Custom Cross Stitches
Looking for a really unique gift idea for a family member? Or something for that person in your life who seems to have everything? The cross stitches made by Kristen of The Southern Seam might be the perfect gift!
Kristen makes birth announcement and name stitches, family portrait stitches, and recently started taking wedding orders as well! She customizes each order based on her clients desires, so truly no two are ever the same.
Our Family Stitch
Kristen gifted us a cross stitch of our family, and it’s one of my favorite things in our house right now. It hasn’t moved from my mantle since she gave it to me. What’s really special about the family stitches in particular, is that they are a snapshot in time. I will always remember that it was made the year Jacob was born!
Kristen likes to work off a photo, and this is one the she based our stitch off of. It was our pregnancy announcement photo, so she just added Jacob into my arms to make our family complete!
Cross stitches like Kristen’s have passed the test of time, and they are definitely having another moment right now! These pieces of artwork are something that won’t go out of style, and I imagine will turn into special family heirlooms passed down from generation to generation.
The Process
Kristen was extremely easy to work with. After ordering, she sent an email asking about my preferences for the stitch and any details I would like included. She was very responsive via email, which I always appreciate. The stitches do take a while to complete (they are very time consuming), but she delivered the product in the amount of time she promised.
Most importantly, Kristen is talented, professional and kind. The Southern Seam is a small business I encourage you support if you are in the market for a handmade gift for a loved one!
If you are reading this right when it goes live, we are doing a giveaway for a free custom cross stitch over on my instagram!
The Scoop on The Southern Seam
1. Tell us a little bit about you and your family.
My name is Kristen Kennedy Dvorsky, and I live in Cypress, TX. I grew up in Southern Louisiana just north of New Orleans, graduated with my Undergrad and Masters from Ole Miss and moved to Houston about 8 years ago once I met my husband, Mike. We have been married almost 6 years and have 2 kids Jack (2) and Maggie (1). I was an elementary school teacher for 5 years before deciding to stay at home with Jack and Maggie.
2. How did The Southern Seam start? Have you always enjoyed DIY projects? What inspired you to get started?
Being a stay at home mom is hard!! You almost lose a sense of yourself as your every day life begins to revolve around your kids. This transition is tough, so when I decided to stop working, I eventually felt like I needed something for me. Something I could create, something to make me feel accomplished, something I could feel proud of, and something to help my family by adding a little extra income.
The Southern Seam has been through a lot of product variations as I try to hone in on what makes me happiest and what I can create while still focusing on my kids. Easier said than done! I have always been “crafty” and a fast learner. So I bought an embroidery machine and taught myself how to use it – it felt good putting my brain towards learning something. I bought a cross stitch book and learned that as well. I am always shocked when people think my work is good enough to actually purchase. It has been so fun getting to create special items for others, while also carving out a creative outlet for myself.
3. Where did you get the idea for the name?
Coming up with a business name is hard! Lots of good ones are already taken. I made lots of lists of adjectives that described me and/or my life along with words that had to do with sewing/embroidery/crafting. I mix and matched until something sounded good and then I would google it to see if it was taken! Definitely not rocket science! I eventually ended up with The Southern Seam!
4. What kinds of products does The Southern Seam create and sell? What is your specialty?
I create anything for your cross stitch needs! I started off selling embroidered children shirts, but as my kids got older (and more mobile) I wasn’t able to sit at my machine uninterrupted anymore. So I ventured into working with my hands instead. I create cross stitch family portraits, cross stitch baby announcements, cross stitch name signs. But really, the options are endless! I love when someone comes to me with a new idea for a project!
5. What items are most popular? What price points can people expect?
My most popular item at the moment is the family stitch portrait. They also happen to be my favorite ๐ I think customers love these because they are such a fun and unique idea! They definitely have a feel of old school nostalgia to them, reminding you of your grandma who used to cross stitch, or an “old timey” photo.
Each family stitch is really a snapshot of your family’s life. You can truly capture moments of time as a keepsake – whether it’s welcoming a new baby, a sweet Mother’s Day gift with grandma and her grandkids, or just a portrait of your loved ones. They are such a personalized and thoughtful gift, it really is special to share with someone you love.
I would say my specialty at the moment is definitely the family portraits. They are so fun to make because while the skill is the same, each one is so uniquely different and that is really cool.
My family portraits start at $50 and increase as more family members are added. Each one includes a word or phrase of your choice and an extra (usually floral) detail. Birth announcements are $50 as well while smaller or less detailed hoops are around $30+. Everything can be catered to individual requests!
6. Do you do custom orders? What is your typical turn around time?
Yes, I actually love custom orders!! I love trying new things and am happy to try anything you have in mind. In my opinion, the more custom details and ideas you provide, the better!!
Items currently ship in 4-6 weeks time, but that can change around holiday and busy seasons. (Hint: purchase early!!) It is a time consuming art ๐
7. What is the best way to order?
The best way to order is through my Etsy shop. You can also follow The Southern Seam on Facebook and Instagram, where you can find lots of examples of my work. If you have any special requests or questions, you can message me through any of these medias. I’m always more than happy to chat!
8. Do you have any advice for someone wanting to start their own business? Have you had any lessons learned so far you’d like to share?
Starting your own business can be very intimidating, but don’t let that stop you! Do your research, become educated, and get started. The best way to learn is by DOING. I felt a lot of pressure when I first started (self-inflicted by me!) to do as much as possible at an intense rate – that led me down a quick learning curve!
Have high expectations, but give yourself lots of grace. Work hard, but not so hard that everything else becomes secondary. Make sure you know your priorities and give merit to what is most important to you and your family. As I grow in my business, I find constant struggle balancing work with being a mother and wife (as I am sure almost everyone out there can attest to). Know that this is normal and embrace the chaos! Be open and communicate with your spouse, he/she will be a good sounding board for your thoughts and ideas. If you become overwhelmed, take a step back, refocus, and try again. Boy was that an earful or what!! ๐
9. What does the future look like for The Southern Seam?
I am so excited to see where The Southern Seam will go next!! I am in such a great place right now, stitching and enjoying my littles at home. As they grow up, I know my business will too. I have some fun ideas for Christmas (think: personalized ornaments and gifts!) The great part about owning your own business is being my own boss – the world is my (stitching) oyster!
Would you like your small business to be featured on Route to Health and Wealth? Email me at route2healthandwealth@gmail.com to be considered.
