patreon — Blog — Mallory Donen

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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

February 2025 - Update

  • 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