Canvas Conversations: Judy Torchiana

Judy is our Chief Binding Officer, bringing her creativity, enthusiasm and passion for crafting to the team. Though she’s new to needlepoint, she’s quickly fallen in love with the intricate details and vibrant colors that make the craft so special. When she's not stitching, sewing or quilting, you can find Judy in her kitchen, often baking and cooking, or in her garden where she grows a variety of flowers. Follow along Judy's stitching adventures @judypinsstudio

Favorite needlepoint project: Since I’ve only just begun needlepoint, I don’t’ have too many pieces to pick from. However, I think the LOVE Canvas has been my favorite so far. Lots of detail and color.

On your needlepoint wish list: The Coco Frank travel rounds from all the European cities I’ve visited – Rome, Florence, Venice, Paris. Any Jean Smith canvas – just haven’t picked one yet!

Dream stitching spot:
Somewhere warm and sunny – on my balcony with the ocean just below (but not necessarily on the beach haha)

13 or 18 Mesh:
Hard one – 13 goes so fast it’s great to finish something quickly, but 18 has all the cool details that I really like

Last book you read and liked: Kristin Hannah – The Women (It’s not the happiest books, but tells a really good story about the years when I was growing up.)

Favorite flower: Another hard one – I love just about any flower, especially if I grew it in my own garden. Right now really enjoying a couple of bunches of Alstroemeria every other week or so. They look great and last so long!

Guilty pleasure: Watching “trash” TV while I’m sewing. (The Bachelor, Love is Blind, you get the idea)

On my nightstand: Burts Bees overnight lip treatment, hand cream, arthritis cream for my hands (after a long day of sewing), my spare pair of glasses and two books I haven’t read yet.

Currently listening to: Sirus XM “The Bridge”

Currently watching: Just finished The Diplomat. Always catching up on John Oliver. Rewatching a bunch of Netflix comedy specials. 

If there were more hours in the day I would: Probably bake something or sew something else or start another craft.

Favorite Instagram follows:
These run the gamete – Of course Greystone Needlepoint! But lots of food sites – Cloudykitchen, smittenkitchen and others. And lots of sewing/needlepoint/quilting sites – thelittlegreenbean, jessicatongle, lizataylorhandmade, aspoonfulsugar

Can’t leave home without: My keys – the car won’t start if they aren’t on my person.

Coffee or tea: Coffee, but these days it has to be decaf

Favorite holiday to celebrate: I’d have to say Christmas and birthdays. I love giving gifts – especially ones I’ve made.

Wardrobe staples: Trying hard to build a capsule wardrobe – but it’s hard! Black pants (pants and leggings), white basic tees (long and short sleeve), warm cozy sweaters/sweatshirts for winter and loose linen for summer.

Creative inspiration: I get a lot from of the women I’ve surrounded myself with – needlepoint, painting and sewing. Bright colors and prints really inspire me to make something no matter what the medium.

Best piece of advice: In life: The hard way is often the easiest way. In crafting: just start
Life mantra See “in life” above.

Favorite color:
I used to say black was my favorite because so many of my clothes were black, but when I'm ready for something that isn’t clothing its usually a bright pink or bright green, maybe a royal blue.