Jeannine McGowan of The Blue Flower chats about her art inspirations, her love of Floss-tubing and how her cross stitch business came to be
Interview byJulian Odessa
An interview with...
Between balancing books and creating heirloom-quality designs, the master of multitasking, Jeannine McGowan of The Blue Flower, is a busy lady! She took time from her job, Flosstube channel, and her own cross stitch pattern business to sit down with us and share how she makes the magic happen!
What is the story of your relationship with needlework?
Like so many in this community, I was taught to cross stitch as a child. However, it never held my interest when I was young. As an adult, though, I was fortunate enough to live near a wonderful shop in Port Oregon called ‘Acorns & Threads’ and from the first time I walked in it was like discovering a whole new world. There were amazing designs, fabrics, and threads – it was a completely different craft from what I’d done as a child. I’ve never had art training, and I confess I do envy other designers’ drawing ability. But I hope someday I’ll be able to learn about art and design as well.
Your patterns are a delicate mix of traditional style with a modern twist– what inspires this style?
I absolutely draw inspiration from historical designs and styles, particularly Art Nouveau and Arts & Crafts styles. It’s probably because they are so driven by nature and that really inspires me. I also love taking very traditional styles and adding a modern interpretation. For example, I’m currently working on a design inspired by the layout of traditional Norfolk samplers but making it all about pollinators and stylised floral designs.
How did cross stitch become such an influential part of your life?
Full credit goes to the wonderful staff at Acorns & Threads. My first design was a family sampler, and they were with me every step of the way, encouraging me to explore ideas and ultimately start designing charts for sale. I’m not certain I’d have considered designing if they hadn’t suggested it. I think that speaks to the importance of wonderful needlework shops; they give us an immediate community. And now that we have FlossTube, that community and collaboration are accessible to everyone. The way designs change over time – because of different supplies, but also because of what we’ve seen from other stitchers – is part of what I love most about cross stitch as an art. It’s an art we all get to create and adjust for ourselves.
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