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 – Introduction00:03:40 - Helen’s career shift from fashion to textile curation00:05:45 - The inspiration behind her publication and showcasing textile artists00:08:06 - Curating at Saatchi Art: the process and challenges00:13:41 - The importance of art galleries and Helen's vision for a textile hub00:17:45 - The recognition of textile art in the mainstream art scene00:21:50 - Challenges of managing art spaces and exhibition logistics00:25:46 - The significance of personal relationships with artists00:30:05 - The creative process and inspiration behind textile projectsLinks:Instagram: textilecuratorWebsite: textilecurator.comYou 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 NeedleXChangeAn artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers.Stay Connectedneedl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsmrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.comSocial: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

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 – Introduction00:01:20 - Future directions: exploring everyday objects and collaborations00:03:05 - The freedom found in upcycling and working with found objects00:06:59 - Balancing slow fashion and original art00:09:34 - Sharing favorite books and cultural influences00:13:56 - Music’s role in Lozanov’s creative process00:17:22 - Favorite films and how storytelling influences his art00:18:36 - Bulgarian folklore, fairy tales, and cultural motifs00:19:22 - The acceptance of men in embroidery and needlework communities00:21:24 - A fact that not a lot of people know about Iskren LozanovLinks:Instagram: iskrenlozanoWebsite: iskrenlozanov.comIntro music is Cyber Bazaar by HATAMITSUNAMI via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChangeAn artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers.Support on PatreonJoin 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/membershipStay Connectedneedl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsmrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.comSocial: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

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 – Introduction00:01:20 - Growing up in Bulgaria and cultural influences00:05:42 - Moving to Ibiza and what draws him to the island00:08:56 - Lozanov’s artistic journey from fashion to sculpture and embroidery00:11:55 - Primitiveness and beauty in Lozanov’s work, blending ancient symbols with contemporary techniques00:18:27 - The 'Veil of Transcendence' and exploring cultural afterlife symbols00:23:05 - His experience in art competitions and building confidence00:24:59 - Navigating social media and creating sustainable art practices00:34:26 - The impact of learning and personal beliefs on his views of the afterlife00:37:46 - Techniques inspired by Orthodox and Catholic iconographyLinks:Instagram: iskrenlozanoWebsite: iskrenlozanov.comIntro music is Cyber Bazaar by HATAMITSUNAMI via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChangeAn artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers.Support on PatreonJoin 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/membershipStay Connectedneedl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsmrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.comSocial: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

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 early00:01:25 – Learning the fundamentals: embroidery, lace, weaving (the whole toolbox)00:03:50 – Choosing your path young: how the Slovak system works00:09:00 – Getting into art university: tests, live models, and creative tasks00:13:00 – Heritage, but make it future: what belongs in the work (and what doesn’t)00:19:00 – Studio life: making for work, making for fun00:20:10 – What’s on in the background while stitching00:27:50 – Books and blackwork (Jane Goodwin)00:32:20 – A personal note: summers with Katarina’s grandmother in a foster-care community00:35:25 – The closer: “I don’t want that ring. I want a laser cutting machine.”Links:Instagram: katarina_orolinova_artIntro music is Below Horizon by Luwaks via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChangeAn artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers.Support on PatreonJoin 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/membershipStay Connectedneedl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsmrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.comSocial: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

