Endless Chain Embroidery
Christina Gerhardt
My favourite thing about this town is not being able to leave the house without running into someone I know.
What do you make
My work is hand embroidery. I prefer to add my threadwork to practical items that can be used every day like tote bags, zipper pouches, bookmarks, clothing, produce bags; but I also do decorative hoops and tapestries that can be hung on a wall.
I like simple designs that reflect the environment around me, but I'll also go for funky or just plain pretty any time.
Where’s home, and what do you like about it
I've lived in Jasper National Park for six years now. While I worked on getting my degrees I worked in a ski shop during the summers and knew that one day I would call this place my home.
Jasper is a special place with wonderful people and amazing natural and wild places to explore. My favourite thing about this town is not being able to leave the house without running into someone I know. Jasperites all contribute to a sense of community that I didn't feel living in a big city and it's one thing that I cherish most about this place.
What’s your origin story? How did you get started with this work?
I started embroidering in 2019 when I thought of making something personalized and creative for my parents for Christmas. During that first creation I realized that I loved the entire process of choosing a design, picking out the right medium or fabric, and beginning the painstaking, meticulous work of getting each stitch just right.
I've been doing it in earnest ever since, at first as a way to create personalized gifts for friends and family. But now, it is a creative outlet and I love seeing other people take joy from having something beautiful and handcrafted in their homes.
What pushes and/or inspires you to be creative?
Hand embroidery offers so many opportunities to be creative. It's kind of like painting with thread! I'm no painter so this is how I express myself in a visual form.
The mountains and mountain culture largely inspire the designs I choose to create. The name I chose for this venture, Endless Chain Embroidery, is inspired by a mountain range in the park and a bit of a play on words as one of my favourite types of stitches is a "chain" stitch.
I'm a teacher and musician foremost, so embroidery is another creative outlet aside from my music. Music also finds its way into some of my designs.
How can people purchase your work?
The best way to get in touch is through my Instagram page. As this is just a side hustle, I don't do a lot of special orders. The work takes time to complete so if you're looking for something specially made, please inquire with time to spare.
If you're a fellow crafter and/or embroiderer feel free to get in touch! I'm always looking to others for inspiration and motivation.
Make it stand out.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Make it stand out.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.