Stitch Wish Radio

Send us a textThis week on Stitch Wish Radio, I'm joined by Anna Hultin—artist, teacher, and the founder of Olander Co. In this quiet and grounding conversation, we talk about the power of doing something just because it feels good, the meditative nature of repetition, and the intentional choice to build a creative life that honors your limits.Anna opens up about how motherhood shaped her boundaries, how she built a thriving embroidery business without burning out, and how she continues to stay connected to her why—even in seasons of fatigue and uncertainty.Whether you're a seasoned maker or just picking up a needle for the first time, this episode is your reminder that your pace is enough—and your art doesn't have to be perfect to be worthy.In this episode, we talk about:The importance of boredom and margin in creativityHow embroidery became Anna's daily anchorLetting go of perfectionism and finding freedom in limitationsBuilding a business that honors your rhythms instead of burning you outFind Anna at @olandercoembroidery and explore her work, courses, and patterns at olandercoembroidery.comMy latest book, The Art of Embroidery Design: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/christi-johnson/the-art-of-embroidery-design/9781635867664/Anna's Website: https://www.olandercoembroidery.com/ Anna's new book, The Stitched Landscape, available for pre-order: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/anna-hultin/the-stitched-landscape/9781635868456/(00:01:50) Transformative Embroidery Art: Colorado Nature Inspiration(00:11:24) Transforming the Ordinary: Artist Inspired by Wyeth(00:15:08) Embracing Profound Beauty in Everyday Moments(00:16:31) Embroidering Nature's Ever-Changing Patterns in Art(00:21:06) Sanctuary for Creative Evolution in Art(00:29:31) Embroidery Book Focusing on Mindful Nature(00:35:13) Transformative Influence of Everyday Beauty(00:39:05) Substack Platform for Artistic Expression and Connection

This was originally a YouTube video - watch here!Welcome to Fallen Empires—a collection of handmade garments inspired by the rise and fall of power, stitched slowly from reclaimed fabrics and ancient stories. In this video, I take you behind the scenes of the first half of the collection: from Cleopatra to Caesar, from Marie Antoinette to imagined goddess eras.Mentioned in this episode:Embroidery Course Sale! 20% off ends FRIDAY May 30th at 11:59pm ESTThe Fallen Empires collectionMy YouTubeThe FREE Rectangle Tee Mini-CourseAlso Mentioned:My Spring Journal YouTubeRoman Tiles Skirt MIWM (make it with me)Interview with designer Pamela MayerFabscrap - Textile RecyclerStone Mountain & Daughter Deadstock Fabrics

Today on Stitch Wish Radio, I'm sitting down with the incredible Gabriela Martínez Ortiz—textile artist, embroidery visionary, and the creator of Ofelia & Antelmo. Gabriela's work is this beautiful meeting point between repetition, nature, and intuitive process. We talk about how embroidery became her way of slowing down, finding healing, and reclaiming her artistic voice after leaving the fast-paced world of fashion. Her story is deeply inspiring—woven with themes of lineage, inner knowing, and the slow evolution of craft into purpose.Whether you're an artist, a dreamer, or just feeling your way toward a slower, more intentional life—this conversation is for you.Gabriela's Website: https://ofeliayantelmo.com/en/Her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ofeliayantelmoMy New Book, The Art of Embroidery Design https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-art-of-embroidery-design-expand-your-creativity-an[…]l-stitching-designs-christi-johnson/21470337?ean=9781635867664The new pocket altar workshop I mentioned https://mixed-color-school.teachable.com/p/pocket-altar-workshop(00:04:08) Transforming Embroidery into Versatile Textile Art(00:05:52) Intricate Stitch Creations in Embroidery Workshops(00:13:56) Gabriela's Therapeutic Journey Through Embroidery(00:17:44) Embroidery: A Journey to Creative Fulfillment(00:23:43) Embroidery: Connecting through Infinite Stitching Journeys(00:32:01) Organic Patterns: Nature's Influence in Design(00:35:47) Cultural Textile Traditions in Contemporary Embroidery(00:36:44) Organic Patterns: A Visual Exploration

(psst - don't forget, SOFT WORK Intuitive Garment Design course price goes up on April 1st! Sign up now and you'll get lifetime access at the lowest price!)In honor of the yearly *spring cleaning* I'm avoiding in my own studio - I share some of my favorite methods for getting organized, both with materials and inspiration! These tips will help both your physical and digital spaces, and if you've got a traveling studio (or... a studio that moonlights as a dining room table or living room floor?) I've got some ideas for you as well. I hope this supports your artistic practice!

