I'm thrilled to finally do it. The idea of doing a monthly blog/newsletter was on my mind for months. However, the constant luck of time and let's face it FEAR! stopped me from committing to it. Being a non-native English speaker and dyslexic, written words are not my strong suit. This year I put on my big girl pants because if not now, then when?
In this new series, I like you to join me on a journey through the world of cross-stitch creativity as I uncover innovative designs and their creators in our Designer of the Month spotlight. Over the next 12 months, I will virtually engage with new and established designers through Q&A sessions to delve into their stories, work, and the creative processes behind their extraordinary designs. Stay tuned for these inspiring stories in the monthly posts!
This month meet the dynamic duo behind Flossabilities, Lauren and Sam, in an exclusive interview highlighting their unique talents and creative process.
How did you first start cross-stitch designing?
"We started the exciting world of cross stitch designing in November 2023. I was stitching other amazing designers and showcasing their work on my floss tube channel. I felt I was not getting enough creative enjoyment from my “normal day job” and wanted to turn my hand to designing, having always had a good storytelling and artistic flair since a little girl, I set out to make my dream a reality."
Share with me the story behind Flossabilities. What ignited your passion to start your own brand?
Lauren: "My brother, Sam, has been great at art for many years with no outlet to
showcase his talent. Like myself, he has a regular day job and does his artwork
as a hobby.
Thank you Laure for sharing Sam's remarkable art with us. His pencil work is extraordinary. Now I understand the artistic richness in your designs.
Lauren continues: "We have a close relationship as siblings and I saw a unique opportunity
for both of us to work towards a dream of being creative for a living and so Flossabilities Designs was born! We currently work hard after our normal jobs in the evenings and weekends to design and stitch our patterns and we hope one day to make our dream of doing this full-time a reality."
How did you choose your business name?
Lauren: "I had come up with the name Flossabilities for my YouTube channel. I thought this was a nice way of saying think of all the possibilities we as stitchers can do with Floss! As this is the name people have known me by for years it seemed natural to continue with this as we stepped into designing."
What drives your design process and what do you love about it?
L: "We have several routes to our design process. Sam and I both do the artwork for different designs but we also lean on each other during the process to amend and change the design until we are happy."
Trick or Treat Town
Lauren continues: "We utilise our own skills to get a pattern from an idea to release. We both enjoy coming up with design ideas and the story we want to be told in the pattern. Sam is very good at taking what’s in our heads and creating an artistic design of this. Sam is not a cross stitcher….yet (I'll get to him on to it one day!) Once we are happy with the
concept, I will chart and stitch the design and take the model photography."
What’s the secret to your design process?
Lauren: "I think our secret is that it's very much a family affair as our lovely mum, Lynn, is
a great soundboard for our ideas and does some of the model stitching for our charts as well as helping turn some into pillows and ornaments!"
Christmas Pillow
How would you describe your design style?
Lauren: "Our style can vary as there are two of us, but we like the fact we are not stuck in a box and so I think it’s always a surprise with what we will come up with. We hope among our designs there will be something that speaks to everyone."
What’s your favourite design and why?
Lauren: "I think we both agree that Cabin in the Woods has been our favourite pattern so
far. A simple design in many ways but so effective on the dark fabric with the lovely Teal trees and bright twinkling stars.
Cabin in the Woods
What are you most proud of this particular design?
Lauren: "We are so proud of this piece and the reception it has received among the cross stitch community."
What do you expect people to gain from your designs?
Lauren: "We hope people get that lovely cosy cross stitch feeling we all know and love when they stitch one of our designs. We like to think of a story to come up with for our designs and we hope this transports the stitcher into that world even if just for a moment."
The Polar Bear Express
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from turning your passion for cross-stitch into a business?
Lauren & Sam: "The biggest lesson we have learned is how much work goes into getting the chart ready for others to stitch. Once you have done your first design there is a of other areas you have to get “good at” to make the chart. Model photography, learning the ins and outs of charting software and the fun and confusing world of printing and distribution, just to name a few. It takes a long time to get a pattern to realisation and I now I appreciate my patterns from other designers even more!
We have also learned how amazing this community of stitchers are. We have been overwhelmed with everyone's kindness and support to help us realise our dream. This is demonstrated perfectly, in the lovely Yas offering to share our story. What an amazing designer and person to showcase other works. Thank you Yas."
Silent Night
What fun things can we expect from you in the future?
Lauren: "We have got some big plans this year, with a couple of new releases coming
soon in February! We can’t wait to show everyone. We always set ourselves lofty goals each year, but we sometimes have to reign that in a little as we do also work full time, but we have definitely got some fun plans coming up that we can’t wait to share with you all."
Thank you both Lauren and Sam for sharing their incredible story and amazing designs with me.
You can find Flossabilites on Instagram and YouTube. Their pattern can by found in their Etsy shop and needlework shops worldwide.
If you like to find out more about your favourite designer email me or comment below. Let's see what I can do.
Yas