Behind the Canvas - Kayla Lou Designs
Meet Kayla Davis
Meet Kayla Davis, from Richmond, Virginia! View our in-depth Q&A with Kayla below.
General Needlepoint
I’m a relatively new stitcher and taught myself in 2020 when I really needed a creative outlet. My first project was a little printed pouch with a cat who looks like my kitty, Salem (not actually named after the Sabrina the Teenage Witch cat; although I loved that show, he’s named for the city of my undergrad alma mater, Wake Forest, which is in Winston-Salem, NC).
I love being able to turn my brain off and work on a big block of basketweave, but for a decorative stitch, I’m into criss-cross Hungarian at the moment. I’ve never tried turkey work, but I have a couple canvases that would be so cute with a fluffy accent!
I have so much fun trying out new fibers, but I always go back to Silk and Ivory for 13 and Vineyard Silk or DMC pearl cotton on 18.
About Your Designs
My dad is an amazing painter, and my mom is incredible at needlework, so I see painting needlepoint canvases as a combination of their talents. After my first needlepoint project, I had a lot of ideas for designs, and I had no shortage of art supplies, so I just went for it!
Colorful, whimsical, fun!
I started out designing for myself, and I think I still go about it the same way. It always amazes and humbles me when designs that I created from my experiences resonate with other people. My design ideas come from things that are notable to me, and most often that reflects my love of nature and my southern roots.
I’m really proud of the Snow Deer canvas. It was a tricky one to get right design-wise because I had a specific image in mind, but when I finished painting it, I was so happy with the final version. My dad also likes that one a lot!
The She Sells Seashells clutch was one of my favorites, so much so that I’m doing both colorways! I think that one is my favorite one I’ve designed so far.
Spend a few minutes before painting lightly outlining your design on the canvas with pencil. Time spent at this step helps avoid mistakes later… Naturally, I learned this the hard way!
About You
Anywhere outside and preferably with a refreshing cocktail ;)
If I’m not working (as a postdoctoral researcher studying bird population dynamics), I’m probably running!
Extra needles, sharp scissors, and probably too many projects!
The Bear, House of the Dragon, and the Olympic trials/Olympics
I’m actually more of an audiobook girl at the moment instead of podcasts. I’m a big fan of sci-fi and fantasy genres!
Needlepoint is Penny Linn, of course! And non-needlepoint is my favorite Peloton instructor, Becs Gentry. She’s so cool, and I just want to be friends!
I would love to stitch a Christmas tree skirt; what an amazing heirloom that would be!
Follow Up
Penny Linn Designs and your LNS
@kaylaloudesigns - I’m not super active, but I share my own designs and projects I’m currently stitching!
