Hi everyone!

Sorry for the gap in newsletters—this past month has been a whirlwind! I had the chance to visit loved ones in the U.S., finally seeing some family and friends I haven’t seen in years. It was wonderful to reconnect and recharge. While I love living in London, it can feel overwhelming at times, and this trip felt like a much-needed reset.

While I was away, I saw incredible textile art across North America, and I’m excited to share some highlights with you! If you can’t experience these works in person, I hope you’ll enjoy them through Loose Threads.

Table of Contents

• What I’m Making:

  • What I'm Doing

  • What I'm Loving

  • Conclusion

Mini Life Update:

I’ve talked in a previous newsletter about the weird time period in my life after graduating with my embroidery degree. I was feeling a bit adrift and unsure how to make room in my life for consistent making and creativity. However - I have a big update!

I’ve signed a lease on a studio space!

No more squeezing fabric into every spare inch of my bedroom or tripping over projects. I can’t wait to create in a dedicated space and share my progress with you. I’m taking a leap and planning workshops, patterns, kits, and one-off pieces.

Here’s my (ambitious) timeline:

• Website: by the end of January

• First product: mid-to-late February

• First workshop date: by the end of February

Learning to quilt!

What I’m Doing:

Hand & Lock Prize 2024

The Hand & Lock prize was started by Hand & Lock in 2000, and has become known as one of the most prestigious global needlework showcases. Every year the finalists are absolutely amazing, and are selected from a mix of students and professionals across 40+ countries.

I was so glad I had a chance to stop by and see this show! The works on display were nothing short of extraordinary, displaying technical mastery and creative innovation. It’s always inspiring to see what embroidery artists can create - you can see more details about all of the 2024 finalists here!

Here are some of my personal favorites:

If you’re thinking about entering, check out the 2025 brief here.

Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women

While in D.C., I visited the Renwick Gallery to see this incredible exhibit. Featuring artists like Emma Amos, Sheila Hicks, and Faith Ringgold, the show celebrated fiber art’s rich history and revolutionary role in contemporary art.

The range of techniques—quilting, weaving, embroidery, sculpture, and more—was mesmerizing. Each piece told a deeply personal story, and the exhibit even included a section on sampling and the creative process. Although the exhibit has closed, you can explore it online.

Textile Museum of Canada

In Toronto, I finally visited the Textile Museum of Canada, and it didn’t disappoint! Although they were between exhibitions, the museum still offered so much to see - there was still a main exhibition on, as well as their collections. We loved the shop, which had handmade gifts and second-hand supplies. There was even a section dedication to learning, with a collaborative rug hook station and even weaving looms that you can learn on with the help of staff!

The main exhibit, Beyond the Vanishing Maya, featured contemporary Maya artworks and was beautifully presented. Their upcoming exhibit, Eye of the Earth by Samuel Nnorom, looks amazing too. If you’re a textile lover in Toronto, this museum is a must-visit!

What I’m Loving:

The Bound Collective

I’m counting down to The Bound Collective’s upcoming exhibition, Bound: An Embroiderer’s Story. Running from January 16–21 at The Department Store in Brixton, this free show features stunning works from embroidery artists across the UK.

The Bound Collective was started by alums from the Royal School of Needlework, and their work is nothing short of spectacular. If you’re in London, don’t miss this exhibition! If you can’t make it, follow them on Instagram for behind-the-scenes details.