Charlie Reeder - Stitchsperational Part 2 [NX129]

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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