Karli Ingle, also known as Krafty Karli, has quite the unique embroidery journal. Everytime she finishes reading a book, she embroiders a book on her bookshelf depicting that book. Each shelf represents a different genre from top to bottom: Poetry & Non-Fiction, Mystery & Thriller, Romance, Fantasy, Magical Realism, and Fantasy overflow. On top of reading, Karli also teaches and practices an abundance of hobbies – it’s a wonder that she has time to update her book journal as well!

When recruiting artists to be interviewed for A Stitch a Day, I knew that I had to interview Karli. Her Book Journal is just such a unique and refreshing concept. It’s such a creative form of daily stitching and I can’t wait to see how her book journal turns out at the end of the year! For now, I think you’ll enjoy reading Karli’s answers to her interview questions.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a third year Middle School Intensive Special Education Teacher! I teach by day and stitch by night. I also teach dance! I have a lot of hobbies such as other crafts, painting, dancing, singing, hiking, reading, and playing with my beautiful dog, Luna. 

What inspired you to begin a book journal? 

I love this question!! Last year, 2022, I decided to challenge myself and improve my stitching by doing a daily stitch journal. I stitched a picture or word for every day of the year! I gained a lot of followers on Facebook and TikTok from that project which increased my amount of orders!! My job this year is also more demanding, so I knew I couldn’t keep up with a daily stitch journal again. I wanted to do some sort of journal throughout the whole year, but not something daily. I saw someone else make a book journal on an embroidery Facebook page. They had colored spines and a few shelf items. I decided to take that and run with it! I thought, why not create categories on my journal? I also challenged myself to read more books than I ever have because now I had a visual of them! I stitch a spine or cover inspired by the story. I also enjoy adding shelf items that I would have in real life and are meaningful to the plot of the story 🙂 

What have been some of your favourite books that you’ve read this year? 

My top three favorite books I have read this year have been “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros, “One Dark Window” by Rachel Gillig, and “The Cartographers” by Peng Shepherd. I also thoroughly enjoyed “The World of the Narrows” series by Adrienne Young. 

Side note: I posted a video of my book journal on TikTok after I read “One Dark Window” and the author commented on it and said she was honored to be on my book journal! It was AMAZING! 

How did you learn how to embroider? 

I taught myself how to embroider during the COVID shutdown. I was disappointed because I was missing many opportunities and trips, so I began a new hobby. I got an embroidery kit from Etsy, and fell in love! I’ve always loved making things, but something about embroidering just made sense! It was like painting with thread! When I didn’t know what I was doing, I watched YouTube and TikTok videos to teach me. I must admit that I still don’t know all the stitches and names! I mostly just do whatever looks and feels right! I am continuously learning. 

How have you managed to stay motivated throughout the year?

I LOVE reading! But with my teaching career, and small business, I mostly listen to audiobooks. I love reading and discovering new authors! I also can’t leave things unfinished, so I had to finish this journal once I started!! Seeing this journal slowly fill up and come to life has been so rewarding! It’s self motivating 🙂 

Do you plan on creating another book journal in 2024? 

I am not sure yet! I can’t decide what other type of journal I could do 🙂 

Are there any books that you are looking forward to adding to your Book Journal?

YES! I can’t wait to add “Iron Flame” and “Two Twisted Crowns” which are both the second books to my favorite books from this year!! 

What do you plan on doing with your project once you finish it? 

I am planning on turning it into a pillow for my reading couch!! 

What tips do you have for someone wanting to start a book journal?

I would also recommend to think about how you want your layout to be. I settled on 6 shelves and made each shelf a specific genre. It has forced me to branch out and read out of my favorite genre, Fantasy, because I don’t want any shelves empty! Also, have fun with it!!! It’s your own shelf, don’t worry what anyone else thinks! Also, don’t be ashamed of the books you read 🙂 

Where can we find you online?

I am known as @krafty_karli on instagram, you can find me on Facebook by my name: Karli Ingle, and my TikTok is @kkaye_80. I mostly post in my TikTok 🙂

If you’re interested in being interviewed for my A Stitch A Day series, my slots are currently filled. You can sign up for my newsletter to be notified when I am looking for more artists to speak about their Embroidery Journals and similar projects. If you are interested in creating your own embroidery journal, I have a variety of digital and kit resources available in my Etsy shop.

