We’re back with another Stitch People Star!!
This time we’re learning more about Myriam aka Sassy Cross Stitcher. We’ve been following Myriams work and posted about some of her portraits before on our Facebook page. We are always so impressed with the creativity and love she inserts into all of her pieces. We thought it was about time we learned more about this fabulous artist! So lets dive in:
Tell us a bit about yourself!
My name is Myriam and I love to cross-stitch. I live in Ontario, Canada and am a full time wife and dog mom. I have a four year old German Shepherd named Strudel and she is just the sweetest pup. I work on a farm and absolutely love it. Some how I managed to take my favourite hobby of working with animals and turned it into a job. We are expecting babies at the farm soon and I can’t wait to snuggle my first hours old lamb. I’m a huge fan of being outside. When people visit they have to call me to me they’re here as even in the cold winters I’m usually outside! I really do love any outdoor activity, kayaking, swimming, fishing, skiing, whatever it is, if it’s outside, I’ll take it!
How did you first come across the Stitch People book?
I came across the Stitch People book as a fluke through Pinterest. I was looking for a creative Christmas present for my husband after my old dog passed away and I came across a few designs that had dogs and knew I had to do something similar. I googled where to find patterns and found the book and ordered it right away!
What was your first Stitch People piece and how did it go?
My very first Stitch People piece was a piece of my husband, my two dogs and myself. I made it as a Christmas present and started Mid November. It went so well and I loved out it turned out so much I rushed for that same Christmas and made every member of my family their own. I ended up stitching 41 people and 7 pets that month!
What have you enjoyed about making the portraits?
I love how relaxing cross-stitching is and that with the Stitch People book I can create my own pattern. My favourite thing though is definitely seeing the faces of people as they see themselves as a cross-stitch portrait. It’s so neat to watch as they notice different things ‘look those are totally my glasses!’ ‘Wow that’s a perfect copy of my dog’ etc.
What’s been your favorite piece so far?
I’ve enjoyed making every piece so much that its hard to pick a favourite! I know a couple who has a German Shepherd as a service dog and I designed a pattern to have him with his service dog vest on. I was so happy with how it turned out and how it really captured what he looks like on a day to day basis.
Where is your favorite place to stitch?
I love to sit between my husband and dog cross-stitching while we all watch a movie together. It’s time spent together while doing something I love.
How have you developed your cross stitching skills?
As I’ve done more patterns I’ve gotten better at making custom outfits and designs. The last family I did, one of the brothers loves Iron Man so I actually designed a little logo to go on his shirt that I was quite proud of. I’ve also done a Minion, a Superman logo and a Mushroom for a Super Mario fan.
What advice would you give to people just starting their cross stitching journey?
The best advice I could give to someone just starting their cross stitch journey would be to have patience. There are special knots and stitches that aren’t easy at first but with practice you will figure it out and become a pro! Something else I’d suggest would be to check at Thrift Stores and online yard sale websites for Cross-stitch Thread. I looked when I first started and found a huge box of thread for only $20 and it has made projects cheaper as I already have so many colours too choose from.
Where can we see more of your work?
If you want to check out my work, I’m on Instagram as @thesassycrossstitcher and TheSassyCrossStitcher on Facebook! Right now I have FIVE projects in the making and can’t wait to share them!
Thank you so much Myriam, for sharing your amazing work and process with us! Can’t wait to see more from you.
If you are interested in making fun Stitch People portraits like Myriams, check out the Do-it-yourself Stitch People Book for your comprehensive guide on how to create your own portraits.
Happy Stitching!