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 and small daily wins..For another artist that made their practice into a habit, check out episodes 102 + 103 with Claire Voelkel-Sedlmeir.Timestamps:00:01:19 – The Hero's Journey of Home Improvement00:07:08 – Creating Art Through Daily Stitching00:12:56 – The Challenges of Book Production00:18:08 – Overcoming the Fear of Starting00:22:11 – Finding Balance in a Busy Life00:23:55 – Prioritizing Your Passions00:26:07 – Trial and Error in Daily Practices00:27:55 – Exploring Creative Practices00:30:00 – The Role of Public Accountability00:31:50 – The Intersection of Art and Administration00:39:52 – Disseminating Art: The Artist's Journey00:40:58 – The Importance of Sharing Art00:42:22 – Understanding Audience Engagement00:43:42 – Art as Emotional Expression00:45:30 – Mindfulness in Artistic PracticeLinks:Website: jprstitch.comInstagram: jpr_stitchIntro music is Let's Go Find The Sun by Sarah the Illstrumentalist 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.Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comAnd follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers
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36:34
Lesley Wheeler - Textilia Arcana Part 2 [NX109]
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.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:30 – Exploring Textile Arts and Techniques00:05:18 – The Journey of Creating Art and Reflection00:08:36 – Balancing Projects and Creative Flow00:11:51 – Influences of Music and Culture on Art00:16:12 – Literary Inspirations and Personal Connections00:21:09 – Personal Insights and Vegetarian LifestyleLinks:Website: lannwheeler.comInstagram: major_arcana_textilesIntro music is Summer of Love by Roy Edwin Williams 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: https://www.needl.exchangeSign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsAnd follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrxstitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrxstitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitchLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers
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27:54
Lesley Wheeler - Textilia Arcana [NX108]
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.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:30 – Exploring Tarot: A Tool for Understanding00:04:15 – The Intersection of Poetry and Textiles00:07:06 – The Journey into Quilt Making00:09:48 – The Role of Art in Communication00:12:44 – The Creative Process Behind Tarot Cards00:15:37 – The Influence of Historical Art on Modern Creations00:18:17 – The Balance of Art and Functionality00:20:52 – The Personal Connection to Art and Poetry00:23:55 – The Evolution of Craft and Artistic Expression00:34:03 – Embracing Creativity and Trusting OneselfLinks:Website: lannwheeler.comInstagram: major_arcana_textilesIntro music is Summer of Love by Roy Edwin Williams 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: https://www.needl.exchangeSign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsAnd follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrxstitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrxstitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitchLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers
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33:53
Tal Fitzpatrick - The Doctor of Craftivism Part 2 [NX107]
In this episode of NeedleXChange I continue my interview with Tal Fitzpatrick. Tal is a socially engaged artist and craftivist whose practice explores how making can give people agency and foster connection.We explore the philosophy underpinning her work, from dissensus and the importance of tension in activism to the pitfalls of toxic positivity. Tal reflects on the ripple effects of collaborative projects, how making can empower people to find their voices, and the role of connection in socially engaged textile practice.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:30 – Navigating Opposing Viewpoints00:03:40 – The Complexity of Closure00:05:23 – Craftivism and Humanity00:07:14 – The Power of Small Actions00:09:28 – Connection Through Craft00:12:42 – Finding Your Voice in Activism00:16:11 – Starting Your Craftivist Journey00:18:14 – The Impact of Personal Change00:19:39 – Quietly Seething: Exploring Feminine Rage00:24:31 – The Role of Anger in Activism00:27:46 – Cultural Constructs of Emotion00:30:53 – The Power of Shared Stories00:34:47 – Art as a Catalyst for Change00:37:23 – Music and Its Influence00:49:05 – The Secret Band: Y ThoLinks:Website: talfitzpatrick.comInstagram: talfitzpatrickIntro music is Rockin' For Decades by A Minute of Fame 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: https://www.needl.exchangeSign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsAnd follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrxstitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrxstitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitchLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers
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1:00:36
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1:00:36
Tal Fitzpatrick - The Doctor of Craftivism [NX106]
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Tal Fitzpatrick.Tal is a socially engaged artist and craftivist whose quilts and textile projects blend creativity with activism.We talk about her artistic journey from early influences, including her grandmother’s politically charged textile works, through to her PhD in craftivism as DIY citizenship. Tal shares stories of working in disaster recovery communities, how that shaped her understanding of art’s power, and the origins of major projects like the PM Please Quilt and the global Universal Declaration of Human Rights Quilt Project.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:30 – Crafting Public Conversations: The City Speaks00:03:58 – Textiles and Feminism: A Soft Approach to Activism00:06:50 – The Power of Subversion in Craftivism00:09:38 – Engaging the Audience: Craft as a Trojan Horse00:12:33 – Community Engagement: Voices in Public Space00:15:22 – The Journey to PhD: Craftivism and DIY Citizenship00:18:11 – Art as a Tool for Recovery: Stories from Disaster00:20:52 – The Impact of Craft: Agency and Empowerment00:23:43 – Human Rights and Craftivism: The UDHR Quilt Project00:26:19 – Legacy and Generational Influence in Art00:29:09 – The Intersection of Craft and Activism00:31:35 – Navigating the Complexities of Social Change00:34:29 – The Role of Textiles in Political Discourse00:36:57 – Crafting a Better Future: The Ripple Effect of Art00:39:45 – The Future of CraftivismLinks:Website: talfitzpatrick.comInstagram: talfitzpatrickUDHR Quilt Project: quilts.moadoph.gov.auIntro music is Rockin' For Decades by A Minute of Fame 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: https://www.needl.exchangeSign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsAnd follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrxstitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrxstitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitchLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers
Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers interviews needlework and textile artists to find out how they make their art, how they build their business and why they love working with a needle and thread.
México