Artist Profile: Samantha Purdy of Maudstitch

What do you make as Maudstitch?

I make cross stitched pins, cross stitched wall hangings, quilted pillows, quilted wall hangings and other fiber based work. I'm currently experimenting with a quilted pot holder design, and I also want to figure out how to use scrap fabric as stuffing instead of having to buy the big white fluffy stuff from Zellers. 

How do you keep from going blind doing all of that tiny, itsy bitsy stitching?

I'm not sure, in fact I'm trying to find strong reading glasses right now! One thing I've noticed over time is that my hands have memorized the rhythm of stitching, so I tend to be able to do rows without having to focus too closely on each stitch. I've seen magnifying glasses you can attach to your desk...maybe one day.

You used to be very active on the craft show circuit (as one half of The Pin Pals), will we see Maudstitch as a constant presence at neighborhood shows?

I think I might keep it simple and only do a couple of shows a year. I'd like to create a good balance of work in stores, and getting out to meet the people. Having Sara Guindon as my partner made a huge difference, nothing better than taking turns being a saleslady while the other runs to get fresh coffee.

Do you have a studio/ showroom in the area?

I have a shared studio at the Long Haul in Parc-Ex.  My space is a corner with a lot of supplies and wall hangings and a sewing machine. It is getting a little out of hand though, I need to take some things away every now and then so I can have a bit of white space!

Do you ever teach workshops or lessons?

I've never given lessons or taught a workshop but I think I'd be open to it. I worry I've created some habits which I wouldn't want to pass onto other would-be-stitchers (for instance the giant nest of embroidery floss that I pick colours from) but I've also been working on PDF's of patterns to share which would be fun to see re-interpreted.

What are your major goals for Maudstitch in 2012?

I would like to make work on a larger scale with more meaningful subject matter. By which I mean work that is not purely decorative. Although I love decoration for decoration's sake, I've been compelled to tell more of a story with the medium. But I also love making accessories! So I plan to keep making cross-stitch pins, and create a new pattern a month or so. I'm also excited about sharing PDF's for people to experiment with. I think I'll stick to borders and samplers for the time being.