One of the biggest things this year is we now ship worldwide! This is really exciting as although I've sent a few one off orders abroad in the past, now we officially take orders from every country around the globe! It's been so fun seeing orders go out to lots of different places, and I'm excited for it to continue.
Rico Threads kindly gifted me some of their gorgeous embroidery hoops and threads, which I used to make a number of hoops that I shared over on Instagram. I also hosted a giveaway with some of Rico Designs materials.
In February, I created a hand embroidery pattern for Makerly Crafts - a subscription services offering crafts delivered to your door. I love how this design and hoop turned out and I really want to make more of this and use pastel colours in the future!
I'm always open to collaborations, so please contact me for more details or see here.
This year I've launched 2 hand embroidery kits! I am so proud of them and it's been so lovely to see customers follow the pattern and stitch my design!
Every year I do what I can to donate and help others. This year, the business has helped charities such as Sarcoma UK, Black Minds Matter and Anxiety UK.
Stitch Ambition has continued to be a member of Ecologi - planting trees and funding community projects to help tackle climate change. We've planted 75 trees and funded 1m2 of wildlife habitat restored.
I finally got around to writing Stitch Ambition's Sustainability Policy - although all of the things listed in it have been done for years, it was high time that I collated it all in one place, for transparency with my customers. Sustainability is really important to me and I strive to help the planet as much as I possibly can.
This Christmas I had a stall at the Birmingham MAC, and it was so much fun! It made me feel festive and it was great to meet customers and have lots of conversations!
A range of Stitch Ambition products are now available wholesale via Faire which is really exciting.
A range of Stitch Ambition products are now available on We Shop Indi, a marketplace that spotlights small businesses in the UK.
At the start of 2023, I wanted to try a variety of different ideas in my head. I stepped out of my comfort zone to create this watercolour x hand embroidery fine art piece - one of the largest pieces I've worked on - and it was so nice to try something new.
Of course, none of this would be feasible without my lovely customers, so thank you so much for all of your continued support, I am so grateful.
I'm excited about what 2024 has in store - I have so many ideas and plans for new things to create and to continue to grow the business!
]]>Following a 12 week course over the Summer, I have now qualified in Mental Health First Aid.
The course is run by NCFE, with the award being OFQUAL regulated.
I’m hoping that this will allow me to help other people even more, and is testament to everything that I talk about and do - it’s not just words or sewing for me, I genuinely want to help others ☁️
We are all in this together and if we band together then we can uplift one another. As I always say, my aim on my platform is to make everyone in this community feel loved, heard and valued.
The awards programme aims to showcase outstanding gifting companies in the UK.
After receiving an email to say I had been nominated, I went ahead and filled out a series of questions about the business - including sustainability details, details on products, and the creative process.
I am so thrilled to have been on the put forward for these awards and to win in this category too!
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Here's 6 different ways to display your Stitch Ambition embroidery hoops.
Simply prop your embroidery hoop on a shelf, leaning against the wall.
You can also prop your embroidery hoop against other artwork or photo frames that you have - this makes for a really gorgeous layered texture, and adds depth to your room.
Just like art canvases, embroidery hoops can also be propped on easels! These mini easels are so cute and mean that you can prop hoops on them and move them around as much as you like. You can buy these mini easels from my shop here, they are able to hold hoops of all sizes from 3" to 8".
For a renting friendly alternative, hanging twine or ribbon from tape is the perfect option! Simply thread your twine, ribbon or string through the nail of the embroidery hoop, and secure to the wall using tape. You can also use command strips too!
The traditional way to display your embroidery art is by attaching a nail in the wall, and hanging the hoop on it via the hoop screw.
You can also request for your hand embroidery art to be displayed in a photo frame rather than a hoop if you prefer - I offer them in a range of sizes in white, black and oak. Please email me at hello@stitchambition.com or message me on Instagram to arrange the frame!
