Z8 Story time with Stella
A Journey from Illustration to Embroidery with Stella, the creator of Why Knot Stitches
In a small apartment in Cluj-Napoca, between colourful threads and intricate patterns, lives a passionate soul named Stella. She teaches people everything about the complex craft of embroidery.
As soon as I enter her house, I’m immediately drawn to the walls full of art, some created by people she admires but mostly created by her.
I felt like I could sit for hours and look at her artwork. Little did I know about the amount of work that goes into creating such breathtaking pieces.
As we sit down for a chat, her eyes light up with enthusiasm, eager to share her inspiring journey from illustration to the art of embroidery. I even noticed her hands shaking. She blames it on not eating today, but I could see she was nervous and excited. I do the same when I want to share stories about my passion.
"I realised I wanted to pursue embroidery when I no longer desired to do illustration work for clients." Stela begins. "I knew I could create more value by teaching people what I love to do most."
Stella's creative process is a meticulous dance between inspiration, technique and patience. She starts with extensive research, sketching ideas on her tablet, and preparing her designs for print. The next step is transferring the pattern onto the unbleached cotton patches.
I always choose the colours during the initial sketches
She explains, highlighting the importance of selecting the right colours to bring her creations to life. Deliberate in her choices, she carefully matches thread shades.
"I have a routine. I know the threads I love and also the needles I will use, so I have everything selected in my head during the process of sketching” she shares with a smile.
With a profound focus on details, she meticulously embroiders, capturing every stitch on camera. Her detailed documentation isn't just about preserving her art. It’s mostly a window into her world, into her work.
She manages to offer aspiring artists and passionate hobbyists a glimpse into the complex craft of embroidery.
The true essence of her work lies beyond the finished product.
It melts my heart when I know people give meaning to the products I’ve taught them to create. In general, these people create these pieces as gifts, turning them into tokens of love and appreciation.
Stella transitioned to pursuing her passion for embroidery full-time in 2021. However, her journey began way back in 2017, slowly evolving from a just a hobby to a loving full-time job.
Her focus remains rooted in the art of teaching.
My focus is on tutorials, on teaching people how to embroider. The value lies in the experience of stitching, not just in buying a finished product.
It's this philosophy that drives her, guiding her hands as they transform plain fabrics into works of art.
I could sit and listen to her stories for hours. The thought that there are still such passion-driven people around me fills my heart with joy.
Through her art and teachings, she not only stitches fabric but also dreams, one delicate thread at a time. Her journey, coloured with vibrant threads of creativity, inspires me and I’m sure it will continue to inspire many others.
You can check more of her work on instagram @whyknotstitches and also her YouTube channel @whyknotstitches
You can buy her designs on Etsy
Shot on Nikon Z8 /Nikkor 14-30mm .f4
