The Stitch Safari Podcast

19/02/2024

In this episode, I have two very different, very inspiring new books ready to review - and I chose them for various reasons - but most of all for their value - they delivered something special in terms of content, emotion, insight into process, and that ever-present, behemoth, technique and creativity.
These are two truly exciting books. Listen to my reviews here:
https://stitchsafari.com/podcast/

04/02/2024

The Dorset Button is really something very special indeed - something that remains handmade and meant to be decorative not simply utilitarian.
Listen to my latest podcast about Dorset Buttons here:
https://stitchsafari.com/podcast/

07/01/2024

Dolls, those miniature human figures so beloved by the young and the young at heart are a worldwide phenomenon - and they're the perfect vehicle for embroidery.
Listen to the latest episode Embroidered Dolls here:
https://stitchsafari.com/podcast/

31/12/2023

Well, it's a blank canvas for 2024 so far, and that means more research, more knowledge, and more super-interesting podcasts for Stitch Safari.
To all Stitch Safari listeners I wish you a very happy and productive 2024 and to all those yet to listen, give Stitch Safari a go - every fortnight just sit with a coffee or tea and some stitching.
There's nothing more relaxing or rewarding.

17/12/2023

Straw Embroidery. Yes, you saw it correctly. Embroidery worked with straw - and it looks amazing.
Why's it also called Poor Man's Gold - listen to my latest episode of the Stitch Safari Podcast to find out and so much more.
Listen here: https://stitchsafari.com/podcast/

03/12/2023

It's a hot topic in this latest episode of the Stitch Safari Podcast.
Colour in Embroidery - listen here:
https://stitchsafari.com/podcast/

16/11/2023

Inspiration is about forming a reaction or an honest personal statement that touches on concepts that are of interest to you.
In this episode of the Stitch Safari Podcast, I recall and remember one of the Golden Ages of embroidery in Britain, where design development and process were revered, respected, and noted, and where technique was utilised to create original and exciting work - inspired by works from the collection of the Embroiderers Guild UK.
Listen to this latest episode 'Inspiration for Embroidery Process' here:
https://stitchsafari.com/podcast/

02/11/2023

I thought it was time to expand the Stitch Safari Podcast and introduce live interviews entitled ‘The Embroiderer’ - still under the Stitch Safari banner, but dealing with real people in real-time - so that we can all hear their voices as well as their embroidery stories.
I want to honour those who’ve gone before, those who have honed their own embroidery skills to a high degree, and those who use traditions to build their own understanding of innovation and creativity - they should all be admired, applauded, and acknowledged.
So it’s my absolute pleasure to introduce to you, in this my first episode of The Embroiderer, Effie Mitrofanis, an Australian embroiderer, author, tutor, researcher, photographer, and artist.
Effie was my Mentor and still is my inspiration.
Listen and enjoy here: https://stitchsafari.com/podcast/

19/10/2023

Simply Finding Freedom in Embroidery - my latest episode for the Stitch Safari Podcast - simplicity done well seems to be the key to success for a number of embroidery artists. Listen to the podcast here:
https://stitchsafari.com/podcast/

21/09/2023

Embroidery - The Essential Needle, just published. Listen here:
https://stitchsafari.com/podcast/

25/08/2023

Join me in this latest episode where I explore how embroidery has been utilized as protection against evil spirits - it became magic.
https://stitchsafari.com/podcast/

10/08/2023

World Embroidery Day, celebrated annually on July 30, was set up in Sweden by one of the Swedish Embroiderer’s Guilds, with a Manifesto encompassing their vision about embroidery to help aid Peace, Freedom, and Equality. This episode examines their Manifesto along with a recent YouTube video celebrating World Embroidery Day 2023 and ideas for celebrating World Embroidery Day 2024.
Listen to the latest Stitch Safari Podcast here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1066678/episodes/13380165

29/07/2023

Yes, it's World Embroidery Day today.
Initiated in Sweden in 2011, July 30th has become a day to celebrate the art of embroidery fostering peace, freedom, and equality.
It's a great day to get out your needle and threads and stitch with a group of friends or simply commune with your creativity on your own.
Either way, enjoy today - World Embroidery Day from the Stitch Safari Podcast.

28/07/2023

Covid19, self-isolation, and Lockdowns created a revolution in how we associated and communicated with each other - it was a time of re-shaping and re-thinking during uncertain times, but when you think about it, embroidery is a form of connection in itself - through the patterns and imaginative stories captured within every single pull of a needle and thread through a base fabric, connecting us with our past, our present and our future.
Listen to my latest Stitch Safari Podcast, Covid-19 and the Connectivity of Stitch here:
https://stitchsafari.com/podcast/

25/07/2023

13/07/2023

Yes, it's that age-old conundrum - Art versus Craft - a difficult topic I have to admit, but one that needs the occasional airing from a textile and embroidery artist's viewpoint. List to my latest podcast episode on Art Versus Craft here:
https://stitchsafari.com/podcast/

13/07/2023

Textile art from the 1650s.

This detail from a circa 1650 embroidered picture shows King Charles I with his son, the future King Charles II. Both are fashionably dressed, with Charles I's suit made of metal threads couched down in a diagonal pattern. The pair stand in a lush background dappled with spangles

12/07/2023

Amazing embroidery and techniques.

09/07/2023

09/07/2023

Stunning silk embroidery.

08/07/2023

Embroidery is art.

08/07/2023

Embroidery asan act of resistance.

08/07/2023

08/07/2023

Just look at these amazing techniques.

01/07/2023

Innovation from tradition - simply stunning.

01/07/2023

Fascinating embroidery techniques.

29/06/2023

Embroidery and the Motivation of Craftivism - a really interesting episode.
Craftivism is a gentle form of protest, it’s not extreme yet allows makers a platform to voice their concerns and opinions about social justice, political viewpoints, and environmental issues.
Listen to this latest episode here:
stitchsafari.com/podcast/

16/06/2023

The 2023 winning artwork for the prestigious Archibald Prize included the use of textiles, collage and embroidery, a first for this highly esteemed prize - and that’s proving to be tricky for some art critics.
Why? Because it’s challenging the norms of art - but does it really?
Listen to the latest Stitch Safari Podcast episode here: Embroidery and the 2023 Archibald Prize Win
https://stitchsafari.com/podcast/