Behind the Canvas - Mason June

I did a Koala Ornament Round for my daughter- she’s still obsessed with it today… but it was also my first self finish so we keep that one on the back of our tree. 

I love decorative stitches to make a project go faster, I’d say skip tent or Satin Stitch are my most used stitches.

The binding stitch- I’d love to master it so I can make patches. I've tried before (from a youtube video) but need to practice or take a class in person to really get the hang of it. 

 I Love Silk Lame Braid, Vineyard Silk, Pepper Pot and good ole DMC floss.

I love to paint and work in design programs like Illustrator and Photoshop. I went to school for graphic design so it felt natural to me to come up with some designs. I had a ton of ideas and just went for it.  That's what I love most about the hobby is you can be as involved in it at any level as you want. From just stitching and sending to a finisher, to Designing/painting/stitching/self finishing. You can have one hobby or all 4!

Food, Florals, Fun

I like to think of things in “collections” so usually I don’t design something as a standalone, I’ll have a few ideas to go along with it. I have a bunch of food designs that were inspired by my favorite meal, girl dinner. The Christmas collection is largely inspired by the holidays on my husband's family ranch. And sayings that are inspired by the phase of life I’m in- motherhood to two littles.

I have painted the Portuguese sardine tin so many times that I could probably do it from memory at this point and it always makes me happy as Portugal is one of my favorite places I’ve traveled.

The Strawberry clutch! I used lots of decorative stitches and sparkles, and finished it into a purse for my daughter who screamed over how much she loved it- (she loves strawberries so much that we grow them in our yard for her).

Design and paint what feels true and unique to you and your experiences. When your work reflects something personal, it carries an authenticity and It’s rewarding to connect with people who relate with what you’ve created.

 Realistically I usually stitch in bed but I’d love if I had more time in my day to stitch in the sun outside.

Working, Carting my kids around to activities, As a family we love skiing in the winter and biking, camping and beaching in the summer, so I’m always planning the next weekend adventure!

Readers, Snag Nab it, and a neck light

I’m not a huge TV person but I love reality TV in the background, Love is Blind has a new season and I cannot get enough.

I’m more of an Audiobook kind of girl. Audible and Libby are my BFFs. Just finished the Correspondent and Martyr! Both really good reads (or listens!).

I don’t have just one in particular, but I am LOVING seeing so many new stitchers, designers, and shops enter the chat. Watching needlepoint grow is so exciting for the hobby. Even with the growing pains, it’s inspiring to see so many people finding joy and community in something we all love so much.

I am actually doing my no limits project now- currently working on stockings! I am playing with some fun colorful patterns for each member of my family. they are so time consuming to design, that I’m not putting pressure on a time line. I’ll be lucky to have them done by Christmas 2027.

The Girl Dinner Guest Check, or the Snack Plate historically- but I’m so excited to see what resonates most with customers of Penny Linn!

That’s like choosing a favorite child! I love them all the same- and each one feels like a little piece of me or has a story behind it. I’ve had a lot of designs that I retired before joining the collective, so anything that has been brought over to Penny Linn are still around because I love them and think others might too!

I’ve been eyeing the PL sweatshirt, the magnetic tins… but being on west coast time, I always miss the launches! (((Save me a large sweatshirt please!!))

The Princess Dianas. I was just admiring her iconic fashion one day and decided to make a few needlepoint designs- and I was shocked how many people were excited about The People’s Princess! I made 5 total but am returning the 2 most popular ones to Penny Linn.

YES! All of them! I love seeing the finishes. The Little Needlepoint Shop in Louisiana has the “These are the Good Old Days” design finished into a pillow in their shop and I love the purple ruffle they chose! I also love when people stitch the wedding cakes with Rhodes Circles because it looks like piped icing.

Travel, everyday objects and I love different fabrics, wallpapers, surface designs etc. My first job out of college was marketing for an interiors firm and got to spend all my time in the materials library- It was so much fun and that definitely started my love for textiles.

My family stocking project, I’m also working on a pocket advent calendar that I hope to make available via Penny Linn in the future. I’m also hoping to make a trip east to see the new store(s)! 

Ideally with a West Coast shop within walking distance to my house! 

@MasonJuneCanvasCo on IG