Coloring with Thread: Hand Embroidery Basics & Beyond

Think of embroidery as coloring with thread, playful, creative, and bursting with possibilities. In this episode of Creative Living, Emmy-winning host Jane Clauss sits down with fiber artist and entrepreneur Melissa Galbraith of MCreativeJ to explore the vibrant world of hand embroidery. Whether you are a seasoned maker or just curious about picking up a needle and thread, you will discover how this timeless craft can be modern, accessible, and full of personality. From Melissa’s journey of turning a hobby into a thriving business, to beginner-friendly stitches and tips for upcycling your wardrobe, this episode is all about unlocking creativity and celebrating community through handmade art.

Listen to the entire conversation or jump ahead with the episode breakdown below.

[0:00:09 – 0:01:36] Introduction to Hand Embroidery and Guest Melissa Galbraith

In this opening segment, host Jane Clauss introduces the theme of the episode, hand embroidery, and welcomes guest Melissa Galbraith, a fiber artist and small business owner behind M Creative J. Jane sets the stage by discussing the creative possibilities of embroidery, its rich history, and how Melissa brings a modern twist to the craft. The conversation highlights Melissa’s background, her brand’s focus on bold, nature-inspired designs, and her role as an author and marketing expert. This section provides listeners with context about the guest and the creative journey they’re about to explore.

[0:01:46 – 0:04:24] Hand Embroidery Basics: Stitches, Accessibility, and Getting Started
Melissa explains what hand embroidery is, likening it to “coloring with thread.” She discusses the accessibility of the craft, emphasizing that beginners can start with just one or two basic stitches and still create beautiful work. The conversation covers the variety of stitches available, from simple ones like the satin stitch and French knot to more advanced techniques such as bullion knots and stump work. Melissa reassures listeners that embroidery is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require mastery of all stitches, making it approachable for anyone interested in trying it.

[0:08:25 – 0:12:23] From Hobby to Business: Melissa’s Entrepreneurial Journey
This segment delves into Melissa’s transition from a corporate job to running her embroidery business full-time. She shares how her passion for embroidery grew into teaching workshops and eventually writing books. Melissa discusses the challenges of valuing fiber art, the decision to pivot from selling finished pieces to creating kits and teaching, and the satisfaction she finds in helping others learn. The conversation offers insights into the realities of turning a creative hobby into a sustainable business and the importance of adaptability and community support.

"I think it just means trying new things or trying things in general. You know, because you don't know until you try it if you like it or not,"
—Melissa Galbraith. MCreativeJ

[0:18:00 – 0:20:23] Upcycling, Tools, and Practical Tips for Embroidery on Clothing
Jane and Melissa discuss the trend of upcycling clothing with hand embroidery, including practical advice for beginners. Melissa explains the importance of choosing the right fabric, preferably non-stretchy materials like cotton or linen, for those just starting out. She also addresses the use of embroidery hoops, stabilizers, and the challenges of working on different types of garments, such as denim and shoes. This section is rich with actionable tips for listeners interested in personalizing their wardrobe or starting embroidery projects on various surfaces.

[0:28:44 – 0:30:37] Camp Craft Away: Community, Workshops, and Creative Exploration
Melissa introduces Camp Craft Away, an adult summer craft camp she co-hosts near Seattle. She describes the event as a space for creative professionals and enthusiasts to try new crafts, learn from local artists, and build community. The camp features hands-on workshops in a variety of disciplines, from broom making to stained glass, and has grown significantly over the years. This segment highlights the value of creative community, the importance of making time for exploration, and the opportunities available for listeners to get involved in similar events.

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