crossstitchcourse — Blog — Mallory Donen

crossstitchcourse

April 2025 - Update

  • 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.

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

December 2024 - Update

  • 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

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
Elana Sigal - Studio # 110
Lukas Lundberg - Studio # 208
Mallory Donen – Studio # 211
Stephane Savoie - Studio # 123
Devorah Peterson - Studio # 221

Location: 2111 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C6
Date: December 7, 2024
Time: 12pm-5pm

 https://www.firstsaturday.ca/next-open-studios


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