Think embroidery is just for grandmas and tacky “Home Sweet Home” pillows? Think again.
Meghan Daniel of Crybaby Stitch is bringing a fun, vintage twist to home decor with her hand-stitched canvases which juxtaposes modern quotes and designs with classic adornment techniques. The result is lively but timeless, the perfect compliment to any style.
The LSU alumna said she was always interested in crafts and sewing, but she gained an interest in embroidery in 2015 while pregnant with her daughter. In the process of designing a nursery, she came across some modern embroidery designs and figured they were simple enough to do herself.
As it turns out, embroidery is more difficult than it looks. There are different techniques and stitches that require extensive practice to perfect, even to someone with prior sewing experience.
Nevertheless, Daniel persisted. With the help of YouTube, Skillshare and books on the subject, she gradually built the knowledge base needed to create her ideal decor. Before long, it evolved into a full-time hobby and a business.
The personal style that pushed Daniel into the world of embroidery can be seen throughout her original designs. Her pieces feature everything from punchy quotes in graceful fonts to simplistic graphics on clean backgrounds.
“I definitely like a vintage aesthetic, like thrift stores,” she said. “Stuff that’s colorful and bold.”
It should come as no surprise that Daniel is also a lover of vintage and thrift shopping. She often resells her finds or uses her sewing knowledge to rework the items and give them personal touches.
“I want to buy everything, but I can’t house everything,” she said. “So I just sell it.”
For those more interested in creating for themselves, Daniel frequently hosts workshops.
Participants of any skill level can pay one rate and have access to all the materials necessary to create a preselected design following a theme.
“I love doing workshops,” she said. “It’s always a good group of people that do it— I’ve never had anyone be mean or criticizing, it’s always just been so much fun.”
While learning to embroider can seem old-fashioned or just plain intimidating, Daniel encouraged everyone, especially students at the University, to give it a shot.
“Embroidery is not for grandmas, it’s for relaxing,” she said. “Make something—you’re stressed out, I know you are. It’s a hobby that’s constructive, not destructive.”

Gallery • 4 Photos

Courtesy of Meghan Daniel

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