There you have it - 6 ways to display your beautiful hand embroidery art. Shop all of my pieces here, or if you have any further questions please contact me as I am more than happy to help!
]]>One thing I love about my business is that I have the opportunity to do good in the world, and this means making sure that I can do good for the planet.
By signing the pledge:
“I will decline any future contracts with fossil fuel companies, trade associations, or front groups.”
You can read my sustainability policy here.
]]>If you have any questions, please email me at hello@stitchambition.com
]]>Makerly Crafts are a subscription service that offers monthly makes to your door. Each month the boxes have a different theme, and there are a variety of crafts to choose from, including knitting, crocheting, dressmaking, and quilting. It's a great way to learn a new craft and spend some relaxing hours making something to treasure.
I have worked with Makerly Crafts to create an exclusive hand embroidery pattern and kit - which you can now purchase online! The hand embroidery design is based on the theme of Spring, featuring pastel coloured flowers, calligraphy handlettering quote, and even a little bumble bee! In this kit, you will find everything you need to create this hand embroidery, including a full colour 16 page pattern and instructions for each stitch, plus embroidery tips and tricks.
I really hope you love it! Please do tag me on Instagram if you create this pattern. I am always open to working on collaborations with both small and big brands & businesses, so if you are interested, or want an exclusively designed pattern, please email me at hello@stitchambition.com to discuss.
]]>Embroidery kits is a kit of all the supplies and instructions you need to create a hand embroidery hoop. This means that you can get cosy in the comfort of your own home and embrace the beauty of slow crafting. Once more, when you've finished creating the embroidery, you can use it as decor in your home!
Embroidery kits include:
You can also add stork embroidery scissors for just an extra £4.
View hand embroidery kits here.
What makes my kits better than others out there? My kits show you how to embroider with full colour step by step instructions, and they also include full size thread skeins (rather than thread cuts), free UK shipping, a Frixion heat erasable pen and scissors (if chosen as an add on). Most kits don't include these - so you're getting more for your money by purchasing and supporting Stitch Ambition!
I will be adding more designs to my kits, however if there's a certain design that you'd love to see, please do pop me a message on Instagram or email me at hello@stitchambition.com.
]]>Ecologi is a climate action platform that allows businesses to contribute to climate action. They help businesses to calculate their carbon footprint, and plant trees and fund carbon projects to reduce emissions and help the planet. Businesses can also fund community projects for people around the world in environments that are affected by climate change.
Ecologi has recently launched their new restoration project focusing on wildflower meadows. If you know me, you know that wildflowers and anything floral are something that I’m very passionate about - so of course I had to fund this too!
Sustainability is one of my core values. As many of us are, I am planet conscious and aware that my actions have an impact on the planet, local communities, and ultimately the future for everyone that inhabits the earth.
It was a no brainer when signing up to Ecologi as it allows me to offset some of the carbon from the business, as well as fund projects and plant trees to help ecosystems and communities around the world.
See how many trees Stitch Ambition has planted below, or view our Ecologi profile here.
]]>What's more, I wanted to take sustainability into consideration when choosing my new packaging and making business decisions, as it is something close to my heart and I think it is important to care for the planet. Read below for an insight into my new packaging.
Shop One Day At A Time hand embroidery hoop here.
Orders will no longer arrive in padded envelopes, but in brown boxes instead to make them sturdier and therefore safer to travel. These boxes are 100% recyclable and can be placed in your home recycling - making it easier for you to care for the planet.
Inside the box, hoops are placed in a mini, branded bag. These are 100% cotton, meaning they are compostable. It has a life span of up to 12 years, and once you’re finished with it you can shred it and add it to your home compost.
I now use a branded stamp to stamp my packaging. This stamp is 100% vegan friendly using environmentally sourced oak, and natural eco rubber.
You'll still receive a business card (with my new branding) along with a hand written thank you note. These are FSC certified and Rainforest Alliance Certified! They’re also printed by a company that is working to become carbon neutral.
