Housekeeping
some general info & updates
I do not use AI for any of my work or writing. I am an independent, disabled artist making all of my work by hook or by crook. Please subscribe for updates on art availability. Paid subscribers receive access to comments and private chat, and can make suggestions or requests for future collections and essays!
It’s been a little while since I’ve posted because I’ve been working on my upcoming collection, Spring Greens & Flowering Things, out ASAP (I wanted this collection to be out at the beginning of May, but working with limited funds, chronic illness, and a couple of [lovely] interruptions has repeatedly delayed the release). I’m finally in the process of birthing the art, if you will, after weeks of planning, prepping, sketching, research, and material acquisition, so it won’t be much longer now and I truly hope to have this wrapped up by the 31st, my sister’s birthday! I’m eager for this collection to be done because it’s taken so much longer than expected, of course, but also because I’m very excited about the next collection and essay I have planned for the summer solstice. I always bite off a little more than I can chew, but hey, who can blame a gal for being hungry? ✺
I have some random updates and notes I wanted to make available to y’all that would probably be fine to just exist on the pages of my website but I figured a little PSA wouldn’t hurt, either. To wit:
I believe I have at last figured out international shipping on my website, so have at it my global homies! I’m embarrassed because it was either much easier than expected, or I didn’t do it right and we’ll all find out together… :) One of our fellow moots Phoenix Gardens is going to help me test this out as soon as I can get my shit together and update the listing for them! As y’all can see I’m on my elderly laptop today, so it may actually happen.
In addition to my linework and colorful bead work embroideries I will now be sharing my beaded necklaces as well! My MIL recently bequeathed to me the remains of her vintage beads and jewelry supplies and I feel like I won the damn lottery. Lots and lots of vintage Czech glass, locally made ceramics, gemstones, silk threads, and more. There will of course be essays about this, too. Like my other creative skills and habits (which I’ll be writing more about in my next essay) I learned the craft of beading from the women in my life who have loved me, and, like sewing, stringing and knotting beads is a deeply spiritual and historical practice (especially for mermaids like us). All metal components are 18k plated brass for the warm and buttery golds, 14k filled steel or sterling (vermeil) for the crisp, bright gold, 925 sterling silver, and hypoallergenic stainless steel, with the specs of course described in the product listings. I am a folk-taught amateur and I price my work to reflect that, however, this does not mean that the quality is diminished. I am personally a little clumsy and rough with my jewelry, and while I wouldn’t go pulling on these strands to test their strength, they are made to withstand a little weather and still be gentle on the skin. I have very sensitive skin and have several topical allergies, so I would never make and share something that I couldn’t/wouldn’t also wear. Furthermore, I include stainless steel and plated gold because it’s more affordable and accessible, it’s what I wear the most, especially if I can’t afford solid precious metals, and I’m not necessarily trying to break into the fine jewelry scene. I’m aiming for accessible quality and fun.
Paid subscriptions get access to the comments and chat associated with the Sadie’s Stitches Substack, as well as a private discount code with each shop update and collection release. Free subs still get access to full essays and update posts, but paid subs get perks like discounts and first dibs on new art, and more personal insights into my work and processes.
I wasn’t going to say much about upcoming work because I honestly feel like a broken record, but a look ahead for the year will include more essays on my creative processes and their details, collections released around the turning of the wheel (solstices and equinoxes), and nature-inspired work. Summer 2026 collection: Solstice With the Mostest, autumn 2026 collection: Falling in Love, winter 2026 collection: Midnight Moon. I hope to establish these as annual themes and cyclical updates, which is part of the reason all my collections this year have been so delayed. I’m kind of doing work for this year and next year’s collections at the same time, so next year will (hopefully) go much more seamlessly. There will also be more essays about my “disability journey” and wellness updates for those interested in that side of things.
And that’s that! I’m so grateful for all of you here interested in my work and following along, it quite literally means the world to me! I’m leaving the comments open to everyone on this post because I am eager for feedback on your interests, curiosities, concerns, and expectations for me as an artist asking for your limited and precious attention. ✺
You can peruse my website and find my embroideries here.