Year in Review - 2025

December 30, 2025

That’s a wrap on 2025! This year was filled with so many new projects, but I’m also proud to say that it came with less burnout and overall better balance than the past couple of years.

See below for a full summary of 2025 year in review.

✨January

I made an effort to start a new sketchbook to fill with doodles throughout the year
I spent 10 hours finishing a cross-stitch project I started in 2019
RuPaul Portrait - 42 hours of labour

✨February

Launched my first pattern on Patreon!
Started my largest cross-stitch project to date (30x30 inch Aida cloth)

✨March

Continued working on project “Instruction Table 1.3_V3 - Crop 1.jpg”
Small professionally framed cross-stitch pieces
Launched a RuPaul/riso print collection

✨April

FS Smalls exhibition
Finished & framed “Instruction Table 1.3_V3 - Crop 1.jpg” - 96 hours total
Introduction to Cross-Stitch Workshop (Ferry Building Gallery)

Instruction Table 1.3_V3_Crop 1 - Detail 4.jpg

✨May

Exploring Stitch group show
New cupcake x-stitch cards
New riso x-stitch pattern design
New cross-stitched logo market sign
New glitch x-stitch patches
New sandwich board sign

✨June

XOXO Fibre Market
Breeze Block painting

✨July

New heart patches
Khatsahlano Street Festival
Stitching Loose Ends (continued…)

✨August

Nostalgic Futures group show
Long weekend/Nanoose Bay vacation
Painting
Breeze Block cross-stitch experiment

✨September

Flats Fest @ Emily Carr
Collective Chaos show at Slice
Car Free Day Main Street
Breeze block cross-stitch
Breeze block painting finished/stretched

✨October

End Times Garage Sales @ Heritage Hall
Started new cross-stitch project “Instruction Table 1.3_v1.jpg”
Holiday market prep

✨November

Holiday market prep continued
Designed 8x Riso X-Stitch Kits
Finished new cross-stitch project “Instruction Table 1.3_v1.jpg”
Got Craft Winter Market
Started new cross-stitch project “Instruction Table 1.3_v2.jpg”

✨December

Stocked new glitch x-stitch toques
Mount Pleasant Holiday Art Walk/Open Studio
Good Stank Holiday Mart
ooek/one of each kind market
Finished cross-stitch project “Instruction Table 1.3_v2.jpg”

Wow what a busy year! I’ve been enjoying the last week or so off spending time with friends and family. I’ve also been reading, doing crosswords & crocheting. I’ve spent a little time in the studio doing some more painting and adding a few more rows to my Stitching Loose Ends project.

I can’t wait to see everything in store for 2026!

Labour Report - 2025

First Saturday Open Studios - Jan 3

First Saturday is a public monthly artist-run open-studio event.
Come visit artists where they work at City Centre Artist Lodge.
The following artist studios will be open:
Tracy Anne Northey - Studio # 34
Ilena Lee Cramer - Studio # 109
Jessica Salvador - Studio # 116
Hoda Mir – Studio #130
**Mallory Donen - Studio # 211**
Location: 2111 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C6
Date: January 3, 2026
Time: 12pm-5pm
https://www.firstsaturday.ca/next-open-studios

December 2025 - Update

November 26, 2025

New Patreon Pattern Launch - December
Recent Project - InstructionTable1.3_v1.jpg
Holiday Market Schedule

New Patreon Pattern Launch - December
The December cross-stitch pattern has now been released! Become a paid member for access to six cross-stitch patterns to download as PDF 💚 ✨️.

Join the patreon crew

By joining the crew here's what you'll be unlocking:

✂️ CROSS-STITCH PATTERN - PDF DOWNLOAD
Bi-monthly original cross-stitch pattern designs

✂️ ACCESS TO EDUCATIONAL CONTENT
How to cross-stitch videos & tips

✂️ EXCLUSIVE BEHIND THE SCENES CONTENT
Photos and videos of works in progress

Recent Project

I’ve been working on a couple new pieces (from my Instruction Tables series) in preparation for a couple group exhibitions in the new year. Here’s the one I finished a couple weeks ago. Stay tuned for show details around January/February.

