Hi! My name is Sarah Milligan, and I create embroidery patterns and kits for my shop, I Heart Stitch Art. I live with my husband and our three children on beautiful Vancouver Island, Canada.
I’ve always considered myself a creative person – I completed an art history degree, sampled fashion design at Parsons in New York City, and launched a custom wedding flower studio before having kids. However, it wasn’t until a challenging 18-month period that I realized just how essential creativity is to my soul.
During that period, my husband was laid off from three different jobs (each requiring us to change cities); meanwhile, our third child was born and diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. To put it lightly, it was a period of extreme stress. One day, in the midst of it all, I was home-schooling my six-year-old, and I gave her a piece of burlap in an embroidery hoop. I hadn’t embroidered in years, but when I held that hoop and pulled the needle through the fabric to show her how it worked, I felt a spark. It surprised me completely, and right then, I knew embroidery held something special for me.
Looking to refresh my skills, I started searching for embroidery kits. When I was unable to find any with the designs or materials I wanted, I decided to teach myself using books instead. The more I stitched, the more I fell in love with the meditative, relaxing, and therapeutic process. In time, I had a clear idea of what I wanted in a kit, and I came to realize that my husband’s unemployment was actually an opportunity in disguise: it allowed me the time and motivation I needed to create the kits I envisioned. With my husband’s support, I took the leap and opened my shop a few months later. I clearly remember the thrill and overwhelming sense of gratitude I felt with our first order, and I still feel it when I get an order today.
I find a lot of inspiration in flowers and nature, but what really gets my heart thumping are antique illustrations. When I create, I usually begin with an idea for a pattern: for example, a bee. I’ll look through as many antique prints and engravings as I can find, then combine my favorite elements from each. I draw (and re-draw) designs on a light table, revising and perfecting until the design matches my vision. Next, I transfer the image to linen and start experimenting with stitches and colors. I find the process of turning a line drawing into an embroidery pattern really interesting – it’s all about finding the right level of detail, and thinking of ways to translate those details in thread.
It’s really important to me that my kits be accessible and user-friendly. All of my patterns are printed directly onto the fabric so there are no obstacles to getting started – it’s literally just a matter of putting the fabric into a hoop and threading the needle. I also strive to make my instructions clear and comprehensive; after all, the point is to help people find an easy little pocket of creativity in their busy lives. I know what a balm embroidery is for the soul, and I want to share it. I Heart Stitch Art is the product of my own quest for beauty and peace, but with each order, I’m sending a little package of joy into the world, too. I love that.
Etsy is the reason my shop has come to life. If not for Etsy, I simply wouldn’t have known where to start – no other platform has such a sense of community and creative energy. Selling my work here has led to many connections and collaborations with other artists, some of which are forthcoming. In the next year, I’m planning on releasing new designs and building upon the types of kits we offer. We’ll also aim to expand our wholesale line and seek connections with more brick and mortar shops, thanks to Etsy Wholesale. Above all, I want to keep sending kits out into the world and spreading my love of hand embroidery.
Follow I Heart Stitch Art on Instagram and Pinterest.
Studio photos by Matthew Meredith; product photography by I Heart Stitch Art.
Shop I Heart Stitch Art
168 comments
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 5 years ago
Love your shop! Congratulations on the feature!
Helen Mills from 1820BagCo said 5 years ago
Very beautiful! Nice work! Congratulations on the feature!
DeUno from DeUno said 5 years ago
Looks like fun! Great idea! Congratulations on the feature!
Sue from SuesAkornShop said 5 years ago
Awesome shop. Congrats on the feature!
Rosita from pillowlink said 5 years ago
Your works are so original and attractive. I love browsing your prints. They all so cute. stitching is something that I am not patient for.. Great that you are featured! Nice studio trip. Congrats!
Jeannie from heartfeltwhimsy said 5 years ago
Great work, beautiful kits! Congratulations!
Poster Locker from PosterLocker said 5 years ago
I loved reading your story! Lovely shop, congrats!
