Canvas Conversation: Madeleine Kirchof of Spruce Street Studio

Madeleine Kirchof is the Founder and designer of Spruce St. Studio. She lives and designs in Philadelphia with her fiance, Christopher. She is inspired by restaurants (hence the matchbooks!), fresh flowers, interior design, antiques, film photography, reading, and global travel. She also works full time at Conde Nast in New York City.

I had so much fun learning more about Madeleine in my Q&A with her below:

Favorite needlepoint project. My first ever matchbook. I painted and stitched a Joseph Leonard matchbook canvas for my (then) boyfriend in the living room of my first apartment in Manhattan. We had our first date in the West Village, and spent many more at the restaurant for brunch and drinks. The matchbook is now framed in our first home together in Philadelphia.

On your needlepoint Wishlist.  I am counting down the days until I have time to stitch the Love Bunny pillow that debuted at the 2024 Spring Market. It will be gifted as a baby present for a friend! Next up will be a ring pillow for my wedding or the Raw Bar belt for my fiance (but only after we tie the knot!). 

Dream stitching spot. Airplane stitching. I stitch more on planes than anywhere else in the world. There is something so peaceful about being undisturbed and wifi-less in the sky! My second favorite spot is with my mom and sisters at their homes in Dallas, sharing our latest projects and catching up on life together.

13 or 18 Mesh Canvas. 18 mesh if the project is small, I love detail. For anything bigger than an ornament, I prefer 13 mesh! 

Last book you read and liked. A deeper read, Cutting for Stone, was moving and transportive. A lighter read, A Paris Novel, was magical to read while I traveled solo to Paris this past June!

Favorite flower. Gardenias, serene and lovely. 

Guilty pleasure. Iced lavender matcha from my local coffee shop, french fries from Parc in Philadelphia, adding an extra day onto a trip, a blowout for the sake of a blowout, or a stack of new books from the local book store.

On your nightstand. Magnesium spray, chapstick, a stack of books I plan to read next, water, and an antique ring dish. 

Currently listening to. Jungle’s new(ish) album, Back on 74 for a groove! The Run-Through with Vogue, Talk Shop with Ariel Okin, How’d She Do That?, or any good storytelling podcast most weeks while I pack orders or paint. 

Currently watching. Just finished rewatching Suits and Downton Abbey, and loved every minute of it. These days, there isn’t much time for TV, but old reruns are great for long nights of painting and designing! 

If there were more hours in the day I would. Stitch more dream projects for myself and my loved ones, the list is long! 

Favorite places to shop. CORK, a local store in Philadelphia for home goods + wine. Moda Operandi for clothes. Fabric surplus sales for needlepoint finishing. All local needlepoint shops! Any and all antique stores.

Favorite Instagram follows. This summer, it’s @smileyrileyd and @carolinegilroy for style inspo. @lilsemckenna and @eliabethhaydesign and @houseandgardenuk for interiors. @vinovalentini for recipes and wine. @september___studio for flowers. 

Can’t leave the house without. Sunglasses, needlepoint keychain, and a Tervis tumbler with ice water. We collect these from various trips and places we love!

Coffee or tea. Iced matcha or espresso tonic - yum!

Favorite holiday to celebrate. Christmas with my family for the carols, coziness, tradition, and love. 4th of July for the fireworks, grilling, and time at the beach with family and friends! 

Wardrobe staples. MOTHER jeans, L’Agence white tee, Common Project sneakers, dresses!!!

Creative inspiration. Everyday life, deep conversation and meditation, and walks! I come up with my best ideas on the go or late at night when I should be asleep. When I am in a creative rut, I visit the Art and Architecture area of the Philadelphia Free Library and lose myself in books until I find my next source of inspiration. 

Best piece of advice. Pray about it.

Life mantra. Give it some grace.