Behind the Canvas - Eloette
Meet Michelle Rao
Meet Michelle Rao! View our in-depth Q&A with Michelle below.
General Needlepoint
I can’t remember when exactly, but I was a teenager I think. My first projects were old fashioned wool needlepoint pillows of pugs, Erica Wilson, I think because her store was right near our apartment in the city and our family always had pugs.
I really like basket weave because I find it so relaxing. I also love experimenting with new stitches and even making up some of my own.
I love Silk and Ivory and Milan.
About Your Designs
I had been working at Penny Linn for almost a year, maybe, and I always had a hard time finding projects I wanted to stitch in 13 mesh. I like the look of 18 mesh but it is too hard on my eyes. Anyway, I thought, I can do that!
ummmmm. Amanda said angsty mom, but I don’t think of myself that way. Displaced New Yorker? I just don’t know. I design whatever touches my fancy!
I spend way too much time doom scrolling, but when I see a fun concept, quote or color combo, I take a screenshot and when I am ready to draw I look back at them and see what still inspires me. Also, traveling. My last trip was to Vienna and Prague and i loved the cobblestone patterns in all the sidewalks.
I love the frenchies. but that might just be because I love my frenchies, Eloise and Colette! I originally designed them for a belt for my husband.
NY or Nowhere was fun to stitch. I made the background look like subway tiles, which amuses me.
Just go for it!
About You
I love to stitch on my living room sofa with my dogs.
Crocheting. Or sewing or decorating or gardening, all while listening to a book.
Extra strong reading glasses, scissors and a seam ripper for frogging.
Landman and the Pitt.
Ezra Klein from the NYT.
Excuse my Grandma
I have a project idea: I bought a glass topped round side table that I want to design and stitch a canvas for. But that is a big project and I haven’t started it yet. I have been mulling around design ideas, like a geometric design . . . but it is a circle. I haven’t decided yet.
About PLD
I don't know yet! But i get a lot of feedback that NY or Nowhere is well liked.
The Frenchies.
I like the magnetic dishes in the PL needlepoint print.
Don't know yet!
I love to see what people create in fiber art. Also, I am inspired by travel. Next year both of my kids will be in college and my husband and I are looking forward to seeing more of the world. Our oldest goes to college in Rome, Italy so I think we will start there and wander.
I am excited to see what designs of mine are most popular and to keep on designing.
It amazes me that PL keeps on growing, so i expect it will just keep getting bigger!
Follow Up
Only at Penny Linn!
@Eloette
