“Saucy Stitches allows me to sit and create without expectations.”
Read our interview with Katie below as we talk about her cross stitch journey, her making process, and her experiences as both a market vendor and now market organizer, with their first upcoming Muskrat Market on June 1!
What drew you to cross stitching and embroidery?
“I’ve always been drawn to fibre art because of its vibrancy and versatility, but it was ultimately the pandemic that made me pick up cross stitching. By mid-June, I had spent 7 weeks in quarantine, my job was affected, and I had a lot of free time to myself. My therapist had been recommending I take up a creative hobby for a while, and I finally felt like I had the time and capacity for it. I quickly became obsessed and then picked up embroidery a couple years later when I began experimenting on canvas.”
Your work explores many spheres of making – from paper and canvas to clothing and embroidery hoops. What’s your favourite way of making right now and why?
“I always love creating on a classic hoop but I’ve been really into working on clothing lately. I recently got an embroidery machine and have begun digitizing my own patterns. It’s so cool to see my work take on this different life and it’s been a fun way to upcycle clothing.”
What does your creative process look like? How do you get in ‘the zone’ when you’re stitching?
“It doesn’t take much for me to pick up my latest project and stitch, but I especially love quiet mornings in the backyard with a cup of coffee while listening to a podcast or the birds. Normally I’m just sitting on the couch though.”
If you were any stitching tool or material, what would you be and why?
“I’d be a Lowery hoop stand without a doubt! It’s the best hoop stand I’ve ever used, my stitching is so much better when I use it, and it has saved my hands from a lot of cramping and tension. Thread wax is a close second though.”
Your creative practice has recently expanded from maker to facilitator/event planner. Can you talk a bit about Muskrat Markets? What inspired it? What are the goals with these markets?
“The concept of Muskrat Markets has been bouncing around my brain for a while now so I’m super excited it’s finally come to fruition! Having been a vendor myself, I wanted to take those experiences and try my hand at organizing markets, with the help of my wonderful Muskrat partner, Frankie, and create a space that really supports vendors and welcomes the community. We strive to create events that are safe, accessible, and free, while keeping table fees low for vendors. I’m constantly blown away by the amount of creativity and talent in this community, and we’re really excited to showcase both new and seasoned creatives at our events.”
What similarities and/or differences do you find in your creative practice rooted in making (Saucy Stitches) vs. your creative practice rooted in helping other makers (Muskrat Markets)?
“I have a habit of biting off more than I can chew, and as an independent maker I can do that without much consequence. Saucy Stitches allows me to sit and create without expectations.”
What events do you have coming up?
“Muskrat Markets is hosting our first event, Market at the Museum on June 1st from 10 to 5! It will be at the Guelph Civic Museum at 52 Norfolk St in downtown Guelph. There will be 27 talented vendors, and both the market and museum are free for the day! I’m also very excited to announce I will be hosting a workshop at Hillside this summer, called Beginner’s Guide to Cross Stitch. I’ll be hosting one on Saturday and Sunday, so please come by if you’re there! I will also have a pop-up at The Scented Market Guelph on October 5. I’m taking a step back from markets this year to focus on expanding my product range, so it’ll be a rare opportunity to shop Saucy Stitches in person and get the full range of goodies.”
If you like Katie's work, check out more at the links below!
@saucy.stitch
@muskratmarkets