Episodes
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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 #45.
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Danielle Clough, aka Fiancé Knowles.
Danielle is an South African artist known for her vibrant and expressive embroidery work, characterised by bold colours, movement, and layering, creating a visual impact that evokes joy. She believes in the inherent goodness of people and the power of support and validation in fostering self-confidence.
This is the first part of our NeedleXChange and we discuss how Danielle became a stitcher, how she became a viral sensation and what it takes to be a commercial artist, among other things. Danielle is awesome and this is a great chat - you'll love it!
Timestamps:
0:01:52 Introduction and Seasonal Conversation
00:10:58 Discovering Cape Town and Embracing Nature
00:13:53 The Beginnings of Danielle's Embroidery Journey
00:24:59 From Fashion Design to Thread Sketching
00:27:52 The Humble Origins of Danielle's Embroidery
00:29:30 Fashion vs. Freedom of Creativity
00:36:58 Aligning Brand Ethos with Personal Values
00:45:40 Balancing Commercial Work and Personal Artistic Pursuits
Links:
Website: danielleclough.com
Instagram: fiance_knowles
Intro music is Rich People Dreaming by Siine & Superintendent McCupcakes 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
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In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Róisín Phelan, a contemporary embroidery and textile artist who has built her practice around punch needle.
Part 2 opens with practical punch needle wisdom (use the flat "wrong" side for detail, match your needle to your cloth, and keep the fabric taut), then gets into how she taught herself to embroider water and people, why she leans into a blocky, illustrative style rather than photorealism, and where her signature blue figures came from (it started with a single blue felt tip). We range across the books she rereads, music and comfort telly, an Irish Catholic upbringing and a love of mythology, the fun fact that she had a painting in the Tate before she could read, and a generous case for why craft is art and everyone can draw.
Links:
Instagram: roisin_art
Intro music is Heart & Soul by Roots and Recognition 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
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Róisín Phelan, a contemporary embroidery and textile artist who has built her practice around punch needle.
We start on common ground (a shared love of squared notebooks and to-do lists) before getting into how she creates the visual identity for the family brewery, the cafe, and the Colours coffee company, and how building a whole visual "world" means a new design comes together in an afternoon rather than a fortnight. Róisín talks candidly about being at home with her baby, why making art is how she looks after herself, and how craft lets her switch off and tune in at the same time. We close on the writing behind her images and the story of her seagull piece "It's Never the Lettuce."
Róisín is a lovely person whose practice keeps her grounded, and it was a pleasure to chat with her. Be sure to follow her on Instagram and tune back in next week for the second part of our NeedleXChange.
Links:
Instagram: roisin_art
Intro music is Heart & Soul by Roots and Recognition 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
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In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Sean Alistair, a Germany-based contemporary embroidery and textile art artist known for work that mixes beauty, chaos, identity and emotional honesty.
After the first chat, I realised I needed to ask Sean more directly about the work itself, so we spoke again. In this final part, we dig into Sean’s artistic practice: music as a way of naming and feeling the work, anti-war imagery, anger as creative fuel, why “pretty” can be the wrong read, how feedback can help or derail an artist, and how Sean is rebuilding a portfolio and a creative direction after a huge life shift.
Links:
Website: seanalistair.com
Instagram: sean.alistair
Intro music is Main Line (Instrumental Version) by Torii Wolf 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
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In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Sean Alistair, a Germany-based contemporary embroidery and textile art artist known for work that mixes beauty, chaos, identity and emotional honesty.
In this part, we move from the studio into parenthood. Sean talks about becoming a dad, the strange way men are praised for basic childcare, how having a baby interrupts and reshapes a creative life, and the difference between Sean Alistair the artist and Sean the dad. We also spin through Sean's cultural touchpoints, but the conversation was so good that I omitted to dig into Sean's artistic practice. So tune in next week for that part of the chat!
Links:
Website: seanalistair.com
Instagram: sean.alistair
Intro music is Main Line (Instrumental Version) by Torii Wolf 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
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In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Sean Alistair, a Germany-based contemporary embroidery and textile art artist known for work that mixes beauty, chaos, identity and emotional honesty.
In this first part we focus on Into the Wild, the exhibition Sean curated to build community rather than simply put work on walls. We talk about diversity without tokenism, what it means to be an outsider artist, labels like queer, bipolar and textile artist, and how Sean thinks about making, destroying and remaking work as part of the same creative life.
Links:
Website: seanalistair.com
Instagram: sean.alistair
Intro music is Main Line (Instrumental Version) by Torii Wolf 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
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In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Renan Estivan, a São Paulo-based contemporary embroidery and textile art artist known for queer tapestries that put the male body at their centre.
In this part we get into Maressia and Bataille's idea that the post-industrial body isn't allowed to rest, what slow work has taught Renan about his own queerness, why textile slips past the censors in ways photography doesn't, his current Marseille solo show L'Homme Renommé, and his cultural touchpoints.
Links:
Website: renanestivan.com
Instagram: renan.estivan
Intro music is Ordinary Love by Vicki Vox 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
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In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Renan Estivan, a São Paulo-based contemporary embroidery and textile art artist known for queer tapestries that put the male body at their centre.
In Part 1 we get into his mum's Arraíolos rugs and the embroidery tradition she passed on, choosing design at UNESP over art, how the pandemic in Salvador collided with a pixel-art drawing to spark his first erotic cross stitch, his shift onto the tufting gun, and the Brazilian tapestry lineage running from Kennedy Bahia and Tropicália through Leonilson.
Links:
Website: renanestivan.com
Instagram: renan.estivan
Intro music is Ordinary Love by Vicki Vox 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
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In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Shea Wilkinson, a contemporary embroidery and textile art artist known for switching mediums to protect their balance - and chasing the next beautiful pattern.
Shea talks candidly about quitting quilting “at the snap of a finger,” taking a two-year hiatus from art, and why felting became a healthier, slower practice - less addictive, less competition-driven, and more sustainable day to day.
We get into process and motivation (including using audiobooks to pull yourself into the studio), plus how parenthood sparked a new series idea: photographing soap bubbles up close as bifurcation/fractal landscapes. And yes - we end on sequins, shiny things, and the weirdly deep joy of sparkle.
Links:
Website: sheawilkinson.com
Intro music is Martyr by Nevin 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
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In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Shea Wilkinson, a contemporary embroidery and textile art artist known for turning big questions into fibre work - from the cosmic to the microscopic.
Shea’s practice moves between felt backgrounds, needle felting, hand embroidery, beading, and a research-led obsession with things like crystals, geometry, and the mystery of what we can’t quite explain.
Links:
Website: sheawilkinson.com
Intro music is Martyr by Nevin 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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![REPLAY: Danielle Clough - Making a Racket [NX045]](https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts126/v4/4f/d0/de/4fd0de4e-c960-941f-2845-fd318727c173/mza_6251500369339170372.jpeg/80x80bb.jpg)