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Chloe started stitching in the hopes of cutting down her screen time. Now, the Kent-based creative uses her hobby to cure writer’s block…
Tell us a bit about yourself, and how you first discovered your passion for embroidery.
I’m a 35-year-old disabled novelist, freelance writer, and podcast host from the Kent coast. Funnily enough, I come from a textiles background.
My mum was a clothes designer, and my grandma Maude was a fantastic knitter and crocheter – but I was never very good with a needle and thread! That changed in 2019 when I decided to take up a hobby that would get me away from screens for a while.
I tried watercolour but found that tiring due to my disability. Then, by chance, I saw an incredible embroidery tutorial on YouTube. I bought all the kit on a whim and decided to give it a go! I’ve been addicted ever since.
Your debut novel, The Seawomen, was published last year. What is it about?
The Seawomen is about a young woman called Esta who lives in a strict island cult with her grandmother, and who has grown up fearing the sea. One night, Esta tastes freedom for the first time – and what she finds unravels the life she’s always known! It’s the perfect book for lovers of The Handmaid’s Tale or The Mercies.
And what was it like recreating the cover of your book in thread?
I had always planned to create an embroidered version of my hardback cover – Before I’d even seen the design! I had the cover custom printed on fabric and then spent time in a craft shop buying all the threads. It was my first time doing something completely freestyle, so there were moments where I thought: ‘Why have I done this?! It’s so difficult!’. But I’m so pleased I persevered: the reaction I got on social media was brilliant.
What’s your current WIP (work in progress)?
I’m about to become an auntie for the very first time, so I’m making something for my nephew. But it’s a surprise, so that’s all I can say! I’m just waiting for my fabric to arrive…
Do you have a favourite stitch or style? And/or least favourite?!
I think my favourite is a Chain Stitch or Lazy Daisy, because it looks so effective when you get the stitches neat. My least favourite is a toss-up between the dreaded French Knot and Woven Wheel – sometimes they turn out perfectly, and other times they’re a complete mess!
How does your stitching influence your writing and vice versa?
Writing has changed for me now that I’m published. It’s work, instead of a hobby, so I have to be disciplined and stick to schedules. Embroidery is my weekend treat! But I often use the time I’m stitching as thinking time – to ponder plot problems.
I also listen to audiobooks and watch movies that inspire my writing as I embroider. It’s important to have those relaxing moments to generate ideas.
You are an outspoken advocate for equality and accessibility for disabled people – how inclusive do you feel the craft industry (and the embroidery community) is, and are there any changes you would like to see in the future to encourage and enable more diversity within it?
From what I’ve seen, an effort is being made to make accessible tools for crafters. And thanks to the internet, anyone can take up a craft – just like I did with embroidery! With social media, you also don’t need a local group with which to share advice: you can connect with others from your sofa.
There’s also been a positive change since COVID, with crafting classes now being offered online, which is fantastic for those who can’t easily access in-person options. I hope this continues.
What’s next on your to-stitch list?
I’ve bought everything I need for three stunning Etsy patterns I’ve purchased, so they’re on the list. But I think the next step for me is to start designing patterns of my own – that would be a fun challenge!
The Seawomen by Chloe Timms (Hodder & Stoughton) is out now.
