Spotlight on - Joanne Sanderson

Joanne Sanderson is a cross stitch designer and you can see her work in magazines such as - Cross Stitcher, the World of Cross Stitching, Beautiful Cards and Card Making and Papercraft.

She enjoys papercrafts too and likes combining the two crafts.

She has her own website too - see {here} .  There are lots of gorgeous designs to buy, tips and techniques and some free charts for you to try yourself.

You can also see Joanne on her Blog {here} .

Our previous Ambassador, Chris,  interviewed Joanne and here is what she had to say:

1.  Could you share with us a little of your crafting background and how long you have been interested in crafts.  I have always loved to draw and paint and as a child my favourite things were my ‘craft stash’.  Even then I had a ‘creative box’ which even had wavy scissors, coloured card, paints, glitter and a whole lot more.

2.  Where did your love of Cross Stitching come from?  I discovered cross stitch one night working as a nurse.  My friend was stitching a sampler during her break and I was intrigued.  I bought a copy of Cross Stitcher magazine that weekend and stitched the cover kit.  That was it, I was hooked.

3.  What encouraged you to write your first book?  I had been designing cross stitch charts for both Quick and Easy Cross Stitch and Cross Stitcher for about six months when I was approached by GMC (Guild of Master Craftsmen).  They asked if I would like to write a book for them, which I did (Cross Stitch Floral Delights) and the second one followed a year later (Cross Stitch Garden projects).

4.  You have a new title due to be published soon, can you share with us what it is and when it will be available.  I have recently finished 3D Rubber Stamping (which was launched this month) and 100 Cross Stitch Cards which will be out at the end of the year.  It contains 100 card designs which have been presented in new ways - using papercraft skills.  (Both books are published by David and Charles).

5.  Can you remember the first Cross Stitch chart you completed and is so what was it?  The cover kit, see question 2.

6.  Where would you recommend beginners to start with Cross Stitch as a hobby?  I have lots of free charts on my website (www.joannesanderson.com) that have been designed with beginners in mind.  I recommend starting with a small motif and gradually working up to larger designs.

7.  You have just launched your new website.  Can you tell us a little about what we can expect to find there?  The website contains lots of free charts (a new chart is added every Saturday).  There’s also monthly ‘Give Aways’, chart downloads, my own books and also DMC threads and tips and advice.  I have worked very hard to make the website easy to use, and there should be something for everyone.

8.  You have a love for Papercrafting as well as Cross Stitch.  Do you enjoy them in equal measure or find one more relaxing than the other?  I love combining the two as I think both crafts compliment each other.  I think cross stitching is very relaxing, but papercrafts is more ‘instant’.  Hence the idea for my new book was to combine the two and I hope that readers will be inspired.

9.  What would you say was your favourite crafting item/tool and why?  I love gadgets - so would be hard pressed to find a favourite - it depends on what I am making.  I do love die cutting machines as the results are so quick and professional.  Stitching wise I use gold plated needles - they are great for people with nickel allergies and slide through the fabric easier.  I would recommend a good pair of needlework and papercraft scissors (never use needlework ones for cutting paper as they will blunt quickly).

10.  Have you tried any other crafts even briefly and is so what were they?  I have tried most papercrafts from Decoupage to Rubber Stamping (and even had a go at making my own stamps).  I love painting with watercolours and will have a go at most things really (including my daughter’s Hamma Beads).

11.  Where do the ideas for your Cross Stitching designs begin?  I am usually given a theme by the editors and then have to work with the constraints of that.  When I have the time I will design something from an idea that I have - which can be sparked from certain colour schemes or even shop window displays.

12.  How do you relax…….without a needle and thread in your hands ?  I have a telescope - which I don’t get to use that often.  We have just got a Wii and so I have been playing on that a lot recently

13.  You incorporate Cross Stitching designs within your Papercrafting projects, is this difficult and can you offer us any tips for doing this?  Simple techniques such as layering work the best, embellishments should be small and not distract away from the stitching.  My ‘Cross Stitch’ and ‘Papercraft’  Galleries on my website show a few examples to give readers ideas to work from.

14.  Which magazines currently feature your beautiful designs?  Cross Stitcher, Cross Stitch Gold, The World of Cross Stitching feature my designs regularly.  Beautiful cards and where the papercraft ones can be found.

15.  Do you have a favourite Cross Stitch design that you have completed, if so could you share it with us?  Usually whatever I am working on at the time.  Among my favourites are ‘Rose’ and ‘D-Day Sampler’, which can be found on the website.

16.  Cross Stitch seems to becoming increasingly popular once more among the younger generation of crafters.  Would you like to share your thoughts on why you believe Cross Stitching is once again becoming trendy?  Its timeless in the sense that its relaxing and beautiful results can be achieved.  Cross stitching is so versatile and many items, even clothing, can be stitched on.  The style of the designs has evolved with the times and there are trendy charts as well as the more traditional design.

17.  Just for fun can you tell us:

Your favourite movie of all time?  The Matrix - I love Sci-Fi.

Your favourite music?  That varies depending on my mood - I do like David Gray and James Blunt when I am relaxing.  My daughter plays the cornet and practices daily!  I am learning to play the piano, but I wouldn’t recommend anyone listening to it though.

Your favourite colour?  Aquamarine

Your favourite desert?  Tiramisu

Hot Chocolate or Coffee?  Hot Chocolate

Chips or Hotdog?  Chips

Dog or Cat?  Cat

Thank you Chris for interviewing Joanne and thank you to Joanne for sharing a little bit about herself and her passions with us!

I love cross stitch but have to admit to not having done any for a while.  Papercrafts seem to have taken over everything for me!  But I do have a half-finished sampler in my cupboard - maybe I should take it out and get stitching again……

Caroline x