Episode 38: Feminist Art: Cross-Stitch with Stephanie Rohr

In this episode of The Gynarchy Podcast, we talk with cross-stitch artist and author Stephanie Rohr about feminist art, fiber crafts, and how she turned a traditional “women’s hobby” into a bold, subversive creative business that challenges norms and reclaims the value of women’s work.

Stephanie shares her journey from learning cross-stitch as a child to launching her business, StephXStitch, how she uses humor, pop culture, and activism to create her snarky, feminist designs, and some of the challenges she’s faced along the way.

Topics we cover in this episode:

• The history of cross-stitch and its roots in women’s domestic labor
• How fiber arts have been undervalued and excluded from “fine art” spaces
• Stephanie’s journey from theater to running a successful cross-stitch business
• The rise of “subversive cross-stitch” and feminist messaging in craft
• How the internet and digital tools transformed cross-stitch design and accessibility
• The meditative and mental health benefits of cross-stitch
• The challenges of pricing handmade art and overcoming imposter syndrome as a creative entrepreneur
• Viral moments, media features, and unexpected controversies along her journey to success
• Using humor, pop culture, and profanity to challenge patriarchy
• Making art accessible through finished pieces, DIY kits, and patterns
• Why cross-stitch—and feminism—is for everyone

Tune in on Monday, May 4th, and make sure to subscribe and stay updated on all of our episodes.

Connect with Stephanie Rohr:
Instagram:
Stephanie Rohr (@stephxstitch) • Instagram profile

Website:
stephXstitch

Etsy:
stephXstitch - Etsy