‘Stitch ‘n’ Bitch’ the Pain Away With Katrina Majkut’s Intersectional Embroidery Kits

Why stitch when you could stab? That’s the unspoken philosophy behind Katrina Majkut’s Stitch ‘n’ Bitch DIY Embroidery Kit Project, a collection of cross-stitch kits offering catharsis in the face of prejudice and discrimination.

“At the very least, creators get to legally stab something and release some pent up fury without harming anyone,” says Katrina, who created the inaugural kit, “Woman Card,” to reject the gendered stereotypes associated with embroidery. “[Embroidery] carries a lot of unfair stereotypes regarding domesticity and femininity, which has a big impact on the roles and identities of women (and anyone else for that matter) […] as an artistic medium, it has been present in all cultures across the world throughout human history, too. Despite that, if you go to any major craft store and look at the embroidery kits consumers can buy, they almost exclusively promote white, Western, and conservative narratives and motifs. Those kits reinforce identity stereotypes, neuter social engagement, and discourage unique expression.”

Katrina Majkut’s Stitch ‘n’ Bitch DIY Embroidery Kit Project replaces mass-produced embroidery kits with inclusive projects that tackle discrimination. — ‘Home Sweet Gun-Free Home’ (embroidered sampler)

With a goal to scrap the mass-produced embroidery kits found in store chains and replace them with “creative outlets of social change,” Katrina expanded her project to include creators with different perspectives and experiences. “The project collaborates with other artists, writers, and proactive citizens to each design a kit that represents discrimination and bias they have personally experienced, or addresses a political or social issue of deep, personal concern,” says Katrina. “The project embraces the power of intersectionalism and heightens the importance of the personal.”

Those who purchase the kits can either keep them as stand-alone works of art or create their own embroidery sampler by following the “sassy instructions” inside. Kits available for purchase include “Home Gun Sweet Home,” “Preggo Rewards Card,” and the timely “Abortion is Normal.” For your chance to “stab out stereotypes,” visit Katrina’s Stitch ‘n’ Bitch shop here.

“At the very least, creators get to legally stab something and release some pent up fury without harming anyone.” — Katrina Majkut

‘Mixed Race Card DIY Counted Cross-Stitch Kit with Julie Marie Seibert’

‘Vaccination Card DIY Counted Cross-Stitch Kit’

‘Voter Registration Card DIY Counted Cross-Stitch Kit’

Katrina Majkut: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Purchase Work

All photos published with permission of the artist(s).

Want to be featured on NOT REAL ART? Email editor@notrealart.com with a short introduction and a link to your online portfolio or three images of your work.

Flip

Buffer

0 Shares

Jenna Eberhardt

Jenna Eberhardt (she/her/hers) is NOT REAL ART’s associate editor. Jenna is a writer and working artist from Asheville, NC, who specializes in watercolor botanicals and dreamy moonscapes. A true night owl, Jenna enjoys a minimum of two cups of coffee per day and isn’t afraid of the dark when she’s up late painting. As a registered yoga instructor with a background in health and wellness, Jenna believes in the brain-boosting power of a regular mindfulness practice, regarding rest and relaxation as a necessary part of the creative process.