From tattoos in tapestry to cross-stitched rodeo philosophies Emily Peacock makes needlework for the 21st century. A self-taught textile designer her creations are always bright, ebullient and modern: far removed from the twee images too often associated with the needle arts.

Emily aims to make people think differently about cross-stitch and needlepoint: to ponder its possibilities as art and appreciate it technically and creatively. Her designs are available in needlepoint kits that allow you to simultaneously recreate her style for your home and experience the haven of escape and creativity that needlework can be.

We spoke to Emily about cross-stitch’s bad reputation, her inspirations and recommendations for needlework newbies. Find more of Emily Peacock's work on her website.Photo: Rob Ryan and Emily Peacocks' collaborative tapestry design.

To people who don’t think needlework and cross-stitch are useful in our modern times, what do you say?

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. And my opinion is that we live in a culture that puts too much emphasis on productivity, end result and making money. I think it's good to have an alternative to this, whether that is taking a walk, growing vegetables or enjoying a hobby such as cross-stitch.

Cross-stitch has possibly the worst reputation of all crafts due to the designs that have been available. I see this as a good thing because it means there is room for experimentation and improvement. Often the point at which a thing becomes cool is just after the time when they have become seemingly outmoded or pointless!

How do you go about creating a design?

Ideas just pop into my head. They can be something I hear someone say, or inspired by my passion for typefaces and a particular style. There's no pattern to my decision on what to bring out next.

Colour is the biggest challenge for me. What looks good as skeins of wool in your hand can look totally different stitched up. It can take me months of stitching and unpicking before I am happy with a design. For this reason I am not hugely prolific.

Do you have a favourite among all your designs? 

I don't have a favourite design. I look at each and remember where I was and what I was doing at the time. 'Hug and Kiss' have been my most popular, followed by 'Think Happy Thoughts'. I think it is the immediacy of these designs that holds the appeal.

What are you working on now?

What is really getting me excited at the moment is exploring some more personal and contentious issues using traditional needlework techniques. I am hoping to take on these subjects with a couple of great needlework mates.

What would you recommend to newbies to needlework? What’s the best way to get started?

I think newbies should find a design or project that appeals to them and just get stuck in. Classes are great but there is nothing wrong with playing, making mistakes, learning as you go and finding out what you love.