About

Hi, I'm Susanna

I’m the maker behind the madness here at Odinaddi! My journey with embroidery began in July 2020 during the lockdown, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I grew up learning cross stitch from my gran and I enjoyed that, but it wasn’t until I discovered the freedom of embroidery that I found my true creative outlet.

Looking back, I’ve always been drawn to creativity in some form, but nothing ever stuck for long — hello, obvious ADHD in hindsight! Throughout my life, I’ve hopped from hobby to hobby, constantly searching for something that would hold my interest. I studied and worked in web development for a few years before earning a degree in psychology, feeling like I wanted to help others in some way. I even took a short course in art therapy, driven by my belief in the therapeutic power of creativity.

Embroidery, though, is the one thing that has stayed with me. It arrived in my life at a time when I needed it most, offering a peaceful escape from the chaos of severe depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It also gave me a sense of control when I was finally being properly diagnosed and treated for ADHD — after years of being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or other conditions. Stitching has become a therapeutic practice for me, a way to focus, calm my racing and anxious thoughts, and channel my energy into something tangible and beautiful.

Living with endometriosis means I often deal with chronic pain, but embroidery provides me with a creative outlet that isn’t physically strenuous. It’s a hobby that allows me to immerse myself in intricate details, helping me manage both the mental and physical challenges I face. On most days, I can settle into the rhythm of stitching, often while listening to an audiobook, and let the meditative process take over.

Through Odinaddi, I channel my love for nature, fantasy, and storytelling into original embroidery designs. Thread-painted animals and butterflies are some of my favourite subjects, but I also enjoy experimenting with lettering, floral wreaths, and anything that sparks my curiosity. I’m constantly evolving my style and learning new techniques, which keeps the creative fire burning.

What has truly surprised me is the sense of community that has grown around my work. Since I started stitching, I’ve made some of the best friends of my life, even though many of them live halfway across the world. This connection — both through art and shared experiences — has been instrumental in my mental health journey, and it’s something I want to build into Odinaddi going forward. I believe in the healing power of creativity and want to explore more of the therapeutic side of art, fostering a space where others can find comfort and expression through stitching.

Looking to the future, I’m excited to grow Odinaddi — not only through new patterns, physical kits, and more fantasy-inspired designs but also by integrating my passion for art therapy. I want to continue teaching others, sharing the therapeutic benefits of embroidery, and building a community where creativity and connection thrive.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Whether you’re here to learn, create, or simply admire, I’m so glad to share this love of embroidery with you!

Behind the Name

A few people have guessed that "Odinaddi" might be a quirky Scottish word, but it’s actually a blend of two very special names — my pets, Odin and Maddie. Maddie was a beautiful tabby cat girl who lived a long and happy life, but sadly left us in 2022. I’m so glad to have her as part of the name, keeping her memory alive. Odin, a one-eyed, very wiggly and happy labrador retriever, meanwhile, is still going strong and I’m lucky enough to get cuddles from him often!

As for my current little companions, I now have two kittens, Apollo and Artemis — brother and sister born in May 2024. They certainly keep me on my toes, and I’m sure they’ll find their way into my work in one way or another, so keep an eye out for that!