We Interview cross stitch authors Sally-Anne Hayes and Fiona Sinclair
Sisters Sally-Anne and Fiona bring together photography, illustration, writing, cross stitch – and the beautiful hidden corners of Paris…
The book Criss-Crossing
Paris was born from Sally-Anne’s blog about her time living in France’s capital. She and sister Fiona have combined forces on this book title which encourages stitchers to make their own interpretations of the projects inside. We caught up with them to chat travel, life and stitch!
The book captures a personal journey – from Australia to Paris! What attracted you to the city?
Sally: In 2007 I planned a month-long escape, alone, to gain a fresh perspective on my life. My mother had been learning French and I liked the idea of being able to share the experience with her. There was, too, the lure of all those iconic French scenes I knew so well from books and films. The journey that unfolded proved I was just where I should be.
How did the book project first come about?
Sally: That first year in Paris I created a holiday blog – Voilasally. I wanted to share the Paris I was discovering: the colours, the architecture, the elements of daily life played out in the streets. Fiona was inspired to reimagine the photos in crosses – similar to a cross stitch pattern, but more fluid. Without realising it, we had created a shared vision of Paris… and Criss Crossing Paris was born!
Fiona: The creative process began with Sally’s photographs, and me drawing them digitally, in little crosses, to resemble a cross-stitched artwork. We thought it might make an original gift book. Sally set about adding creative descriptions to the locations, while I drew the charts.
Can you tell us more about your design method?
Fiona: We decided to work with the idea of ‘intrepid’ cross stitch, where the stitcher is encouraged to ‘step off How did you work together on the book?
Paris truly is incredibly photogenic
the grid’ and create a unique response to the image. What appeals to me about the crossstitched artworks is that they are unique. Unlike traditional templates, if someone else used the chart as a guide, and the photograph as a source, the result would be different.
How did you know which corners of Paris to capture?
Sally: The more I’ve come to know Paris, the more intimate the connection, but Paris truly is incredibly photogenic. The trick is to soak up the city – meander an uncharted route along the streets and let the city surprise you.
What do you love about cross stitch?
Sally: I enjoy its creative, tactile nature, and the personal flavour I can add with choice of fabric, thread and colour.
Fiona: I have always been a maker and creator of things [from] watercolour painting to laser-cut decorations. Cross stitch is another medium.
And how did you decide which projects to create?
Fiona: We looked at the images and thought about the context. For example, a section of the Paris rooftops was made into a bookmark with an edging of orange pom-poms, reminiscent of the terracotta chimney pots that sit on top!
Are there any Parisian creatives that have inspired you?
Sally: Oh, so many! Close to my heart are the paintings of urban Paris in the late 1800s by Gustave Caillebotte, Colette’s tales of people and Paris and the films and installations of Agnès Varda.
Can you tell us about your own individual creative journeys?
Sally: I have always loved reading and writing, and since that first visit to Paris in 2007 I’ve found that travel inspires me with possibility. Working together with Fiona on
Criss Crossing Paris has really reawakened my love of cross stitch, and it was an experience that I’ll always treasure.
Fiona: My background is as an Art and Design teacher. I am now a freelance illustrator and education officer. I’ve always [been creative], working independently and collaborating with like-minded people.
What are you both working on now?
Fiona: We are ‘Criss Crossing’ a new city! Together, and with the help of our creative band of stitchers, we are working on a new intrepid cross stitch book.
Sally: We both have ideas for workshops enabling travellers to reimagine moments from their journeys in cross stitch. I’ll continue to travel and embrace the journey.