Interviews with other artists who have taken on their own 1 Year of Stitches projects. All words are their own and have only been edited for clarity.

Artist: Anna
Instagram: @rhyanna_eva

1. Q - Introduce yourself!

A - I'm Anna (she/her) and my Instagram is rhyanna_eva. I live in the middle of nowhere in North Yorkshire with my husband, cats, dogs, chickens and ducks. As a kid I always said I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. I now work as a content designer, so I guess I got kind of close! My favourite colour is probably any shade of blue.


2. Q - How did you learn about 1 Year of Stitches?

A - I think I saw the tag on Instagram when I was looking for embroidery accounts to follow.


3. Q - What year(s) did you work on 1 Year of Stitches? (Please select all that apply.)

A - 2019, 2020


4. Q - Did you do it for more than one year? Why or why not?

A - I did 1 Year of Stitches for 2 years and really loved it. Then life got busy and I haven't tried to do it again since 2020. Maybe in 2026!


5. Q - Did you follow the rules or make up your own?

A - In 2019 I embroidered one flower every day and in 2020 I embroidered one bird every week.


6. Q - What did you learn from your 1 Year of Stitches project?

A - I learned the names of a lot of beautiful flowers and birds, how friendly the online embroidery community is, and how important it is for me to document my projects as I go along. I love looking back and seeing progress but also just having a visual record of how I've spent my time.


7. Q - How does your 1 Year of Stitches project influence your current practice / work / life?

A - I haven't embroidered anything for a while just because I got very busy with other lovely things like growing my first garden and filling it with animals. But I've always been obsessed with flowers and my 2020 Year of Stitches taught me a lot about birds, so I think both projects have influenced my home and garden in some ways. I planted a lot of flowers I learned about from my 2019 Year of Stitches and I've tried to make the garden bird friendly with lots of food and water for them. I love sitting in the window and watching all the different birds that come to visit and it's especially exciting when I recognise one I've embroidered!

Artist: Marta
Instagram: @lacasadelmirlo

1. Q - Introduce yourself!

A - My name is Marta, and I’m from Spain. I’m a self-taught embroiderer and painter: I’ve been painting for over 40 years, and been also interested in sewing since I was 12 or 13 years old. Both of them were something to do every now and them, but during the time of the pandemic I felt the need of trying to give a little beauty to the world, within my abilities. I love embroidering little details and painting miniatures, and since both are quite similar, I feel comfortable doing all of it!


2. Q - How did you learn about 1 Year of Stitches?

A - To be honest I don’t remember. It must have been through the work of other fellow sewists!


3. Q - What year(s) did you work on 1 Year of Stitches? (Please select all that apply.)

A - 2021, 2023


4. Q - Did you do it for more than one year? Why or why not?

A - I did it two years, and will do it again in the next years.


5. Q - Did you follow the rules or make up your own?

A - I made my own rules. My first project in 2021 was a journal: my goal was embroidering an object, an action, something that could remind me of something good, fun or nice that happened that day. I rarely embroidered bad or sad things, and most of the time I’d use as many colours as needed.

My second project was a temperature hoop in 2023: I’d assign not just one colour to a range of degrees, but a shape too. And most of them were shapes related to the temperature that they represented: flowers for warm weather, snowflakes for cold weather, leaves for middle temperatures.

6. Q - What did you learn from your 1 Year of Stitches project?

A - That constancy and patience are way more important than skill. A finished project brings so much joy!


7. Q - How does your 1 Year of Stitches project influence your current practice / work / life?

A - It helped me to see beyond the things that I’m making right now. Somehow stitching daily is some kind of meditation.

Artist: Sophie O'Neill
Instagram: @thestircrazycrafter

Questions:

1. Q - Introduce yourself!

A - My name is Sophie O'Neill (@thestircrazycrafter) and I live in Glasgow, Scotland, but I'm originally from Huntington Beach, California. I've been embroidering since 2019 and I've recently completed my fifth 1 Year of Stitches project. As a child I always wanted to be an artist and I'm thrilled that I've been able to manage that as an adult. In my free time, I run a Facebook group devoted to this project called Embroidery Journaling. It's a great place to see people sharing work in progress photos of similar projects!


2. Q - How did you learn about 1 Year of Stitches?

A - The first 1 Year of Stitches I ever saw was Sam Gillespie's (@threesixfivestitches on IG) 2019 project. I was immediately obsessed! The only reason that I taught myself to embroider in 2019 was so I could create my very own 1 Year of Stitches.


3. Q - What year(s) did you work on 1 Year of Stitches? (Please select all that apply.)

A - 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025


4. Q - Did you do it for more than one year? Why or why not?

A - Yes! I am currently working on my 6th piece. I found the process to be somewhat addicting. I loved the habit of embroidering an icon representing every day of my year - I found myself not wanting to stop.