Olga Mareeva from OlgaMareeva said 5 years ago
Lovely! Great!
thedelhistore from theDelhiStore said 5 years ago
Love your designs, congratulations on the feature!
Seipelo kele from seipeloart said 5 years ago
wow! that is great art!!!! Love it.
Andrii from OakKitchenBoards said 5 years ago
Very beautiful!
benna and hanna from bennaandhanna said 5 years ago
Beautiful shop, story and design. Congrats and more blessings!
KP from oldspoolquiltery said 5 years ago
Lovely! Congratulations on your well deserved feature!
Judy W from JudyHandmadeCreation said 5 years ago
Congrats on the feature!
Michela from LilyandFern said 5 years ago
Great kits! Congrats :-)
Kristina Beganovic from blackbirdbag said 5 years ago
Beautiful creations, congrats!
Inga and Daiva from Florentes said 5 years ago
Beautiful shop and amazing products, congrats!
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 5 years ago
Wonderful shop and creations! Congratulations on the feature!
Beth J. from PegasusGuild said 5 years ago
Stunning! Congratulations! :)
Renee from RandMhandmade said 5 years ago
Beautiful!!
Tempy from UrbanGreyWhale said 5 years ago
Such a brilliant idea Sarah! Well done and I wish you so much success and happiness after what you've been through- you deserve it!!
Donka Tsaneva from PersaBags said 5 years ago
Super professionally looking shop! Congrats! Loved your work!
Carol Wagner from VintageBettyLuke said 5 years ago
Love your shop name, workspace and designs!
Oksana Bilous from NeedForStitch said 5 years ago
Inspiring story, lovely shop!
elle and belle Forster from elleandbellejewelry said 5 years ago
Lovely l designs! Thanks for sharing your inspiring story. All the best, Sarah on beautiful Vancouver Island!
Adrienne from DabAndDabble said 5 years ago
Experiencing workspace envy : ) Congrats!
Monica from ThreeBarDGifts said 5 years ago
I love needle work! You have some wonderful designs and a lovely shop! I hope your third child is doing well. Congrats on the feature!
DivineOrders from DivineOrders said 5 years ago
GLORIOUS! Congrats on the feature. Thank you Sarah for sharing your emotional story, peace-filled inspiration, and lovely designs with us. Blessings to your family. Peace.
Tim Condron from InOro said 5 years ago
Fantastic photo's and story. It's great that you were able to turn a rough part of your life into a great opportunity! Best of luck for the future!
Mike and Jess from JessiesOrientalRugs said 5 years ago
Beautiful story and beautiful shop, congratulations on the feature!
Julie Grzesiek from GlassLake said 5 years ago
Love your shop and your studio! Congratulations on your success! :-)
ACR from WoodsyWools said 5 years ago
Great shop :-)
Tina St. John from TinaStJohnJewelry said 5 years ago
Lovely products. Congratulations!
Diana from LeSeForYou said 5 years ago
Wonderful shop! ☆CONGRATULATIONS☆
Rebecca and Daniel from HabitNationUSA said 5 years ago
Beautiful designs! I especially love your owl and the insects. Well done!
LaNae from FoundSomewhereInTime said 5 years ago
I Heart Stitch Art Shop! Oh my goodness Sarah, do I love your designs! So clean and yet vintage too. I have to have a few! I have always loved stitchery and have felt it is becoming a dying art. You are keeping the legacy going, kuddos to you. Love how you turned lemons into lemonade. Congrats on the Etsy feature, you so deserve it! Off to visit and shop "I Heart Stitch Art"
stacey from TessCloset said 5 years ago
Love your shop! Thanks for sharing your story and how you turned a situation into a positive, creative experience. Wishing you all the best! Congrats!!
LaQueta from ClassicBabyWhites said 5 years ago
Great to meet another Canadian who loves embroidery! I adore sitting in a sunny window or perhaps in my garden, hand stitching vintage floral embroidery on my baby garments. My 3 year old grand-daughter is already a crafter. As soon as she can safely handle a needle I want to start teaching her needlework. But finding kits for children to learn beginner needlework is very difficult. Perhaps something to consider? :)
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 5 years ago
Lovely shop! Congratulations on the feature!
