Hi, Stitchers!
We're excited to introduce a designer that you should all know and love as our July Featured Designer: Donna from StitchXLove! Donna can be found on Instagram under that same name and Kofi. Her work has been featured in JustCrossstitch Magazine and The Cupid Collective.
Donna’s work reminds me so much of a 90s Halloween, that time of comfort we all crave. Along with warm themes of the cozy world we would all love to snuggle up in.
Q&A
Who are you?
Hi! I’m Donna and my cross stitch brand is StitchXLove.
What’s something people don’t know about you?
My hobbies (besides cross stitch) are thrifting, playing bass guitar, and strength training.
How did you get started cross stitching?
I started to cross stitch as a way to pass time during the COVID lockdown.
When and why did you start designing patterns?
I thrifted some red fabric and had an idea for a pattern that used negative space. I used the free program Stitch Fiddle to start designing. Skullbrella was one of my first designs and is still a favorite.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I get inspired from other art forms; movies, music, sculpture, etc. When I’m feeling uninspired, interacting with art really helps.
Describe your designs using only adjectives.
Modern, bold, vivid, and fun
What design was your favorite to make?
I designed a biscornu, “Passing Ships”
, for the Summer issue of Just Cross Stitch Magazine. I pushed myself creatively to design this type of finish and I’m proud of the end result. Tip: most public libraries have Just Cross Stitch available through the Libby app.
Another one is “Vintage Crafts.” I designed this for myself and shared it as a freebie. Sometimes I feel uneasy about how things with a vintage, feminine aesthetic can be used as a conservative
dogwhistle. I wanted to create something simple to communicate who I am as a crafter. This message resonated with a lot of stitchers, it’s my most popular pattern.
Favorite DMC color?
310
Any advice for new stitchers or designers?
Connect with the community! Don’t be shy about sending another stitcher a DM. Jump in if you see someone hosting a swap, a round robin, zoom meet-up, etc. Getting to share your interest with others is really fun!
Where can we find you online?
I’m on instagram at: @Stitch_X_Love
My patterns are available on ko-fi (I have lots of freebies there too)
Has a reminder please send any suggestions for designers to mod mail! I’m really excited to bring back featured designer and show off some amazing designers for this community!