5. Q - Did you follow the rules or make up your own?

* A - I make up my own rules as I go!* I find that this is such a fun and personal project that I don't like setting too many rules. I enjoy this project being flexible.


6. Q - What did you learn from your 1 Year of Stitches project?

A - I've learned that despite thinking I don't get up to much, there's always something unique about every single day.


7. Q - How does your 1 Year of Stitches project influence your current practice / work / life?

A - I find that when I'm in a rut, and my icons have started to become a bit too similar that I force myself to get outside and do something unique. Whether that be visiting a nearby castle, going to a farmers market, or even just picking up a book I wouldn't normally read.

Artist: Aušra Merkelytė
Instagram:@velvetmeadow

1. Q - Introduce yourself!

A- Hello, I’m Aušra Merkelytė, an embroidery artist based in Vilnius, Lithuania.

I am an observer—of nature, people, emotions, and life itself. There is much I want to express, but I prefer stitching over speaking. With a needle and thread, I tell my stories.

My work captures delicate, fleeting moments—simple yet profound beauty that can vanish with a breath of wind or a ray of sunlight. Wildflowers, fields glistening with morning dew—these are the fragile scenes I strive to preserve, honoring their quiet, ephemeral beauty.


2. Q- How did you learn about 1 Year of Stitches?

A - I stumbled upon this project by chance on Instagram in the beginning of 2017, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. I had just discovered the world of embroidery and was completely captivated by the artistry behind it. The idea that a simple thread, a needle, and a bit of imagination could transform fabric into something meaningful—a piece with a story—felt almost magical.

Back then, I was a complete beginner in hand embroidery, unsure if I had the time or patience to dedicate a few minutes each day to learning. But this project felt like the perfect opportunity, so I took the leap—and started stitching.


3. Q- What year(s) did you work on 1 Year of Stitches?

A - 2017


4. Q - Did you do it for more than one year? Why or why not?

A - I participated for just that one year. After that, embroidery became a part of my daily life, I started receiving orders, and the personal, just-for-me stitching time gradually disappeared. Since 2017, I’ve attempted a few other daily embroidery projects, but each one faded away before the finish line, lost to not enough hours in the day.


5. Q - Did you follow the rules or make up your own?

A - I don't remember the exact rules of the 1 Year Stitches project, but I followed these: embroider at least one stitch on a single piece of fabric every day and share a progress photo on my Instagram.

At first, I embroidered and posted updates daily. Over time, this became less frequent—every few days, and toward the end of the year, even less often. Throughout the year, I completed two 10-inch pieces. I had no set plan for what or how I would embroider; it was an intuitive process. Each day, I picked up my 1 Year Stitches project and stitched based on my mood, events of the day, or simply where the needle led me. It felt like writing a diary, but with thread and fabric instead of words.

That autumn was particularly difficult—I unexpectedly lost my father. Daily hand embroidery became a form of therapy, a way to process my grief, pour out my sorrow, and piece together a fractured world. The entire work seemed to embody my dad, our relationship, and my struggle to come to terms with his absence. There were many tears woven into each stitch, only to be undone the next day, but to this day, that piece—Lonely Wolf—remains one of my absolute favorites.

Artist: Sara Barnes
Instagram: @bybearbean

1. Q - Introduce yourself!

A - I'm Sara Barnes (she/her) and I go by the [Instagram] handle @bybearbean. (It's the name of my online shop selling gifts and goodies for pet parents and animal lovers!) I live in Seattle, Washington, with my husband [and] our three cats. When I'm not embroidering, I'm either writing or figuring out ways to bring folks together through Camp Craftaway, a summer day camp for crafty adults!


2. Q - How did you learn about 1 Year of Stitches?

A - I think it was on Instagram. It was back in 2016 so I likely found your Instagram account while clicking around!


3. Q - What year(s) did you work on 1 Year of Stitches?

A - 2017, 2019, 2021


4. Q - Did you do it for more than one year? Why or why not?

A - I say I did it for a year and some change. In 2017 I was successful at stitching at least once a day. In 2019, I made it until about May when it just got too overwhelming with everything else I had going on in my life then. I tried again in 2021, but life got in the way again! I'd love to try it again once I have wrapped a current long-term project up.


5. Q - Did you follow the rules or make up your own?

A - I'm a rule follower, so I followed them to the letter!


6. Q - What did you learn from your 1 Year of Stitches project?

*A - On a practical level, I learned some new stitches. On an emotional level, I learned how I often bite off more than I can chew—*I started 2017 with a giant hoop thinking I'd fill it up by the end of the year. When I completed it, however, the design was much smaller! This is a theme in my life that really revealed itself in this project.


