Stitcher Profile: Aimee Ray

Aimee Ray spent years as a graphic designer working on comic books and greetng cards. She also draws and paints, sculps and sews. She has written and illustrated two embroidery books and runs an etsy shop for her handmade items called little dear.

I've mentioned before how much I love Aimee's work. Today we are lucky enough to have her here on We Love French Knots. She graciously answered my many questions. Enjoy!

When did you first start stitching and how did you learn? 

I first learned to embroider when I was about 5 years old and my grandma would bring me samplers to stitch on. I hadn't done it for years until I picked it up again a few years ago and started stitching my own designs. It was addictive and I haven't stopped since!

Do you have any favorite materials/tools that you use?

I use very basic tools, standard embroidery needles, a 6-inch plastic hoop, DMC floss and any number of different fabrics.

Who are your favorite embroidery artists/mentors?
There are lots of talented embroidery artists out there! Some of my current favorites are:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/mimilove

http://www.etsy.com/shop/badbird?section_id=5024541

http://carinascraftblog.wardi.dk/

Do you have any favorite embroidery books?

 
I don't really have too many books, I mostly figure out things on my own, or from online tutorials. One of my favorite stitch resources is http://www.inaminuteago.com/stitchindex.html

Where do you stitch? Do you have any stitching rituals?

I embroider most often on the couch watching movies. :) I have a hard time doing nothing, so it's a great, easy project to keep my hands busy.

Do you have any favorite stitches?

I use the Split Stitch a lot, it's a great one for any linework. Also Satin Stitches and French Knots usually find their way into my work as accents.

Why do you think embroidery has become such a big trend? Why are you attracted to it?

It is the perfect way to bring any idea or sketch to life with thread and fabric. There are no charts or diagrams and no set rules, it can be as simple as a line drawing or very complex and detailed with lots of different stitches and textures. I am very much a “make it up as I go along” type of person, so freestyle hand embroidery is perfect for my projects.  I think I like textile work so much because it’s so different from the computer design work I do all day, but still a great creative outlet. There is something primitive and relaxing about stitching something by hand, and the result is very special and unique, quite different from the mass-produced items we see so much of.

Do you have any upcoming events? Are you teaching anywhere?

I don't have any upcoming craft events, the biggest event in my near future will be my baby being born in December! Until then I'm just trying to keep up with my usual design and craft work. :)

Can you tell us about your books?

My first book, Doodle Stitching, contains instructions, stitch diagrams, and 29 easy sewing projects each with a unique embroidery pattern to embellish it with.

My second book, Doodle Stitching, the Motif Collection, has an updated and easy to follow instructions section, it contains 17 sewing projects and over 400 embroidery motif patterns. It also has a CD with all of the patterns in digital form so you can mix and match and create your own patterns! You'll never run out of things to embroider with this book on hand. :)

I'm currently working on my third Doodle Stitching book, which will feature all new projects and patterns using some fancy, more advanced stitching techniques you can incorporate into your embroidery projects.

Where can we get your embroidery patterns?

my etsy shop is www.littledear.etsy.com

You can get autographed copies of my books there, as well as all of my original PDF embroidery and craft patterns.