Susie from ShoesbySusie said 5 years ago
Inspiring story and your creativity is beautiful! I wish you to very best!
Monica from Monicaj said 5 years ago
Great work! Congratulations on the feature!
Sherri from ButterflyFeetDigital said 5 years ago
Beautiful, congrats on the feature!
Linda and Osman from SilverStream925 said 5 years ago
H I Sarah ! Lovely to see your Shop, your wonderful kits, and read your heart-felt story ! I live on Vancouver Island also. Best Regards and success, Linda
Chelsea from ThreadTheWick said 5 years ago
Congrats on the feature Sarah! That is so awesome!!!
Alexandra B. from JnAOriginal said 5 years ago
Wow! I love your work and your story! Happy creating fellow Canadian :)
Danielle from merriweathercouncil said 5 years ago
YYAYAYAYAY!!!!
Stacey from GraphixLLC said 5 years ago
Wonderful shop! Love your workspace and your products! Congrats on the feature and best wishes to you!
Cheridah Spaulding from CheridahHatsNBags said 5 years ago
Good shop, wish you the best.
Yarn shop from PetiteWool said 5 years ago
Congratulations on the feature!
Printable Nature from printablenature said 5 years ago
Such a heart warming story! Congrats, I wish you and your family all the best! Good luck with the new shop too!
Craft Adorned from CraftAdorned said 5 years ago
Fantastic feature! Wishing you continued success in 2016! Congratulations.
Bale and Twine from baleandtwine said 5 years ago
Lovely work! Incredible journey! Best of luck in the future. Your new shop looks like it will be fun! Congrats!
melainescreations from melainescreations said 5 years ago
Your shop looks bright and well organized! I wish you great success with your shop.
Francine from HomespunHeartofMine said 5 years ago
Very charming designs!!! Congratulations on the feature and all the best for continued success in the future!!! :D
Two Guys From Brooklyn from AhsenGifts said 5 years ago
Very beautiful! Nice work! Congratulations on the feature! Two Guys From Brooklyn
Nadia B from BasicKnitwear said 5 years ago
Congrats on the feature!
Etrennes from Etrennes said 5 years ago
Beautiful designs! Wishing you all the best for continued success!!!
Shulamit Raanan from ShuliDesigns said 5 years ago
Congrats on a great feature! You are so talented... I love your work!!!! :-) I wish you all the best in the future!
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 5 years ago
Wonderful creative designs!+
Christina from TheWildPlum said 5 years ago
Oh my gosh! So! Creative! And fun! Congratulations!!!
Jeanne S from EclecticSageVintage said 5 years ago
Your joy in creating and sharing really comes through in the article and in your shop. Congrats on the feature.
Square Squirrel Studio from SquareSquirrelStudio said 5 years ago
Got to say we love your workspace. A great environment clearly helps produce stunning designs. Well deserved success.
Suzie Frischmann from Leguanworld said 5 years ago
I just love your designs! They are so cute and heartwarming. Thank you for sharing your story. I'm wishing you all the best!
Kim Cole from BeachDaisyJewelry said 5 years ago
Beautiful embroidery designs, love the bicycle with a basket full of flowers! Congrats on the feature and continued success!
Patti Jacob from envisionandCREATE said 5 years ago
I love your designs, especially the ones relating to nature! Just beautiful! Congratulations on your success and finding your peace. :)
Tim and Brigita Cornwell from jacobswoodentoys said 5 years ago
Beautiful shop. Congrats to a fellow Canadian on a well deserved feature!
JOANNA from BUSTANI said 5 years ago
Awesome shop. Congrats on the feature!
TwigBerryStudio from TwigBerryStudio said 5 years ago
What a great idea to create embroidery kits! I love how you package the needles and thread, as well as your kits as a whole! Thanks for giving us a glimpse of your process and your studio! I love the owl. Great work!
