Moving the Needle with Mommani Threads

Arts like needlepoint have a certain reputation for being staid, subdued, and—let’s just say it—very traditional, without much room for innovation. Cheryl Westbrook is turning all of that on its head. Her colorful pillows and needlepoint creations have made quite a splash in the last few years, having been recognized by Oprah, featured in a Gucci pop-up at Art Basel, and purchased by Bergdorf Goodman. Not bad for a passion project that has turned into a small—yet thriving—small business.

We spoke with Westbrook about her company, Mommani Threads, and how she launched it. Read on to learn about her inspirations, the dream pieces she’d love to own, and where her brand is going next. And be sure to shop her creations, right here on Chairish. 

Firstly, how did you get started with your art? How did the business begin?

A little over 20 years ago, I was in a local needlepoint shop lamenting what it was going to cost to buy a painted canvas and tapestry threads to make a stocking for my son, Sawyer. The shop owner and I began talking and she encouraged me to create my own design. My first original piece was this stocking, needle painted stream of consciousness. Looking back, that’s when my art was born.

In 2017, my sister, niece and I were pondering how fun it would be to share my designs with others. The hardest part was figuring out how. We wondered if there was a market for custom pieces, and I’ve discovered, there definitely is. But our second idea became Mommani’s bread and butter: high-quality, quirky reproductions on fabric.

My big break came when Rose Hollinshead invited me to join Chairish. Her guidance helped me elevate my pillows to a higher level, and Chairish provided the exposure and the extraordinary community of support. Forever grateful! 

People might have a more traditional view of needlepoint, but you do things differently, with pieces that resemble a Cheetos bag and pillows that say things like “Woke up sexy as hell again.” What inspired you to do things differently, and how do you choose your subjects and sayings?

I don’t know that I ever thought of doing things differently. I just follow what flows into my mind and onto the canvas. Sometimes it’s a hit and sometimes a miss. Needlepoint isn’t forgiving—you can’t really change what you’ve stitched without compromising the entire piece.  I’ve learned to just let it go and see what comes out.  

Many pieces began as commissions and were translated to pillow fabrications later, like the Cheetos. Other pieces are independent ideas, such as the sculpted lips. The template was created from my son’s kiss on a piece of paper and the embrasse moi (French, for “kiss me”) came to me as I was stitching.

There’s something that’s of course very Warhol-ian about elevating everyday subjects—is he someone who inspires you? Who are some artists and creatives who do?

Yes… exactly! I best relate to that with my quote pillows—everyday thoughts I have or have heard. They’re not unique thoughts, no more than a Campbell’s soup can is a unique object, but the presentation gives them a personality. The things that influence me the most are right in front of me. It could be something I’ve seen while hiking; one of my sons’ childhood drawings; a clipping from Vogue torn out years ago; a color combination from a mural in Cozumel; a lyric in a song; the look of one of my animals; a crazy thing a friend said. It all moves me and when something really hits me, I start a canvas.

I also adore people like Niki de Saint Phalle and Yayoi Kusama, Betsy Johnson, Libertine, and Prada.

What’s something you’d like everyone to know about needlepoint? What are some things that may surprise them about it?

Needlepoint is very meditative. Anyone can do it with a little practice—mainly learning to pull stitches evenly and not expect perfection. Colors don’t have to match the chart! Unexpected things happen when a stitcher just goes with the flow.

You collaborate with lots of interior designers and also donate your work to charities like Housing Works’ Design on a Dime… tell us a bit about that.

I have been so fortunate to have designers find me, mainly through Chairish. Literally, most of my photography is the result of these creative souls sharing their vignettes! Their support of my business has often created opportunities for me to donate my goods for charity events all over the country. Locally, there are any number of causes dear to my heart: Blue Ridge Conservancy; OASIS; The Humane Society; High Country Breast Cancer Foundation.

Do you create custom work as well, and if so, what kinds of requests do you get?

Most commissions are for Christmas stockings—one of my firsts was for Cece Barfield Thompson’s family—or a commemorative event. I don’t do as many as I used to because the pillows consume most every breathing moment.

Whenever possible, you use organic materials and also ship in eco-friendly packaging. Tell us a bit about your focus on sustainability.

It began rather innocuously.  Since needlepoint can be an expensive art, I began sourcing canvases and materials at thrift stores many moons ago. It’s also important to me to keep it local. The only material that isn’t obtained locally are my logos, created in organic cotton in Wisconsin. Beyond the creative sourcing, my concern for all living things and love of the outdoors naturally dictate using the most environmentally-friendly packaging and materials I can find.

What are your personal spaces like at home? How would you describe your aesthetic? Do you collect any vintage or antique pieces?

Oh my gosh, my space right now is the Batgirl cave—a furnished basement apartment. I recently sold my home and am in the process of building a small mid-century modern-style home. My style is eclectic and I love the clean lines of MCM and the ability it gives me to let artwork and accessories speak. 

What’s a dream piece you’d love to have for your own home?

Just one? Okay… I’d love a Ligne Roset Togo or Paulin sofa. If anyone on Chairish wants to trade, I’m game!

What trends in the design industry are you loving right now? 

I’m seeing a trend toward fluid lines and dreamy colors. Maybe it’s a reflection of our need for softer, happier times?

How have digital avenues like Chairish influenced the way you sell your work?

Chairish is the reason Mommani has been able to give it a whirl for the last five years! I live in a very small mountain town in North Carolina, one of the most beautiful places on the planet, but limited in its reach. Online platforms are the best way for me to reach buyers. Chairish is trusted and regarded as the premier venue for designers and I’m honored to offer my new pieces in the same company as more established vendors.

Where do you see your business going in the future? What kinds of pieces would you like to design next?

There is no shortage of ideas here! But one that is high on my radar is designing more of my whimsical animals and monsters in ridiculously large sizes. Or as blankets and linens… all part of a Mommani Baby line. More collaborative work is also welcome. It is tremendously fun and gratifying to connect with other artists.  

All images courtesy of Mommani Threads