Next up in the artists featured in my new book, The Art of Embroidery Design, Beth Hoyes, an artist and art therapist from the UK whose work centers around nature, exploring themes of animal symbolism, folklore and interconnectivity. Beth discusses her journey from dabbling in embroidery to making it the cornerstone of her art practice, the meditative process behind her creations, and how her background as an art therapist influences her work. The discussion also touches on balancing artistic passion with parenting, infusing folklore into artwork, and how moving countries, and the changing studio spaces that accompany these moves, has impacted her work and her process.Explore Beth's Work:@rabbithatdesigns on Instagramrabbithatdesigns.combethhoyes.weebly.comOrder the Art of Embroidery Designbookshop.orgthriftbooks.com

This episode is all about connecting, or reconnecting, with your personal style of creativity. Let's review the fears that often inhibit our creative expression, like the fear of not being productive, fear of judgment, and lack of ideas. You'll learn about the benefits of slowing down, discover actionable steps to manage and overcome creative blocks - and explore one of my favorite activities for ensuring you never run out of ideas!Magic Threads LAST CHANCE!Spark Your Inspiration CoursePre-Order The Art of Embroidery DesignFREE Lesson For Book Pre-Orders! 

In this episode, I welcomed back Tessa Perlow, an incredibly talented embroidery artist inspired by magic and nature. We discussed her journey and evolution since her last appearance on the podcast, her new creative ventures into other mediums, the challenges of managing physical strain and burnout, and the intricacies of running a creative business in today's world. Tessa also shares her thoughts on the importance of allowing oneself to play, researching inspirations deeply, and making art that truly resonates both personally and with her audience. Whether you're an artist, a fan of her work, or someone interested in the balance between creativity and business, this conversation was filled with gems for you!Where to find Tessa:EtsyInstagramYouTubeMy workshops mentioned in intro:Magic Threads LAST CALLSpark Your Imagination Workshop Stitch Explorer Workshop

Next up in the artists featured in my new book, The Art of Embroidery Design, photographer and embroiderer Valeria Duquet! We connected on the mystical nature of image-making, the power or words and language, and accessing the inner worlds through art.Valeria shared how she combines embroidery with her photography, viewing it as "writing with light" (the etymology of the word photograph). We discuss into her inspirations sources, which include a deep connection to nature and indigenous communities and practices. Valeria also discussed the impact of AI on artistry, the importance of maintaining artisanal crafts, and the spiritual connection she finds in her work.Valeria's websiteValeria's InstagramThe Art of Embroidery Design (now available for pre-order, releases January 21 2025)

This is a new series on the podcast where I interview all of the contemporary artists in my new book, The Art of Embroidery Design!Sarah K Benning dives into her experience as a contemporary embroidery artist, her transition from art student to accidental small business owner to a full-time job, and how her creative process and relationship with art have evolved. Sarah highlights the therapeutic aspects of embroidery, the challenges of sustaining a creative livelihood, and her new role helping to support creative entrepreneurs.Mentioned in this episode:Sarah K Benning's websiteSarah's instagramEmbroidered Life: The art of Sarah K Benning (written by Sarah Barnes)My upcoming book, The Art of Embroidery Design, publishing January 2025

Today I'm talking with Amelia Knott RP, RCAT, who I know through instagram handle of @art_therapy_irl, Amelia is the author of: The Art of Thriving Online, Creative Exercises to Help You Stay Grounded+ Feel Joy in the World of Social Media"...a work book that is intended to help readers develop a conscious + healthy relationship with the world of social media through creative activities, reflections, therapeutic art, writing prompts, + more"We'll be talking about how the artmaking process can support the processing of our lived experiences, the impact of social media on our inner worlds and how to explore the relationship we have to social media - without having to delete the apps off of our phones!Pre-order The Art of Thriving OnlineJoin the Free Workshop included with Pre-orders! Amelia's Anti-Hustle Art Studio

