Punch Needle Embroidery for Beginners is Lucy Davidson’s first book with Search Press. Lucy is a freelance graphic designer who teaches punch needle, weaving and macramé in workshops across the UK and in Europe. She also runs her own craft and lifestyle blog, Peas & Needles, which has led to her writing tutorials for numerous craft and interiors magazines. We caught up with Lucy to find out a bit more about her new book, her inspiration, and her Search Press journey!
How are you Lucy?
I’m good thank you! Slowly adjusting to the colder weather and getting ready for our second lockdown. I’m hoping to get the house all sorted and ready for Christmas. I need to find homes for all my craft projects I’ve started this year and hopefully finish them!
This is your first book with Search Press, tell us a bit about your journey.
I’ve really enjoyed the process, and everyone that I have worked with has been so lovely and encouraging. I feel so lucky to have worked on this book with you all. I had a little girl in the middle of writing the book so that was quite an adjustment, and everyone at Search Press was so great – even letting me bring her along to the book photoshoot when she was only eight weeks old. It’s been a journey!
What’s your favourite piece from the book and why?
My favourite piece has got to be the shell cushion. I loved making it and have it in my daughter’s room. It’s such a statement and everyone asks about it. I live by the sea, so shells and the beach are a big part of our daily life.
How long does it take you to complete an average piece from start to finish?
Oh this is a tricky one; it really depends on the size of the piece and if there is much sewing involved. I would say roughly four hours on average. I also work in small chunks, working on projects when I can around nap times and meals etc. This is a really tricky question!
Where do you get your inspiration?
I always have a notebook with me to do little sketches. The beach and nature are a huge inspiration; if I’m ever feeling stuck, I take myself down there. That always helps. Also, personal projects, I think these are so important, you never know where they will lead.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I have always been creative, I come from a creative family and married into one too! So, it’s a huge part of our lives. I studied Graphic Design and have worked in that field for many years, I then went freelance with it. I was able to do Graphics and carry on with all my craft work on the side. It was a juggle, but it worked for me. I taught myself to weave about ten years ago and have always been a bit addicted to wool and what you can do with it, always experimenting with different techniques. I taught weaving and punch needle most weekends before I went on maternity leave and I love it. I can’t wait to get back to teaching again, hopefully next Spring.
Tell us a bit about your company Peas and Needles?
I started Peas and Needles when I was at uni it was a small blog to showcase all the things I had made. I’ve just kept it running alongside my job for all these years and now hope to make it my full time job after coming back after my maternity leave.
Do you have any tips for beginners?
Don’t be afraid to start and make mistakes. When I teach punch needle the most common problem most people come across is the loops fall out – there will be loops all over the place and I think the best thing is to just not worry. It will get easier and neater with practice.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m working on launching my own punch needle kits, these should be out in the next few days. I’m so excited about them, especially being out around the same time as the book.
Do you have any exciting plans for the rest of 2020, or for 2021?
I am launching my own kits and teaching at the Knitting & Stitching show and that’s it really. I want to work on some new pieces to see in my online shops. Oh, and make an advent calendar for my daughter. I’m such a fan of Christmas!
Punch Needle Embroidery for Beginners is available from Search Press, RRP £10.99.
