Angelina from Al Stitches on Embroidery, Colour and Confidence
Angelina from Al Stitches shares how embroidery became her screen break, why she likes to mix techniques and how beginners build confidence.
Angelina, the creator behind Al Stitches, lives and embroiders in Paris. In addition to her work in marketing, she makes time for embroidery that is full of flowers, color and new techniques. She describes herself with a wink as a young grandmother, but her work feels fresh, curious and very individual.
View her work via @al_stitches_ on Instagram or via the Al Stitches Etsy shop. The Etsy link is an affiliate link; you pay nothing extra.
Why did you start embroidering?
After days full of computer and phone screens, Angelina was looking for a creative break. She thought back to her childhood and her grandmother, who embroidered beautifully. A first embroidery kit was enough to get her back to using a needle and thread, and embroidery has been her favorite way to unwind ever since.
How would you describe your personal embroidery style?
Angelina prefers not to stick to a fixed style. A flower, butterfly or new color idea can be the starting point. She enjoys trying techniques and sees learning them as part of the fun. That variety makes her work recognisable.
Which embroidery tool can't you live without?
A needle magnet is indispensable for Angelina. It keeps her needles safely in place while embroidering and prevents them from disappearing into a sofa, pocket or elsewhere.
Who are your favorite embroidery makers?
Angelina admires both classic and modern embroidery. She calls Trish Burr and Petronella for their neat, original work. Also the refined metal and gold embroidery techniques of Humayrah Bint Altaf continue to inspire her.
What is your favorite embroidery stitch?
Angelina loves the long-short stitch for soft color transitions. For flowers, she prefers to choose the stock stitch: it requires some patience at first, but then quickly gives a beautiful, spatial effect.
What advice do you have for aspiring embroiderers?
Give yourself time. Feel free to start with one embroidery pattern or a complete embroidery kit to learn stitches and techniques, but don't expect everything to be perfect right away. Your confidence grows with every stitch.