Every hoop comes gift wrapped lovingly in white tissue paper, which is vegan, eco friendly and recyclable.
Sustainability and helping the planet is really important to me, and I am going to continue to make improvements and do what I can to make Stitch Ambition even more eco-friendly.
I really hope you love my new packaging, but if you have any questions then please do email me at hello@stitchambition and I am happy to help!
]]>I'm so excited to share with you that I've launched my first PDF Pattern, which allows you to learn how to hand embroider one of my designs.
A pattern is a tutorial with instructions on how to hand embroider one of my designs. When you order, you will get an instant, automatic download for a PDF file, which includes all of the information and instructions needed to embroider one of my designs.
Shop the nurture pattern here.
This 21 page pattern includes all of the information that you need to learn to embroider. This includes:
This pattern is great for learning a new skill at home, or gifting to a loved one that likes to craft. Hand embroidery is a relaxing craft and can really help with slowing down and looking after your mental health.
]]>As an emotional person, I used to feel shame for feeling so deeply. It means that when I feel happy - I’m very happy, and when I feel sad - I feel very sad. Over the years I’ve learnt that you can’t fight your feelings, you have to let them ride over you in waves because they will pass.
Knowing when you can’t ride the feelings anymore or feeling like they are overwhelming, is a sure sign to get help. The last few years I’ve learnt a lot about who I am and my own mental health, I’ve struggled (and still do) with anxiety, depression, a negative relationship with food, body dysmorphia and much more. And only by speaking out and talking to people, and learning about myself, have I felt comfortable in understanding how my brain works. I’m now more patient with myself, I know what I need when I feel low, and that there are things I can help me.
I think there’s still a long way to go with mental health, there are still stigmas about it. I'm a firm believer that mental health and well-being should be everyone’s priority.
]]>Herbert's Yard is a venue that hosts a variety of street food vendors weekly, and hosts a small business market on the first Sunday of each month, called the Herb Garden.
It's a great space for like-minded people to come together and showcase their products and their business, for people to come and view and purchase from.
I was really nervous before the market, but it's safe to say that it exceeded all expectations! I met numerous other market stall holders which I have since become friends with, and it was so lovely to meet customers in person for the first time too! It seems that people were really interested in my custom commissions, which was such a joy to see.
I'll definitely attend the Herb Garden again and have some really exciting plans for the future. I'm always on the look-out for markets to attend and new places to stock my hoops, if you're a shop or event space that would like to work together, please just get in touch!
]]>I am slowly adding new locations to my website, and will hopefully ship to the rest of the world soon.
Please note that shipping is sent signed & tracked for £11, to ensure that your hoop gets to you safely.
]]>Love Embroidery magazine is a magazine that delves into all things embroidery - featuring a range of fun projects and amazing creators and artists. I was also featured in Issue 19.
It is so surreal to me that I am featured in Love Embroidery magazine - to see my work staring back at me is such a pinch me moment. I am so grateful for this opportunity and for all of the support!
Here's my feature:
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My old branding was made haphazardly a few years ago, when I wanted to start posting my embroidery on Instagram but needed a profile photo. Since then, my brand has grown more than I ever thought it would, and with my work now being featured in magazines and bought all across the world, I thought it was time for an update.
What’s more, I feel that as my brand evolves, I want it align with my brand values - kindness, happiness, and quality. I want my hoops to be luxurious - from when you first find them on social media, to landing on my website, to the unboxing experience and packaging, right down to the hoops. And although I’ve got the hoop & design quality already ticked off - I wanted my branding to reflect this too!
I wanted the branding to still be reminiscent of my brand, meaning keeping certain elements such as the pink colours but making them more muted and ‘grown up’. I’ve also included a calligraphy style font - as I use a lot of these types of writing in my hoops.
