through Bladee, Jamie XX, Empire of AI and Where the Wild Things Are. Links: Website: margotpeer.com Instagram: margot.peer Intro music is New Car Smell by Baegel 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

In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Masey Kaplan, founder of the Loose Ends project, a global community that matches volunteer textile finishers with projects left unfinished by death, illness or disability. Masey launched Loose Ends with a friend after finishing a sweater for a grieving friend; four years on, nearly 40,000 finishers across 83 countries complete everything from quilts to woodworking and return it to the families. We get into the meditative pull of handwork, kindness between strangers across every divide, the little stitch that marks where one crafter's hands stopped and another's began, and why Masey is building Loose Ends to outlive her. Links: Website: looseends.org Instagram: thelooseendsproject Intro music is New Car Smell by Baegel 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/NeedleXChangeNewsmrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com

In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Margot Peer, a mixed-media artist and Rhode Island School of Design painting major whose hyperrealistic cross-stitches turn deeply personal photographs into universally resonant images. In Part 1 we get into her love of glitches, malfunctions and failing technology, how painting became the "trunk" that everything else grows out of, and the first cross stitch that started it all (an Aphex Twin album cover). Margot explains why she treats each stitch pattern as its own language, why she feels like she is "cheating" with a pattern converter, and how a 1930s typewriter-art movement pulled her into breaking the grid. Links: Website: margotpeer.com Instagram: margot.peer Intro music is New Car Smell by Baegel 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

It's the school summer holidays and I'm taking a break. So instead of new chats, I'm replaying some of my old favourites! This is a repeat of episode #8. In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Meredith Woolnough. Meredith Woolnough is an Australian machine embroidery artist whose organic creations are instantly recognisable and simply stunning. Meredith’s art pieces are celebration of the beauty of nature and at the same time, a technical marvel. We talk about her passion for science and nature, the pleasure she gets from teaching, and how her work is much like darning. Timestamps: 00:00:15 - Start 00:03:30 - How her artistic journey began 00:07:15 - How Meredith’s technique is like darning 00:12:00 - Her involvement in scientific realms 00:21:00 - The 100 Embroideries Project 00:24:10 - How Meredith juggles art/life/children 00:27:00 - Meredith’s toolset 00:32:00 - Teaching embroidery online 00:42:00 - Favourite Band 00:43:00 - Favourite Podcast 00:45:30 - Favourite Film 00:46:15 - Favourite Book 00:48:00 - Interesting fact that no one knows about Meredith Woolnough Links: Website: meredithwoolnough.com.au Instagram: meredithwoolnough Intro music is Let's Go Find The Sun by Sarah the Illstrumentalist 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

It's the school summer holidays and I'm taking a break. So instead of new chats, I'm replaying some of my old favourites! This is a repeat of episode #64. In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Peter Frederiksen. Peter Frederiksen is a Chicago-based artist whose machine embroidered cartoon vignettes are filled with tension and dark humour. In this second part of our NeedleXChange we talk about the craft of old school animation, the joys of living in Chicago and why Peter's titles are in important part of his work. Oh, and he confesses a secret that you'll want to listen to the end for! If you like machine embroidery, then be sure to check out Julie Heaton's episode. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:00 - The Formulaic Nature of Cartoons 00:03:06 - Open-Ended Narratives in Art 00:05:09 - The Impact of Chicago on Artistic Expression 00:13:45 - The Importance of Titles in Art 00:20:03 - Reflections on Furniture and Emotional Spaces 00:24:45 - Peter’s Favourite Band 00:31:09 - Peter’s Favourite Films 00:37:46 - Literary Preferences and Influential Books 00:43:15 - A fact (or two) that not many people know about Peter Frederiksen Links: Website: pefrederiksen.com Instagram: pefrederiksen Intro music is 222 by Sarah the Illstrumentalist 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

It's the school summer holidays and I'm taking a break. So instead of new chats, I'm replaying some of my old favourites! This is a repeat of episode #63. In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Peter Frederiksen. Peter Frederiksen is a Chicago-based artist whose machine embroidered cartoon vignettes are filled with tension and dark humour. In this first part of our NeedleXChange we talk about how this particular combination of form and content has become Peter's signature style and how he shines a light on a culture we take for granted. If you like machine embroidery, then be sure to check out Julie Heaton's episode. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:00 - Exploring Motion and Action in Art 00:07:59 - The Evolution of Peter's Artistic Style 00:10:58 - The Journey into Stitching and Embroidery 00:13:58 - Early Experiences and Influences in Art 00:17:08 - The Shift to Machine Embroidery 00:19:55 - Themes of Violence and Nostalgia in Animation 00:34:34 - Exploring the Humour in Classic Cartoons 00:38:12 - The Evolution of Animation Styles Links: Website: pefrederiksen.com Instagram: pefrederiksen Intro music is 222 by Sarah the Illstrumentalist 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

