Aug 28, 2025
Think of embroidery as coloring with thread, playful, creative, and bursting with possibilities. In this episode of Creative Living, Emmy-winning host Jane Clauss sits down with fiber artist and entrepreneur Melissa Galbraith of MCreativeJ to explore the vibrant world of hand embroidery. Whether you are a seasoned maker or just curious about picking up a needle and thread, you will discover how this timeless craft can be modern, accessible, and full of personality. From Melissa’s journey of turning a hobby into a thriving business, to beginner-friendly stitches and tips for upcycling your wardrobe, this episode is all about unlocking creativity and celebrating community through handmade art.
Listen to the entire conversation or jump ahead with the episode breakdown below.
[0:00:09 – 0:01:36] Introduction to Hand Embroidery and Guest Melissa Galbraith
In this opening segment, host Jane Clauss introduces the theme of the episode, hand embroidery, and welcomes guest Melissa Galbraith, a fiber artist and small business owner behind M Creative J. Jane sets the stage by discussing the creative possibilities of embroidery, its rich history, and how Melissa brings a modern twist to the craft. The conversation highlights Melissa’s background, her brand’s focus on bold, nature-inspired designs, and her role as an author and marketing expert. This section provides listeners with context about the guest and the creative journey they’re about to explore.
[0:01:46
– 0:04:24] Hand Embroidery Basics: Stitches,
Accessibility, and Getting Started
Melissa explains what hand embroidery is, likening it to “coloring
with thread.” She discusses the accessibility of the craft,
emphasizing that beginners can start with just one or two basic
stitches and still create beautiful work. The conversation covers
the variety of stitches available, from simple ones like the satin
stitch and French knot to more advanced techniques such as bullion
knots and stump work. Melissa reassures listeners that embroidery
is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require mastery of all stitches,
making it approachable for anyone interested in trying
it.
[0:08:25
– 0:12:23] From Hobby to Business: Melissa’s
Entrepreneurial Journey
This segment delves into Melissa’s transition from a corporate job
to running her embroidery business full-time. She shares how her
passion for embroidery grew into teaching workshops and eventually
writing books. Melissa discusses the challenges of valuing fiber
art, the decision to pivot from selling finished pieces to creating
kits and teaching, and the satisfaction she finds in helping others
learn. The conversation offers insights into the realities of
turning a creative hobby into a sustainable business and the
importance of adaptability and community support.
"I think it just means trying new things or trying things in
general. You know, because you don't know until you try it if you
like it or not,"
—Melissa Galbraith. MCreativeJ
[0:18:00
– 0:20:23] Upcycling, Tools, and Practical Tips for Embroidery on
Clothing
Jane and Melissa discuss the trend of upcycling clothing with hand
embroidery, including practical advice for beginners. Melissa
explains the importance of choosing the right fabric, preferably
non-stretchy materials like cotton or linen, for those just
starting out. She also addresses the use of embroidery hoops,
stabilizers, and the challenges of working on different types of
garments, such as denim and shoes. This section is rich with
actionable tips for listeners interested in personalizing their
wardrobe or starting embroidery projects on various
surfaces.
[0:28:44
– 0:30:37] Camp Craft Away: Community, Workshops, and Creative
Exploration
Melissa introduces Camp Craftaway, an adult summer craft
camp she co-hosts near Seattle. She describes the event as a space
for creative professionals and enthusiasts to try new crafts, learn
from local artists, and build community. The camp features hands-on
workshops in a variety of disciplines, from broom making to stained
glass, and has grown significantly over the years. This segment
highlights the value of creative community, the importance of
making time for exploration, and the opportunities available for
listeners to get involved in similar events.
Thanks for listening to the show! If you have a creative living topic or guest suggestion, please let us know!