Recently, I did a survey of my email list, and through the responses I got I saw some themes emerging. So, it seems like “story time” has arrived — this is going to be a long post but it’s very important for me to say (as hard as it is to put into words). ❤️
My life as a cross stitch designer and teacher started when I was going through the deep trauma of losing my career and my health. If you’re not aware, I was hurt in my military service training in 2012, I sustained a neck and upper body injury that not only caused significant (and permanent) physical limitations, it ended my budding career as a Royal Canadian Air Force Intelligence Officer. Because of these new physical limitations, I didn’t even know how to create art anymore in the same way, and creating art is something I’ve done my whole life regardless of what other career path I was following. I couldn’t swing my arm or use my shoulders to create large chalk & charcoal life drawings, or do large oil paintings (or really, any painting or drawing at all as I also couldn’t look down, be upright for long, turn my head repeatedly to look between my reference or model and my drawing, etc). I was trying to cope with losing the career I had worked SO hard for, and having to basically relearn how to do daily tasks in a new way. I joined the military at 35 and went straight to the Royal Military College as a cadet, and I excelled. I was very stressed about what to do after it was clear I’d be medically discharged, as I had to start all over again.
Large chalk & charcoal life drawings I did at art school in New Zealand
I’ve always been creative since I could hold a crayon, and did four years of art training in New Zealand many moons before my military career (the header photo of this post is me painting in art school in NZ, I was about 24). I knew I had to use my creativity to help myself. I didn’t want to do art prints or wall art at the time, I was “rejecting” that as I couldn’t paint anymore and I felt so lost, bitter, and quite frankly hopeless that I was losing everything I’d loved my whole life and had worked so hard for. I came up with the idea of designing stitching patterns in a conversation with my then sister-in-law in 2014— I hadn’t stitched in decades, I wasn’t sure I even remembered how to stitch, but I remembered in the back of my head from my teen years that cross stitch patterns were pixelated images, pixelated art. I knew from my own artistic journey how relaxing using your hands creatively can be — I thought maybe stitching patterns (and teaching people how to stitch as needed) would be an easy way for people to explore their own creativity and relax, without the sometimes-high barriers to learning to make art on their own.
So, I did some experimenting with some of my old art, first by hand and then by using software, learning how to create a cross stitch chart. I learned that I could “draw” in the software as I could do it while being upright; there was no need to look down. Below is the first design I ever put into my cross stitch software, from a digital painting I did on my iPad using art software called ArtRage (which is still awesome software, I learned I could use art software after I got hurt). I never put this pattern up for sale as it was still kind of clunky to me, but for a first go with the software I was really happy with it.
I quickly threw myself into learning the software and designing in a new media as a means of distraction from the heartache I was living through, as much as I could anyway around all the medical issues. As I learned new skills, I’d make a tutorial about it to help others learn too. I never anticipated that now my YouTube channel would have almost 7 million views, and many searches related to “cross stitch” in search engines will bring up my site, even to this day. People also loved the vibrant colours, vintage inspiration, and snarky quotes I included in my designs. The first collection like that was my Vintage Sass Collection, people went crazy for it when I first released it as I was one of the first designers to combine prettily-rendered images and art with snarky calligraphic quotes.
This collection was followed by many more, from snarky animal designs to royalty-based designs, to Scottish insults and even a tongue-in-cheek poke at traditional cross stitch samplers. These designs were all very popular (as was the stupidly cheeky Mermaid Tales stitchalong collection). My YouTube channel was going really well, and people were also enjoying the more in-depth classes I made for Skillshare. But despite getting so much lovely feedback from wonderful readers of this site, and my students and customers, I could feel something shifting. The pandemic exacerbated that feeling, like I didn’t “fit” anymore, like it was getting harder and harder to find the energy and creativity to create new collections, teach things I already hadn’t, and keep going in a direction that I had basically just stumbled into.
I now have around 140 stitching patterns in the shop (many of which are distributed in retailers across the US and Canada), and well over 100 tutorials on my site and on YouTube. This feeling of “stuckness” made me feel like I didn’t know what else I could say or do to keep growing as a designer and artist if I stuck to the media of stitching. I was really enjoying learning how to create actual art again (starting digitally but more and more transitioning to “real” media), and it was getting more and more frustrating turning the actual art that I had started creating again into stitching patterns.
