In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Chloe Savage.
Chloe is a conservation embroiderer, couture specialist, and educator whose studio practice spans everything from National Trust restorations to hands-on needlepoint kits.
In this second half of our conversation, we trace Chloe's creative upbringing through diamond mines, Paris couture, and the Royal School of Needlework.
She unpacks how life detours—from teen motherhood to science teaching—ultimately fueled her practice and how art became a lifeline through grief. Please note this episode briefly touches on emotional abuse.
Another artist who processed personal trauma through artistic practice is the wonderful machine embroiderer Julie Heaton. We had a NeedleXChange way back in episodes 25 & 26.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:30 - Conservation Stories and Experiences
00:06:52 - Art as a Reflection of Personal Struggles
00:15:33 - The Journey of Healing and Empowerment
00:18:50 - Future Directions in Textile Art
00:22:59 - Embracing Creative Freedom
00:24:03 - The Role of Education in Artistic Expression
00:27:04 - The Influence of Family on Creativity
00:28:17 - Exploring Personal Interests and Hobbies
00:29:27 - The Impact of Art Installations
00:30:27 - Chloe's Favourites
00:40:57 - Overcoming Challenges and Unique Facts
Links:
Website: chloesavageembroidery.com
Instagram: chloesavageembroidery
Intro music is Getting Good at Letting Go (Instrumental Version) by Vicki Vox 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.exchange
Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews
If you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: mrxstitch.com
And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!
- Facebook: mrxstitch
- Instagram: mrxstitch
- Pinterest: mrxstitch
- YouTube: mrxstitch
- LinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers