The chance to pack all my mess away and start afresh again has sparked something in the way of creativity. Much like the big plans I had when I moved to 361 I’m scheming workspaces and looking forward to decluttering both my possessions and head space.

A clear mindset however temptation for one more thing to take up residency. And tonight that thing is embroidery.

Spurred by ModCloth’s interview with Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching, and in particular the amazing tattoo style ‘mom’ design she’s holding I realised that this new style of Subversive Cross Stitch combines everything I love.

Pretty dainty patterns? Check.
The ability to add swear words and skulls to those dainty patterns? Check.
A wide range of colours, patterns, and suppliers to work with? Check.
Being generally subversive? Check.

Previous cross stitch experience involves plastic mesh, wool, a large plastic needle, and a pre printed pattern of a house. I was very young so it’s understandable that Nana would start me off small. The love never took off though and I doubt I could get away with stitching like that at my age. Not cute.

This is not your Grandma’s cross stitch though.

A slew of patterns are available on the net from places like Subversive Cross Stitch, Sublime Stitching, Miso Funky and Needles and Pins. All I need now are the tools.

Photos by Katiekutthroat aka Needles and Pins

Exactly.

There is a vast array of indie t shirts available online. Most of the retailers you’ll find online feature designs from independent artists, often in limited quantities. Here are a few of my faves.

Also check out 1-daytee and TeeFury for limited 1 day only designs.

1. Robot love – Shana Logic
2. Crossbones classic – Johnny Cupcakes
3. I got one! – The Deep Blue (cafepress)
4. Frankencakes – Dotted with Hearts (etsy)

1. Shunnn – Film Cow (cafepress)
2. 7 legged spider – 27bslash6 (cafepress)
3. I’m blogging this – ThinkGeek
4. Ich bin ein nerd – Gifts for a geek
5. OMG Pwnies – ThinkGeek
6. Black Out – Vision and Indecision

1. I listen to bands that don’t even exist yet – Evan Ferstenfeld (typetees)
2. Beware of unicorns – Alex Solis and Matheus Lopes (threadless)
3. Fairy bread – Mr Vintage
4. i > u – ThinkGeek
5. Famous Nobody – Famous Nobody

1. Sterling Silver Horse Ring – monkeeboo $40 USD
2. Wild Pony Wire Earrings – WildPonyBrand $20 USD
3. Pink Pony Card – Imaginart $3 USD
4. Funky Junq Recycled Aluminum Soda Pop Can Art MAGNET COCA COLA HORSE COKE – FunkyRecycling

1. Ninja custom my little pony – fugsly $57 USD
2. My Little Alien – Mari Kasurinen
3. Push me Pull me custom my little pony – fugsly $55 USD
4. My Little Edward Scissorhand – Mari Kasurinen

1. Bloo Pony – Starrby $20 USD
2. The Lampwork Pony Bead – dianadear $28 USD
3. Cotton Candy Horse PDF Pattern – djonesgirlz $6 USD
4. RAEWADOLLY Amigurumi Pony, Okie Pokie Dokie – raewadolly $18.99 USD

Another absolute favourite is the My Little Pony Underbust Garter Corset – sweatshopbytiqcom $119.99 USD. Photo NSFW.