Q&A with Cait Handmade

I had a quick chat with Cait from Cait Handmade about her embroidery journey! Here's what she said:

1.So, first of all, where are you based?

Dublin

2.What first got you into embroidery?

Curiosity! I felt drawn to the textures and the versatility of it. You can do so much with just some fabric and thread! I also have quite an arty family so have always explored different mediums growing up but embroidery was the one that stuck.

3.How did you learn to stitch?

I bought a kit online (one with just materials - no design), followed a YouTube tutorial for my first ever attempt and from there I just practiced with my own designs, or sometimes with patterns I bought from my favourite artists, until I found my style. There’s so many resources online, you can learn anything you want to if you just put in the practice.

4.What is your favourite technique?

I love really textured embroidery, some of my favourite artists work in abstract creating very 3D pieces with things like yarn and beads. Although I haven’t found the confidence to incorporate that technique into my work yet, I’m loving adding more texture with things like chunky French knots and layering different stitches on top of each other.

5.What is your favourite subject matter?

Nature! Being in nature is where I’m happiest and most at peace so I love to bring flora and fauna into my work. I’ve stitched quite a few animals, with a focus on endangered species but at the moment I’m really enjoying working with botanicals.

6.Why do you stitch?

Stitching is a form of self care, my me-time. It forces me away from screens where I’m either endlessly scrolling social media or getting caught up in emails etc. And it allows me to either sit with my thoughts or switch off and listen to my favourite music and podcasts. When I’m feeling anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed, embroidery helps me to relax and reset. It brings me back to the present, one stitch at a time. It’s very therapeutic.

7.And lastly, where can we find you?

On Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest @caithandmade or at www.caithandmade.com