Describing her work as whimsical dark humor, embroidery artist and designer Lindsay Swearingen takes cross stitch to a level beyond traditional schoolchild samplers. Designed and stitched with as much precision as a family heirloom, Lindsay’s work embraces traditional cross stitch skills, creating fiber art with a nod towards the macabre.
How did you find yourself on an artist’s path? Always there? Lightbulb moment? Dragged kicking and screaming? Evolving?
I have always had a desire to create. I’ve dabbled in many mediums (mostly unsuccessfully) but when I am able to create something I love, it’s very exciting. So I would say my work is always evolving.
What inspires you to create?
I think I’m most inspired by other artists. Two of my favorite artists are Edward Gorey and Christine McConnell, because both have a really wonderful dark whimsical style that I’m drawn to. Whenever I have the pleasure of enjoying their work, I am flooded with ideas of things I want to create.
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Why cross stitch? How does that medium best express what you want to communicate through your art?
It was a journey to finally reach cross stitch as my chosen medium. I still dabble in other mediums, like pen and ink, but I finally landed on cross stitch after discovering that I could design my own patterns. I’d mainly worked in embroidery up until this point, but I wasn’t always satisfied with the outcome. (It was also very hard on my hands). Cross stitch came a bit more easily to me.
What is the main takeaway you want readers to gain from book, Creepy Cross-Stitch?
Creepy Cross-Stitch offers 25 spooky patterns designed to haunt your halls all year round. Stitch phantom felines, haunted houses, stylized ghouls, and creepy creatures. Anyone with an appreciation of the macabre will be sure to enjoy the patterns in Creepy Cross-Stitch.
Tell us about your newest book, Magickal Cross-Stitch. What inspired you to write this book?
I’ve had a keen curiosity of the history of witchcraft for some time, particularly the relationship it has with animals, the seasons, and the Earth. I wanted to put together a book that reflected my interest in witches while also weaving in a bit of humor and turn of phrase.
My first book, Creepy Cross Stitch, included little poems for each pattern, most of which I wrote myself. I was excited to continue this tradition in Magickal Cross Stitch, as I felt like each reflected a spell or incantation in a way.
What has been the biggest accomplishment since you published your first book?
I think I’d say my biggest accomplishment since publishing my first book was becoming a two-time author with my second! It’s something I’d never imagined I’d be able to say, but I’m so proud to have published two books!
If you could live during a different artistic movement other than now, which one would you choose? Why?
If we’re speaking strictly in regard to art, I would say I’d love to experience the Dutch Golden Age. There were significant themes of life and death, wealth verses poverty, and sinners verses saints, all portrayed in highly detailed and moody paintings. There’s both humor and soberness in the art from that period, and it’s always fascinated me.
Describe your creative space.
I’ve tried over and over for years to develop a useful and aesthetic workspace, but sadly, it continues to be a bit of a haphazard area in my home. I generally design patterns while seated on my sofa, with at least one of my two cats by my side.
What is your favorite storage tip for your creative supplies?
My favorite storage tip will always be that everyone should have a proper method for safely storing sewing needles. I like to use a fancy pincushion, but there’s also the option of a magnetic storage container too. Safety first!
When it comes to creating, are you more of a planner or an improviser?
It depends on what I’m making. I do occasionally “free hand” cross stitch (working without a pattern), which I would consider more improvisation. However, I sometimes do big projects (I’ve recently been filling house shaped picture frames with cross stitch designs) which require more thought and planning.
Do you have a dedicated space for creating? If so, what does it look like?
My dedicated space is my living room sofa, which is very cozy, even when a bit cluttered.
What are the indispensable tools and materials in your studio? How do they improve your work?
My number one most important tool (aside from the necessities, like needle, thread, fabric) is my needle minder and pin cushion. It’s important to keep needles in a dedicated place when they aren’t in use. Safety first!
·What plays in the background while you work? Silence? Music, audiobooks, podcasts, movies? If so, what kind?
I tend to re-watch the same TV series and movies when I’m working, since it doesn’t require my full attention. I love to have the Great British Baking Show or Good Omens as company while I stitch. Recently I’ve had The Mummy on repeat.
Do you focus on one piece exclusively from start to finish or work actively on more than one project at a time?
I like to have multiple projects going. I usually have one very big project and a couple smaller projects working at once. When I feel like the bigger project will never end, I switch to something smaller and more achievable to feel like I’m making progress. It works for me.
Is there an overarching theme that connects all of your work?
I think my overarching theme would be described as “subtly spooky” because I like to create designs that feel just a bit off or strange. Also, I always want to have some degree of dark humor and whimsy.
Which artists do you admire? What draws you to their work?
My two favorite artists are Edward Gorey and Christine McConnell. Both have such a way with tongue-in-cheek dark humor and elaborate gothic detail. I’ve never been much of a minimalist; Both Gorey and McConnell have beautiful, excessive aesthetics that I think are dreamy.
Interview published October 2021, updated September 2024
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