In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Charlotte Wood, a mixed media artist known for exploring the beauty in ugliness through character-led, emotionally resonant work.

Charlotte trained through an MA in embroidery and works across hand, machine, and sculptural textile approaches - with a deep curiosity for how craft and experimentation collide.

We go deep on her making: learning the rules before breaking them, moving from perfectionism towards controlled chaos, what commercial embroidery taught her about speed and being “less precious”, and how her technician/teaching role (plus special effects + foam fabrication skills) are shaping what she wants to build next.

Links:

Instagram: woodsembroidery

Website: woodsembroidery.weebly.com

Intro music is Ever So Blue by Hearth 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 Charlotte Wood, a mixed media artist known for exploring the beauty in ugliness through character-led, emotionally resonant work.

Charlotte’s recent practice includes a standout 3D textile sculpture, “the man on the chair”, alongside layered narrative pieces where colour, form, and surface stitch carry memory and mood.

We talk about her Hand & Lock journey, how she uses characters to hold sadness and introspection without losing joy, and the Leonard Cohen influence behind the work — plus how ideas like object constancy and “finding balance” show up in what she makes.

Links:

Instagram: woodsembroidery

Website: woodsembroidery.weebly.com

Intro music is Ever So Blue by Hearth 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 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 second half of the conversation, we move beyond the garments themselves into the wider landscape of fashion. Topics include the economics of clothing, sustainability, and the tension between high fashion and everyday wear.

The discussion also turns to education, skill development, and the personal journeys that led Jessica and Robert into embroidery and fashion history, offering insight into what it takes to build a creative career in this field.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:01:15 - Historical Influences: Icons of Fashion

00:06:06 - The Business of Fashion: Balancing Art and Commerce

00:12:03 - Personal Journeys: From Passion to Profession

00:25:43 - Exploring Emotional Literature

00:27:42 - Musical Favorites and Nostalgia

00:30:20 - Cinematic Classics and Personal Connections

00:32:40 - Parenting and Children's Entertainment

00:39:06 - Unexpected Insights and Future Projects

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 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