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 cutting00:02:55 – Finding patterns in glass blocks and safety glass00:04:31 – Reflection, infinity, and letting structure do the talking00:06:10 – Close your eyes: what the work feels like in space00:14:45 – The jump from small pieces to a wall00:15:52 – 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 arms00:26:13 – One pattern, many techniques: knitting/weaving/needlepoint logicLinks:Instagram: katarina_orolinova_artIntro music is Below Horizon by Luwaks via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChangeAn artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers.Support on PatreonJoin 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/membershipStay Connectedneedl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsmrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.comSocial: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Charlie Reeder aka Stitchsperation.Charlie is a cross stitch designer with an unashamedly joyful aesthetic.In this first part of our NeedleXChange, we talk imposter syndrome, naming the inner critic (“Brenda”), and how stitching can be a safe, meditative place to build confidence. Charlie shares ideas around stitched affirmations and repetition, plus the beginnings of Stitchsperation: bold typographic work, painted backgrounds, and designing what they couldn’t find.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:30 - Art vs craft vs design (and getting put in boxes)00:05:33 - What Charlie actually likes: clean lines, bright colour, CMYK00:10:20 - The “very Charlie” look (home, colour palette, recognisable style)00:13:43 - Brand boundaries + the “teddy bear in an igloo” problem00:17:30 - Losing the mojo, then finding it again (and managing overwhelm)00:24:30 - Quick-fire culture picks: books, films/TV, music00:35:20 - Plot twist: pole dancing is the other happy place00:38:45 - Injury, depression, and realising what mattersLinks:Website: stitchsperation.comInstagram: stitchsperationIntro music is Easy Breezy by Boogie Wheel via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChangeAn artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers.Support on PatreonJoin 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/membershipStay Connectedneedl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsmrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.comSocial: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Charlie Reeder aka Stitchsperation.Charlie is a cross stitch designer with an unashamedly joyful aesthetic.In this first part of our NeedleXChange, we talk imposter syndrome, naming the inner critic (“Brenda”), and how stitching can be a safe, meditative place to build confidence.Charlie shares ideas around stitched affirmations and repetition, plus the beginnings of Stitchsperation: bold typographic work, painted backgrounds, and designing what they couldn’t find.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:02:47 - Imposter syndrome and “Brenda” (naming the inner critic)00:06:07 - Stitching affirmations (repetition as reprogramming)00:10:28 - Back from Canada, broke, and making a Sweden wedding gift00:12:00 - Painting the fabric, then stitching the words00:14:42 - Aesthetic in one phrase: “Typographic bright shit?”00:15:41 - Positivity without going “toxic”00:17:25 - Cross stitch as TV-time sanity (not doom scrolling)Links:Website: stitchsperation.comInstagram: stitchsperationIntro music is Easy Breezy by Boogie Wheel via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChangeAn artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers.Support on PatreonJoin 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/membershipStay Connectedneedl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsmrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.comSocial: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Ruth O'Leary.Ruth O'Leary is an award-winning embroiderer who’s been exploring AI image generation as a tool for design, iteration, and self-expression.In part two, we move from the big AI conversation into the grounded maker reality: how Ruth learned needlework, what the Embroiderers’ Guild taught her, and why community still matters even in an online world.Ruth also breaks down their process — using AI outputs as reference material, collaging and redrawing in Procreate, then translating it into applique and embroidery — plus a quick run through favourite sci‑fi and a brilliant family‑history curveball.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:30 - The Crafting Landscape: A Need for More Exposure00:02:46 - Roots of Creativity: Personal Journeys in Needlework00:04:47 - Community and Learning: The Value of Guilds00:07:51 - Bridging Generations: Attracting Youth to Craft Guilds00:11:07 - Digital vs. Physical: The Evolution of Craft Communities00:12:58 - Exploring Techniques: The Art of Stitching00:14:32 - Cultural Reflections: The Influence of Music and Film00:25:12 - Heritage and Legacy: Stitching Poetry into ArtLinks:Website: rostara.co.ukInstagram: rostara.handmadeIntro music is Far Enough by Shiver Disk via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChangeAn artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers.Support on PatreonJoin 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/membershipStay Connectedneedl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsmrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.comSocial: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Ruth O'Leary.Ruth O'Leary is an award-winning embroiderer who’s been exploring AI image generation as a tool for design, iteration, and self-expression.We talk about AI as a “new medium” (and the early chaotic phase of it), parallels with the Jacquard loom and past industrial shifts, the difference between screen-based fakery and physical needlework, and how Ruth uses AI outputs as reference material that gets reimagined through applique + embroidery to speed up making without losing what Ruth loves about stitching.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:30 - Exploring AI Art and Personal Journey00:04:20 - The Evolution of Artistic Expression through AI00:07:03 - The Unexpected Outcomes of AI in Art00:12:46 - The Impact of Technology on Traditional Crafts00:15:35 - Navigating the Challenges of AI and Authenticity00:18:34 - The Balance of Speed and Craftsmanship in Art00:22:17 - The Role of AI in Realizing Artistic Visions00:25:07 - The Process of Creation and InspirationLinks:Website: rostara.co.ukInstagram: rostara.handmadeIntro music is Far Enough by Shiver Disk via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: needl.exchangeSign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!Find out more here: xstitchmag.comAnd follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: mrxstitchInstagram: mrxstitchPinterest: mrxstitchYouTube: mrxstitchLinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Robert John Hodge.Robert John Hodge makes cross-stitch work based on Renaissance sculptures, using a CMYK / screenprint-style layering approach and recurring Wingdings symbols.In this half we jump into Robert’s newer series - smaller, quicker pieces that work like little stitched collages: videogames, screenshots, photos, culture… and, for reasons we absolutely get into, a whole run of nuclear weapons tests.Part 2 is where we widen out into the stuff that feeds the work: horror films from the 70s and 80s, documentaries that stitch history into a continuum, Kate Bush and Wagner, and even T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land as a kind of cultural collage blueprint.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:30 – Cross stitch as a serious art medium00:05:44 – Challenging the “serious art” prejudice00:07:50 – Balancing making work and making money00:09:02 – Art-world reality: logistics + day job00:11:22 – Film influences + nostalgia threads00:18:16 – A wide media diet (and why it matters)00:24:53 – Literary influences: T.S. Eliot and collage thinking00:26:52 – Looping + obsession as the creative engineLinks:Website: robertjohnhodge.comInstagram: robertjohnhodgeIntro music is Cotton Candy by Cospe via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: needl.exchangeSign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!Find out more here: xstitchmag.comAnd follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: mrxstitchInstagram: mrxstitchPinterest: mrxstitchYouTube: mrxstitchLinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers