workshops — Blog — Mallory Donen

workshops

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

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

September 2024 - Update

September 2024 - Update

Only 1 week left to register for my Fall cross-stitch course! All classes are taught out of my studio at City Centre Artist Lodge, which means classes are 6 students maximum. This way everyone gets plenty of one-on-one time. If you’ve been thinking about it, now is the time to sign up before spaces fill up!

Read More

August 2024 - Update

August 2024 - Update

I’m so excited to be offering a 4 week course this Fall, dedicated to the art and craft of cross-stitch. Lucky for you, you’re getting first access to registration since you’re reading my blog!

Read More

October 2023 - Update

  • QR code Sign

  • New Monochrome Series/Exhibition

  • First Saturday - October 7

  • Feeling Crafty?! - Workshops

  • Fall/Holiday Schedule


The past month has been another busy one, so here’s a quick recap:

I vended at Car Free Day for the first time and had such an amazing time!

I made a new cross-stitched QR code sign (photos below).

I spent lots of time focusing on holiday production (stay tuned for Xmas cards and ornaments).

My new monochrome series is currently being shown at First Saturday Group Exhibition.

I finished writing a collaborative project proposal to the Canada Council for the Arts for a grant in 2024.


QR Code Sign


New Monochrome Series

Last Friday was the opening reception for the Monochrome group show at 1000 Parker St studios in East Vancouver, the first member’s exhibition curated by First Saturday. It was a very busy opening with lots of support for the exhibiting artists! Of course, my friend Hayley and I dressed monochromatically accordingly.

The show will run until Thanksgiving, so this weekend is your last chance to see all the works in person. Unsold works will return to my studio and be available for sale shortly there after.

Please email me directly if you’re interested in any of the works from my cross-stitch Monochrome Series.


First Saturday - October 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

Pressure Point - Studio # 108

Elana Sigal - Studio # 110

Stephane Savoie - Studio # 123

Mallory Donen - Studio # 211

Denise Coles - Studio # 221

Paulo OConnor - Studio # 225

Devorah Peterson - Studio # 221

Zandi Dandizette - Studio # 235

Five Cat Collective - Studio # 31

 

Location: 2111 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C6

Date: October 7, 2023

Time: 12pm-5pm


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


Feeling Crafty?! - Workshops

If you're feeling crafty this fall and want to learn new skills (or shake the dust off of some old ones), then these fiber workshops are for you!


Fall/Holiday Schedule

Oct 7 - First Saturdays, Studio 211, City Centre Artist Lodge
Nov 4 - First Saturdays, Studio 211, City Centre Artist Lodge
Nov 5 - STA Christmas Craft Fair, 541 W Keith Rd, North Vancouver
Nov 16-19 - Studio Hours TBD
Nov 25-26 - Portobello West Holiday Market, Yaletown
Dec 2-3 -City Centre Holiday Market, City Centre Artist Lodge
Dec 7-10 - MAKIE at Make it Holiday Market, PNE Forum
Dec 16-17 - Vendor at Eastside Flea Holiday Market, 1101 Union