I love delicate shifts of colour and detailed linework in a lot of my illustrations and art, which is near impossible to convert into patterns using the software’s automated functions. As an example, for the Versailles Garden Collection pictured above, the birds are based on my watercolour paintings with dip ink pen outlines and detailing. To maintain the details of the artwork (without making the patterns ridiculously big or using stupid amounts of colours, which gets expensive for stitchers), I spent 8 hours for each design, manually charting the illustrations into my software — one stitch at a time, one section of backstitched linework at a time. I hand-matched each colour of embroidery floss to the original art, so the colour would be as accurate to the original as possible. Then to stitch the samples (to check the colours again and make sure I was happy with all the detailing, and the chart was accurate), that took another 40 hours to stitch for each design. That’s at least five full time weeks of work put into four patterns, and of course I’m super happy with how they came out. But with my health issues fluctuating (along with sales, the pandemic really shifted people’s buying habits and hobbies), plus feeling creatively like I was trying to be a square peg in a round hole, designing stitching patterns was becoming harder. And, I was realizing I was feeling like I was tied to a “past” me that was trying to move through trauma and so much loss, rather than the present me who has relearned how to create art and oil paint around my injuries (which is still so challenging yet gives me so much joy). Things had to change.
The Sketchy Blooms Collection was my last attempt to see if there was still interest in new stitching patterns based on my art. At the time I wasn’t entirely sure if these would be my last designs, I was still feeling so torn as I’d built up so much around stitching pattern designs. These are from some of the paintings I did as part of my 100 Day Project last year (and which ended up as an art print that is now in King Charles III’s possession which still completely blows my mind). These are smaller designs so they were **slightly** faster to chart (maybe about 5 hours each), and I didn’t do stitched models of them this time. But as I suspected, people’s buying habits had shifted, and unfortunately creating stitching patterns is simply no longer sustainable for me.
I am however very excited about where my art journey is taking me. Only a few months after picking up oil paints again, one of my paintings was selected for an exhibition at the prestigious Federation Gallery on Granville Island, Vancouver, and it even sold before it went to the exhibition (Bowl with Pears, the art print of it is pictured above and is available even though the original has sold). I’m so enjoying connecting with other local artists from the Federation of Canadian Artists, and I’m looking forward to developing new work to be exhibited in the future. I’ve also just started taking some oil painting classes in person from the Noah Layne Academy of Realist Art (Noah’s work is simply stunning). I don’t often take in-person classes as they can be quite physically challenging for me (and often painful), but I’m going to try and adapt the best I can and see what happens. I’m also loving being more involved in the local design community, like being asked to do a wallpaper and fabric installation for the opening night of Design Victoria last year at the Victoria International Marina.
I am glad I took the plunge and decided to follow my instincts to move back into an artistic direction after I got hurt — part of that was I had no other options left, and part was it was acting as therapy for me which I didn’t fully understand at the time. That journey led me to meeting so many wonderful people like the readers of these posts (that’s you), other artists and designers, and learning so much about the business side of art and design. I wouldn’t have been voted the First Runner Up for Stitching Blog of the Year by the British Craft Awards, nor won first place in the Spoonflower Art Nouveau Wallpaper design challenge, nor been featured in multiple magazines and news articles. I didn’t know where this journey would take me, and I still don’t. All I know is I have to follow where my interests and desires (and physical capacities) lead me. I can’t do something the same way I did years ago now, it’s like trying to put on your favourite pair of jeans from high school — they don’t fit (and if they still do, I haaaaate youuuu…. 😂).
So what does that mean for this site and what I sell? In the short term, nothing. I don’t want to shut down my YouTube channel with all the tutorials, or Skillshare classes, or stitching pattern shop — people are still getting value out of the classes and patterns (like I said, there’s around 140 patterns on the site, so do poke around if you haven’t checked out the shop for a while and want to stitch one of my designs). But the stitching side is also not going to be a focus of what I do anymore. I will be reorganizing the home page of the site soon to make navigation a bit easier, but I will not be releasing any more stitching tutorials or patterns in the near future (possibly anymore at all). With the stitching tutorials and classes I think I’ve talked about every possible topic and technique I can, I don’t know what else to say. And as I’ve long-windedly outlined above, I simply don’t want to design in pixels anymore, I’m finding the restriction of designing in little blocks of colour (despite my efforts to work around that) to be increasingly frustrating which defeats the point of creating art.
