crafts | Mr X Stitch

The cool embroideress Aimee Ray has a new book coming out this month, so we thought we would catch up with her and get the lowdown.... • You’ve been Doodle Stitching since 2007 – what’s your take on the changing attitude towards embroidery? Has much changed over the years? When my first book came out in 2007, embroidery and other hand crafts were just beginning to see a comeback. For at least a generation previously, sewing, knitting, crochet, embroidery, weaving, and many other crafts were generally considered old fashioned, or just something your mom or grandma did. But, things were changing! More and more younger people were becoming interested in hand crafts, largely by discovering them online through craft forums or other people sharing their projects. Since then the popularity of hand embroidery has grown immensely and it’s been awesome to see. There is so much diversity and creativity among modern embroiderers, it’s so inspiring. I’m thrilled to be a part of it. • What’s your advice for someone who has a passion for craft and might want to become an author? Writing a book is a lot of work but it is so rewarding and well worth pursuing. Lots of craft book publishers have open submission guidelines. I would start there: put together proposals and do your best to meet all of their requirements as completely as possible. Those will often include having a complete book outline, several projects finished and sampler chapters written, as well as demonstrating your online presence and following, and listing any previous publications. Also, be ready to be flexible. Honestly, I think one of the main reasons I’ve been able to write so many books is that I am laid back and easy to work with! I’m not a perfectionist and I’m willing to give and take on ideas with my editors to make the best book we can make together. Look at this for some inspiration....we can't wait to get our hands on her new book. • Did you find the book writing process difficult? This is my ninth embroidery book and each one presents a new challenge, but overall I find it enjoyable. I’ve never had trouble coming up with new ideas, and writing detailed instructions comes pretty naturally to me. That’s not to say some things don’t get tedious or stressful. It can also depend a lot on your editor, I’ve had several amazing ones that were great to work with, but also a few that were not so easy or communicative. • Who are your stitching heroes? Jenny Hart of @sublimestitching was one of my very first embroidery inspirations and I still love following her work. I’m in awe - there are so many amazing artists on Instagram, some of my favourites are @velvetmeadow @rabbithatdesigns @carinacraftblog @sarahbethtimmons @cozyblue @jessicalongembroidery @kirikipress • Where else can we find your work? I sell patterns, printed samplers and kits at littledear.etsy.com I also post tutorials and free projects on my website and blog I also have a Patreon page where you can subscribe to get new patterns or samplers each month! You can also follow me on Instagram @aimee_littledear • What is your proudest moment so far? I don’t think there’s a specific moment, but I’ve put a lot of work and effort over the last couple of years learning and developing my business and really taking it seriously as a career. It’s paid off so much and I’ve seen tremendous growth. I’m really proud of how far I’ve come and I couldn’t be happier or more thankful for the life I’ve been building, working for myself. Believe and invest in yourself and your ideas, it’s always worth it! :) • What are your future goals and plans? My future goal will always be to keep growing! I’d love to get into licensing my designs, keep doing book projects, teaching classes, making new art and sharing it with the world. I don’t always know exactly where I’m headed but I believe it will always be amazing. A little sneak peak - her new book! We will be reviewing her new book soon, so please check it out! Due to the release of the book she is doing a virtual, yes virtual book tour...here are all the links and days that it is happening: Aug 24 C&T Aug 25 Wild Olive Cozy Blue Handmade Aug 26 Benzie DesignJessica Long Aug 27 Snuggly Monkey Aug 28 Carina’s Craft Blog Aimee Ray Enjoy visiting all the links on this tour!