How Embroidery Found Its Way Back to Me

Hi, I’m Lou — embroidery artist, jewellery maker, and founder of The Modern Stitch Studio. I live in Sydney, Australia with my husband and our 10-year-old daughter, who I’m lucky to say is my biggest fan.

I first learnt embroidery as an 8-year-old, sitting beside my grandmother as we stitched handkerchiefs and napkins together. I loved those quiet moments, learning new stitches and watching something beautiful take shape from simple thread and fabric. Those early days sparked my lifelong love for making things with my hands.

Before long, I discovered my grandmother’s sewing machine — and then I was unstoppable. Embroidery took a back seat as I fell in love with the thrill of sewing clothes, home furnishings, and anything else I could dream up. Making things became my creative outlet and a constant in my life.

Fast forward to the beginning of 2024 year, when my (then) 8-year-old daughter asked me to teach her how to sew. I decided to start her off with embroidery, just like my grandmother did with me. She took to it instantly, but what surprised me most was how much I loved it again. The more I stitched, the more I realised how peaceful and fulfilling it felt — and how much I’d missed it.

From there, it snowballed. I moved through patterns at lightning speed, experimenting with new stitches, textures, and designs. Before long, I was creating my own patterns and experimenting with tiny, wearable embroidery. That’s when I discovered something truly special: hand-embroidered jewellery.

I often describe my pieces as tiny wearable works of art — because that’s exactly how they feel to me. Each one is unique, carefully stitched by hand, and filled with meaning. Every design represents a moment of calm, a spark of inspiration, and a little piece of my story.

Embroidery is my happy place. It connects me to the generations before me, to my daughter, and to the people who wear my creations. My hope is that each piece brings a touch of joy, beauty, and self-expression to whoever wears it.

❤️ Lou