Why X Stitch is important | Jamie 'Mr X Stitch' Chalmers | TEDxBedford

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. You might think that needlework is an outdated pastime for old ladies, but nothing could be further from the truth. Featuring examples of contemporary embroidery from around the world, Jamie proves that this humble craft is alive and kicking, and explain how your life can be enriched by something as simple as a needle and thread.
Jamie “Mr X Stitch” Chalmers is one of the world’s most well-known male embroiderers, an internationally exhibited textile artist and curator. A stitcher for over ten years, he is an internationally exhibited artist and the curator of PUSH Stitchery, featuring 30 contemporary embroidery artists from around the world. He has also written articles for textile publications across the world, including FiberArts magazine and Surface Design Journal, and is a regular guest on CrossStitcher magazine.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@one23itsjustme]

Yay! Well said Mr.X Stitch. I work at a needle shop here in the US. I see women come in all the time with newbie questions... I love to see them return with their first proud piece for impromptu 'show & tell'....but nothing makes me more happy than when a man gets into stitching. Male stitchers are rare, but typically have more patience and creativity in their pieces of needle work. It's a changing world in the embroidery circles. and it's only going to get more exciting in the future. (I hope more people find how relaxing and exciting this hobby can be. Don't be afraid to ask questions at your local needlework shop).

[@tehkella]

This was so inspirational. I have been struggling to stay motivated with my cross stitching for a few years now, so this was very timely!

[@KraftyKittenz]

Someone dedicated to doing cross stitch has solid proof that they possess the patience to repeatedly stab something tens of thousands of times. Don't "cross" them.

[@Itsrella]

cross stitch is the hardest thing ive done. not relaxing. kidding but the instructions on three kits were difficult to understand.

[@susanstarkey-hendricks9299]

Or maybe, it’s a tool for stopping the smoking habit. Worked for me.

[@FoxAndJackal]

This is fab! Such a refreshing contemporary way to look at stitching! Both my husband and I have recently taken up stitching and started making our own patterns, and we're having a great time with it. We'll be subscribing to the new X Stitch magazine too! Kay xx

[@brendadavies3942]

Brilliant ideas popping in my head now thank you xxx

[@carlowbabe34]

brillliant talk and great way to explain the concept of X stich well done Mr X Stitch

[@mariateresafulgencio5051]

You said it all....You rock man!!! It's so refreshing to find a man expresses so well how we feel about our craft.

[@shelly2758]

❤

[@magicnballin5464]

thanks for this

[@lucidroses1]

I enjoyed reading the article written about Mr. X on Nordic Needle's weekly newsletter. Great Ted Talks too!

[@dinkydihere]

WOW! So beautifully said (& illustrated)! Love the website, loved this talk!

[@hotmeish]

❤❤❤

[@ivykrueger-booker127]

Love cross stitch!!!

[@thebluetrinity]

Awesome!

[@rosecityremona]

Why is this interesting when told by a guy but if a woman told this story no one would show up? Women have been getting very artistic with their various crafts and no one pays sh1t for them making it a very poorly supported art. But, a bunch of guys do it and now it's interesting?

[@duanxie2521]

its so creative!

[@Cattylicious17]

Brilliant !