So if you’ve been hanging around on the email list or whatnot waiting for new stitching patterns, I’m sorry but it’s not going to happen. I’m in a different place than I was when I first started this journey, and to not keep moving forward feels like a weight on me, and makes me sad. I’ve lost so incredibly much since getting hurt, and I have to focus on doing things in a way that uplift me and help me grow (even if it means potentially disappointing many longtime fans of my designs and tutorials). ❤️
Of course, if you’d like to stick around and see what I continue to explore and play with, and maybe even purchase some of my newer designs on fabric or wallpaper, or even art prints or original art (coming soon), I’d love to have you. As hard as writing this post is, I think it’s a good example that we all grow, and we can all make decisions that are hard for us and even scary. New things are often scary (or that weird mix of scary and exciting), and if I can be an example that it’s ok to completely change direction in your life (sometimes many many times), I’m happy to share my journey with you. One thing that has been consistent across this journey is people feeling like they can choose to do things they love, even if it’s hard or confuses people around them, because of watching me do the same thing. I’ve gotten so many wonderful emails and messages over the years of people feeling like they learned something from me that has impacted them, even if it’s just learning after 30 years of stitching how to finally freaking do a French knot that doesn’t blow apart at the last second… 😂😂
Currently I’m exploring oil paintings of the old masters, like Sargent and the Dutch masters, I’m loving the dark moody vibe and the attention to light emerging from the darkness. I think that’s rather symbolic of this whole journey — starting in a really dark black place, and slowly discovering light and form and finding my own path. I’ve always loved vintage art and design, in art school in New Zealand I was heavily influenced by the Italian Renaissance (which was the subject of a painting I did that was part of an exhibition at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery, what an amazing experience). Now it’s old masters and modern artists like Todd M. Casey, Natalie Featherston, and Anthony Waichulis who are clearly influenced by classical realist still life paintings but put their own modern twist on it. My love of mixing the vintage with the modern will likely never change, but which direction it takes I’m sure will continue to adapt as I grow and learn more.
If you’d like to watch a video about this and about the YouTube channel specifically (on which I’d looove your feedback), check it out below.
Thanks for coming along on this journey with me, and I hope you’ll keep hanging out to explore with me what happens next… 😊
46 Responses
Melanie
Dana, thanks so much for sharing your story. Your art is gorgeous and I wish you all the best as you pursue this next path.
Dana Batho
Awww thank you so much Melanie, I really appreciate your kind words! ❤️
Carrie Ciak
Dana, I have followed you ( not too closely) but from the side of a fellow artist watching your art emerge,, reemerge, and grow.
Your work is beautiful and distinctly your own.
I just wanted to add my blessings as you continue to journey on your artist’s way.
Dana Batho
Awww thanks so much Carrie, I appreciate your kind words! ❤️
Helene Mathers
You are a gifted artist and you must go where your talent takes you. I wish you all the success you deserve in your new adventure!
Dana Batho
Thank you so much Helene, I really appreciate that! ❤️
Katia Galante
Hi Dana, thanks for sharing your story. I’m a believer that life sends you clear directions and messages if only you can see them, and this morning I found your post amongst the thousands of posts on IG, just at the time when I’m suffering burnout and thinking of a change of direction with my art but at the same time not wanting to disappoint family members who think botanical watercolour is my path and encourage me every day to keep doing that. I value their opinion a lot, but somehow I feel stuck and reading your blog and your story really helped me. Thank you and I wish you the best of luck with all your new endeavours
Dana Batho
Awww I’m so glad you found my post Katia! And yes, family and friends may have great intentions (they just want to see you happy), but only you know what you want to do and what you want to explore. Personally I think you have nothing to lose by going for a change of direction, whether that’s alongside what you’re already doing or a hard break. You can always go back to it if you want, or you can find ways to incorporate those skills and design aesthetic into something new. But don’t let fear and “what if” hold you back, our brains can’t know what will happen as it hasn’t happened yet. There’s no point being unhappy or burned out (and I’ve been to burnout several times, it’s really not fun at all), not when you have the capacity to make changes that better align with what you want to do. ❤️
Rita Turkowski
I have enjoyed your spirit online, your honesty while following your unique creative journey. I know you will absolutely rock your next artistic endeavors in your journey. God speed!
Dana Batho
Thanks so much Rita, much appreciated! ❤️
Amy1
Your oil paintings are gorgeous and I can’t wait to see where they take you Dana 🥰 I’m so glad your journey put you on a path that intersected with mine for a while. Cheers my friend!
Dana Batho
Awww thanks so much Amy, I’m glad too! ❤️
Barbara Wolfe
Dana,
I have LOVED following your journey. We all grow and change. The pandemic taught us, if we listened. Your “B*tch please, I’m Fabulous” got me through a tough time with a horrible boss that ‘attempted’ to put me in my place.
Thank you for sharing your journey and I’m excited for you and excited to see where it leads you. 🙂
Dana Batho
Aww thanks so much Barbara, and I LOVED designing and stitching that one, I was giggling the whole time… 😀 So glad it helped get you through a rough patch, maybe you should have “accidentally” left a few tapestry needles around that boss’s office chair, by accident of course…
Rhonda
It takes time to find your direction after a major life change. I am glad you are finding your way. I wish you all the best. I have enjoyed your designs. I hope they continue to sell for you. I think that I will keep following to see where your new directions take you.
