Lisa celebrates the stitch and whispers stories.

Stitches and Murmurs is Artist/Designer Lisa Boumstein-Smalley’s sewing studio nestled in the greenery of Portland, Oregon. Here, her needle casts big stitches, texture is every season’s favorite color, and the harmonious result of intentional design defines aesthetics. Lisa’s hand-crafted textiles, adornments on reclaimed garments, and small-batch home goods are made with an insatiable passion for modern appliqué, quilting, and embroidery. The studio creates custom-designed pieces intended to inspire and embellish people’s lives, one big stitch at a time.

 

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Satisfying,

live edge

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I have honed my craft with various sewing techniques since earning my master's in fine art in fiber and material studies in 2003. One of the techniques I developed is inside-out big stitch appliqué, which allows me to create unique imagery and patterns. This process also helps enhance the texture and dimensionality of quilts, giving them a modern, distinctive, and satisfying live-edge quality.

Why I’m big stitch obsessed.

Persistent traditional quilting methods shame exposed knots and reward invisible stitches. I quilt because I love and adore sewing, and I choose methods that celebrate the stitch every day.

What the whispers say.

Nature, color, and fabric patterns inspire the bespoke designs and adornments I sew. The whispers of inspiration are transformed into stories told through the title of each quilt because I believe art deserves a title.

My Collections

My studio practice is thriving at the pace of life. Currently, I am producing collections bi-monthly. Sign up for notifications about upcoming drops!

Reclaimed Garments

I exclusively choose to adorn high-quality reclaimed garments from the Portland area.

Intention & Integrity

All of my quilts are crafted from 100% cotton, including the threads, which ensures durability through multiple washes. However, if any of my pieces require mending due to life's wear and tear, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Workshops, Collabs, & Commissions

I love hosting workshops and collaborating with other artists and brands, and I am always open to chatting about commissions too.