1 minute read
Back in Black(work): Getting to know Liz Dolance
written by Dana L. Costa; photos courtesy of Elizabeth Dolance
Like many of us, pattern-creator Elizabeth Dolance has anxiety and depression...and uses stitching to help her cope with those conditions.
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“There are a lot of reasons I stitch,” Liz explained, “but it really boils down to ‘because my brain likes it.’”
Since Liz has a hard time sitting still and stitching (and knitting) gives her hands something to do and provides a sense of accomplishment with the time she spends stitching. “Being able to give thoughtful gifts and hang my art in my home is icing on the cake,” she added. And stitching has been part of Liz’s life for as long as she can remember. “I learned when I was so young, I don’t remember learning,” she recalled..” I have put it down for months or years at a time but I always seem to come back to it.”
She does remember that her mom taught her to stitch and in true like-mother-like-daughter style they both have phases of putting down and picking up the needle. They are both stitching right now and Liz said she loves sharing stitching tips and frustrations with her mom. “It’s a great bonding activity!”
Recently, Liz started creating her own patterns as StashStitchDesigns. She said she’s still finding her style but she’s off to a great start!
“I’m inspired by things that everyone is inspired by,” she admitted, “Issues I’m passionate about, groups I’m a part of, shows and movies I like.”
She runs her entire shop using a Chromebook, which she didn’t realize was unique until she was testing pattern-creation software...and she was talking to other creators. “Apparently it’s pretty insane,” she said, “so pretty par for the course for me!” On her to-do list are a set of patterns inspired by stand-up comedian John Mulaney and a music-inspired blackwork pattern. Check out the exclusive blackwork pattern she created just for StitchLife!
The St. Cloud, Minnesota (USA)-based creator loves pattern suggestions, too. But she also loves suggestions for patterns as well! Why not connect with her for a special request!
Enjoy 15% off your StashStitchDesigns purchase on Etsy using code STITCHLIFE15.
