About Milkweed

My expertise is in chain stitch embroidery and I work on an antique chain stitch machine from the 1930s. Unlike today’s modern computerized embroidery methods, I use this machine to guide the direction of the thread with a hand crank and pedal. I draw up everything by hand, then choose a color palette in thread. Careful practice and maintenance must go into every facet of this marvelous way of embroidering. Each piece takes time and lots of love. Going in a circle with the hand crank allows you to overlap each stitch to create a filled area and then you can go back over with detail work. It’s very much like drawing or tattooing with thread. My inspiration often comes anywhere from traditional tattoo imagery, 1970s color palettes, song lyrics, vintage wallpaper, and the flora and fauna of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I create custom pieces for clients in addition to offering patches, embroidered jackets, bandanas and more. Read their story