Let's explore the transformative power of sketchbooks - this isn't just about drawing; it's about making room for your creativity and transforming that daunting blank page into a canvas for your imagination.Learn some methods of working in your sketchbook that will help you to get moving in spite of fear, break out of blocks and perfectionism, and elevate your creative practice. Whether you're embroidering, drawing, or simply dreaming, this episode will help with the fear of "but WHAT do I DRAW?!" when you crack open that big blank book.Magic Threads Embroidery CourseEnchanted Blooms Stitch Series

In this episode, we'll explore how cloth is made, the journey from fiber to fabric, and how that influences how clothes are made. As we trace the history of clothing, we'll discover how this… technology, really, has influenced just about every part of our lives. This was the wormhole that led me to create my soft work intuitive garment design course (my plan was to more deeply study how clothing was made throughout time to connect it to how we can more easily make clothes in the current age and… what I ending up doing was studying everything from agriculture to mythology to pottery) but there's so much interesting history that got left out that I wanted to share it here.**note: it was not my intention to have this podcast go out on a Friday night, but a series of... surprises delayed the publishing of this episode - I hope you're able to enjoy it on your long weekend!**Mentioned in this episode: FREE live class: 6 Secrets to Simple and Stylish SewingSoft Work: Intuitive Garment Design CourseKassia St. Clair's "The Golden Thread"E.W. Barber's "Women's Work" Fibershed Article on ancient sheep

This episode shares clips from interviews that I've done with some amazing artists, talking about inspiration, and the artistic process, and all sorts of good stuff. These interviews took place over the spring on Knit a Spell podcast and the Making and Mending podcast - if you haven't already tuned into these, hope you enjoy these snippets!Mixed Color Monthly Membership (closes August 9th and doesn't open again until November!)Knit a Spell PodcastMaking and Mending Rituals Podcastp.s. Why am I closing the membership doors? I prefer to spend my time creating new lessons rather than trying to create new promotions (all of my business buddies out there know how this feels!) and I'd honestly rather not be hitting you up every month about it!

I'm SO excited about this interview, Sergio and Eric have done the incredible work of not just reinvisioning an industry in their heads, not just casting a better future for fashion, but turning that into a reality and creating a sustainable system within which others can pull from as well.Made X Hudson is a sustainability-driven fashion company with a small-batch factory and two retail stores in New York's Hudson Valley, They share their journey of creating a unique, vertically integrated small batch atelier in Catskill and Hudson, New York. Tune in to learn how they bring manufacturing back to the States, training a new workforce, and maintaining a strong emphasis on ethical and sustainable practices.Mentioned in this episode:Made X HudsonSNL Shein SkitSuay in L.A. Mixed Color Monthly Stitch Membership (open  until August 8th) 

My Monthly Stitch Membership is OPEN until July 12th! The assumption is often that I'm naturally creative, that I spend all my time making art. The reality is - I research and write and teach about creativity BECAUSE it's hard for me. This past few years has been especially challenging, but I've got a few tricks up my sleeve...In this episode, I've shared some ideas for getting back into your practice after a hiatus, getting more consistent with your creative practice (and why you should!), and working through the resistance and doubt that comes up! 

Why I don't always use sewing patterns, and sometimes make clothes like this instead… even works for beginners! (watch this on YouTube!)  Mentioned in this episode:Soft Work Course - $50 off until MAY 20th at midnight!! Use code 50FORYOUEpisode 11 - Considering the Cuts of Our Cloth Episode 29 - Zero Waste Patternmaking

I'm so excited to share this interview with Pamela Mayer, a patternmaker, clothing designer, and owner of the local boutique Mayer Wasner which specializes in modern day heirlooms with a focus on clothing made responsibly and ethically.We talk about the joys of making clothes, developing personal style, the evolution of our personal philosophies throughout life and how that is reflected in our businesses, and sustainability choices that happen not only as a shop owner, but also how to continue making those sustainable choices after we bring clothing home.Mentioned in this Episode: Mayer Wasner Website + InstagramSoft Work Intuitive Garment Design Course (goes on sale later this month!)Sign up for my newsletter (scroll to bottom of page)Brands / Companies Mentioned:Gary GrahamJ. Morgan Puett (more current info here)WolhideAce and JigIndi and AshSally Fox Colorgrown CottonLauren ManoogianCal Patch 

