Ummmm 2022 is almost over. This pleases me greatly. I’m not usually a “f this whole year” kind of person but 2022 will hold a special place in my heart as a shit year. Not sorry to see it go. That said, let’s go out in style with a whole bunch of goodness in my last update of the year.
What do I have for you? Upcoming events, books you might be into, a free pattern, exciting Patreon plans, grant update, care kits, and the glory of a smash room! Bam. Let’s do this…
Upcoming Events
January is such a great time to learn a new hobby so I’ve offering THREE Introduction to Embroidery workshops in January. This is also the perfect way to get all the basics down so you can easily transition into the #YearOfStitch in our Patreon Community!
Sunday, January 8th 3-4:30pm ET Zoom
I’ve got some in person workshops coming up as well!
Saturday, December 17th 2-4pm ET Lowell, MA (21+ event)
New Books
People I love have been very busy making BOOKS! As someone who is writing a book right now, I find it to be a magical feat. I’m not even done with mine and I have never put so much work into anything. I applaud the shit of everyone who has ever made a book.
Self-Care Cross-Stitch by Stephanie Rohr is a pattern book that is chock full of delightful pieces that will provide you endless hours of stitching joy.
Crafting Change, Handmade Activism Past and Present by Jessica Vitkus is a beautiful bit of inspiration and motivation for teen activists.
A Call to Needles by Dee Ann Eisner explores acts of craftivism in the age of Trump.
Free Pattern
Look at how festive I am! I don’t even celebrate any December holidays but I love that so many people do and I sure hope they are gentle with you.
Additionally, I offer up a free video tutorial from the #YearOfStitch to give you a taste of the goods.
Download the pattern and instructions here.
#YearOfStitch + 2023
This past year the Patreon has been hopping with hundreds of amazing humans who are learning new embroidery stitches. It has been wicked fun (my Boston is coming out again).
Things to know: if you join my Patreon you get access to all of the tutorials and patterns. That makes 9 samplers and 53 stitch tutorials!
This coming year, I’m going even bigger. There will be a giant sampler that will incorporate all 53 stitches to work on over the year. Also, new patterns where I’ll mix up the stitches from the last year AND teach a new embroidery technique each month. PLUS, I’m bringing in guest teachers so we can learn some new crafts! Want to learn how to make tiny hardcover books??? Of course you do!
Patreon is a paid community. You know how I feel about that but I need to pay bills. Joining enables me to continue all the work I do in this world. BUT, I never want money to be a barrier so you can pay-what-you-can as low as $1/month and still get access to everything. Plus, if you pay for a year versus monthly you get a discount.
Check out all of the stitches and designs from this year:
Plus, we have some truly lovely stitch-ups on Zoom and get to know each other and talk all things nerdy.
Craftivism Grant
There are 10 days left until my annual craftivism grant application closes! If you have a good idea for a project, please consider applying.
One US-based winner will receive $1000 in seed funding, 20 hours of my time to support in any way that you need, and a 1-hour coaching session with the amazing Omkari Williams.
Small Acts of Care
Last winter, Mariame Kaba, shared a simple winter care practice and I immediately adopted it. I’m sharing it with you in the event it inspires you, the way it inspired me. I put together little care kits in gallon ziplock bags and always have one in my car and one in my backpack. When I come across anyone in need instead of just giving them some cash, I give them a bag. It has $5 or $10 depending on what I have the capacity for, a pair of socks, gloves, a snack, a little piece of art, hand warmers, and this year my mom is crocheting hats to add in.
I posted this on Instagram and folks are sharing all sorts of ideas for warmer weather climates, etc.
Just a little extra to make someone’s life a bit more comfortable and spread some love.
Abortion Fundraiser
Perhaps you recall that I have partnered up with 12 amazing fiber artists and Abortion Access Front to inspire monthly giving to fund abortions.
Each month, if you donate $10+ you will receive a pattern by that month’s artist.
December brings us this lovely knit autonomy cowl from Romi Hill.
I think a brilliant holiday gift would be to donate, get the pattern, buy the materials from a local yarn shop, bundle them up, and give them to your favorite feminist knitter!
Donate here to get the pattern.
It’s a pattern-of-the-month club to fund abortion access! How fun are we?!
Art For Sale
It’s time for my annual art dump! I put a bunch of art on my website for sale.
It’s going fast.
https://www.badasscrossstitch.com/buyart
Smash Rooms
I learned there is such a thing as a smash room/ rage room and I think it might be the most brilliant business concept ever. You pay to go break shit while listening to very loud music and wearing lots of protective gear. OMG.
Mindy Tsonas Choi and I went to one in Avon, MA because sometimes activists just need to break shit. It was the greatest $40 I’ve ever spent.
Look at how menacing we look!
Catharsis!
On that note…
I love you. May your holidays be gentle.
Shannon