Interview with Nerrisa Pratt of Bargello

Nerrisa Pratt started her brand Bargello in an effort to begin a mindful hobby. We asked her about her inspirations, how her journey with needlework embroidery began and advice she has for aspiring makers.

How did you get into your craft?

My own journey began late one evening a few years ago when, at a loss for a more mindful hobby, I took to Pinterest, (like we all do) in search of inspiration. After scrolling through many twee, dated projects, I was frustrated that there didn’t seem to be anything for a modern colour enthusiast like me. I was just about ready to give up, when I suddenly saw the bold lines, geometric shapes, and clashing colours of bargello needlework embroidery. I was kind of hooked from the start. It really kind of escalated from there.

Who or what inspires you?

Honestly, everything. From clashing colour palettes in magazine pages to prints on garments, everything is a potential source of inspiration if you look in all of the right places. I also love that I see canvases everywhere I go as well, wondering ‘can I stitch onto that’ about the most obscure things. My current plan is to Bargello a wire fence panel after seeing something similar done with cross stitch.

 Do you have a favourite work you’ve made to date?

Probably my book to be honest, it was a labour of love but one I’m so proud of and there truly isn’t a project in there that I’m not still obsessed with. If I had to choose one, I would say the ‘Barbara bag’ as it was inspired by the cute Shrimps style bags and I will most definitely be using the sample during spring. 

What do you do in your spare time?

Sewing is a big use of my crafting energy and probably my first true creative love, when I was younger, I wanted to be a fashion designer so every time I make something new, that’s my ode to little Nerrisa.

What is some advice you have for aspiring makers?

Make because it sparks joy. I think in this day and age, especially for millennials like me, it can be so tempting to turn everything into a stream of income. Like everyone, I really got carried away and tried to monetise everything which in the long run wasn’t healthy and also took the joy out of everything. I love now to wind down with ‘something for me’ a craft or something creative that I don’t feel under pressure to share on Instagram that couldn’t be further from my day job, because let’s face it, we all need a day off from crafting sometimes.