*InstructionTable1.3_v1.jpg,* Cross-stitch, cotton thread⁠, 14 ct Aida, 12,100 stitches⁠, 8 x 8 inches (Unframed)⁠, 40 hours of labour total, 2025⁠

Holiday Market Schedule

Got Craft Holiday Market - Nov 29-30 @ 3250 Commercial Dr (Croatian Cultural Centre), 10am - 5pm
Mount Pleasant Holiday Art Walk - Dec 6 @ 2111 Main St (City Centre Artist Lodge), 11am - 5pm
Good Stank Holiday Mart - Dec 7 @ 3 W 8th ave (Anza Club), 11am - 5pm
o h / o o e k: a winter solstice gathering of fine craft + food - Dec 13-14 @107 E 3rd ave, 11-5pm, 11-4pm

October 2025 - Update

September 30, 2025

New Patreon Pattern Launch - October
Recent Projects
Upcoming Markets/Events

New Patreon Pattern Launch - October
The October cross-stitch pattern has now been released! Become a paid member for access to five cross-stitch patterns to download as PDF 💚 ✨️.

Join the patreon crew

By joining the crew here's what you'll be unlocking:

✂️ CROSS-STITCH PATTERN - PDF DOWNLOAD
Bi-monthly original cross-stitch pattern designs

✂️ ACCESS TO EDUCATIONAL CONTENT
How to cross-stitch videos & tips

✂️ EXCLUSIVE BEHIND THE SCENES CONTENT
Photos and videos of works in progress

Recent Projects

I've been working through new concepts and techniques that I'm not quite ready to share the details of yet. So for now, just enjoy these photos of two recently finished works (a double-side cross-stitch piece & an acrylic painting) that will be part of a new body of work.

Upcoming Markets/Events

First Saturday Open Studios - Oct 4 @ 2111 Main St (City Centre Artist Lodge), 12- 5pm
End Times Garage Sales - Oct 19 @ 3102 Main St (Heritage Hall) 11am - 5pm
First Saturday Open Studios - Nov 1 @ 2111 Main St (City Centre Artist Lodge), 12- 5pm
Got Craft Holiday Market - Nov 29-30 @ 3250 Commercial Dr (Croatian Cultural Centre), 10 am - 5pm
First Saturday Open Studios - Dec 6 @ 2111 Main St (City Centre Artist Lodge), 12- 5pm
o h / o o e k: a winter solstice gathering of fine craft + food - Dec 13-14 @107 E 3rd ave, 11-5pm, 11-4pm

August 2025 - Update

August 02, 2025

New Patreon Pattern Launch - August
Stitching Loose Ends
Upcoming Shows/Markets

New Patreon Pattern Launch - August
The August cross-stitch pattern has now been released! Become a paid member for access to four cross-stitch patterns to download as PDF 💚 ✨️.

Join the Patreon Crew

By joining the crew here's what you'll be unlocking:

✂️ CROSS-STITCH PATTERN - PDF DOWNLOAD
Bi-monthly original cross-stitch pattern designs

✂️ ACCESS TO EDUCATIONAL CONTENT
How to cross-stitch videos & tips

✂️ EXCLUSIVE BEHIND THE SCENES CONTENT
Photos and videos of works in progress

Stitching Loose Ends

I’m taking a bit of a break from new projects right now, so I’m taking the time to slow down and work away at my ongoing project “Stitching Loose Ends” where I use up loose threads from old projects. If you’ve been following along with my art practice, you’ll know that this is a project I started back in 2018 the year I moved to Vancouver.

Upcoming Shows/Markets

Nostalgic Futures, Group Show at the Art Shop, by appointment until September
Flats Fest, September 6, Emily Carr Campus, 12-9pm
CHAOS COLLECTIVE, September 6, group art show, Slice of Life Vancouver, 7-10pm
Car Free Day - MAIN Street, September 14, 12-7pm

June 2025 - Update

June 01, 2025

New Patreon Pattern Launch - June 1
Books Open - Custom X-Stitch
Merch Shop Update
Summer Workshops/Course
Upcoming Shows/Markets

New Patreon Pattern Launch - June 1

Become part of my cross-stitch crew for only $6.50/month to gain access to 3x patterns.

Join the Patreon Crew

By joining the crew here's what you'll be unlocking:

✂️ CROSS-STITCH PATTERN - PDF DOWNLOAD
Bi-monthly original cross-stitch pattern designs

✂️ ACCESS TO EDUCATIONAL CONTENT
How to cross-stitch videos & tips

✂️ EXCLUSIVE BEHIND THE SCENES CONTENT
Photos and videos of works in progress

Books Open - Custom X-Stitch

My books are currently open for customs, which are great options for unique artworks to gift yourself or your loved ones! I cross-stitch handmade portraits of pets, people, landscapes, abstracts (truly anything your heart desires), so reach out and we’ll discuss your idea. Don’t wait to the last minute, customs take at least 1-2 months from email/phone consultation, design, creation, and framing (depending on the size of the project). Below are examples of past custom works I’ve made for clients over the past several years.

book now

Merch Shop Update

I’ve been preparing lots of small items for market season, but you can shop my online merch any time. I recently added a Riso X-Stitch Pattern, Glitch X-Stitch Patches, Cupcake X-Stitch Cards, and Mini Framed X-Stitch!

