Mini Hoop Embroideries
by Sonia Lyne · Published by Search Press
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Meet the Author
Hey there, can you introduce yourself?
Hello there ... I fell in love with embroidery at the age of 7, but it wasn't until 2011 that I took up the needle and hoop once more and returned to my early passion. I began by designing and stitching my own embroideries. Whilst stitching I daydreamed about teeny tiny embroidery hoops to frame small sections of my projects. Thinking others may wish to create their own small-scale embroidery projects, I decided that I needed to make my daydreams into a reality. As a result, Dandelyne™ was born, and this baby business of mine grew and grew for budding and experienced stitchers worldwide. I now sell Dandelyne™ mini embroidery hoops worldwide and the community that support and love my little hoops as much as me
Tell us a bit about the book?
They say that you should never judge a book by its cover, but for this book … you can! The front cover illuminates a gorgeous display of many of the designs that you can stitch. All credit for the front cover, and all of the photo's goes to Stacy Grant. She has made my little book a masterpiece. It is filled with ideas so that you can make over 60 tiny stitched masterpieces, and unleash your creativity. There is a wide variety of designs to enjoy celebrating my favourite stitches, incorporating some very fun techniques, from love-hearts, traditional flowers through to quirky abstract designs. Quick to make and totally addictive. Included are essential techniques, a stitch gallery and fun tips to help you create your very own mini hoop masterpieces.
What was the inspiration behind it?
The inspiration and ideas for this book had been bubbling away in my mind for years. I have notebooks and sketchbooks full of ideas. When I was asked to create the book, to say that I was excited to be able to finally share everything, was an understatement. ECSTATIC times a million. The hard part was deciding what to include. It was imperative that I felt proud of every single design because, ultimately, I am sharing my heart, my passion. As a result, this is my heart ... in a book.
Which is your favourite project?
Oh that is a tough question. Honestly I can't pick a favourite because I put so much time and love into each one that they each have their own story. I will say that I was excited to share the process of transferring designs onto fabric using a photocopier. As a result the PET BLING projects came up a treat.
What is your craft space like?
I feel very fortunate to rent a home that has two living spaces. I remember walking in and seeing the front lounge room. I quickly told my gorgeous family that the front room was mine, the Dandelyne™ studio. It is full of colour, embroidery floss, and many pieces of embroidered artwork. It also looks a little like a stationary shop with many boxes stacked, tetris style, to stock all of the components for my little hoops.
Have you always been creative?
As long as I can remember I have been crafty and creative. My cabbage patch dolls always had new outfits. Christmas presents for my family and friends were always gifts that I had made. One year I remember making white and orange polka dot ties for all of the males in my family and the females got handkerchiefs. They were received with love, but I actually never saw any of my family use or wear them - hee hee.
When did you first start crafting?
I recall my very first design that I stitched, and I still have it. YES! It hangs on the wall in my studio. It was a long stitch kit. The design is of a little girl wearing a red dress, red boots and a red bow in her hair. She is holding a green umbrella. My mum bought it for me hoping that it would keep me busy for the school holidays. I finished it in a couple of hours. You can imagine her eyes rolling when I proudly showed her the finished piece. Of course I wanted another one, or twenty.
Who are your crafty heroes?
When I picked up my needle and hoop again I remember picking up the first issue of Mollie Makes. At the time, I felt that my reignited passion was only going to be hobby, but when I saw that many people around the world were enjoying craft too I knew from that point I was going to turn my passion into a career and lifestyle. I wasn't sure how, but I was determined to try and try and try. I came across an inspirational crafter Pip Lincolne, and from there I found Instagram. I was able to follow and explore the mediums of many crafters around the world. It is in Insta-land that I found MANY crafty heroes, across many disciplines of needlework, weaving, painting and textiles. I consider the entire Dande-community heroes as I am inspired every single day.
Where do you find inspiration?
EVERYWHERE! I am addicted to colour and texture. So, when I see anything that pops with colour, depth, texture and joy I am instantly drawn to it. My creative mind is always looking at ways to incorporate elements of simple things into my stitching. On that note, my creative mind also crashes and there are times when I can be looking at the same image or object I have seen and not feel a creative urge at all. Oh the joy of creativity - hee hee.
What's next for you?
This wonderful business that I have created is about to go up a level. I would love to say more but I really can't. What I can say is that it is very exciting and my goal to get the world stitching one stitch at a time is most definitely heading in the right direction. You will have to follow me on Instagram to see the next chapter unveiled, she says with a big cheesy grin.
