PLAYING FAVORITES: JESSICA CHANEY OF LYCETTE DESIGNS
On this eve of Valentine’s Day, I am reminded of a quote by the French philosopher Voltaire: Love is a canvas furnished by nature and embroidered by imagination. Sorry to this man, but the saying’s not quite pithy enough to entice me into stitching it on a pillow.
I’m no romantic, but when it comes to matters of the heart, perhaps this needlepoint canvas from Lycette Designs says it better: High Maintenance, High Return.
Did I mention I’m no romantic?
JESSICA CHANEY
Un-clutch those pearls! This is all in good humor! Needlepoint (and its concomitant cheeky sayings) have been a favorite pastime of mine for years, so I was nothing less than delighted when Jessica Chaney of Lycette Designs agreed to join me for this edition of “Playing Favorites.”
The entrepreneurial “grandmillennial” has cultivated an adoring following of needlepointers both new and old by bringing a fresh face to what was oft maligned as a stodgy—if not snobby—hobby of yuppies and the idle rich. At Lycette’s cheery brick-and-mortar residence on S. County Road in Palm Beach, a dedication to needlepoint is second only to that of hospitality (“People have looked shocked when we actually greet them when they walk over the threshold,” Jessica told me), and a good sense of humor, natch.
She has also opened her doors to collaborate with other beloved, women-owned businesses, including hosting a trunk show together with Banniere, Molly Moorkamp, India Amory, and Ashley D. Studio that is happening now through February 15.
Chatting with Jessica was like catching up with an old friend (apropos, bringing to mind a favorite pillow that reads “My most valued antiques are my old friends”), and we discovered more than a common thread or two sewn into our mutual love for Palm Beach, a shared stitch in time in Washington, DC, and of course, procrastination by way of needlepoint. We cover everything from Mario Buatta to Breakup Belts in this charmingly cozy interview that I promise will leave you in stitches… and maybe inspire you to begin your own love affair on canvas.
Let’s start at the very beginning… how did Lycette get started and what has surprised you most in the past few years of business?
Lycette started four years ago as a wholesale needlepoint company when I saw a need for bright, classic, but cheeky canvases in the market. I began designing and from there the company blossomed! Around a year and a half ago we opened our doors to Palm Beach. The reception has been staggering and we couldn’t be happier!
I am always surprised by how connected people are to Lycette. It is extremely flattering that customers are fiercely loyal and are emotionally involved with something that started at my mother’s dining room table. We love our customers back and try to show it through tiny gestures like our handwritten thank you notes. We truly wouldn’t be where we are without them.
JESSICA CHANEY
There is much ado about the revival of traditional interior design style. I know you have always been an admirer of Mario Buatta, and the murmurs of a “traditional” comeback are pervasive. How do you think needlepoint is stitched into the story?
Technology has made our lives hectic and volatile! There are at least 5 channels through which to reach a person at any time in addition to the bombardment of information that we receive by the second. It’s a tad overwhelming. Classic design provides stability and a sense of comfort. Apple may come out with a new iPhone next week, but at least your Colefax & Fowler sofa is timeless.
Needlepoint is also timeless, no matter the design. Every project takes intention, patience, thought, and love. Yes, needlepoint is paired with the return of “classic” design, but it is more evocative of a return to “classic” values like intention, patience, and thoughtfulness.
So let’s dish… do you have any insider info about who prevailed on the needlepoint lots from the Buatta auction?
I wish! My guess is on Rudy Saunders or The Glam Pad, but who knows? Whoever it was is extremely lucky!
JESSICA CHANEY
Be honest: how many projects do you have in your personal “stash”?
Too many! My current goal is to finish a project from my stash weekly. Guesstimating? I have over 50 stockpiled. Eek! However, most of these projects are a quarter to half finished. I tend to start a project, decide to change the colors or try a new stitch, get frustrated and set it aside. I will usually pick up the canvas a few months later and finish.
JESSICA CHANEY
Best wishes on your upcoming wedding! Can we expect it to be on point? (pun DEFINITELY intended).
