Cross stitching is an art form which dates as far as the 6th century. It has been passed down from great grandmothers to grandmothers for generations until its popularity began to decline with the rise of the digital age.
But Michael Moore, also know as Stitchmond, believes cross stitch is making a comeback.
Cross stitching is an art form which dates as far as the 6th century. It has been passed down from great grandmothers to grandmothers for generations until its popularity began to decline with the rise of the digital age.
But Michael Moore, also know as Stitchmond, believes cross stitch is making a comeback.
Moore’s interest in art started with a specific piece of artwork in mind that he wanted to recreate – a video game-themed neck tie. Moore tried his hand at many different art mediums but was unsatisfied with the outcomes. Until his mother gave him some of her old cross stitching supplies. This was around 2010, and from there his love of the ancient craft grew.
Moore was able to teach himself cross stitch and finally found his niche, often thinking back to a time when he would watch his mother cross stitch as a child. In keeping with his original inspiration, most of his work is inspired by video game characters from classic games like Final Fantasy, Mega Man and Kirby’s Big Adventure.
Moore admits the mixing of old mediums with new themes isn’t his invention, rather he’s inspired by other cross stitchers like Julie Jackson who created the sarcastic and often adult-themed Subversive Cross Stitch. Jackson has found success with her modern twist to the age old art, mixing traditional designs with song lyrics and modern sayings grandma might not approve of. And Moore hopes to emulate that success.
Moore creates most of his own patterns by importing images into computer software called PCStitch, where he is then able to assign different pixels colors to create a cross stitch friendly guide.
He sells his original patterns in his Etsy shop and, upon request, does fill custom orders. Some of his finished work is for sale at Bits and Pixels in Carytown.
With about half a decade under his belt, Moore hopes to put his talents to the test by competing in the Virginia State Fair’s Arts and Crafts competition for counted cross stitch.
Moore moved to Richmond in 2007 from the small town of Marion, Ohio for an internship at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, where he still is employed.
You can find Stitchmond by his etsy shop or his instagram account.
“There’s no way I could ever make a living off this,” said Moore, ever the realist – but considering his lack of artistic talent in other mediums, cross stitch seems to be working just fine.
