Redefining Cross-Stitching
“Cross stitch for rappers? Are you joking? I’m an anomaly in this scene, for sure…I create custom, one-of-a-kind cross-stitch jackets for Chicago’s creative class.” Emma McKee
After making a cross stitch present for her mother, Emma McKee was drawn to the technique and compelled to do more. So, she taught herself the cross-stitch process, including how to create a pattern from an idea and sketches.
Emma has made her mark on the art and craft of cross-stitching, putting her own spin on pieces which incorporate what gives her inspiration - art, poetry, and music.
In a span of four years of focusing on creating cross-stitch items, she’s worked with a team of 7 – 14 Chicago-based artists, and has created close to 135 pieces, spending anywhere from 50 – 60 hours on making each item.
“My inspiration usually will come complete, finished, everything - from a person. It arrives fully formed in my head, and that’s it. I have no idea how we get there. I don’t sit around and think about it for somebody....To see something that you’ve made effect somebody in what seems to be a meaningful way is a pretty emotional thing.”
Watch the video below from Great Big Story to see what happened when she tweeted a photo of a jacket she cross-stitched, getting her start into making a living doing what she loves.
· Don't miss: You might like our blog posts American Crafters, Subway Yarn Bombing, and Altered Book Sculptures.
You can find books about subversive, feminist, mini-, and classic cross-stitching here.
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