7. Q - How does your 1 Year of Stitches project influence your current practice / work / life?

A - One of the most valuable things about 1 Year of Stitches is that it helped me find community within embroidery. In 2017, I was relatively new to embroidery (previously, I had done a lot of cut paper collage). Posting and sharing my work regularly was a great way to show up and learn to be proud with what I made!

Artist: Katherine Lucy
Instagram: @katherinelucycreates

1. Q - Introduce yourself!

A - Hello, I'm Katherine. A 31 year old digital manager from Bournemouth, England. I absolutely love living by the sea and this has always been a huge source of inspiration for me. When I was younger I wanted to be a fashion designer, studied fashion and design tech at university but then fell into the world of marketing and the rest is history. My current full time job is a digital engagement manager for a well known paint brand in the UK. Embroidery and design however is my side hustle, I create patterns for the UKs biggest craft retailer, Hobbycraft, as well as creating my own patterns to sell on Etsy.


2. Q - How did you learn about 1 Year of Stitches?

A - I first discovered the concept by browsing Instagram in 2018, I waited until January 2019 to start though. The first hoop gained a lot of popularity on my personal Instagram and my colleagues at Hobbycraft loved the concept too. I began another hoop in 2020, not knowing where the year would lead!

During this year I was commissioned by Hobbycraft to create a downloadable pattern for them to go-live for 2021, the project is still used on their socials now. In 2021 as the download was popular, I developed a kit with Hobbycraft that customers could purchase as a beginner as it included fabric, threads, needles, patterns and a stitch guide. It sold out pretty quickly but unfortunately Hobbycraft didn't renew the product.

2022, instead of stitches for every single day I decided to just do highlights. Taking a break in 2023 for personal reasons, I started again in 2024 - again, just focusing on highlights. I've decided to take a different approach for 2025 - stay tuned!


3. Q - What year(s) did you work on 1 Year of Stitches? (Please select all that apply.)

A - 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024


4. Q - Did you do it for more than one year? Why or why not?

A - I did, I had more time during the pandemic to complete. As soon as I was back at work normally I found less time to complete.


5. Q - Did you follow the rules or make up your own?

A - Follow my own! The first ones I saw [had] no dividers or clear months and that's not how my brain works. I designed my own patterns, each year mixing up the size, font and colours. I liked that I could look back over a month and remember the special moments.


6. Q - What did you learn from your 1 Year of Stitches project?

A - That not everything has to be perfect, some of my icons were questionable. I have a strong eye for detail however and found my niche.


7. Q - How does your 1 Year of Stitches project influence your current practice / work / life?

A - It's had a huge influence on my online following as I get quite a few questions on patterns or the fabric to use. I keep it separate from my professional career, however it has highlighted to my friends and family how creative I am, which is nice.

Artist: Aimee Ray
Instagram: @aimee_littledear

1. Q - Introduce yourself!

A - I am Aimee Ray (she/her), I am the author of the Doodle Stitching embroidery book series and I sell my patterns and kits online at little-dear.com and littledear.etsy.com I've always loved everything art and craft related and have dabbled in all kinds of media, I always wanted to be a painter when I grew up (still do, maybe one day!) Hand embroidery is one of my all time favorites though, it is always so relaxing for me and can vary so much from formal and elegant, to freestyle and whimsical! When I was in 4th grade I answered the 'favorite color' question with 'red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple' and I don't think that's changed. I do love exploring new color palettes and I drift a lot between earthy, cozy woodland fairy tale and candy land rainbow circus. I live in NW Arkansas with my family, on IG I am @aimee_littledear


2. Q - How did you learn about 1 Year of Stitches?

A- Instagram


3. Q - What year(s) did you work on 1 Year of Stitches?

A - 2017


4. Q - Did you do it for more than one year? Why or why not?

A - I did it consistently every day for one year and then stopped the project, but I still have various, on going slow stitching/freestyle projects.


5. Q - Did you follow the rules or make up your own?

A - I don't remember if I was aware of any rules but I just did my own thing. I basically just started with random thread and stitches each day, no plan in mind, and filled up my hoop. Then I moved the hoop and filled it up again each time.


