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 - Introduction
00:01:30 - Art vs craft vs design (and getting put in boxes)
00:05:33 - What Charlie actually likes: clean lines, bright colour, CMYK
00:10:20 - The “very Charlie” look (home, colour palette, recognisable style)
00:13:43 - Brand boundaries + the “teddy bear in an igloo” problem
00:17:30 - Losing the mojo, then finding it again (and managing overwhelm)
00:24:30 - Quick-fire culture picks: books, films/TV, music
00:35:20 - Plot twist: pole dancing is the other happy place
00:38:45 - Injury, depression, and realising what matters
Links:
Website: stitchsperation.com
Instagram: stitchsperation
Intro music is Easy Breezy by Boogie Wheel via Epidemic Sound.
About NeedleXChange
An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers.
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