One thing that’s really important to me is that my customers know how grateful I am for their support and purchases, and that’s why from the first ever hoop I made I always include a hand written thank you card. I hope that this little step adds to the gorgeous unboxing experience, and helps my customers to know that I appreciate them so much. My business cards are also SO pretty if I do say so myself, Eloise did a fantastic job and I love them so much!
My branding was created by the lovely Eloise at Eloise Jade Design, who listened to my every need and created something better than I had ever imagined. I'm quite the perfectionist, but Eloise was so patient and supportive and advised on things to help my brand appeal to my target audience. Thank you so much Eloise if you’re reading this!
I’d love to know your thoughts on my branding, please do pop me a message or comment on Instagram and let me know what you think!
]]>The Iconics is a guide to the most iconic brands, creators and influencers in Birmingham, celebrating those who are evolving and influencing the empowerment movement.
Stitch Ambition was created to spread happiness and kindness, to allow people to be seen, heard and valued and to encourage everyone to be themselves and embrace every part of them. To be recognised and included in The Iconics is a surreal moment as it feels like all of my hard work is paying off. I am SO grateful to be featured in the guide, and to also to have the support from every follower and customer that supports me - you allow me to create a life that I love doing what I love.
Read the feature below, and see the full Iconics guide here.
]]>No one really tells you how hard healing can be, how it can push you to places you never thought you’d end up, and how it can change you as a person.
Emotional healing doesn’t always have to be about large traumas in life - I actually think that we heal everyday from even the tiniest things that we have experienced, but that doesn't necessarily make it any easier. Healing is all about coming to terms with the past, learning to rewire our brain and thinking patterns, and mending that little part of us that feels an emotion that we no longer want to feel.
I think we often overlook how traumatic experiences can be and how they can affect us in our daily lives. Some of the work I’ve had to do stems from small comments that were made long ago, which to others might be brushed off, but to me they dug deep. Everyone processes and experiences life differently - which also means that these events can impact us differently.
Healing is not about removing our past experiences, it’s about accepting it and appreciating that it will always be part of our story, but that we can move past it.
Learning to understand our brain and thought patterns is a key to healing, but it takes time. I’ve been on this journey for years, and I’m sure that as I get older there may be more that I want to work through. Through healing, we encounter things we don’t want to bring up from the past. The hardest part of healing is that it makes us re-evaluate our current life too.
I think a hard part is the time aspect too. I always thought that healing would be easy - get to the root of the problem, tell myself to ‘get a grip’ and be done with it. But in reality that’s not it at all. Healing takes a long time, it takes brain space to process. Although healing can start with some ‘easy wins’ (I use the word ‘easy’ loosely) - such as writing letters to our past self, smashing plates, talking with loved ones. But one of the hardest things is that healing takes place every day - throughout life. As we’re washing the dishes or going to work, we might not even realise it but subconsciously our brain is working and processing and helping us figure things out. I expected one day to just wake up and be a new person, or the old me, but in reality it's a long process. It’s only once we look back on things and reflect that we realise how far we've come.
Healing is hard and it makes rest even more important. Our brains are working hard on navigating this new process and life, and it's easy to beat ourselves up about it.
It’s a lifelong journey and I think it will get easier as I go. So if you are in the same position, please know you’re not alone.
]]>Mollie Makes is a magazine for those who live creatively, focusing on lifestyle and craft. Monthly magazines include hot-to's, projects and a variety of talented artists.
It is such a joy to see Stitch Ambition featured in Mollie Makes Magazine, and I'm so glad that it includes my Self Love Club design - as I think this really reflects what my brand and business stands for.
Here's my feature:
]]>Love Embroidery magazine is a magazine that delves into all things embroidery - featuring a range of fun projects and amazing creators and artists.
I feel so honoured to be featured in my first ever magazine, and it was such a joy to write a snippet of content to be included. It feels very surreal that I can hold the magazine in my hands and see my business staring back at me.
Here's my feature:
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