Dana Batho
Thanks so much Rhonda, thanks for coming along on this journey with me so far! ❤️
Inessa
Enjoy your new path and I hope it takes you to wonderful places! Your videos pretty much taught me to cross stitch and I’m very grateful for that!
Dana Batho
Awww I’m so glad Inessa, that makes me happy. ❤️
Lisa (whiskybaker)
Oh lots of love from Toronto to you lady <3
Dana Batho
Thank youuuuu Lisa! ❤️❤️
Nicole McReavy
Dana, I’m wishing you lots of fun, enjoyment, fulfillment, and laughter on the next leg of your creative journey. Its a joy to see how you have adapted, learned and expanded your repertoire in the few years I have been following you. Keep looking forward, for there is always flowers to smell up ahead.
Wishing you continued success!
Nicole M.
Dana Batho
Thanks so much Nicole, much appreciated! ❤️
Deb Lundstrom
Your obvious talent in those beautiful paintings shows how much you (& the world) need to have more. We will always have the great patterns & fabrics you created, so now we can look forward to seeing your future paintings!
Enjoy your re-found art!!
Dana Batho
Thanks very much Deb! And will do! ❤️
Nancy Rumford
I started following you specifically for your cross stitch patterns. I am fickle regarding my stitching. I can go for months and not put it down, then take months to pick it back up again. It happens!
I’m happy that you feel fulfilled with other art forms. You have much talent to share!
I will continue to follow your socials and keep up to date with your professional endeavours and your personal shenanigans! ❤️
Dana Batho
Ahahaha thanks Nancy! It’s been lovely having you along for the ride! ❤️
Annie Odette
Dana
I didn’t realize this was here so zinreplied on your cross stitch site.
Go for it go for the change and grow asuch as possible.
Hugs
Annie Odette
Dana Batho
Haha that’s ok Annie, thanks so much for your support! <3
Dana
Dana, you are the most creative, talented artist I have been happy to know. I have loved seeing your journey and can’t wait to see where it leads you. Much love, Dana (The Jack’s Meow)
Dana Batho
Awww thank youuu Dana, really appreciate it! ❤️
Shannon
Sooo much yes to this!!! I’m so happy to see you in this place, following your heart and doing the things that bring you joy! 💕
Dana Batho
Thank youuuuu Shannon! And thanks so much for your help and guidance along the way tooooooo! ❤️❤️
Marie-Lyne T.
J’ai tellement hâte d’avoir un Batho chez moi! J’ai même de la place pour un tryptique!
Dana Batho
Ahahaha we’ll see about that, I’m not sure how painting a tryptic would work in my weenie studio, but I’ve definitely got it on my radar…. 😂❤️
Stephanie
I was one of those hopeful stitchers, since I really do like your style, but I have to admit that your announcement comes as no surprise to me. It’s been clear for over a year now that your creative interests have been leading you in other directions. Though I am disappointed, I, too, understand the healing power of creativity, particularly after a trauma, and how important it is for you to pursue what is calling to you.
I wish you all the best and that you find and keep your happy on your artistic journey.
Dana Batho
Thanks so much Stephanie, I appreciate your kind words! I hate to disappoint people, but the time has come. ❤️
Ann-Marie Galipeau
I fell in love with your designs (specifically Fox and Squirrel), found your site and learned about your cross stitching. I am stitcher and not a designer so I can’t even imagine how challenging that can be for anyone.
Evolution is necessary and its not always pleasant.
Looking forward to seeing your new creations for more inspiration for more projects.
Dana Batho
Thanks so much Ann-Marie, I remember your trials with the Fox & Squirrel pattern. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens too. 😊
Karen A Katrak
Best of luck in your future endeavours.
Dana Batho
Thanks so much Karen!
Veronica Balvanz
Hey, I have enjoyed stitching your patterns over the years. I have the “Donut Fucks” FFO hanging around my house. It’s moved locations within my house over the years since I’ve finished it and I love it so much. I wish you all the best in everything you do.
Dana Batho
Thanks so much Veronica! That one was a fun one to design… 😂😂❤️
Leigh Ann Checkman
Completely understandable concerning the cross-stitch and, considering the designing and painting you’ve been doing, wonderful to see you embracing where it’s all going. All the best to you in future endeavors!
Dana Batho
Thanks very much Leigh Ann! ❤️
Christine Forber
Good luck and best wishes for your new direction.
Dana Batho
Thanks Christine! ❤️