Shop Merch

Summer Workshops/Course

Upcoming Shows/Markets

Exploring Stitch, Group Show at the Silk Weaving Studio, May 22 - June 19
Exploring Stitch, Drop in “Stitch in” at the Silk Weaving Studio, June 1, 12-4pm
XOXO Fibre, 10am-6pm, June 7, Pipe Shop, North Vancouver
Khatsahlano Street Party, July 5, 11am-9pm, West 4th ave, Vancouver
CCAL Events (Make Good Party, Boots & BBQ), Aug 16-17, at City Centre Studio #211
Flats Fest, September 6, Emily Carr Campus, 12-9pm
CHAOS COLLECTIVE, September 6, group art show, Slice of Life Vancouver, 7-10pm
Car Free Day - MAIN Street, September 14, 12-7pm

April 2025 - Update

April 01, 2025

New Patreon Pattern Launch - April 1
Custom Portrait for SRAM Video
New Finished Works
Upcoming Workshops/Summer Course
Upcoming Shows/Markets

New Patreon Pattern Launch - April 1

My second pattern on Patreon is now available! Become part of my cross-stitch crew for only $6.50/month to gain access to 2x patterns (Feb 1 pattern will expire on May 1, but will become available for purchase outside of Patreon). Patterns are PDF downloads, so you can save to your computer and complete at your own pace.

Join the Patreon Crew

By joining the crew here's what you'll be unlocking:

✂️ CROSS-STITCH PATTERN - PDF DOWNLOAD
Bi-monthly original cross-stitch pattern designs

✂️ ACCESS TO EDUCATIONAL CONTENT
How to cross-stitch videos & tips (new video will be posted in April!)

✂️ EXCLUSIVE BEHIND THE SCENES CONTENT
Photos and videos of works in progress

Custom Portrait for SRAM Video

I’ve been patiently waiting to share this custom portrait project that came in at the end of 2024, during the busiest time of the year. I managed to complete it in record time to have the customer (a producer from LA) send an Uber pick up to collect their package and complete the filming of their video for SRAM (a bike tech company), in North Vancouver.

Part of the brief (to help execute the “gag” for the video) was that the portrait should look like it was stitched with wires. To create the effect, I stitched the background and select shades in silver embroidery thread. I was worried about the challenges I’ve had with this type of thread in the past, but in the end it worked out way better than I could’ve ever imagined!

Click to watch the video on youtube or below.

New Finished Works

*Cross-Stitch Translation 1-9*, Cotton embroidery thread, silk yarn, 22 x 22 inches framed, 2025
230 hours of labour

*Mini Loose Ends*, 4 ¾ x 4 ¾ inches, embroidery, 2025, 2 hours of labour

Upcoming Workshops/Course

Discover the world of cross stitch! In this introductory workshop, you will learn basic cross-stitch skills, techniques, and tips. Artist Mallory Donen will demonstrate and guide you through a simple tulip pattern and show you how to neatly finish your cross-stitch project in a small hoop. All skill levels and experience are welcome. All supplies will be provided.
Cost: $39
Location: The Music Box, 1564 Argyle Ave, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1A1

Not available for the April 26th workshop? Well I have good news, I’m running the same workshop from my studio on June 21, 3-6pm, cost is $90 (plus Eventbrite fees). The reason for the higher price point is the smaller class size, which means more 1-1 time with your favourite teacher! Also the cost of supplies for the workshop in West Vancouver are covered by the Ferry Building Gallery, while the workshop from my studio I’ll be purchasing all the supplies needed!

Upcoming Shows/Markets

SMALLS Exhibition, Reception April 4, 5-8pm, 1310 William St (Eastside Atelier)
First Saturday Open Studios, 12-5pm, Studio 211, 2111 Main Street
Exploring Stitch, Group Show at the Silk Weaving Studio, May 22 - June 12
Exploring Stitch, Opening Reception, May 22, time TBD
Exploring Stitch, Drop in “Stitch in” at the Silk Weaving Studio, May 31, time TBD
XOXO Fibre, 10am-6pm, June 7, Pipe Shop, North Vancouver
Khatsahlano Street Party, 11am-9pm, West 4th ave, Vancouver

February 2025 - Update

January 30, 2025

Blog Schedule Update (Bi-monthly)
Patreon Launching! - February 1st
Upcoming 2025 - Events, Shows & Workshop

Blog Schedule Update (Bi-monthly)

After 8 years of maintaining this blog on a monthly basis, I’ve made to decision to adjust the schedule. From now on, I’ll be posting bi-monthly updates! I’ll also be cutting back the content so that the focus is on announcing upcoming events, shows & workshops.

