🧡 Designer Spotlight: Chloe Wood of Girl with a Gavel Stitches

🧡 Designer Spotlight: Chloe Wood of Girl with a Gavel Stitches

We’re delighted to feature Chloe Wood, the talented designer behind Girl with a Gavel Stitches. By day, Chloe is an auctioneer; by night (and in every spare moment), she’s a passionate cross stitcher with a deep appreciation for needlework history. Her designs reflect her love of reproduction samplers, capturing the charm and intricacy of antique stitches while adding her own thoughtful touches. With an eye for detail and a genuine passion for preserving the stories behind each piece, Chloe brings the past into the presentβ€”one beautifully charted sampler at a time.

How did you first start cross-stitch designing?

My first official design was brought about when I purchased my first antique sampler in December 2021. I've long admired them, and when this particular one (Elizabeth Strickland 1836) appeared on my screen, there was a little parrot motif that just spoke to me - I had to have it. I charted it purely so I could stitch it, never thinking it would turn into an Etsy shop!

Elizabeth Strickland 1836 reproduction sampler

Tell me more about you and your business. What inspired you to start your own brand?Β 

After charting Elizabeth Strickland and a free design of a lovely miniature red alphabet sampler, I was hooked. People were really starting to respond to what I was publishing, and I loved being able to pursue my passion for Antique Needlework with a real purpose behind it. I work full time alongside designing and charting so sadly this can't be my main focus, but I love every second of it.Β 

Β How did you choose your business name?

Quickly! My personal/antiques instagram account was 'Girl With A Gavel' (I'm an auctioneer by trade) and as I began posting more ofΒ my stitching online I thought it would be better to seperate my interests so I could reach out to people in the stitching community more easily. So I just added the word 'Stitches' on the end without much thought, then it turned into a business.

What’s the secret to your design process and what do you enjoy most about it?

The key for me has always been to recreate the antique pieces of needleworkΒ IΒ love, that I personally want to stitch, even if no one else does! The thing I enjoy the most is being able to share my passion for antiques with lots of people and ensuring the story of those before us lives on.Β 

Β How would you describe your design style? Which of your designs best showcases
your style? What led you to design in this style?

My main focus is antique/reproduction samplers, but I do have some original designs in the works that I am hoping to release soon. Nature andΒ ornithology are a big theme in my life generally and this is reflected in most art and needlework I create.Β 


Β What’s your favourite design and why? What are you most proud of?

This is a tricky one! IΒ don't think I could choose just one. IΒ suppose my first ever release 'A Little Red Sampler' (A free chart and available on my website) will always be special as it was the first thing I ever published and represents a huge milestone for me. IΒ kept the fileΒ onΒ my computer for months before deciding to put it out into the world.Β 

a little red sampler
Earlier this year, I hosted a charity auction by selling some antique samplers from my personal collection. To date, the event has raised over Β£1400 (we are still accepting donations), with all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK. I did this to support one of my best friends who is currently receiving treatment for Cancer. I've had an overwhelming response, and I'm so grateful for the kindness and support of this community.

DONATE: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/chloe-wood-girl-with-a-gavel-stitches-2025-charity-fundraiserΒ Β 

Β What do you hope people get from your designs?

I hope people get the same thing from my designs that I get out of cross-stitch generally. A moment of calm and quiet where you can escape from the world. Cross stitch has such a good impact on your mental health and if I can help provide someone with five minutes of happiness I'll have achieved everything I ever wanted.Β 

Β What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from turning your passion for cross stitch
into a business?

Again, this is a tricky one, there are several things I've learned. Most importantly I think it's a case of do what you love, be kind and it will all work out.Β Β 

Β What fun things can we expect from you in the future?

I've got some new releases later thisΒ year that I amΒ really excited about and who knows? Maybe I will finally release some original designs that have been sitting on my hard driveΒ for a while. It's really nerve wracking to put something completely new into the world with no idea how it will be received...

Chloe’s work is a beautiful fusion of her love for history, her eye for detail, and her passion for storytelling through stitches. Her dedication to preserving the charm of antique samplers while bringing them into the hands of modern stitchers is truly inspiring. Whether you're a seasoned stitcher or just beginning your journey, Chloe's designs offer a meaningful connection to the past and a deep appreciation for the art of needlework.

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