Repurposing and upcycling is a revolutionary act of creativity and resourcefulness. These actions embody the spirit of transformation, taking garments worn and weathered and breathing new life into their tired fibers.This episode talks about my favorite methods for upcycling garments, how I manage all the fabric from garments that are too far gone to save, and some new methods on my list to try!Links: Watch on YouTube for all the visuals! Mythic creatures stitchalong submission!Taproot Magazine with article on patchworkMending Zine + sign up for my newsletterPatchwork article on my blog (Part 1 and Part 2)Tshirt loom from Like Minded Objects 

Sharing some new and old concepts for Zero-Waste patternmaking ideas, and a few of my favorite book recommendations for learning more! Want to see some visuals for this episode? Check out the YouTube version.  Soft Work CourseCut My Cote - Dorothy K BurnhamZero Waste Patterns - Birgitta HelmerssonMore on Luddites (machine breakers)

My recommendations for better getting to know what is already in your closet so you can make the best choices for you and your wardrobe (no, I'm not going to tell you you can't shop - but these tips will ensure you shop wisely!)Psst... these episodes are now also able to be watched as YouTube videos! See my channel here.  Mentioned in this episode:Soft Work Intuitive Garment Design Course ($50 off until December 31st!! Code WINTERSALE) Latest Mending Tutorial (on Blog) + Free Mending Zine

I want to talk about our ideas around the meaning of “making it”! I'm so often talking about making things in the literal sense, on my teachings on embroidery and making clothes, but I also want to talk about ideas of success, and how I shifted my idea of what “making it” really means over the past 10 years as a small business owner. I also offer a little advice about how we can get closer to our own idea of success - hint, it takes way less work than you'd think. Mentioned in this episode:Watch on YouTube!Soft Work Course is $50 off! Use code WINTERSALEAccess to FREE Garment Drawing Mini Course The Hobbit House in Hawaii

Let's talk about making things, and the cost of materials vs the cost of our own time (and why you shouldn't bother trying to recreate the $70 sweater). There's been a lot of conversations recently on why sweaters seem so cheap - so as makers, let's talk about our role in creating for our own wardrobe. Mentioned in this episode:Embroidery on Clothing Workshop - included with this round of Magic Threads! (preview first lesson of Magic Threads here)Newsletter Signup (don't want to join 5 days of stitching? Scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your email in the box at the very bottom to just get on the newsletter)Kaffe Fassett: In the Studio BookDesigning Knitwear, book by Deborah NewtonFabric Shopping Resources"Your Sweaters are Garbage" ArticleClotheshorse Podcast

Have you ever spent time to think about why we see the colors we see? How this information is translated in our brains, and if we all actually see colors the same, or if my red is different from your red? Do we all see the same shade of blue in the sky? Beyond that even, what makes the sky blue? This episode takes a look at chromatic vibrations, how we see color and how that may effect our state of being. Mentioned in this episode:Magic Threads online courseThis original blog post

After more than a month off, I'm returning to the podcast with some thoughts on how we can return to our own creative process after periods of rest. It seems so simple... but can be a bit of a struggle! I talk about: - January1st as quite an arbitrary starting point - forgive yourself for having failed!- getting back into your creative groove- the importance of rest and play (episode 7) and creative intimacy (episode 22) 

Let's talk about how I like to end the year, with plenty of creative reflection that helps fuel my endeavors into the new year. This episode is based on the Adinkra symbols of the Ashanti people (modern day Ghana, Togo, and Côte d'Ivoire) called "Sankofa" meaning, go back and get it. There are two different symbols that share this name, with slightly different meanings. I'll be referring to the bird turned back on itself meaning, learning from the past.  Advanced Embroidery WorkshopPatchwork and Applique Workshop ( Research on Adinkra symbols came from a book by Ghanian writer Seyram Agbleze called "Journey of West African Textile Traditions" )

In this episode, I wanted to expand upon something Haley said in the last episode, making art that doesn't get seen by others. Maybe not never, but at least giving your creative practice the space to exist without external input.I share a few ways that I like to explore this theme of creative intimacy in my own artistic practice!Mentioned in this episode:My Winter 2021 Workshops (Patchcraft and Next Level Embroidery) Maydel patternsLindsay Stripling's workshops

"...not everything you make needs to be shared; having privacy with your work is kinda sexy!" One of my favorite take-aways from my conversation with Haley, ceramicist / dirt queen and the maker behind @studio.hecha!  We talk about many things, among them: - how Haley discovered her personal style- recommendations for discovering your own style, and the art of authenticity within your own work- the extractive nature of corporate design and the mono-culture created through corporate trend boards- how the internet tends to remove the human behind the artand some amazing tips on finding inspiration outside of the internet! Hearing her describe her relationship with the medium of ceramics will hit home for anyone who works with their hands! 