If you want even more content, please follow me on social media @mallorydonen (IG, FB, & TikTok) and starting this month I’ll be launching on Patreon!

Patreon Launching! - February 1st

At the beginning of the year I made the decision to get started on Patreon! It's something I've been thinking about for a while now and I thought, hey, why not now? I love cross-stitching and sharing my art with others, so I'm hoping this will be another extension of my art practice. I want to help encourage others to make cross-stitch art that's a little outside the box and not as common (when it comes to cross-stitch imagery). I like to tell people that I make "not your grandma's" cross-stitch art. So if that's what you're looking for, this is the place for you and I'd love for you to join my crew!

All the patterns I've planned for 2025 release are circle cross-sections (or swatches) taken from old abstract acrylic paintings that I made back when I was primarily painting. I love color, pattern and mark-making, so that's the kind of vibe you should expect to see every other month.

I hope you'll join me on this little cross-stitch journey this year 😌.

Upcoming 2025 - Events, Shows & Workshop

First Saturday Open Studios, February 1, 12-5pm, Studio #211, 2111 Main St
First Saturday Open Studios, March 1, 12-5pm, Studio #211, 2111 Main St
“SMALLS” First Saturday Exhibition, April 4-6, Eastside Atelier Studios
Cross-Stitch Workshop - TBD (April), West Vancouver
“Stitchery” Group Show - TBD (May), The Silk Weaving Studio, Granville Island
I’m a Vendor at XOXO Fibre, June 7, 10am-6pm, The Pipe Shop, North Vancouver

Year in Review - 2024

December 30, 2024

Reflecting back over the past year, I’m happy to say I achieved so much that I’m proud of and succeeded in my goal to have a better work life balance! Read below for a summary of my 2024 year in review.

✨January

Largest custom pet portrait to date
Introduced heart cards

✨February

“I weathered the storm…” project
Designed patches for market merch
Designed DIY Glitch X-Stitch Kit

✨March

Expanded sticker collection
March Mini Collective Chaos Show
Sold original artwork at March Mini
Slice Mini Mart

✨April

Eri Silk project, 125 hours of labour

✨May

New market display mock up
Eri Exploration group show
ESF Spring market
West of Main Art Walk
A Closer Look Group Show/Artist Talk

✨June

Time off/long weekend in Whistler
Updated Etsy Shop
Static Glitch Series

✨July

Mini Framed X-Stitch prep for VMF

✨August

Dream Mechanism group show
Richmond Art Walk
Vancouver Mural Festival
Custom Portrait

Photo by Cindy Li

✨September

B&W First Saturday Exhibition
Flats Fest @ Emily Carr
Car Free Day Main Street
Fall Patch collection
Market display upgrade

✨October

Studio sale/pop up
Merry Chrismukkah sign/card design
Slice Mini Mart
Hanukkah card restock
Holiday inventory prep

✨November

Silk Purse Holiday Artisan Market
Quilted Vest project
STA Christmas Craft Fair
Open studio w/ Steph
ESF Holiday market

✨December

Holiday pop up at Rath Art Supplies
Slice Holiday Market
Make It Show (2nd year vending)
Rush Custom Portrait

What an amazing year! I’ve been enjoying a relaxing end of December, spending time with family, reading, and relaxing. Last weekend, I took myself out for a fancy 5 course meal, at a vegan restaurant, in Kits, called Folke to celebrate. It was a wonderful way to welcome in the New Year, bring it on 2025!

Labour Report - 2024

First Saturday Open Studios - Jan 4

December 2024 - Update

November 30, 2024

Shop in person for 15% off discount
First Saturday Open Studios - Dec. 7
Make It Show @ the PNE - Dec 12-15
Registration Open for Winter Course - Jan 14 - Feb 6
Shop my art/merch at Retail

Shop in person for 15% off discount

With Canada Post on strike, shipping options are limited and expensive this holiday season.
Please consider shopping locally or in person, whenever you can.

If you stop by my studio during next First Saturday (Dec 7)
OR
at my booth during Make It Vancouver (Dec 12-15)

You can get 15% off your entire purchase.