It's the school summer holidays and I'm taking a break. So instead of new chats, I'm replaying some of my old favourites! This is a repeat of episode #87. In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Stephanie Kelly Clark. Stephanie is a contemporary embroidery artist whose work transforms humble homes and everyday moments into rich visual stories stitched with painterly precision. In this first part of our conversation, we explore her creative upbringing, the role of art in parenting, and her evolving relationship with embroidery as a medium. From homemade Halloween costumes to thread-based storytelling, Stephanie shares how her domestic life and artistic journey are deeply intertwined. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:08:30 – Exploring Storytelling Through Art 00:11:45 – The Journey into 3D Embroidery 00:15:43 – Nature as Inspiration: The Life Cycle in Art 00:20:02 – The Intersection of Art and Music 00:26:31 – Nostalgia and Personal Connections in Film 00:31:06 – Comedy: A Reflection of Life and Art 00:35:51 – The Challenge of Reading and Learning 00:37:49 – Unexpected Talents and Personal Stories Links: Website: stephaniekclark Instagram: artiststephaniekellyclark Intro music is Sunset by OTE 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

It's the school summer holidays and I'm taking a break. So instead of new chats, I'm replaying some of my old favourites! This is a repeat of episode #86. In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Stephanie Kelly Clark. Stephanie is a contemporary embroidery artist whose work transforms humble homes and everyday moments into rich visual stories stitched with painterly precision. In this first part of our conversation, we explore her creative upbringing, the role of art in parenting, and her evolving relationship with embroidery as a medium. From homemade Halloween costumes to thread-based storytelling, Stephanie shares how her domestic life and artistic journey are deeply intertwined. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:29 – Life as Art: Parenting and Creativity 00:10:25 – Artistic Process: From Painting to Embroidery 00:13:34 – The Evolution of an Artist: Finding One's Voice 00:16:18 – Contemporary Art vs. Craft: Defining the Medium 00:19:27 – Conceptualising Art: The Role of Medium in Storytelling 00:22:39 – The Journey of an Artist: Embracing Change and Growth 00:25:42 – Creating with Intention: The Importance of Composition Links: Website: stephaniekclark Instagram: artiststephaniekellyclark Intro music is Sunset by OTE 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

It's the school summer holidays and I'm taking a break. So instead of new chats, I'm replaying some of my old favourites! This is a repeat of episode #[]. In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Orly Cogan. Orly Cogan is a New York-based textile artist whose embroidered fabrics contain other-worldly images of modern concepts with a dream-like twist. In this second part of our NeedleXChange we discover Orly's creative process, how she explores power dynamics in her work, as well as her favourite music/podcasts/books and a heartfelt interesting fact. Come back next week an interview with a new artist and if you enjoy NeedleXChange, a review on your favourite podcast platform would be wonderful. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:39 Change in Artwork after Motherhood 00:09:15 Depicting Intimate Relationships in Art 00:13:01 Exploring Feminine Archetypes in Art 00:16:42 Orly Cogan's Creative Process 00:19:29 Experimentation with Different Mediums 00:22:09 Orly Cogan's Musical Preferences 00:23:44 Orly’s Favourite Podcasts and Listening Habits 00:27:09 Orly’s Dyslexia 00:30:41 The last good film Orly Cogan watched 00:41:18 An interesting fact that no one knows about Orly Cogan Links: Website: orlycogan.com Instagram: orlycogan Intro music is Her Name is Edith by OTE 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

It's the school summer holidays and I'm taking a break. So instead of new chats, I'm replaying some of my old favourites! This is a repeat of episode #33. In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Orly Cogan. Orly Cogan is a New York-based textile artist whose embroidered fabrics contain other-worldly images of modern concepts with a dream-like twist. In this first part of our NeedleXChange we find out how Orly came to needlework, how her work ties in with the modern art scene and we discover possibly the greatest parenting trick ever. Come back next week for the second part of our chat! Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:50 Control and Vulnerability in Art and Conversation 00:12:15 Notebooks, Sketchbooks, and Inspiration 00:14:20 The Greatest Parenting Trick Ever 00:18:40 Influences from Childhood and Transition to Fiber Art 00:24:00 Validation and Representation in the Art World Links: Website: orlycogan.com Instagram: orlycogan Intro music is Her Name is Edith by OTE 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

It's the school summer holidays and I'm taking a break. So instead of new chats, I'm replaying some of my old favourites! This is a repeat of episode #56. In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Diana Weymar. Diana Weymar is an embroidery artist and curator, and founder of the Tiny Pricks project, a collaborative needlework project that immortalises quotes from Donald Trump as a crowdsourced documentary of an unusual part of American history. Diana is the author of Crafting A Better World, a book focusing on collaborative craftivism which is a great addition to your craft library and one of the topics in this second part of our XChange!. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:45 - How Inspiration Strikes 00:09:17 - Navigating the Challenges of Social Media 00:23:45 - Crafting a Better World: How Diana’s Book Came To Be 00:35:45 - Lessons Learned From Making Her Book 00:39:01 - Craftivism as a Time Capsule: Care and Maintenance in Challenging Times 00:45:45 - Favourite Album/Book/Film 00:58:05 - An interesting fact that not a lot of people know about Diana Weymar Links: Website: tinypricksproject.com Instagram: tinypricksproject Intro music is Her Name Is Edith by OTE 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