What an honor to be able to interview one of my idols for this episode of Stitch Wish Radio! Alexandra Hart is the author of the cult classic Native Funk and Flash, one of the original founders of Folkwear Patterns, as well as a counter-culture textile artist in her own right, located in Northern California. This episode is a slower pace, so please enjoy the contrast from our modern societies tendency towards highly edited and condensed form of sharing information, to a relaxing conversation with this incredible artist! Mentioned in this episode: - Native Funk and Flash (a short lil video on it here) - Bardo dress (more on the concept of Bardo here) - Bolinas Macrame Park- Folkwear Patterns (and the vintage ones that Alexandra worked on here) - Mystical Stitches, my book (which Alexandra wrote the forward for!) 

No matter how hard we fight against it... winter is coming. Even if you live in a temperate climate, the seasons are shifting, even if you're in a different hemisphere than I am - the seasons are shifting (and winter will, eventually, return). With this turn to the next quarter of the year, it's time to look at the coming few months and dream up how they look, and make decisions to move towards that vision. For this podcast - this means shifting to releasing every other week so I can have more time in between episodes to write and research ideas, and record interviews (of which there are some very exciting new ones coming up, so stay tuned!!) Lastly - Tuesday, October 5th is the LAST DAY to sign up for Magic Threads for the next few months, so if stoking your inner fire looks like getting deeper into your own creative process, be sure to check out my this online creative embroidery course before it closes!

I had the pleasure of talking about re-useing and recycling textiles for both art and business this week with Used Clothing Alchemist Crispina ffrench! She is an environmental textile artist, teacher, and coach working with textile waste to build environmental awareness, create a healthy lifestyle, teach by example, and provide the marketplace with lovely home furnishings, clothing, and accessories. We talk about how she got into working with repurposed textiles, her journey through entrepreneurship (including the importance of asking for help), the power and autonomy discovered through creativity, and steps we can take to move towards more ecological approach in both the textile industry and in our own work (hint: it starts with get over the guilt of being human and making waste, so we can make more mindful choices!!) Mentioned in this episode:Crispina's websitestitcherhoodThe Sweater Chop Shop BookCrispina's instagram Eileen Fischer's RenewPatagonia's Worn Wear (these are especially amazing!) Swanson's Fabric Shop

Long before written language, our species learned to communicate through symbols. As children, we learn to identify images before we can speak. And when we reach for knowledge beyond our own culture, symbols allow us to transcend the limitations of language. This episode scratches the surface on the idea of working with symbols and archetypes, both in our artwork and in our personal transformations. I discuss my view on how symbols and archetypes work with our minds, and how we can use corresponding images or objects to greater amplify these archetypes. Mentioned in this episode:Magic Threads Online Embroidery CourseMy book, Mystical StitchesRichard Tarnas "An Introduction to Archetypal Astrology" 

Despite the fact that I don't really relate to any specific religious scripture, this connection between artistic expression and divine dedication is one that I feel deeply drawn to. So this episode is a little bit about the spiritual nature of creative acts. I also want to leave you with some actual tools, so I'm sharing a few light suggestions for approaching your creative endeavors in a way that is enriching and rewarding, no matter what the reason for making is!Mentioned in this episode:Textile Arts CenterEpisode 4: TalismanEpisode 10: InspirationMore on  my Magic Threads Course (enrollment opens Sept 16th)My FREE Embroidery Portal

