Scarlet Pyjamas | Mr X Stitch

Hey folks, welcome to the latest 'Exploring Etsy'. Pixels though they be but small in size are most certainly mighty in stature. Those of you familiar to the world of Mr X Stitch, know this all too well, just take a peak through the glorious work that has been shared across the site, everything from quilts to cross stitch harnesses the power of the pixel. Today's featured seller Laura Swaddle has mastered the pixel with her delightful custom pixel portraits available in her shop 'Scarlet Pyjamas'. Large Family Pixel Portrait by Scarlet Pyjamas (Hand Embroidery) Pixel Portrait by Scarlet Pyjamas (Hand Embroidery) Drawing and creating since she could hold a crayon, Laura studied Graphic Design at Nottingham Trent University. When her studies were complete she returned to her native North East England where she now works as a Designer and Illustrator. A few years ago after setting up her own design agency she got bitten by the crafting bug and can't imagine her life without it, (I'm sure we all recognise that feeling!). Laura stitched her first portrait in 2011 and has been keeping busy ever since sending them all over the world. New Home Pixel Portrait by Scarlet Pyjamas (Hand Embroidery) Custom Wedding Pixel Portrait by Scarlet Pyjamas (Hand Embroidery) What is your earliest stitching memory? I’m sure I dabbled in crafts as a child, but my first real memory of sewing was trying to learn blanket stitch at Girl Guides. My effort was, frankly, shocking - something only a mother could love (in fact she still has it!) Custom Wedding Pixel Portrait by Scarlet Pyjamas (Hand Embroidery) Custom Pixel Portrait by Scarlet Pyjamas (Hand Embroidery) What fires your imagination? I am a complete and total magpie - things are always catching my eye! I spend a lot of my time in museums and galleries which are huge sources of inspiration, but at the same time, something as simple as an amazing pattern or colour scheme spied on a passerby’s outfit can set my mind racing. I’m drawn to bright, zingy colour schemes, so the work of artists like Mary Blair and Alexander Girard are endlessly inspiring. Oh and Pinterest. Lots and lots of Pinterest... Extra Large Family Pixel Portrait by Scarlet Pyjamas (Hand Embroidery) Extra Large Wedding Pixel Portrait by Scarlet Pyjamas (Hand Embroidery) Extra Large Wedding Pixel Portrait (Detail) by Scarlet Pyjamas (Hand Embroidery) I love the attention to detail in every single one of Laura's portraits, you can tell that every one is created with such care and the resulting work is always delightful and chock full of character. With Valentine's Day fast approaching what could be more perfect than a lovely pixel portrait for your amore – her shop is a mere click away! ----- Jessica Taylor aka Loadofolbobbins is a Textile Artist and Illustrator based by the sea in Portsmouth. At her happiest with a needle and thread, with a passion for genealogy she often explores old photographs in her Textile art. With her fingers in many creative pies she loves to experiment with new techniques, creating illustrated and stitched goodies for her new Etsy shop.