CQ: How on earthsicles did you come up with the great moniker of Stitchy McYarnpants? And have you noticed the naming trend you've started over at cuteoverload.com (Fluffy McFluffersons, Smooshie McSmooshersons)?

SM: I can’t remember exactly where I’d heard this naming convention for the first time. I wish I could take credit for it, but I can’t. It’s one of those things that’s hard to trace back to an originator. When I created the blog, I knew I wanted it to have a character rather than just a title. I went back and forth for a little while and almost ended up as Yarny McStitchpants, but luckily I came to my senses. And can I just say that I’m a Cute Overload addict? It’s how I get through most days without a meltdown.

CQ: Do you have any similar nicknames for your darling husband or ani-mules?

SM: You know, I do tend to nickname people and animals, but none of them use that naming convention. My husband’s name is Jon and all my friends call him Yanni. My hair colorist started that one. And the cats get more descriptive nicknames added to their real names like Miss Chloe, Baby Dot, Chi-Chi Fat Boy, and Michael Bad Boy.

CQ: Is there an actual Museum somewhere and, if so, do you need any docents? I'm free on Tuesdays!

SM: There didn’t used to be, but I’ve been collecting some real gems to take on the road with me when I do the book tour. I’m putting together the MOKS Traveling Trunk Show and I’ve got a bin full of acrylic artifacts in need of cataloging and carbon dating, so maybe I should get an intern. Docents sound a little pricey.

I’m hoping to make the book signing events more interesting and interactive by having real live Kitschy Stitches on hand. I think it’ll enhance the experience if patrons can actually hear the squeak of the plastic yarn or wrestle free from the clutches of an evil acrylic clown hell bent on a blood feast. I even found one of the sweaters that’s actually in the book!

CQ: I admire you for keeping your identity somewhat under wraps, that's tricky in these days of Bennifer and TomKat. Is this all part of your plan for world domination? Are you really a mild-mannered computer programmer by day?

SM: I really like having Stitchy take the responsibility for everything. I mean, I haven’t had a psychotic break or anything and I know that we’re the same person, but it helps me get into the right headspace when I’m writing if I can ask myself “What would Stitchy say about this cowl-necked nightmare with batwing sleeves and a bow on the back?” I was delighted that the publisher was willing to have the book authored by Stitchy and I love that it says “McYarnpants” on the spine. I purposely didn’t want my picture by the author bio. I’m not exactly sure why, but it was important for me to keep Stitchy and Debbie separate. I think it’s just easier for me to address a lot of people as someone else. I’m actually a very shy person, but when I started college in Boston, I decided to pretend I wasn’t and that worked pretty well. I think Stitchy is an extension of that, a mask that looks exactly like me. I’m hoping she won’t totally freak out having to do this book tour. I know I have a terrible time speaking in front of an audience.

I am actually a programmer, though I’m not so much “mild-mannered” as I am “willing to let you live, just for a little while longer” if you keep alerting me to bugs in my code. I work a lot of hours and lately it’s been crazy busy, so it’s been hard to keep up with the blog and new MOKS entries. Stitchy and Debbie go back and forth a lot about whose work gets the most attention. In the end, Debbie always wins and Stitchy has to stay up until the wee hours trying to make with the funny. Hopefully someday in the not-too-distant future, Stitchy will be able to create by daylight.

CQ: How did you amass such an impressive collection of kitsch -- how long have you been at it and where does it come from?

SM: It’s all about eBay, baby. And flea markets, yard sales, and peoples’ mother’s attics. I’ve collected vintage decorating and ladies magazines for a while and when I started knitting, it just naturally progressed. I love the crazy imagery of this domestic fantasy world. And as much as I like the idea of ladies twirling around their oh-so modern kitchens wearing crinolines and holding fluffy cakes, I know it’s just as fake as what I see in today’s ladies magazines. No one is living that kind of life, they just take pieces of it here and there, wherever they can fit it in. I guess I’m nostalgic for a time that never really happened, but I’m ok with that. It’s not that I want to live that life, I’m just endlessly amused by its cheeky innocence and often bitter irony. To me, it’s such a crazy ideal to hope to achieve.

I find that I’m less likely to make fun of patterns from the 50’s and 60’s because I really do love the style of that time. There are some doozies, but I find many more great patterns than bad ones from that time period. Maybe having been around for the 70’s and 80’s has colored my perception of those decades. Or maybe it was 20 years of pure crap. Either way, I’m oddly attracted to ridiculously unattractive fashion. I wish more people would dress with comedy in mind. I’ve done my share of it, I promise you.

CQ: Tell me any favorite stories about particular pieces and how they came into your collection.

SM: Lately, whenever I go on an eBay binge and the packages start streaming in, I’ve been blaming our youngest cat, Mike. He’s two and it turns out, his sensibilities are uncannily similar to mine. I can’t believe that he’s so into knitting and crocheting patterns and he always manages to pick out just the right stuff. He’s got a good eye for kitsch. Remarkable, really. I think my husband is finally starting to believe me. He suggested that I limit Mike’s time on the computer, but I feel that if this is how he wants to spend his allowance, so be it.

CQ: What's next for Stitchy? Postcards? A macrame sequel? (be still, my beating heart!)

SM: I’m bursting with ideas for future projects and am working on a couple of proposals right now. I don’t want to jinx myself, but let’s just say that I’m laying the groundwork for eventual world domination. You will be assimilated, and you’re gonna freaking love it! I hope.

CQ: You KNOW it!! How titillating and scrumptious! Well, I can't wait. Crafty's gonna keep an eye on you! Thanks for telling us your secrets, Stitchy! And congrats on the stellar book!

BUY THE BOOK!

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p.s.

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