Let's talk about one of the most powerful tools in the artists studio - creating in our minds that which does not already exist in the world! In this episode, I talk about what VISUALIZATION is to me, how it helps us access non-ordinary consciousness, and work towards creating what we do want. I also share some techniques for enhancing your ability to visualize, and some fun ways to further play around - OH AND, there's also a guided meditation towards the end! (17 minutes in)  - My sketchbook process mentioned in Episode 12: The Creative Process- Cheryl Humphrey's "In Color - Spectral Meditations for Healing" (video here) - Stitched Visions Beginner's Workshop- Magic Threads Online Course (opens up for enrollment in late September) 

So excited to have had the opportunity to interview Tessa Perlow, a textile artist based in New Jersey who makes work themed around magic, nature, mythology & love . She works on repurposed fabrics & garments with a focus on embroidery and beading.We talk about... - Tessa's creative practice and the evolution of her embroidery skills- Upcycling, and Tessa's relationship to "fashion" - Not taking yourself or your work too seriously- Craft and Art - is there a difference?- Finding inspiration through researchTessa's WebsiteInstagram: @tessaperlowEtsy Shop: Mentioned: - Dreaming The Dark - Starhawk - Faeries - Brian Froud and Alan Lee- Seventy Eight Degrees of Wisdom - Rachel Pollack- Drawing Down the Moon - Margot Adler- Between the Worlds Podcast- Leonard Knight's Salvation Mountain- The End in Joshua Tree- The Road to Nowhere - Mary Evans Oracle Deck

A little about the process of making my recent book, Mystical Stitches! I also shared a bit about the process in this IGTV post but this episode goes a little more into detail about the emotional journey and all of the epiphanies along the way!  Making a book epiphanies - the short list:- Listen to your creative urges; don't wait until they "make sense" - Send the email. Write the letter. Reach out to the person about the thing - we are all human and humans love connection.- Get help to work through your mental blocks, no matter how small they might seem- You don't have to have a degree in writing to write - if something isn't working - don't force it - dream about itStorey PublishingStacy WakefieldAlexandra Jiacopetti HartNina ChakrabartiBrad OgbonnaNext Week's interview:Tessa Perlow 

I love learning about other people's creative evolution and artistic process, so I shared a bit of my own, as well as some ideas to consider if you're looking for new ways to think of your own artistic process. In this episode:- my personal creative process- the journey of how my art and spirituality merged- some ideas for opening up creatively- the Sufi story of Fatima the spinner- SOFT WORK Intuitive Garment Design course - registration closes Thursday (or when the class is full!) 

Let's talk about how clothes are designed (and why) and how we can make more sustainable choices. In this episode, I talk about:- the difference between modern and ancient clothing construction- my lifelong love affair with clothing design- the problem with the $40 dress- 5 tips for making more sustainable choices when shopping- my online course, Soft WorkLinks mentioned:Sign up for newsletter to get into SOFT WORK Good on You and Re/Make brand directoriesMelanin and Sustainable Style's article: "47 badass womxn of color changing the landscape of sustainable fashion" 

The thing about inspiration is, its hard to pinpoint, hard to guide others to, hard to explain... but having studied the creative process for quite a while, I've picked up some ideas about inspiration that I'm sharing in this episode. I discuss:  - not sharing your magic beans with the skeptic- reverence and focused attention- allowing intuition to lead the way even though intellect likes to do so- concept driven vs experiment driven works- my 7 favorite ways of seeking inspirationLinks mentioned: Magic Threads Course opens Sept 2021 (check out works from previous Magic Threads students on Instagram here)Stitched Visions Workshop (with $25 off Magic Threads)FREE Embroidery PortalGreg Jackson's articleStitch Wish on Instagram

In conversation with Lise Silva, we talk about:Finding inspiration through internal dream landsMaking time for meditative thought (no matter what) the world of wovenutopia: dreaming up new possibilitiesthe weird world of sharing our art in an internet culture that prefers homogeny and predictabilityRehumanizing our relationship with social mediaThe Mariah Fantasy Portal (doesn't matter how you feel or don't feel about Mariah Carey -  this is important stuff!)Mentioned in this eposide: Lise Silva's websiteCraft and Practice / Wovenutopia PatreonWovenutopia Summer IssueToday's podcast episode comes with a GIVEAWAY! Lise is offering us three copies of the digital mag to give away! To enter: Make sure you're following both @stitchwish and @wovenutopia, and tag a friend or two in this evening's @stitchwish post that mentions the giveaway and Wovenutopia Magazine! Three winners will be chosen at random - I'll contact you via DM to give you the download code. This giveaway is not associated with IG. We'll announce winners on Friday, July 30th

