Chainstitch Bouquets
Embroidered Series
This ongoing series of chainstitched floral bouquets explores themes of belonging, memory, and place. Using a replica hand-cranked chainstitch machine, I create embroidered still lifes that reflect both personal milestones and shared cultural histories. Each arrangement is thoughtfully composed—flowers and vessels chosen not only for their beauty, but for the stories they carry.
Three Tulips in a Delft 2025
15" x 20"
Chainstitch and appliqué on cloth
A commissioned piece, this bouquet was created for a family who asked for each flower to represent a member of their household. The vase references Dutch heritage, with the floral pottery motif embroidered over an appliquéd base. This piece is about connection, cultural roots, and the symbolic language of flowers—each stem a portrait.
Peonies in a Polka Dot Vase 2024
15" x 20"
Chainstitch embroidery on cloth
This piece was inspired by my neighborhood in Mt. Airy, Philadelphia, where huge blooms of peonies burst into the streets each spring. They’re loud, strange, and gorgeous—almost alien in their extravagance. I stitched them to capture their unapologetic beauty, their seasonal presence, and the way they seem to announce: I am here.
Tulips in a Blue Striped Vase 2024
16" x 16"
Chainstitch embroidery on cloth
This was the first piece in the series, made just after I purchased my first home. After years of housing insecurity, creating something for my space was a quiet, powerful act. The tulips—simple, bright, and familiar—offered comfort and a sense of arrival. Bringing flowers into a home of my own felt like a joy I wasn’t sure I’d ever experience. This bouquet honors that moment.
