Behind the Canvas: The Grand Millennial

 Your name/where you're from:

GENERAL NEEDLEPOINT

How did you learn to needlepoint? What was your first needlepoint project?

I learned to needlepoint from my grandmother, who had countless crafty hobbies. My first project was a self finishing eyeglass case with daisies on it that I still have today!

What is your favorite stitch? What stitch are you hoping to learn/do next?

Call me basic, but there is nothing better than basketweave on 13 mesh in my opinion. I just love the clean, classic look and durability of the stitch. As for a new stitch, send me all your tips for turkey work! I have Pip & Roo’s Santa Skier canvas in my stash and want to add some flair to the trim of Santa’s suit, but am quite intimidated!

What are your favorite threads to use? 

Silk & Ivory whenever possible! (Slate Blue, Begonia, Kiwi, and Lobster are a few of my favorites)

For small 18 mesh projects, I love to use DMC cotton. The color options are truly endless and it’s a very affordable fiber option if you like stitching ornaments as much as I do!

ABOUT YOUR DESIGNS

What made you want to paint your own pieces?

I started painting my own pieces when I couldn’t find designs I was looking for, which were more contemporary, Nantucket/New England themed, small designs. As someone who tends to take an idea and run fast, it took me about an hour to place an order with all of the supplies needed to paint my own. From there, it took much longer to get the hang of designing and translating my designs to canvas.

Describe your canvases in three words:

Classic, coastal, and fun

What inspires you most when creating new designs?

I’m inspired by ordinary, everyday things like the beautiful quarter board signs around Nantucket, a mudslide at the Gazebo, and a freshly decorated Main Street fountain.. I’m inspired to design when I don’t see my ideas already in the marketplace.

What has been your favorite canvas to paint?

I love painting my Love + Tennis canvas. “Love means nothing to a tennis player” was printed on my high school tennis team’s shirts and it makes me laugh every time I see it. How hardcore we were!

What has been your favorite canvas to stitch?

My Daffy Fountain. I actually designed most of this canvas by stitching it freehand, so seeing it come to life as it was stitched was pretty special. It’s now one of my favorite designs!

What is one piece of advice for painting your own canvas?

One thing that really helps me is to use colored pencils to map out my design on canvas before I paint. It’s erasable and gives you a little preview of what your design will look like before you commit to painting.

ABOUT YOU

Where is your favorite place to stitch?

Ok this is very specific but… the couch, in the evening, with a bowl of ice cream nearby ;)

If you're not needlepointing you're...

Walking, cuddling, and/or obsessing over my sweet puppy, Chowder.

What three items do you always have in your project bag?

Foldable scissors, a needle threader & extra needles

What shows are you currently watching?

Stranger Things Season 4 and slowly rewatching Downton Abbey for fun. British period dramas forever!

 Who is your favorite needlepoint or non-needlepoint follow on Instagram right now?

Non-needlepoint, but I have been adoring @jennaisfeeling (no relation!)

If time and money were no issue, what type of needlepoint project would you want to do?

I would go big or go home and tackle a large rug for my imaginary ladies sitting room, where we would enjoy cocktails and exchange all the hot gossip ;)