6. Q - What did you learn from your 1 Year of Stitches project?

A - It sounds almost contrary but I learned that I can be very disciplined with a project like this and also at the same time find lots of freedom with not caring so much what some things end up like! I started 1 Year of Stitches on a total whim that January 1 when I saw others starting it on Instagram. I had zero plans or expectations, it was really totally a just for fun project. I ended up really enjoying it, almost like a daily meditation or free sketching to warm up for more formal projects. I actually posted every day that year, and kept all of my Stitch a Day photos in one row on my IG page! (I was really proud of that too for some reason. :)

It turned out to be really cool in the end, and not something I ever would have planned for. Also it made it to the cover of one of my books! (Doodle Stitching, Embroidery Art)

7. Q - How does your 1 Year of Stitches project influence your current practice / work / life?

A - I love the idea of embroidery as a meditation and something I still enjoy outside of my craft business where I have to have a plan for everything! I have gotten into Slow Stitching which is just stitching for relaxation and enjoyment, not with any specific end result in mind. (https://little-dear.com/blogs/tutorials/slow-stitching) It has been an important way for me to explore techniques with no expectations and also just calm my mind, and it has proven to be a valuable alternative to doom scrolling! Put down the phone, and pick up a needle and floss, you will thank yourself. :)

Artist: Alli Tillcock
Instagram: @theemptyoxobox

1. Q - Introduce yourself!

A - My name is Alli Tillcock (she/her) and I lie in Bristol in the U.K. I share my creative work on Instagram @theemptyoxobox and also run the Instagram account for @bristol_stitchers. I also run @stitchswap account with my stitchy partner and friend Laura from @colourful_minds_kids. I’m all about teals, bright colours and my fave thing to do is learn new stitches and try to use them in interesting and subversive ways. I was an English teacher but always making and creating something - making keeps me steady and excited!


2. Q - How did you learn about 1 Year of Stitches?

A - From facebook


3. Q - What year(s) did you work on 1 Year of Stitches?

A - 2017, 2018


4. Q - Did you do it for more than one year? Why or why not?

A - Yes - I became addicted to stitch all over again.


5. Q - Did you follow the rules or make up your own?

A - I was stitching so fast and enjoying myself so much that I needed up filling a 12” hoop once a month. Oops


6. Q - What did you learn from your 1 Year of Stitches project?

A - Well I fell in love with hand stitching again. It also gave a rhythm to my day and a chance to sit and contemplate daily and free my mind from the day and family life. I loved looking around me and incorporating inspiration form visits to museums, patterns on clothing and flowers in a window box, into my work. Having a joint condition meant It was also a physical therapy for my hands. When I was diagnosed with another autoimmune condition in 2017, it was another way to rest and relax and calm myself through challenging times with my health and well-being.


7. Q - How does your 1 Year of Stitches project influence your current practice / work / life?

A - More widely it has helped me develop my practice in stitch and textiles and opened my world up to other creatives : Bristol Stitchers, teaching a beginners embroidery course, running a stitch club and creating Stitch Swap with a friend.

I have participated in many courses and am fascinated by stitch, it's global practice and the variety of stitch around the world.

Artist: Darci Lenker
Instagram: @darcilenkerart


1. Q - Introduce yourself!

A - I'm Darci Lenker and I live in Norman, Oklahoma. I am a grown-up and am doing what I love! I'm a full-time artist, and also teach art classes to a wide range of people. I think my youngest person was around 5 or 6 and oldest was 96. When I was a kid, I wanted to be an astronaut but that was not the career path for me, so I do a lot of space art instead. I love some shade of pretty much every color.



2. Q - How did you learn about 1 Year of Stitches?

A - Instagram



3. Q - What year(s) did you work on 1 Year of Stitches?

A - 2016, 2017



4. Q - Did you do it for more than one year? Why or why not?

A - I did one full year, then started but didn't go very long into the second year. When I did the first 1 year of stitches, I was doing a second year-long daily project at the same time, and that was the second year of doing the other daily project. It just got to be too much to keep up with along with my other work. It's been long enough now that I think it would be fun to do again, assuming I didn't make it more work than it needed to be. I have a tendency to overdo things. :)


5. Q - Did you follow the rules or make up your own?

A - I think I followed the rules but I don't remember now. Were there rules?


6. Q - What did you learn from your 1 Year of Stitches project?

A - I really enjoyed the daily practice of it. I learned how important your selection of materials can be. Sometimes the material I chose was difficult to work on for the stitching I was doing.

The theme I chose for mine was A Year of Food, so everyday I stitched a tiny food. I wanted some way to document my other daily project for myself. My other daily project was to stitch a miniature food and send it to someone who signed up and promised to donate in some way to helping hungry people. I ended up sending foods to all 50 US states, 18 countries, and 6 continents! There were more people than days of the year, so I ended up with 368 foods. People were very generous and found ways to help their own communities. Occasionally I'll hear from someone that they're STILL doing things that they started then.

My 1 Year of Stitches piece was shown at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center in the Glenna and Richard Tanenbaum Learning Gallery alongside The Art of Food exhibit in 2023.

7. Q - How does your 1 Year of Stitches project influence your current practice / work / life?

A - I think my project had some influence in my current work because I made a ton of connections through that project, which led to me doing commissions for people, which makes up the a good deal of my current income from creating art. The daily practice was very important for improving my skills and learning better ways to do things.