NeedleXChange

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Jessica Pile and Robert Ossant.
Jessica Pile and Robert Ossant are researchers and authors focused on couture embroidery, combining technical analysis with historical and creative context to better understand how and why these works are made.
In this conversation, we explore their approach to breaking down couture garments - examining not just the stitches, but the ideas behind them.
The discussion moves through fashion history, the role of inspiration versus technique, and how couture functions as both a creative laboratory and a cultural statement. Along the way, we consider the relationship between fashion and art, and how embroidery sits at the centre of that dialogue.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:15 - Introduction to Fashion Embroidery
00:02:31 - Overview of the Book's Purpose
00:04:19 - Deep Dives into Designers
00:09:36 - Selecting Designers for the Book
00:11:18 - Gaining Respect for Italian Designers
00:19:17 - Inspiration vs. Intimidation in Embroidery
00:27:16 - The Disconnect Between Runway and Reality
00:35:10 - Economic Disparities in Fashion
00:37:02 - The Art of Fashion: A Complex Relationship
00:38:25 - Sustainability in Couture: A New Era
Links:
Instagram: houseofossant & jessicajane_pile
Intro music is Lost Lover Undercover by Ryan James Carr via Epidemic Sound.
About NeedleXChange
An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers.
Stay Connected
needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews
mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com
Social: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Helen Adams.
Helen is the Textile Curator who has been shining a light on contemporary textile art on her terrific blog since 2014. Her fantastic book, Textile Fine Art was published in September 2025.
In this second part of our XChange, Helen shares how she became the Textile Curator. We talk about starting a website to “wake up the world”, what it’s like building something as a team of one, and the practical realities of monetising a niche platform.
We also get into why social media can feel like finding “your little tribe”, and we finish with Helen's cultural touchpoints.
Helen is curating a show at Saatchi Gallery! Textile Art Redefined runs from April 10th - May 10th which is a must-see if you're in the vicinity.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:30 - Navigating social media for artists and curators
00:10:20 - The future of textile art and building a legacy in communities
00:15:20 - Helen's upcoming exhibitions and festival plans
00:19:50 - The role of mentorship in the textile art community
00:24:20 - Exploring innovative textile techniques and materials
00:29:35 - Engaging with textile art enthusiasts
00:36:05 - Helen's advice for aspiring textile artists
Links:
Instagram: textilecurator
Website: textilecurator.com
You can get a 20% discount on Helen's book with free shipping from the Lawrence King website until April 9th using the code MRXSTITCH at checkout.
Intro music is U Dirty Dawg by Def Lev via Epidemic Sound.
About NeedleXChange
An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers.
Stay Connected
needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews
mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com
Social: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Helen Adams.
Helen is the Textile Curator who has been shining a light on contemporary textile art on her terrific blog since 2014. Her fantastic book, Textile Fine Art was published in September 2025.
In this first part of our chat we talk about making a textile art book that lasts longer than algorithms, how you choose artists when everyone is good, and what kinds of work genuinely “buzz your buttons”.
We also get into exhibitions and the pressure of doing textile art justice in major spaces, including Saatchi, plus the practical logistics of hanging work properly.
Helen is curating a show at Saatchi Gallery! Textile Art Redefined runs from April 10th - May 10th which is a must-see if you're in the vicinity.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:03:40 - Helen’s career shift from fashion to textile curation
00:05:45 - The inspiration behind her publication and showcasing textile artists
00:08:06 - Curating at Saatchi Art: the process and challenges
00:13:41 - The importance of art galleries and Helen's vision for a textile hub
00:17:45 - The recognition of textile art in the mainstream art scene
00:21:50 - Challenges of managing art spaces and exhibition logistics
00:25:46 - The significance of personal relationships with artists
00:30:05 - The creative process and inspiration behind textile projects
Links:
Instagram: textilecurator
Website: textilecurator.com
You can get a 20% discount on Helen's book with free shipping from the Lawrence King website until April 9th using the code MRXSTITCH at checkout.
Intro music is U Dirty Dawg by Def Lev via Epidemic Sound.
About NeedleXChange
An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers.
Stay Connected
needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews
mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com
Social: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Iskren Lozanov.
Iskren Lozanov is an embroidery artist living in Ibiza, originally from Bulgaria. He came third in the 3d Textiles category of The 2025 Mr X Stitch Contemporary Needlework Prize and 2nd in the Open Textile Art category in the 2024 Hand & Lock Prize.
We pick up with what’s next for Iskren Lozanov’s practice, including using everyday objects, collaboration hopes, and how this technique can be applied to almost anything. We also get practical about making a living, brand work vs artwork, staying well, and end on favourites plus a brilliant Spice Girls fact.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:20 - Future directions: exploring everyday objects and collaborations
00:03:05 - The freedom found in upcycling and working with found objects
00:06:59 - Balancing slow fashion and original art
00:09:34 - Sharing favorite books and cultural influences
00:13:56 - Music’s role in Lozanov’s creative process
00:17:22 - Favorite films and how storytelling influences his art
00:18:36 - Bulgarian folklore, fairy tales, and cultural motifs
00:19:22 - The acceptance of men in embroidery and needlework communities
00:21:24 - A fact that not a lot of people know about Iskren Lozanov
Links:
Instagram: iskrenlozano
Website: iskrenlozanov.com
Intro music is Cyber Bazaar by HATAMITSUNAMI via Epidemic Sound.
About NeedleXChange
An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers.
Support on Patreon
Join the Green Room for weekly aftershows, monthly Q&As, and searchable transcripts.
Become an Executive Producer to join quarterly roundtables and shape the show's future.
patreon.com/c/xstitch/membership
Stay Connected
needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews
mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com
Social: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Iskren Lozanov.
Iskren Lozanov is an embroidery artist living in Ibiza, originally from Bulgaria. He came third in the 3d Textiles category of The 2025 Mr X Stitch Contemporary Needlework Prize and 2nd in the Open Textile Art category in the 2024 Hand & Lock Prize.
We talk about language and identity, Ibiza as a place to make work, and how Iskren Lozanov’s practice moved from fashion into embroidery and sculptural pieces like “Rebirth” and “Veil of Transcendence”, including the research, planning, and labour behind them.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:20 - Growing up in Bulgaria and cultural influences
00:05:42 - Moving to Ibiza and what draws him to the island
00:08:56 - Lozanov’s artistic journey from fashion to sculpture and embroidery
00:11:55 - Primitiveness and beauty in Lozanov’s work, blending ancient symbols with contemporary techniques
00:18:27 - The 'Veil of Transcendence' and exploring cultural afterlife symbols
00:23:05 - His experience in art competitions and building confidence
00:24:59 - Navigating social media and creating sustainable art practices
00:34:26 - The impact of learning and personal beliefs on his views of the afterlife
00:37:46 - Techniques inspired by Orthodox and Catholic iconography
Links:
Instagram: iskrenlozano
Website: iskrenlozanov.com
Intro music is Cyber Bazaar by HATAMITSUNAMI via Epidemic Sound.
About NeedleXChange
An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers.
Support on Patreon
Join the Green Room for weekly aftershows, monthly Q&As, and searchable transcripts.
Become an Executive Producer to join quarterly roundtables and shape the show's future.
patreon.com/c/xstitch/membership
Stay Connected
needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews
mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com
Social: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn