Behind the Canvas: Kyra Cotter Designs
Meet Kyra Cotter
I'm Kyra Cotter and I'm from New Jersey! View our in-depth Q&A with Kyra below.
General Needlepoint
I’m a pandemic stitcher. I picked up the hobby while on maternity leave at the end of 2020. I had cross stitched when I was younger and had always been intrigued by needlepoint. I impulsively bought my first kit (and maybe two or three more canvases) and the rest is history! I taught myself via YouTube and the wonderful beginner resources on the Penny Linn Designs blog. My first project was an ornament for my daughter's first Christmas. I even self-finished it that year. I now stitch an ornament for her every year.
My favorite tent stitch is basketweave and my favorite decorative stitch is woven.
I love 100% silk threads like Planet Earth Silk, Pepper Pot Silk, or Vineyard Silk Classic.
About Your Designs
I was looking for (another) creative outlet as I was unsatisfied at my day job. I’ve since started a new job but I find so much joy in designing. I like to keep busy with things that fill my cup.
Fun, colorful and happy
My everyday life! My other hobbies, my family, music - anything really. I just keep an eye out for things I like and usually a design idea immediately pops into my head.
One More Chapter since it’s simple and includes my favorite colors.
The floral scissor case. It’s not too big but not too small and I love the colors.
Patience! Take your time painting and enjoy the process. I’m a perfectionist but I’m also impatient so it’s much easier for me to say this than to practice it myself.
About You
Outside on a warm, sunny day in a comfy chair.
Reading, spending time with my daughter, working out, watching trashy reality TV or the latest Marvel movie/series.
Stitches to Go, a needle puller, and a needle threader.
The final season of Ozark with my husband and Moon Knight and Downton Abbey on my own.
Bad on Paper
My fave needlepoint account is @plumdesign_. Everything they post - inspiration and designs - is dreamy.
My fave non-needlepoint accounts (aside from Krista 😊 @kristarobertso) are @carly, @graceatwood, and @beachreadsandbubbly. It’s hard to pick just one!
A stand-up Christmas village complete with a horse and carriage, bakery, post office, general store, etc. All the small town essentials!
Follow Up
www.pennylinndesigns.com and your local LNS
@kyracotterdesigns (formerly @kmc_stitches)
