In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Chloe Savage.

Chloe is a conservation embroiderer, couture specialist, and educator whose studio practice spans everything from National Trust restorations to hands-on needlepoint kits.

In this second half of our conversation, we trace Chloe's creative upbringing through diamond mines, Paris couture, and the Royal School of Needlework.

She unpacks how life detours—from teen motherhood to science teaching—ultimately fueled her practice and how art became a lifeline through grief. Please note this episode briefly touches on emotional abuse.

Another artist who processed personal trauma through artistic practice is the wonderful machine embroiderer Julie Heaton. We had a NeedleXChange way back in episodes 25 & 26.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:30 - Conservation Stories and Experiences

00:06:52 - Art as a Reflection of Personal Struggles

00:15:33 - The Journey of Healing and Empowerment

00:18:50 - Future Directions in Textile Art

00:22:59 - Embracing Creative Freedom

00:24:03 - The Role of Education in Artistic Expression

00:27:04 - The Influence of Family on Creativity

00:28:17 - Exploring Personal Interests and Hobbies

00:29:27 - The Impact of Art Installations

00:30:27 - Chloe's Favourites

00:40:57 - Overcoming Challenges and Unique Facts

Links:

Website: chloesavageembroidery.com

Instagram: chloesavageembroidery

Intro music is Getting Good at Letting Go (Instrumental Version) by Vicki Vox 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: needl.exchange

Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews

If you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: mrxstitch.com

And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!

• Facebook: mrxstitch
• Instagram: mrxstitch
• Pinterest: mrxstitch
• YouTube: mrxstitch
• LinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Chloe Savage.

Chloe is a conservation embroiderer, couture specialist, and educator whose studio practice spans everything from National Trust restorations to hands-on needlepoint kits.

In this first part of our conversation, we dive into the power of shared studio spaces, the value of peer critique, and how Chloe has built a collaborative practice that's both rigorous and restorative.

My recent NeedleXChanges with Kirstie McLeod, founder of the Red Dress project, also emphasised the benefits of collaborative projects and if you’ve not listened to those yet, you’re missing a treat. Find that chat at episodes 112 + 113.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:30 - Introduction to Creative Spaces and Community

00:06:51 - Collaborative Environment and Skill Sharing

00:12:36 - Finding Community and Support in Art

00:18:05 - Teaching Skills and Embracing Failure

00:24:46 - Creative Solutions in Crafting

00:29:23 - Childhood Influences and Artistic Roots

00:35:06 - Reconnecting with Needlework

00:39:44 - Fashion and Couture Insights

00:44:31 - The Pressure of Fashion Week

00:47:37 - Navigating Design Collaboration

Links:

Website: chloesavageembroidery.com

Instagram: chloesavageembroidery

Intro music is Getting Good at Letting Go (Instrumental Version) by Vicki Vox 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: needl.exchange

Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews

If you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: mrxstitch.com

If you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need! Find out more here: xstitchmag.com

And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!

• Facebook: mrxstitch
• Instagram: mrxstitch
• Pinterest: mrxstitch
• YouTube: mrxstitch
• LinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Severina Seidl.

Severina is a German embroidery artist whose work blurs the line between thread, paint, and narrative abstraction.

In this second half, Severina shares her ambitions in fashion embroidery, reflects on the push-pull between creativity and career, and gets candid about what it means to pursue art without a roadmap. Plus, we get her picks on books, music, and life growing up without TV.

For another artist making mixed media with a hint of darkness, my NeedleXChanges with Ruth Norbury (NX 27 & 28) are definitely worth a listen.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:01:30 – Reflections on Artistic Journey

00:02:45 – Influences and Inspirations

00:09:45 – Cinematic Inspirations

00:10:43 – Growing Up Without Television

Links:

Website: severinaseidltextiles.com

Instagram: severina.seidl_textiles

Blue Mind (Instrumental) by Torii Wolf 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: needl.exchange

Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews

If you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: mrxstitch.com If you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need! Find out more here: xstitchmag.com

And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!

• Facebook: mrxstitch
• Instagram: mrxstitch
• Pinterest: mrxstitch
• YouTube: mrxstitch
• LinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers