<p>In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Shea Wilkinson, a contemporary embroidery and textile art artist known for switching mediums to protect their balance - and chasing the next beautiful pattern.</p><p>Shea talks candidly about quitting quilting “at the snap of a finger,” taking a two-year hiatus from art, and why felting became a healthier, slower practice - less addictive, less competition-driven, and more sustainable day to day.</p><p>We get into process and motivation (including using audiobooks to pull yourself into the studio), plus how parenthood sparked a new series idea: photographing soap bubbles up close as bifurcation/fractal landscapes. And yes - we end on sequins, shiny things, and the weirdly deep joy of sparkle.</p><p><strong>Links:</strong></p><p>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.sheawilkinson.com/"><strong>sheawilkinson.com</strong></a></p><p>Intro music is Martyr by Nevin via <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/3403dx"><strong>Epidemic Sound</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>About NeedleXChange</strong></p><p>An artist interview podcast exploring <strong>contemporary embroidery and textile art</strong>. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers.</p><p><strong>Stay Connected</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://needl.exchange">needl.exchange</a> | Newsletter: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews">bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.mrxstitch.com">mrxstitch.com</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://xstitchmag.com/">xstitchmag.com</a></p><p>Social: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/mrxstitch">Facebook</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/mrxstitch">Instagram</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch">Pinterest</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/c/mrxstitch">YouTube</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers">LinkedIn</a></p>