So, we send out emails every now and then to see how you’re getting on if you’ve purchased the Do-It-Yourself Stitch People book. Most of the time people write back with a question or a comment. Sometimes; the best times, people will write back and send us pictures of their projects. Boy are we glad Priscilla did.
Priscilla Rodriguez is one of the most talented and creative stitchers we’ve ever seen. Just the few photos of her work she sent us contained so many impressive adaptions and sweet added touches. She has an innate designers eye which allows her to use the Stitch People patterns as her launch pad for the most stunning portraits, filled with care and love. We’ll show you, look…
Tell us about yourself
Hello! My name is Priscilla Rodriguez. I live in Santa Cruz CA with my boyfriend Jimmy and I have 2 English bulldogs Delilah and Bruno. Right now I am working from home creating and selling cross-stitch families. My favorite hobbies are cross stitching, knitting, watching movies, binge watching TV shows, talking with family, and gardening.
How did you first come across the Stitch People book?
In 2014 I was looking for Christmas presents for family and I came across Stitch People on a website of “100 cool and unique Chrismas gift ideas.” I instantly gravitated to the Cross stitch Portraits post because I have cross stitched since I was a child and thought it was an awesome idea. I saw that Lizzy and Spencer made the cross stitch portraits but soon realized I could not afford the amount that I needed for all my sisters and brother. I could however make them myself so I instantly bought the book and went to the arts and crafts store down the street from my work and bought all my supplies I got started that very same night. I have been hooked since and have created over 15 portraits.
What was your first Stitch People piece and how did it go?
I worked on 2 portraits at the same time (for my 2 sisters) I was such a rookie at stitch people I was nervous and over thought every single detail. It took me forever to produce an actual complete framed portrait. But I was overwhelmed with happiness by my sisters reactions they literally said “best present ever.”
What have you enjoyed about making the portraits?
What I have enjoyed the most from making portraits in the reaction I get from people when they see the end result. It makes my heart flutter and fuels my desire to start my next project. I have also enjoyed getting more and more confidence with each and every character I build. At the beginning I was shy to deviate from the books patterns but today you can catch me creating patterns of my own and trying out new stitches I had never done before
What’s been your favorite piece so far?
Woah that’s a difficult question as I have kinda loved them all! But if I had to narrow it down to 1 I would say my cousin Cristina and her husband Che’s stitch was my favorite. I think this stitch was the one that really catapulted my creativity and my confidence. I created a new pattern on my own and I made a tie dye dress that I am SUPER proud of.
How have you developed your cross stitching skills?
At first I was the straight and narrow x’s kinda stitcher but now I’m all over the place. I’m always getting inspired by other peoples stitches and I’m constantly using Google to search new stitches I had never done before like the French knot, turkey work, and lazy Daisy. Im also unafraid to venture out of the traditional Aida fabric holes, I think this has been my greatest breakthrough.
Where is your favorite place to stitch?
My favorite place to stitch has been at home binge watching some TV show with my snoring lazy bullies laying next to me. But now that im trying to do this as a business I have found that the TV and my adorable pups can be a HUGE distraction so Im trying to get into the habit of visiting the Scotts Valley Public Library at least 3 hours a day. They have some really nice well-lit corners that really boost my productivity.
What advice would you give to people just starting their cross stitching journey?
-Use floss combinations to create texture and realness.
-Don’t be afraid of going outside the aida fabric holes.
-Make sure you wash your hands and have great lighting when working on a project
-Practice French knots until you have it down because French knots can transform your work
-Don’t overthink it
-HAVE FUN!!!!
Where can we see more of your work?
Anyone interested in seeing more of my work can follow me on Instagram or Facebook @StitchesbyPeachy
Thank you so much Priscilla, for sharing your amazing talent with us! We can wait to watch you thrive.
If you know anyone who deserves the Stitch People Star badge, let us know at info@stitchpeople.com
Happy Stitching!