Enjoyed this post? Then check out some of my other blog posts or purchase the in-depth embroidery journal guide. You can also join the free Embroidery Journaling Facebook Group to chat with others working on their own Embroidery Journals. You can also follow me on any of the following social media websites:

• Etsy
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Pinterest
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Goodreads
• WordPress

If you’re looking for interesting embroidery journal layouts, then look no further as Jess Blauwkamp is ahead of the curve in creating her unique and creative formats. Over the past two years, she has created some of the most unique designs that I’ve seen online to date. This year, she’s going with a stunning colour coded flowing layout that’s difficult to look away from! Genuinely, I don’t know how Jess has time for it all given the amount of activities she is participating in, whether it be teaching her students, attending robotics competitions, or even entering her work in art fairs!

I’ve known of Jess for quite awhile at this point, just due to the fact that we’re both on TikTok regularly making videos where we breakdown our embroidery journals. She even participated in my Unique Embroidery Journal Post from a few months back. I’m grateful that Jess was willing to be interviewed for this next edition of A Stitch a Day.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a middle school teacher in Michigan. I teach special education, social studies, English language arts, and I also coach our school’s middle and high school F.I.R.S.T. robotics teams! You’ll see a lot of robotics related stitches in my journals from 2022 and 2023 in particular. I have a ridiculous number of hobbies, which I’ll blame on my inability to focus on just one project at any given time. In addition to creating highly detailed embroidered scenes of the Great Lakes and their rocks, I also crochet, grow a veggie garden, collect rocks and fossils from Lake Michigan, run (very slow) 5Ks, and cultivate African violets with my Grandma. Living right next to Lake Michigan gives me plenty of inspiration for my embroidery journal! I also recently entered my Great Lakes Embroidery Series in an international art competition, ArtPrize, where it was chosen as a finalist! 

What made you decide to go with your current embroidery journal layout?

Really I just wanted to make sure that no two months with the same color scheme touched. I don’t usually plan a ton when it comes to the layout of my journal. This project is supposed to be a super quick thing for me to do nightly, and I know that planning it out just wouldn’t be interesting to me. 

How have your embroidery journals changed over the years?

My first embroidery journal was an attempt to teach myself new stitches. I taught myself how to do some basic embroidery things in the fall of 2020, and I wanted to stitch some of the beautiful scenery the Great Lakes had to offer, but I knew I wasn’t skilled enough yet. I started the embroidery journal as a way to learn and grow that also gave me an end product. This helped keep me on task! My second embroidery journal was mostly word stitches because I knew I could stitch words faster than icons. This helped keep the project manageable in a year that was crazy busy with work. By the time my third journal got started, I knew I wanted to keep up the theme of doing something different each year, but I really wanted to go back to stitching icons because they’re much more fun than just words. I settled on the idea of stitching in color themes for each month, and I think it’s turning out beautifully!

How did you learn how to embroider?

It’s a pandemic hobby for me! I taught myself in the fall of 2020 when I was teaching from home for a few days. 

Do you repeat icons? 

Yes! I have a Tiktok video on it here!

What is your favourite icon on your embroidery journal?

I have so many favorites, it’s hard to choose! I think my most unique favorites are the tiny robots I stitched based on the bots my students built for competition! I also really love the sewing machine I stitched in February of 2021! It was the first time I really felt like I was able to convey exactly what was in my head in thread, and It opened up a whole world for me! 

How have you managed to stay motivated throughout the year?

I really thrive when I have deadlines. The end of the year is a hard deadline for me, but I also give myself monthly soft deadlines, too! I like to post my monthly updates on my personal Facebook page so my grandparents can see it. TikTok is also a huge motivator for me! Both my 2021 and 2022 journals went viral on New Year’s Eve, and I would really love for that to happen again! 

What has been your most memorable event represented on your embroidery journal this year? 

This year I entered an international art competition in Grand Rapids, MI, ArtPrize. I entered my Great Lakes Embroidery Series and it was a finalist in the category of 2D art! This was such a huge accomplishment for me, and because the competition took place over the course of 3 weeks, I have many stitches from that represented in September of this year. 

What types of icon do you like to embroider on a monotonous or boring day?

Well, as a middle school teacher, there’s usually something that the kids say or do that will make it into my journal! Sometimes I’ll stitch the weather, an icon representing some rerun of Star Trek or Star Wars, or even just what I had for dinner that night. I will say that it was much easier to stitch a monotonous day on my word journal in 2022 than it is to stitch an icon! 

What have you learned from starting an embroidery journal?

