Canvas Conversation: Alex Haines

Alexandra Haines is a new, yet devoted, needlepointer and Houston-based blogger and editor of the blog Adored by Alex. Alex has also begun exploring her love for design (all self-taught) by assisting clients of her husband’s home remodeling and renovation business. She also recently worked as a project manager and designer for a flip house investment with her mom and husband. When Alex isn’t working, she loves to needlepoint (that goes without saying!), spend time with her Goldendoodle pup, Sadie, travel with her husband, try out new recipes and spend time at the beach. 

You can follow Alex @alexcarreno_ and read her blog Adored by Alex, where she shares bits of life, style and needlepoint. 

We sat down with Alex to ask her 20 questions:

Favorite needlepoint project. One of my very first canvases, the Morgan Julia Picnic Boat canvas for two reasons. First, it was one of the first canvases I stitched where I finally felt comfortable with my new hobby and two, I gifted it to my dad for Father’s Day in 2020 and had it matted and framed. It was special to see the final product and gift him a little version of the Chris Craft boat he’d love to have one day. 

On your needlepoint Wishlist. The entire collection of Georgette’s Angels from your site are at the top of my wishlist – they’re simple stitches and darling little heirlooms that could be passed down for generations! On my forever wishlist, for sometime in the future, is the Plum ‘Have yourself a Fairy Little Christmas’ stocking on 13 mesh. 

Dream stitching spot. Back on one of the beaches in the British Virgin Islands where we went on our honeymoon, sipping a Pain Killer! 

13 or 18 Mesh Canvas. I’m a 13 AND 18 mesh gal. I actually really love both. But if I ever stitch a stocking, it’ll most definitely be on 13 mesh. 

Last book you read and liked. The Guest Cottage, by Nancy Thayer. The perfect summer beach read. 

Favorite flower. Hydrangeas in every color. 

Guilty pleasure. Sour candy gummies and Bubble Gum ice cream from Baskin & Robbins. 

On your nightstand. Most notable, a catchall tray with chapstick, cuticle cream and hair ties; a stack of books and magazines; glass or bottle of water and a framed photo of my childhood pups, Chloe and Riley. 

Currently listening to. The new John Mayer CD, I love that it has an 80s feel 

Currently watching. I’m addicted to Real Housewives, shoutout to all my fellow needlepointing-Real Housewives friends - Beverly Hills is a must watch right now. But since my husband won’t watch that with me, right now we’re watching the final season of Bosch on Amazon Prime. 

If there were more hours in the day I would. Drive to the beach in Galveston and setup my chair and umbrella to sit and needlepoint once a week for “me time”, along with playing a round of golf with my husband every weekend. 

Favorite places to shop. The staples: J.Crew and Lilly Pulitzer; online I love to shop at Shopbop, Vineyard Vines and Tuckernuck. 

Favorite Instagram follows. This is a hard one since my job requires me to constantly be on Instagram… but I’m always inspired by @juliaberolzheimer; @collins__interiors; @schumacher1889 and @southernladymag

Can’t leave the house without. My monogrammed Moreau tote filled with Jo Malone lip balm, hand sanitizer, a silk mask, my wallet, iPhone and at least 2-3 Tul pens (the best!). 

Coffee or tea. Drip coffee in the AM with just creamer, and occasionally after an afternoon meeting I indulge in a flavored latte or a Starbucks Chai Tea latte with Almond milk. 

Favorite holiday to celebrate. My birthday is the day after Christmas, so I’ve always loved having my family together for the holiday and getting an extra day to celebrate with them on the 26th. But as an adult, I love celebrating Thanksgiving. Coming together for a day to relax, cook and gather around the dining room table with one another makes it special. 

Wardrobe staples. A great pair of denim (I love Mother and Frame); 3-4 white t-shirts; my trusty Chanel ballet flats and in the cooler months my classic Burberry quilted jacket. 

Creative inspiration. Forever my late-grandmother, Lala. We affectionately called her the Martha Stewart of the South, because frankly she was the best baker, cook, party thrower, crafter and everything else in between. She taught me to cook, bake, sew and paint. I attribute all my creativity to her! On a daily basis, I often look to magazines like Southern Living, Veranda and House Beautiful to get my creative juices flowing. 

Best piece of advice. “It’s a great life if ya didn’t weaken.” A Scottish saying my grandmother used to share with me, and her Scottish grandmother used to say to her. I can still hear my Lala saying it to me in an exaggerated  Scottish accent. 

Style crush. For me there are three:  Kate Middleton, Olivia Palermo and Jackie Kennedy.   

 


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