An In Stitches Q&A
Fiber Art is My Passion and My Job
Your Most Burning Fiber Art Questions Answered Here
Sometimes, ok, a lot of times, I can get wrapped up in what I am focused on at the moment, and forget life is happening around me. I know this is common and I am not the only one, but sometimes it’s a good reminder if I admit it myself. I walk a fine line between focus and self absorption most days right now 😂.
The last 6 months of 2021 were super busy, and I went right into focus mode. I entered an International art contest, started selling my art wholesale at a local plant shop, collaborated with high profile social media accounts to auction off art to raise money for Planned Parenthood and The Oregon Justice Resource Center, added another wholesale account in the Bay Area, custom art orders, not to mention the amazing local art fairs (6+) that I was a part of during the Holiday Season. I am so proud of all that I got to experience last year because of the art I create. It’s not lost on me how privileged I am to be able to create art and have my work be my passion and my passion be my work. Thank you.
Now that things have slowed down a bit, I realized I was in the self absorbed phase and wanted to answer some of your questions. I have put together 5 of the most asked questions I get from either online interaction or in person at shows. I would love to hear what questions you have. In case I missed one, feel free to contact me and ask! I will geek out on cross stitch and embroidery any chance I get, so bring it. 😂
How Much Time Does This Take You?
This is probably the question I get asked the most and it’s a varying answer. I am a pretty quick stitcher. For example, I drew out and fully embroidered a 3 inch mushroom piece, french knots and all, while waiting or my son in the dental office. When I am prepping for an in person event, I can finish 5 small ornaments in one day. That is not common, but I do finish smaller pieces usually in a day or less. I also do this for a living, so my “work day” sometimes consists of stitching for 5-8 hours. Larger and more detailed pieces are going to take longer, about 1-3 weeks. Although, as I say this, I have a custom piece that I still have not finished……2+ years later. 🤦🏻♀️ I may have over promised on that one.
Small Mushie Embroidery
The one thing that affects how much time it takes is how many projects I have going on at once. My brain and creative process is usually fast and furious. As soon as I think of an idea, I want it out of my head and onto fabric. This tends to me having anywhere from 1-5 pieces going at once. It’s fine, everything’s fine, it’s how I like it. This serves my customers too, since I can take multiple custom orders at once.
I hope that answers that question, anywhere from 1 day to 2 years 😂😂😂😂😂
2. Do You Design All of These?
Yes! Any art piece and/or pattern that is on my website and/or Etsy are original designs. I get a lot of my inspiration from pop culture, tweets, snarky sayings, movies, music, political happenings, and social change. A lot of us stitchers have similar inspirations, so you will see many “Please Don’t Do Coke in the Bathroom” stitches. However, we all have our own styles and creative takes, so it still makes them unique. I follow a lot of fiber artists, so I try to avoid stitching the super popular sayings. Before I understood the world of pattern creating and fiber arts in general, I would stitch other people’s patterns and sell them or grab aspects from other pieces and “cut and paste” an art piece that I would stitch. I got called out by a few artists, and I am so glad I did. I had no idea how it worked. From then on, I am more aware of other artist’s work and really try to make creative and one of a kind art pieces. Although, there are some sayings/quotes/subjects that just have to be repeated, hence my own “Please Don’t Do Coke in the Bathroom” piece 😂.
My Take on a Classic
Most of the finished cross stitch art I have on my website also has a pattern available as well. Right now, all of my patterns are on my Etsy site. I also teach cross stitch remotely, and in that case, I usually create a new pattern just for the class and provide a kit for my students.
3. What is This Called?
Ha! I am not quite sure myself. The medium of art I make is called mixed media fiber art. Primarily, cross stitch and embroidery with added elements, such as moss, pearls, felt, etc. I am a bit extra, so most of my art has a bit of what my husband calls “Sara’s panache.” It can be glow in the dark thread, elements from nature, and I love a Googly Eye!
I have been cross stitching since I was 8, so, ahem, 35ish years and I just started embroidering about a year ago. I am not a fiber art historian, so I don’t know the technical differences between the two, but how I describe it to people is, “cross stitch is pixelated, like an old video game, and embroidery is more like painting with thread.” Each medium is challenging and beautiful when done. I am going to let you in on a little behind the scenes design secret; I saw all of my cross stitch designs as finished embroidery. I was always really frustrated because I didn’t know how to embroider and how to make these designs a reality. Oh, and I can’t sew 🤷🏻♀️😂 I eventually just got fed up, and watched a few videos on embroidery stitches, practiced, and now I am obsessed! I have so much to learn, and I look forward to that. Cross stitch is my comfort food. There is something so satisfying in taking a “traditional” art form and making it really filthy. The juxtaposition of a cross stitch country sampler and the word “fuck” is music to my eyeballs.
4. How Do You Back Your Art?
This question is definitely asked by stitchers more than non stitchers. Not all artists will share their secrets, and I respect that. It takes years, dollars, tears, and sometimes literal blood to be where we are today. I am a teacher at heart and I would rather share my passion for fiber art and create more fiber artists than horde it for myself.
I back my art with fabric 90% of the time. The other 10% is felt. I don’t care much for taking the time for a clean “hoop butt” (the back of the hoop) so with fabric, no one knows….shhhhh……another secret. That ass is sloppy under there. The fabric I choose for each piece is that extra little inside joke to the art. I have become quite the collector of snarky and random fabric designs and I will seek out specific fabric for an art piece I am working on. There has been fabric that has inspired the art itself.
Even though I am snarky and inappropriate at times, I still take great pride in the art put out into the world, so I try to make it as “professional” as possible. The fabric ties it all together. You can watch the video below ( I think I use felt in the video, but it’s the same concept) to see the step by step process.
5. How Can I Order?
Ok, this one is self serving, but I really do get asked this question. This probably means I need to take a look at my links and whatnot, but here are some easy ways you can purchase my art.
My website! I update it at least once a month with my new art shop drops! Join my Newsletter and you get advanced access to new art and exclusive discounts. You can also find a link to create your own custom design.
Etsy. All of my current cross stitch patterns and stickers are on my Etsy shop. I will be transferring everything to my website at some point, but they are still available now!
Instagram. I post EVERYTHING on Instagram. Most of the art pieces are available on my website, but there will be a couple every once in awhile that are meant to be one offs or customs that are popular with a lot of people. In those cases, I welcome Direct Messages asking about availability.
In Stores! Here in Bend, Oregon, my art is at Somewhere That’s Green. I bring new and exclusive art in to this wonderful plant shop about once a month. I also have handmade ornaments and wall hangings at Modern Mouse Gifts in Alameda, California.
That was fun! I hope you enjoyed learning some things about fiber art, In Stitches by Sara, and I really appreciate your support. Happy Stitching!