This article was published on October 4th, 2021
The new instructional cross-stitch book from David Hastings, Cross-Stitch Like a Queen: 25 Fun and Fabulous Patterns Celebrating Drag and the LGBTQIA+ Community promises to be a literary ride showcasing his talents and expertise as he takes readers on a step-by-step instructional guide to crafting 25 fabulously fierce creations in a full-color book spread that celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community.
Cross-Stitch Like a Queen has been written as an inspirational tome covering drag culture, queer life, and the creativity that thrives within the community as a whole. Those that define themselves as creatives will especially appreciate the illustrated designs that range from the sexy and raucous to the sarcastic and iconic. Included are an alphabet template and extra design elements that allow you to create your own customized cross-stitch patterns and personal quotes. Featured quotes include:
- Don’t get bitter, get better
- Not today, Satan
- Check your lipstick before you come for me
- The progress Pride flag
- Pride is a riot
- Black trans lives matter
- All tea, all shade
The patterns range from easy to difficult, with some requiring backstitching patterns. According to the author, once you master backstitches, the other patterns will be simple to execute.
David Hastings was inspired to write the book as a way to give back and support the LGBTQ+ community, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting The Trevor Project. Hastings juggles many creative lives as a designer and art director, but is also known as a performer in Brooklyn under the moniker of Dottie Salami. As one-half of the dynamic drag duo, The Salami Sisters, he has been featured in Paper Magazine and has been known to perform in dive bars and festivals throughout the greater NYC area, including producing the duo’s show, Meat Sweats.
Cross-Stitch Like a Queen is perfect for true fans of drag queens and drag culture, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and allies, too. Cross-Stitch Like a Queen is a celebration of the mantra “love is love.” Go forth and stitch! Let HomoCulture know in the comments section what you would like seen as a catch phrase cross-stitching design to end all designs!
