It’s cold here in Newcastle, and already half the year has passed.
But with every year, I like to set some form of goal, something I need to strive for, and for 2025, it was simple: stitch 100 embroidered hoops.
There’s power in setting some form of intention at the beginning of a new year, and after my exhibition, Escape, I needed something to work on – something that would be uplifting and inspiring.
Why 100? Well, there were a few reasons. 100 is both a number and a journey. I’m only up to number 35, and I can already attest to that!
It was bold enough to be ambitious yet structured enough to be grounded. Plus, they were something that could be finished fairly quickly.
This self-made challenge has motivated me to explore the amazing world of embroidery to learn and understand my art practice more fully.
I don’t use complicated stitches. There’s no theme other than embroidery. The choice of colour is entirely subjective and instinctive. I’m always looking out for new ideas and different techniques to apply my way – and yes, some are better than others.
But altogether, they look stunning.
Previously, my embroidery practice centred around quite intense, heavily machined artworks. I love everything about the processes I use and the technique itself. I’m at one with my machine.
But there’s always more. My embroidery voice was larger than that. Quietly yet persistently, I found I was working more and more with hand embroidery and beading. My voice deepened and evolved into another expressive format, and the humble embroidery hoop was the perfect opportunity to capture and preserve thoughts and ideas.
Each one is an experiment. This isn’t about creating perfection, it’s about caring enough to show up day after day, because I want to, and need to.
I wait to see what evolves once I commit and allow creativity to unfold. The hoop has become a frame of possibility, a space where I can test and let go of expectations.
This has been incredibly freeing but also confidence-building. There are days when inspiration flows, and then there are days when the stitching feels slow. But that’s just part of the process of honouring the rhythm of making.
Behind it all, though, are the basics of using beautiful colours, textures and contrasts – and that’s resonating with people who want to learn and enjoy everything embroidery has to offer. Simplicity, intricacy, and pattern all topped off with a little bit of glitz and glam.
Here’s to 2025 and 100 tiny canvases – one stitch at a time.
I share images of my 100 Stitched Circles on FB and IG, plus the Textile Art Magazine, Embroidery is doing a feature of some of my embroidery in their July/August publication.
Feel free to follow along and share the journey.