Show me the coupon code below for a discount:

Code: 15HOLIDAY24

First Saturday Open Studios - Dec. 7

Make It Show @ the PNE - Dec 12-15

I’m so excited to be a Makie at Make It Vancouver happening Dec 12-15 at the PNE Forum! The show will feature 250 amazing local brands and makers. This is an awesome spot to get all your holiday shopping done while supporting creative entrepreneurs. There will also be food trucks, a lively festive atmosphere, and holiday fun to be had by all. Make sure to follow @makeitshow for a chance to win prizes leading up to the show. Can’t wait to see you there! makeitshow.ca/vancouver

Show hours:
Thursday, December 12, 5pm-9pm
Friday, December 13, 11am-9pm
Saturday, December 14, 10am-6pm
Sunday, December 15, 11am-5pm

Registration Open for Winter Course - Jan 14 - Feb 6

**Learn the basics of cross-stitch with me in this 4 week introductory course!** Or you can register as a part-time student by registering for 1 week of your choosing.
Over the course of 4 weeks, I will review cross-stitch materials, techniques, basic pattern making and how to finish your embroidery projects in several ways!
This is a small course taught from my artist studio at the City Centre Artist Lodge, so **spaces are limited** to 4 full-time students and 2 part-time students per week *(part-time students select 1 week of the course to attend).*
**Registration Fees:**
$300 - Full time student (4 weeks)
$110 - Part time student (1 week only)
**Schedule:** All classes are Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm (January 14 - February 6).
**Location:**Studio# 211, 2111 Main Street, City Centre Artist Lodge
**Supplies:** Students are provided with all necessary supplies including Aida cloth, needle, threads, and hoops.
**Refunds** are only available 7 days prior to the start of the course, students will be charged a $20 refund fee. To request a refund, email mmdonen@gmail.com.
Refunds will not be accepted once classes begin.
**No prior experience required, all classes are beginner level.*

Shop my art/merch at Retail

Here’s an updated list of retail locations you can shop my art/merch this holiday season.

Craft Council of BC
1386 Cartwright St
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6H 3R8
Shop hours: Tues - Sun | 10a - 5:30p

Pressure Point
A shop celebrating local emerging artists
2111 Main St, Studio #108
Vancouver BC, Canada, V5T 3C6

Rath Art Supplies
2412 Main St
Vancouver, BC, V5T 3E2

Silk Purse
1570 Argyle Avenue
West Vancouver BC V7V 1A1

Slice of Life
1636 Venables St
Vancouver, BC V5L 2H2
Shop hours: 10am - 8pm, 7 days a week

November 2024 - Update

November 01, 2024

Holiday Shopping (Merch Shop & Retail)
Nov-Dec Events

This past month I’ve been taking significant time off in preparation for the busy holiday season, which is now fast approaching!

I’ve been revamping my website with separate shop pages for Available Artworks (this will feature medium-large artworks at more premium price points for those looking to grow their art collection) and Merch Shop (small items for those with smaller budgets).

I’m hope this new distinction will help provide a more efficient way to shop on my website. I’ve updated other pages on my website too, so feel free to explore whenever you get the chance!

Holiday Shopping

I know it’s crazy to say, but it’s already time to start thinking about the holiday season! I’m excited to share that I’ve just released some new holiday products, including XMAS Tree pins & Chrismukkah Cards. Click through to shop these new items and view my entire Holiday collection.

While I’d love it if you would shop online and buy directly from my website, I understand some of you prefer to shop in-person! Below are all the retail locations you can shop my art/merch this holiday season.

Craft Council of BC
1386 Cartwright St
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6H 3R8
Shop hours: Tues - Sun | 10a - 5:30p

Pressure Point
A shop celebrating local emerging artists
2111 Main St, Studio #108
Vancouver BC, Canada, V5T 3C6

Silk Purse
1570 Argyle Avenue
West Vancouver BC V7V 1A1

Slice of Life
1636 Venables St
Vancouver, BC V5L 2H2
Shop hours: 10am - 8pm, 7 days a week

Of course you’ll also find me at my studio during open hours & other pop up events this November & December.

See below to plan ahead, I hope to see you soon!

November

First Saturday Open Studio - Nov 2, 12-5pm
STA Christmas Craft Fair - Nov 3, 10-4pm
Open Studio w/ Guest Steph Ford Studio - Nov 15, 4-8pm, Nov 16, 2-6pm
Eastside Flea Holiday Market (NEW LOCATION-79 West 3rd Ave) - Nov 23-24, 11-5pm

December Event

First Saturday Open Studio - Dec 7, 12-5pm
Make It Show Vancouver - Dec 12-15