My stitch journal gives me time to be reflective daily, which helps me to be more grateful. I stitch both the good days and the hard days, and when I look back on my journals, it’s mostly good days. It’s a good reminder that my life has become something beautiful and that is reflected in my art. 

What tips do you have for someone wanting to start an embroidery journal?

Keep a notebook with a calendar in it so if you don’t have time to stitch on one particular day, you still have a record of what you want to do! In 2021, I stitched EVERY DAY, which was a huge commitment. In 2022, I kept a notebook with a week’s worth of words at a time, and I would just sit down and stitch them all at once. This year I seem to have found a happy medium where I can stitch daily or every few days without feeling super far behind. 

Also, find yourself a designated stitching time! I found that having one keeps the pressure off and makes it much more fun! 

What supplies do you use for your embroidery journal?

One thing I really love about embroidery is that it’s super accessible. For my fabric, I use a cotton fat quarter I got at Joann’s. When I started, I was using floss from Walmart! Nowadays I use DMC thread. My favorite tool for embroidery, though, are my floss drops! Floss drops allow me to keep all my thread at the precut length that I prefer for my stitching, which helps me to stay organized. I got my floss drops from Atom Heart Cross Stitch. One thing I really like about these specific floss drops is that there’s an extra slot to put thread remnants, which is super useful when I’m stitching something tiny on my embroidery journal and I know I’ll have leftover thread. 

Do you plan on creating another embroidery journal in 2024?

Absolutely yes! I already have some ideas in the works! 

Where can we find you online?

Instagram: jess_makesthings 

TikTok: jess_makesthings 

If you’re interested in being interviewed for my A Stitch A Day series, my slots are currently filled. You can sign up for my newsletter to be notified when I am looking for more artists to speak about their Embroidery Journals and similar projects. If you are interested in creating your own embroidery journal, I have a variety of digital and kit resources available in my Etsy shop.

Enjoyed this post? Then check out some of my other blog posts or purchase the in-depth embroidery journal guide. You can also join the free Embroidery Journaling Facebook Group to chat with others working on their own Embroidery Journals. You can also follow me on any of the following social media websites:

• Etsy
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Pinterest
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Goodreads
• WordPress

In being a Minnesota native, Jaclyn Nigon was looking for a hobby to keep herself occupied during the cold evenings of winter. When she discovered embroidery journals, she immediately knew what her next hobby would be! Now, she’s embroidered icons to represent different State Parks in Minnesota, her family business, and activities with her daughters and husband.

When Jaclyn reached out, I was over the moon! She has such small intricate icons on her embroidery journal and I was desperate to learn more about what they represent. I believe you’ll end up feeling the same as you read through her interview.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hello! My name is Jaclyn. I am a mom to three girls married to my husband Wes, and work as a school nurse. My family lives on 10 wooded acres in Minnesota. We raise chickens, make maple syrup, and harvest honey from our bees. We love being outdoors and going on camping trips. We have a goal to take our girls to all of the Minnesota state parks before they are grown. We’ve visited 68 parks and only have 7 left! 

How did you first learn about embroidery journaling?

My favorite hobby is crafting! I scrapbook and sew, make wooden signs and homemade cards, just to name a few of my favorite. I often have a new project started on my craft table as I try to learn a new technique. My love for learning new things led me to finding the embroidery journal. Living in Minnesota, I decided I needed to find a good hobby for long winter evenings when it’s too dark and cold to do much outside by 4:00. I’ve always loved creating things and thought embroidery would be fun! I started researching the best way to go about this and found “The Stir Crazy Crafter” on Instagram. One look at the cute embroidery journals and I was hooked! This project has been a great way to learn embroidery, and it’s fun to watch my skills improve month by month.  I love the creativity needed to create the icon for each day. That alone has stretched me and helped my creative skills grow.

What have you learned from starting an embroidery journal?

The thing I didn’t expect with this project is how it causes me to stop and reflect about each day. And, it serves as a way to look back and see all of the little joys that happened this year. Little moments that felt big enough to document, but just as easily could have been forgotten. A special movie night with the girls, snowshoeing in our woods, an at home date night with the hubby that consisted of cribbage and a cocktail, and an afternoon spent reading in the hammock in perfect weather. The big and little moments that make life, they are all there! I like looking back and remembering, and so does my family. It would be hard to pick a favorite icon, each one is all wrapped up in memories!

What has been your most memorable event represented on your embroidery journal this year? 

