We interview Megan Ivy Griffiths
We took a trip into the magical world of illustrator and embroiderer 0eJan ,Yy *riƱths to finG out Zhat stitchinJ Peans to her
Megan Ivy Gri ths is an illustrator and an embroiderer. Her magpie eye brings together flowers and fairy stories, English vegetables and Indian folk tales, to create illustrations, embroidered dolls and other whimsies. She began by making worry dolls and now sells her designs on Etsy, where she’s been selling her wares for the last five years. Megan sat down with us for a chat about all things creative.
Nice to meet you Megan! Can you introduce yourself to
CrossStitcher readers?
I’m an illustrator and hand stitcher who lives in the countryside trying to notice all things quiet and gentle.
Your mum is an illustrator – did you have a creative time growing up? My mum is an amazing illustrator and has made many beautiful children’s books over the years which I loved looking at and playing with. My favourite book of hers is one which is a pop-up market with characters and items you could move around. It was so much fun I’d pretend to be ill so I didn’t have to go to school and could stay home playing with it! It was a very creative childhood, and I’ve always been happy sat making things.
Can you tell us a bit about your career so far?
After university, where I studied Illustration, I had various jobs in hospitality while I made things on the side. Luckily I could share what I was making online, and the responses from people gave me the confidence to start selling things. I was making embroidered figures and creatures just because it was something that made me happy, so it was quite a lovely surprise that other people wanted one too!
What turned you onto embroidery in the first place?
I was looking for something handson to reignite the feeling of geing in the creative flow, and as soon as I started embroidering I felt that
I was making embroidered figures and creatures just because it made me happy
again. I love how it can’t be rushed and it challenges you to slow down and be patient. Aside from being a therapeutic material to work with, it feels like a very natural process to be using humble materials to make something intricate and beautiful.
How does working on illustrations and embroidery dier?
Illustration and embroidery go hand in hand for me, although the styles differ fractionally just because of the limits of the materials. After embroidering I really appreciate the fluidity and subtlety of watercolour, and after painting I really enjoy going back to the texture and solidness of embroidery.
How would you describe your designs?
I try to convey themes of magic, nature and simple, gentle things that bring comfort and homeliness. I am inspired by all sorts of curiosities, especially anything paerned and intricate, from Fair Isle jumpers to curled ironwork on an old church door. Most things that spark my imagination have some kind of history or narrative behind them.
Your images on Instagram are gorgeous – what does Insta bring to you?
Instagram has been infinitely useful to me for sharing my work easily and connecting with all sorts of interesting people. Best of all is the lovely patchwork feed, which acts as a sort of moodboard of all of your favourite things. I like @molly.a.martin – who does the most delicate repair work and beautiful illustrations and embroidery and @jessiechorley – who has a shop on Colombia Road in London full to the brim with curiosities.
Do you think people’s perception of embroidery and handicrafts is changing at the moment?
I think that one huge change is that people embroidering now are recognised as artists or craftspeople with their name to their work. I find that especially exciting because handicrafts have historically been undervalued as ‘women’s work’. There seems to be a new appreciation for the beauty of handmade things. There are no shortcuts to any place worth going!
Do you have a favourite stitch?
In workshops my favourite stitch has to be the whipped backstitch. It has a wily way of straightening out and neatening any wobbly backstitch, and people are always surprised at how easy it is.
What’s next for you in 2020? Do you have more projects in the pipeline? This year I’m dedicating more time to bringing to life new ideas and ways of working. I’ve only just learnt to use a sewing machine and have made a patchwork quilt, so I’m envisioning a huge throw with hand-stitched details all over it. I am also working on embroidery kits so that people can make their own lile stitched figures.
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ meganivygriffiths Instagram: @meganivygriffiths