Behind the Canvas - Stitches by Blair
Meet Blair Lykins
Meet Blair Lykins from Lexington, KY! View our in-depth Q&A with Blair below.
General Needlepoint
I learned to needlepoint when I came to college. I had never heard of needlepoint, but it seemed like all of the boys were wearing needlepoint belts! My first project was a belt for my boyfriend, now my husband. I think I’ve done 20+ for him at this point!
I’m traditional and generally use the basic tent stitch. However, I’m currently working on an insert for my wicker bag using the leaf stitch.
I tend to use pearl cotton because of all of the color availability. I also love to add some pops of shine or texture, like velvet and silk lame.
About Your Designs
I started by just tweaking canvases that I bought to be more “me.” At first I would just swap colors, then modify whole areas, and then it became doing my own thing!
Classic, playful, thoughtful
The people in my life! My love language is giving gifts, so I love needlepointing something that I know someone would cherish.
The SEC mascot belt! So many bright colors, and each little mascot came out so cute!
A belt for my three year-old son. Felt like a full-circle moment!
Don’t be intimidated- just go for it!
About You
I love to stitch when I travel! I love that I can just throw my project bags in my purse and take wherever I go.
Most likely playing cars with my son! But I also try to sneak in as much time to try new recipes and play tennis as I can!
Scissors, needle minder, clip on light
Nothing new right now, but my feel-good shows that I can watch on repeat are Friends, New Girl, and Ted Lasso.
My favorite podcast is Smartless. I want to be best friends with Will, Sean and Jason. In one episode, Sean says he wants to learn to needlepoint one day and I’m seriously considering dreaming up a canvas and mailing it to him.
@bigtimeadulting makes me laugh every day.
A whole village of gingerbread houses! I always made gingerbread houses with my Granny growing up. I’ve carried on the tradition with my son and his little buddies. Gingerbread houses give me that feel of holiday nostalgia and one day I’ll make time to stitch one. Or twenty.
Follow Up
Penny Linn Designs and your LNS!
I’m just getting started, but would love to have you follow along at @stitchesbyblair