My family took a once in a lifetime trip to Alaska this year. That event was probably my favorite to plan out for the journal. I picked an icon for each day, like camping in the mountains, spending 10 days in an RV, a boat tour, seeing our first moose, the girls playing in the ocean, just to name a few. Once I got them all stitched,  I connected them with a dashed line to tie them all together. This was an amazing trip, and it’s all there, recorded on my journal in little stitches. 

Do you ever repeat icons?

I know some journalers prefer to find a new icon everyday and not use the same one twice. I thought about this and realized that I find some peace and comfort in the routineness of life. So, there are often duplicate icons of events that mean a lot to me and happen frequently, like the little group of fish I stitch each time our church small group meets. I also love to read, so I stitch a book at the end of each month with the number of books finished stitched on the cover. Family time is important to me, so on days nothing “noteworthy” happened, I incorporate hearts or symbols that represent family to note a day with family as time well spent. 

What tips do you have for someone wanting to start an embroidery journal?

I would absolutely recommend this project to anyone with a love for creating art with simply a needle and thread, those with expert embroidery skills and those just starting out. My tip for getting started is to not overthink it and just jump right in. The beauty of embroidery, especially this project with no set pattern, is that there is no right and no wrong. It is your creativity and your interpretation of life that will come out on the fabric with the icons and colors you choose. You can learn new stitches, stretch your imagination and creativity, and reflect on the beauty of your life in just a few minutes of your day. And, at the end of the year, you will have an amazing record of your unique life! Because it is hard to keep track of the meaning of all 365 little icons, I also have a cute little notebook that I draw the icon for each day, along with a brief description. That way, when I look back, I can always remember what things meant. 

What supplies do you use for your embroidery journal?

I also recommend getting some supplies that you love to make craft time even more fun. I love my little gold scissors shaped like a bird because they just make me happy every time I use them. I also am super happy with the embroidery kit bag I bought off of Amazon. It fits everything from my hoop to the box that holds my floss and tools, making it easy to take my project anywhere and keep it clean and safe. It even came with me on a canoe trip to the Boundary Waters!

What do you plan on doing with your embroidery journal once you finish it?

 I can’t wait to hang my journal on the spot saved on my crafting area wall. This project has been so fun and meaningful, you can bet I will start a new one for 2024. I already have a spot picked out to hang that one too!

Where can we find you online?

Instagram: @wanderingnigons
Facebook page: Nigon Woods

If you’re interested in being interviewed for my A Stitch A Day series, my slots are currently filled. You can sign up for my newsletter to be notified when I am looking for more artists to speak about their Embroidery Journals and similar projects. If you are interested in creating your own embroidery journal, I have a variety of digital and kit resources available in my Etsy shop.

Enjoyed this post? Then check out some of my other blog posts or purchase the in-depth embroidery journal guide. You can also join the free Embroidery Journaling Facebook Group to chat with others working on their own Embroidery Journals. You can also follow me on any of the following social media websites:

• Etsy
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Pinterest
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Goodreads
• WordPress

When you think of a Jack of all trades, you might think of Jane Stedman going forward. Not only does she excel in embroidery, but she also enjoys learning the ins and outs of a variety of other hobbies, some of which are even represented on her beautiful 2023 Embroidery Journal.

In preparing to launch my new series A Stitch A Day, I was really hoping that I would be able to interview at least a couple of artists with unique embroidery journal layouts. I was in absolute awe when Jane reached out to me with her one of a kind embroidery journal layout. I love the fact that the large lettering of 2023 just barely shows through as you look at her icons.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a military spouse and mother of six (very active) children, ranging in age from 15 to 2 years old. I am very blessed to be able to stay home, manage our household, build our family culture, and create memories. I love to be busy learning and trying new things. Last year, I became a Certified Angling Instructor through Scouts BSA, and this winter I plan to become a Certified Master Gardener through the NC State Extension Office. I love crafting of all kinds (especially sewing), gardening, reading, cooking, baking, antiquing, woodworking, and repairing home appliances to keep them functioning properly. Completing projects on my own, or with instruction, gives me a huge sense of satisfaction. I recently changed the oil and brakes on my vehicle with the help and guidance of a friend, and I felt like Superwoman afterward! 

What made you go with your current embroidery journal layout?

I observed Sophie’s embroidery journals for a couple of years and was incredibly inspired by her work. However, I wanted to be able to actually commit to the project and I knew that, with the addition of our baby daughter in 2021, I wouldn’t have time to dedicate to the project. In late November 2022, I decided that 2023 would be my year. I began admiring others’ journals and deciding what I preferred best for my own. The large year numbers really appealed to me because I liked the idea of filling in the year – both literally and figuratively. I’ve elected to stitch the months in my own cursive handwriting, and in rainbow color format, to provide some cohesiveness. I tried sectioning off the hoop to give myself a visual of the space for each month, but I quickly decided that it felt limiting, so I’ve just “eyeballed” my way through. 