Ha! Mr. Needlepoint and I will incorporate touches of needlepoint throughout the day; however, it will not be the main focus. Expect a cummerbund for him, a clutch or two, and perhaps a pillow. Nothing too over the top! After all, the day is a celebration of Greg and I, not Lycette.
How did you and Mr. Needlepoint meet, and when did he first assume the honorific?
Greg and I actually met through Bumble! Believe it or not, it is difficult to meet straight men when working in a needlepoint shop. Thus, I turned to online dating. Mr. Needlepoint and I only dated six months before we got engaged. The old adage is true, “when you know, you know!” Before Greg I had never met a man who treated me with such respect and kindness while still having a mischievous and fun side.
He assumed the role of Mr. Needlepoint after three months and it has stuck ever since. I adore that Greg actually likes to needlepoint and loves Lycette. If you have a hankering to meet Mr. Needlepoint or have him teach your favorite companion to stitch stop into Lycette on a Saturday, he is usually there.
I won’t name names, but let’s just say I know someone who had, ahem, a “close call” with the curse of the Breakup Belt. So … have you steered clear of the witchery — oops, I mean, waistband stitchery— so far?
I have stitched a flask for Greg, but no— NO belt—he took it upon himself to stitch his own! As far as the legend goes, however, I know of several people who have stitched belts for a boyfriend or fiancé and went on to have successful marriages, but they were completely unaware of the legend of the Breakup Belt…
…so it seems like we have revealed still another layer of enigma to the lore: if you know about the Breakup Belt and willfully disregard it, you might be in danger, but if not…
…ignorance is bliss!?
A question I love to ask… have you ever had a needlepoint disaster?
Yes! While on the way to the Kentucky Derby I had a full bag of fiber slide out of my boat ‘n’ tote. It would not have been disastrous except that I had already started the project. When I went to repurchase fibers all of the dye lots had changed! The brick turned out adorable, but it is a cautionary tale to 1) buy more fiber than you think you need 2) travel with a zip top bag!
JESSICA CHANEY
On that note, you’ve famously said that white wine pairs best with needlepoint due to the stain factor… did you ever live on the edge and stitch with red? Ever regret it?
Yes and Yes! I’ve spilled everything on my needlepoint from red wine to coffee. Have I learned my lesson? No. Will I probably do it again? Yes!
The worst spill took place on the ferry to ACK (Nantucket). The water was a tad choppy and a Cab splashed onto my project. Instead of crying over spilt wine I simply stitched the background with a darker color. If a stained needlepoint canvas is my biggest problem then I’m a lucky gal.
JESSICA CHANEY
What’s next for Lycette that we can look forward to?
Our website relaunch! We are aiming for early summer and will be releasing a plethora of new and exclusive designs at that time. Expect a bounty of cheeky sayings and canvases inspired by our chic island, Palm Beach.
Let’s play favorites…
Needlepoint thread
Silk and Ivory
D. Porthault pattern
Everyday uniform
If it’s warm, an Oaxaca dress from CJ LAING, bangles, charm bracelet, engagement ring and ballet flats…
If its Florida chilly (AKA anything below 80), capris, oversized crewneck sweater, silk scarf, Belgian shoes, my beloved pearl and chalcendony earrings, and engagement ring.
Palm Beach “saying”
“I don’t do bridges” I find it horribly pretentious, but equally hilarious.
flower
Delphinium
pet peeve
entitlement
place to escape
Vermont
Palm Beach “scene”
I cannot resist an Honor Bar dirty gin martini…
current and past style icons
Current, Filipa de Abreu
Past, Ali McGraw
thing to monogram
Boat n’ Tote
guilty pleasure
Knitting…kidding! The Bachelor
cheap thrill
Diet Coke from McDonalds
Cheeky needlepoint canvas
“Don’t Think There Are No Crocodiles just because the water is calm”
Thank you, Jessica, for this heartfelt interview and for your time and friendship!