Backside of the Hoop with Shawne Bennett

Have you ever wondered what the backside of a needle artist’s hoop looks like? Or what their behind the scenes process looks like? Me, too! As an embroidery artist, I’m intrigued by how other artists finish their hoops, what their creative process is, and what their behind the scenes space looks like. I decided to put together this monthly feature to showcase the different embroidery, cross stitch, and other needle artists out there so we could all learn more about the backsides of their hoops!

Today I’m so excited to introduce to you Shawne Bennett of Embroider{wee}! Shawne’s sense of color is very similar to mine, and I always love to see what she’ll come up with next! She has the prettiest handwriting of anyone I know, and her designs are so stunning. I’m trying to convince her to abandon Canada prior to the horrible winter they’re going to have in order to move to Chicago for a slightly less horrible winter. So far, she’s not buying it!

Tell us about yourself and your shop
Shawne is the visionary, designer & maker of beautiful things at Embroider{wee}. Her love for nature, vintage & reinventing inspires her work. She is a wife & mom and being a believer helps her achieve the never-ending list of goals she sets!

In 2014 Embroiderwee officially lived up to its name (wee instead of just me!) and invited Kelly to join the shop to expand our line of goods – she does the bulk of the sewing and is incredibly talented. All of our creations are designed, sewn & embroidered from scratch. We create our own templates, source amazing fabric and have a real love for what we do which ensures that everything we bring to you is well made, unique & one of a kind!

Embroiderwee is a one of a kind shop that focuses on Kiddos • Home • Gifting using cotton, organics, linen and found vintage textiles ♥

Etsy: http://www.embroiderwee.etsy.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/embroiderwee

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/embroiderwee

Pushpins by Embroider{wee}

Pushpins by Embroider{wee}

When did you start doing embroidery? Was there anyone who taught you, or are you self-taught? Do you still have the first piece you created?
The evolution of Embroiderwee is actually quite simple – all it took was one embroidery class, and I instantly fell in love. I am self-taught & learning every single day. I love anything creative and have a long list of to-dos!

Where is your favorite place to embroider, and why is it your favorite pace?
I love to embroider in my living room because there is a lot of great natural light!

Lots of natural light!

Show us your backside…of you hoop!

Have you always finished off your pieces this way?
I have always used felt for the backside of my hoops! I love a clean, finished look. Sometimes I do scallop the edges of the fabric to create a wreath-like edge (this is super pretty for weddings).

What is your favorite part of the embroidery process?
That every piece I create will always be one of a kind because they are all created by hand – I love that!

Your least favorite part?
That I can’t stitch fast enough

What are your top three favorite stitches?
This often changes, but today ….
1. Stem stitch
2. Split stitch
3. Chain Stitch

What is your favorite brand of floss? How do you organize your floss?
DMC is by far my fav. It is offered in soooooo many colours (yes that is the Canadian spelling) and the feel is so silky & smooth. How do I organize my floss? Well I have good intentions but this is how I do it!

What’s up next for you? Are you excited about a particular piece you’re creating? Will you be in an upcoming market or craft show?
The One of a Kind Christmas Show – did you know that it is the largest consumer craft show in North America? I will be one of 800 artisans and I will be in the Rising Stars section of the show. I participated in the Spring show in the Etsy section. I should get back to creating now, because I have A LOT to do! It’s from November 27 – December 7, and you can find out more information here: http://www.oneofakindshow.com

In December I’ll feature Katy Bromberg of Misericordia!

Are you interested in being featured for a future issue of Backside of the Hoop? Fill out the contact form below. I look forward to hearing from you!