How did you learn to embroider?

I am incredibly fortunate that I was raised to be expressive and creative in nearly every aspect of my life. My parents showed me that there’s tremendous value in hard work and creative problem-solving. Even school projects that could have been snooze-fests became opportunities for humor and outside-of-the-box thinking; my mom once helped me develop an archaeology assignment featuring “Dr. Can U. DiGit” and the edible fudge-brick basement that he excavated, discovering such artifacts as a rotary phone, scissors, and glass (all Barbie accessories). During the Christmas season, my dad gathered pine boughs and made wreaths to sell. He always brought me along to be his buddy (and occasional flashlight holder) when repairing things around our house. Neither of my parents raised me with any boundaries of “boy activities” versus “girl activities;” I was taught to stack wood just as well as prepare dinner. My parents also supported me in 4-H where I learned to sew and raise hogs. My grandma constructed beautiful, detailed Christmas stockings for our entire family, and always included me in crafting activities. She taught me how to cross-stitch (a bookmark that I still have!). My great aunts were tremendously talented in many areas, including crochet, knitting, and music. I am so proud that I am part of that heritage of ingenuity, one where I’m not afraid to try new creative endeavors, including this embroidery journal. As a mother, that is one of my main goals – to continue to model and foster imagination and creativity in my children. 

What supplies do you use for your embroidery journal?

Something I appreciate most about this project is that it’s quite economical; it doesn’t require a large infusion of cash to get started or maintain. I only needed to purchase an embroidery hoop! As my grandma has aged and her ability to craft has declined, I’ve been the benefactor of most of her supplies, including a box with embroidery thread, needles, and a set of blank flour sack tea towels. I decided to stitch my journal on the tea towel so that I can display it in my china hutch. I have gradually added a few things as I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t (for me) – an extra fine tip air erasable marker, sharp, lockable scissors, and a neck reading light. I also have a small collection of needle minders; I love to switch them out every now and then. 

What is your favorite icon on your embroidery journal?

I have several favorite icons; the fuzzy chick, the lasagna, the school bus. My absolute favorite is the bicycle. My family recently took a trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan. I grew up in northern Michigan and often took school field trips to the Island, so it was extra special to bring our children. The island is closed to motor vehicles – bicycles and horse carriages only – and we biked 8.2 miles around the entire island. The weather was perfect and my kids were in awe. It’s a bucket-list-fulfilling memory, and I’m tickled that the icon stitched exactly as I’d hoped it would. 

How have you managed to stay motivated throughout the year?

I really took my time in considering this project; I knew that I didn’t want to start if I wouldn’t be able to finish. Still, the prospect of stitching 365 icons can be daunting. Early on, I set the habit where I stitched every single day, without fail. As I got more comfortable, I stretched it to every two to three days, but I never like to fall behind more than five days. My main source of motivation is the project itself! I enjoy looking back on my work and noticing the growth of my ability. That alone encourages me to keep going. I’m not sure my family would allow me to quit, anyway – they love to see which daily event will be represented on my hoop! 

Do you plan on creating another embroidery journal in 2024?

Yes! Stitching has become part therapy, part memory-keeping, and I can’t imagine not continuing the project next year. I am considering a different style with only words to describe each day, but I haven’t decided just yet. 

What tips do you have for someone wanting to start an embroidery journal?

Gather your basic materials and just start! I know that a blank piece of material can be intimidating, but the first stitch is the hardest. Once you complete your first icon, your confidence builds and you’re ready for the next. The beauty of this project (and most any art) is that there are no rules. Or, if you do have rules, they’re ones you’ve set for yourself. Before I began my journal, I decided that it would be a great way for me to practice and build my embroidery skills, but it would also be a vehicle for me to relax some of my perfectionist tendencies. My only rule for myself was that I wouldn’t remove and redo any of my icons. Some of my early icons make me cringe because I would approach them in a completely different way now. I remind myself that that was my best at the time. I love that my journal is tangible evidence of growth. 

Where can we find you online?

I started an Instagram account called Everyday In Stitches (@everydayinstitches) to chronicle my project. I post photos of each icon and then a whole-hoop picture at the end of each month. 