This episode ties together the past two episodes - reuse and play - by exploring the value of textiles. How we use textiles as a form of play and expression, and how we can bring value back to this artform by honoring the forms of cloth we already have in our lives through the act of mending.Mentioned in this episode:Mending E-Zine Soft Work Course (opens again in August)White Coat Study Studio Akina (my sister's hand-dyed pieces)Zak Foster's memory quilt swatch album Katrina RodabaughFibershed by Rebecca Burgess

Let's talk about how play and rest are integral to our sense of well being  - and our ability to adapt to stress and solve problems. Basically, they're the free at-home doctor available to us all, if we can figure out how to stop working long enough to let them happen.  After a heavy month of work, I hit a wall... and PLAY and REST were there to save me! These unquantifiable acts that have no value in capitalism are two of the best things we can do for the health of our bodies and our souls.  Mentioned in this episode:My new book, Mystical StitchesThe Nap Ministry's Blog and InstagramBrené Brown's The Gifts of ImperfectionStuart Brown's Play:  How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul

This episode is a little bit about re-use, in many different catagories - a little bit about textiles, a little bit about food, and a little bit about gardening... this is about how all of the choices we make within these arenas influence not only the environment but also the health and wellness of communities around the globe. I've provided some suggestions, some statistics, and even a little singing at the end :) Mentioned in this episode:Katrina RodabaughSeamwork Magazine (and my Remnant Revival series for them) My Soft Work intuitive garment design course (opens back up in August / September)Vegetables Love Flowers - Lisa Mason ZieglerPeggy Lee 100 companies responsible for 70% of emissions (and here's a deeper dive into those stats) 

So excited for this weeks episode where I got to interview my good friend and roommate from college, Mekenzie Kay! Besides being a sparkling ball of delight and wisdom and sarcasm, Mekenzie is an artist and a children's art teacher.  In this episode, we talk about:- learning new art forms- fear of failure (and fear of sewing machines)- stitching as a meditation- dealing with others expectations as they show up in your own creative process- working with recycled materials- cool dogs named ShelbySome topics mentioned in this episode: Mekenzies GORGEOUS patchwork piecesMekenzie's InstagramLifetime Movie NetworkMagic Threads Course (last day to sign up!) 

One of my FAVORITE topics - talisman! I discuss what a talisman is, ways you can make a talisman and where in your life you can use your talisman - as well as some historical examples and my own personal favorites.Mentioned in this episode:Planetary Archetypes (cosmologist Richard Tarnas explains these wonderfully) Phsychologist Carl Jung My Embroidered Talisman course, Magic ThreadsTurkmen talisman embroidery (scroll down about halfway for the description of a "Doga")Japanese talisman embroidery, or "Semamori" Order my book, Mystical Stitches (+ international option)Thanks so much for listening, I look forward to next weeks episode when I interview one of my oldest bestest friends, Mekenzie Kay, an elementary school art teacher who has taken the past year to teach herself to make pillows out of recycled denim.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Zak Foster, textile artist and memory quilt maker, about:- the power of improvisation- finding inspiration through repurposed materials- building creative communities- time management and organization (from a Virgo!)- tiny quilts as talismanMentioned in this episode:Zak's Patreon Zak's Newsletter, "Motivation for the Maker" Heidi Parks Hand Yoga seriesArtist Paulo Arao Our UNSTUCK: Zine CollaborationMore from me:My websiteMagic Threads Online CourseMystical Stitches

It occurred to me that some folks might have ended up here and not have any idea who I am... So this episode I introduce myself, Christi Johnson, and share a little about where I came from, what kind of work I do in the world, and why I started this podcast!Mentioned in this episode:Mixed Color websiteMagic Threads courseZak Foster is next week's interview! 

How to move through a creative project (or learning process) when fear has you stuck. I'll share my tips for how to deal with the fear of starting something new, and how to deal with the fear of FINISHING something (which often looks like procrastination)!Mentioned in this episode:Mixed Color JournalUNSTUCK Zine with Zak FosterSign up for The Embroidery Portal if you want to get started with the art of embroidery!