Machine Embroidery Episodes

In this episode of NeedleXChange I welcome back Dr Jack Roberts AKA JPR Stitch. Jack is a textile artist known for his bold, abstract stitchings and his dedication to daily practice. This episode dives into the quiet and public sides of creative work. Jack talks about the unglamorous tasks behind the scenes, how he decides what to share, and the realities of having 90,000 followers who don’t necessarily buy your art. We explore artistic visibility, validation, audience relationships, and why ...

In this episode of NeedleXChange I welcome back Dr Jack Roberts AKA JPR Stitch. Jack is a textile artist known for his bold, abstract stitchings and his dedication to daily practice. In this first half of our conversation, Jack shares the origins of his daily stitching habit, how a holiday doodle grew into a years-long discipline, and the making of his first book. We explore the discipline of showing up every day, how practice can transform creative work, and the balance between big projects ...

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Lesley Wheeler. Lesley is a poet, quilter, and textile artist whose work merges narrative, symbolism, and stitch. In this second half we discuss her development as a maker — from trusting her intuition with complex textile projects to learning embroidery, lace, and machine techniques. Lesley talks about fabric collecting, playful side projects that keep her creativity flowing, and how pop culture and music filter into her practice, from Busta Rhymes back patches to Beatles-inspired tarot cards. We also cover her favorite books, films, and poets, and the broader inspirations that shape her artistic life.

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Lesley Wheeler. Lesley is a poet, quilter, and textile artist who brings tarot symbolism to life through fabric and thread. In this first half of our conversation we explore how she approaches tarot as both a meditative tool and a form of visual storytelling, her PhD in confessional poetry, and the ways writing and textiles draw from the same creative well. Lesley shares how quilting became a sustaining practice during lockdown, the historical tarot decks that inspire her, and her ideas about liminality, accessibility, and making art that exists beyond traditional institutions.

Rosie James is an artist who captures moments in machine stitch.

Rosie James is an artist who captures moments in machine stitch.

Alison Carpenter-Hughes is a machine embroidery artist stitching emotion, texture, and storytelling into every piece.

Alison Carpenter-Hughes is a machine embroidery artist stitching emotion, texture, and storytelling into every piece.

Harriet Riddell is a UK-based machine embroidery artist who has taken her work all over the world.

Harriet Riddell is a UK-based machine embroidery artist who has taken her work all over the world.

Peter Frederiksen is a Chicago-based artist whose machine embroidered cartoon vignettes are filled with tension and dark humour.

Peter Frederiksen is a Chicago-based artist whose machine embroidered cartoon vignettes are filled with tension and dark humour.

Pete Tarrant is a digitised embroidery specialist, teacher and advocator.

Pete Tarrant is a digitised embroidery specialist, teacher and advocator.

Aaron Fein is a mixed media sculptor whose work plays with perceptions, both luminant and psychosocial.

Aaron Fein is a mixed media sculptor whose work plays with perceptions, both luminant and psychosocial.

Julie Heaton is a Bristol-based machine embroidery artist whose incredible illustrations are borne from tragedy.

Julie Heaton is a Bristol-based machine embroidery artist whose incredible illustrations are borne from tragedy.

Meredith Woolnough is an Australian machine embroidery artist whose organic creations are instantly recognisable and simply stunning.

Jane Sanders, also known as Stitchin In The Kitchen, has made a name for herself with her machine embroidered, mixed media pop portraits.

Dr Jack Roberts is an academic, an art dealer and a creator of abstract machine embroidered art pieces.