If you’re interested in being interviewed for my A Stitch A Day series, my slots are currently filled. You can sign up for my newsletter to be notified when I am looking for more artists to speak about their Embroidery Journals and similar projects. If you are interested in creating your own embroidery journal, I have a variety of digital and kit resources available in my Etsy shop.

Enjoyed this post? Then check out some of my other blog posts or purchase the in-depth embroidery journal guide. You can also join the free Embroidery Journaling Facebook Group to chat with others working on their own Embroidery Journals. You can also follow me on any of the following social media websites:

• Etsy
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Pinterest
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Goodreads
• WordPress

Recently, I put out a call to the Embroidery Journaling community asking for those that would be interested in being interviewed to step forward. Not only did I want to see your embroidery journals and learn more about their creation, but I also wanted to learn more about the artists themselves and what tips & tricks they had picked up along the way. One of the first artists to reach out was Stephanie Tomsett.

Throughout her interview, Steff has shared a variety of insightful embroidery tips while giving a look into what it was like for her to create her very own stitch a day project. You can truly tell how much Steff cares about her craft by looking at each unique and individual icon on her embroidery journal.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a peer review publishing specialist for a scientific publisher. I love to spend as much of my free time as possible doing one of many different craft projects. In particular, I love embroidery, cross stitch, and crochet. I’ve currently got about 20 different projects on the go! I love to learn new things too, I’ve just started trying needle felting and a punch needle kit. I think I picked up my love of crafts from my mum, we often do similar things and share tips with each other! I also love spending time with my husband, our two ginger cats, and our gecko. 

What is your favourite icon on your embroidery journal?

Oooh, that’s a tricky one! It’s between two! One of my favourites is a butterfly, which I made after I visited a butterfly farm for my birthday with my husband and my parents. It was such a fun day and I love how the butterfly turned out! The other is a wave, which I made because we went on holiday to Fuerteventura and there were some really huge waves! 

How do you track your days?

I’ve got a note app on my phone, where I write the date and a little summary of the day/activity I want to represent. I also add an emoji that best represents what I want to embroider. 

How did you learn how to embroider?

Mostly just trial and error! Looked at a few tips and videos online and went for it. If I’m trying something new, I tend to use a scrap bit of fabric to try it out first. 

Do you repeat icons?

Not really, I’m trying to make all of my icons unique. Some of them are similar, and each time I finish stitching the previous month, I do stitch a little V shaped segment in that month’s colour. As we’re getting towards the end of the year, it is getting difficult to think of new icons! 

What made you decide to go with your current embroidery journal layout?

I think things to be in order and in their place, so I decided to make the circle and segments at the start. That way I can easily see what I did in each month.  

What types of icon do you like to embroider on a monotonous or boring day?

Usually I got for something to do with my mood, what I’ve eaten, what I’ve watched on TV, or the weather. 

How have you managed to stay motivated throughout the year?

Seeing everyone else’s embroidery journals on Facebook is a great motivator! I love seeing how they all progress and I feel like we’re all in a little group doing this together! I also love showing my friends and family how it’s going! 

What tips do you have for someone wanting to start an embroidery journal?

I’d say to have a little nosey at what other people have done and figure out how you want yours to look. Pick out the features that you like, make a plan, and go for it! 

What do you plan on doing with your embroidery journal once you complete it?

I’m hoping that my husband or dad will make me a rotating circular frame. That will allow me to put it on a wall and spin it around so I can see all the icons the right way up. 

Do you plan on creating another embroidery journal in 2024?

Yes! I might try something a bit different though. I might try a different shape, or different colours, or I might track things differently. I’ve been using one icon per day, but I’ve been debating using one icon for anything interesting or exciting happens. It may mean that some days I don’t record anything and on others I might record multiple things. But I’m still thinking about it! 

You can find Steff in the Embroidery Journaling Facebook Group, frequently sharing photos of her amazing embroidery journal.

If you’re interested in being interviewed for my A Stitch A Day series, my slots are currently filled. You can sign up for my newsletter to be notified when I am looking for more artists to speak about their Embroidery Journals and similar projects. If you are interested in creating your own embroidery journal, I have a variety of digital and kit resources available in my Etsy shop.

Enjoyed this post? Then check out some of my other blog posts or purchase the in-depth embroidery journal guide. You can also join the free Embroidery Journaling Facebook Group to chat with others working on their own Embroidery Journals. You can also follow me on any of the following social media websites:

• Etsy
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Pinterest
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Goodreads
• WordPress