Behind the Canvas - Bayberry Kate
Meet Kate
Meet Kate Laggis from Woodstock, GA!
General Needlepoint
I first discovered needlepoint on TikTok. While mindlessly scrolling, I came across a video of Calder Clark’s Hidden Valley Ranch bottle ornament and was instantly intrigued. For my very first project, I dove right in with a design of my own. I knew I wanted to make something for my children, so I created a four-inch round featuring a hammerhead shark for my son. I stitched it and finished it myself. Safe to say, when I take on a hobby, I go all in.
The continental stitch is my go-to, but I always love a french knot for any flower details. I would love to incorporate a diagonal scotch in my next project!
DMC Pearl Cotton 5 for 18 mesh canvases.
About Your Designs
I knew I wanted to needlepoint a belt, but wanted the design to be personal. I decided to paint a continuous landscape of all the places special to my husband and me. I was so excited by all of the possibilities I could stitch - I just kept going from there!
Floral, Whimsical, Coastal
Nature and traveling are my biggest inspirations - especially when so much of my art revolves around botanicals and coastal imagery. I’m heavily influenced by the places I’ve been. I fell in love with Cape Cod after going every summer with my husband’s family, and always have enough ideas to last the rest of the year after that trip!
I really love anything with hydrangeas. They’re probably my favorite flower to paint in general, and I love the different techniques you can use for stitching them with texture!
I painted a blank canvas from Penny Linn for a wicker bag insert, with a little hydrangea in the middle. I stitched it on a summer roadtrip up to Cape Cod - the perfect way to get excited for the vacation!
Put brush to canvas! The hardest part for me is just starting. A blank canvas and an idea can be so daunting - as soon as you have some color down, the rest will follow.
About You
I love sitting on the couch and listening to an audiobook while stitching. Especially if it’s a larger project - the time flies!
Reading a book with a good cocktail.
A sketchbook, headphones, and sunglasses.
The Summer I Turned Pretty - again.
I usually opt for audiobooks, but if I do listen to podcasts, it’s usually a random history deep-dive.
I love following @newenglandsummers - her account is filled with all of the summery New England inspo! Nothing but good vibes.
I’ve always wanted to paint and stitch my own Christmas stockings. My dream is to make personalized ones for my whole family!
Going on walks, planting flowers, and being in the sun always recharges my creative energy. I also love looking at different textiles, wallpaper, or pattern design.
I’m excited to stitch more canvases and create more art!
Follow Up
Art and stationery available at bayberrykate.com, and needlepoint canvases available at Penny Linn!
@bayberrykate
