Many of you have probably heard the team at P&N go on about how much we LOVE embroidery so we are so pleased today to be featuring embroidey expert and designer Jessica Marquez for our monthly column “In Your Stylish Craft Kit“. Founder of the popular blog and shop Miniature Rhino, Jessica also has introduced her first book…Stitched Gifts.
The book is filled with a variety of fun and chic embroidery projects for every occasion – weddings, holidays, baby showers, anniveraries or just because. The book really bring’s to life Jessica’s signature natural and modern sensability and each project can be personalized and created to become memorable keepsakes. She may call them gifts, but there are so many projects we of course would love to give to someone, but also make as a gift to ourselves. It is a MUST READ and to help Jessica celebrate the book we are giving away a signed copy. Leave a comment below about what you love most about embroidery and what your favorite stitch is and on Monday, June 10th we will pick a winner.
And not only that, we have invited Jessica to P&N to teach an exclusive summer workshop on Tuesday, July 16th from 6:3pm – 8:30pm. During the workshop students will learn some basic embroidery skills, technique and more while working on a project from the book that Jessica has hand-picked called “You are Here” embroidery design. So come join us for some stitching, fun, time with friends and of course some sweet treats. The first five students to sign up will receive one of Jessica’s mini arrow or alphabet embroidery kits. See more about the workshop on our site here (scroll down to the workshop section) and call (212-535-6222) or e-mail (classes@pinsandneedlesnyc.com) the shop to register.
We are thrilled to hear what Jessica keeps in her craft kit and of course some other little tid-bits about where she likes to stitch and what inspired her to learn her craft. So now let’s hear from Jessica…
Where do you get new project ideas from?
You might think I’m joking, but seriously a lot of times I dream about them. It’s something I pass by on a wall or see in the background of a scene in a dream. I also get ideas from gifts I make for friends and family, or conversations with my boyfriend about things we love and inspire us. My constellation kits came about from us talking about star gazing.
What inspires you when you start a new project?
The limitlessness of possibility…
What inspired you to get into your craft? Or was there an event that prompted you to start doing what you do?
The women in my family; my mother, aunts and grandmother, definitely inspired a curiosity in me about how things are made and who makes them. I remember how they would investigate an item, a dress, or stuffed toy and then we’d go home and make it. It was like magic to me! I still have that excitement about making my ideas into physical objects.
How do you go about choosing your materials for each project?
I’m pretty predictable nowadays- linen and thread. I’ve gotten so obsessed with stitching that these are my go-to materials.
What’s the one thing you would love to learn how to do?
Oh boy, I want to learn it all. I love flipping through vintage craft books and finding all these great projects to make. Just recently I discovered Huichol beaded bowls, but crochet and hand quilting are pretty high on my list too.
What is the number one thing you must have in your kit at all times?
Needles! I always have my projects in my bag. I’ll be ready to stitch on the train and realize I don’t have my needles. Doh!
Do you have a favorite pattern?
Not really. I make a lot of embroidery patterns and get bored of making the same thing.
Do you have a favorite place you like to buy supplies from?
I love poking around the fabric district and looking at all the different trimmings, buttons, supplies, and fabrics. Even just the patterns of the fabric, so much variety. It’s a great place to be inspired.
What is your favorite tool that you use all the time?
Fabric scissors. I didn’t realize how necessary a good pair of fabric scissors are until I hurt my hand cutting fabric. Why make things hard on yourself? Enjoying the tools that make life easier are a part of the work too. (https://www.etsy.com/listing/64265171/colorful-linen-arrow-pin-set-colors-you?ref=shop_home_active)
What is your favorite creative tip?
Take breaks! I’ll get very focused on a project and either burn out or hurt myself, because my work is a lot repetitive motion. I know I work better when I can sustain the creative energy and physical labor, and taking breaks helps.
Where is your favorite place to work?
I think my living room. It’s quiet and comfortable, and has the most light in the apartment. While I work my cats will sleep on the couch or on top of the radiator. It feels just right to be with my lazy companions and be surrounded by all my favorite little knick kancks.
Just like a chef with his pantry essentials, can you list what your crafting essentials are that you have to have on hand at all times?
Living in NY you have to carry everything with you for the day. I hate having idle hands, so I carry a pencil case with needles (if, I remember them!), threads, water soluble pen, some fabric, travel scissors, a 3″ hoop, and thread conditioner.
THANK YOU Jessica for sharing all this delightful information and we look forward to hosting your upcoming workshop! We hope you will all join us and don’t forget to leave a comment to enter to win a copy of Jessica’s book! Also make sure to check out Jessica’s website and blog here.
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