Sandy Wiggins from SandyWigginsImages said 5 years ago
A heart-warming and inspiring story. Sending a big congratulations to you Sarah all the way from Vancouver. Much future success to you!
Nancy from HerMajestysPug said 5 years ago
Bravo Sarah!!! J'adore your shop!!! Congrats on being featured!!! And, here's to beaucoup more success!!! Pugs & kisses
Kelly from LucyRoseDesigns said 5 years ago
What a lovely shop!! Congratulations on the feature, really enjoyed reading it, all the best for 2016!!
Iris from KlampDesign said 5 years ago
Beautiful shop. Congrats on the feature! :)
Jafeth Moiane from handicraftafrica said 5 years ago
Wow! Amazing work! Congrats!
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 5 years ago
It is amazing Etsy gave us all so many opportunities while the world shut the door. Beautiful shop. Congratulations on the feature.
Snazzy Living from Snazzyliving said 5 years ago
love the shop. Congrats
Yael Berger from TheJoyofColor said 5 years ago
Thank you for sharing your story with us Sarah, your shop and designs are beautiful , congrats for the feature
Marilyn Watrous from PerfectPurseonality said 5 years ago
Oh my goodness! I absolutely love what you do! Just awesome! I love your shop too! But, love love what you do! My you be blessed in everything you do!
Greg and Mary from LightingAlchemy said 5 years ago
Lovely work and story!
Greg and Mary from LightingAlchemy said 5 years ago
Congratulations!!
NeatoKeen from NeatoKeen said 5 years ago
Love the gray background fabric! Congratulations and best wishes for continued success on Etsy!
Relly from RelsFindsNapaValley said 5 years ago
Nice, clean design patterns. I like especially the Bicycle Embroidery Design. Thanks for sharing your story. Congratulations Sarah of I Heart Stitch Art Shop.
Sandra from PreserveStudio said 5 years ago
Congratulations on being featured. You seem to have discovered a great way to bring your art to others. Well done!
Gina from comfydesign4u said 5 years ago
Congrat !!!! Great store and story !
Dorothy from JewelrybyDorothy said 5 years ago
Lovely work! Congrats on the feature!
Janine from MomsantiquesNthings said 5 years ago
Congrats on the feature, what a great success story! Love your shop and your workspace is just darling! Continues success in 2016!!
Prayer Notes by Cynthia from PrayerNotes said 5 years ago
Beautiful shop and inspirational story! Joy!
BIG MAMA JU from BIGMAMAJU said 5 years ago
Good job...Congratulations on the feature!
Cheryl Mendenhall from EECustomHorseShoes said 5 years ago
Congratulations on your feature! Love your shop and story. I lie seeing your behind-the-scenes of your shop.
FrenchPaperMoon Gelman from FrenchPaperMoon said 5 years ago
Such an inspirational story and products--wishing you all the best for the future!
Jeanne B from PruAtelier said 5 years ago
Wonderful story....glad you got through your bad times only to come back on the up-side with your creativity! I too LOVE embroidery both new and of course all the vintage pieces done in other places, other times! Good luck to you and congrats on being featured!
UNEMPLOYED Custom Orders Wanted USA Made Superhero Cufflinks Wedding Jewelry from boloties said 5 years ago
Congratulations on your success!
BonTons from BonTons said 5 years ago
Great shop. Congratulations on the Feature
Vesna Watsana from Loshcika said 5 years ago
Thank you for sharing your story! Most of everything I love the message. Creativity through embroidery (or as well any other honest work and art where you feel acomplished) can significnatly improve one's health, strength and relations. It helps to re-connect. This is I guess far greatest success. A lot of love and good luck to you and your family. Keep up with great work.
Georgia from JewelMeShop said 5 years ago
Great story! Thanks for sharing!
Sonja Bikić from DeepSilence said 5 years ago
Great
Laney from LittleLaneyTails said 5 years ago
I love this shop story. I am not content unless my hands are creating "My soul is fed with needle and thread."
faten ibrahim from SHAWQIART said 5 years ago
Wonderful shop! ☆CONGRATULATIONS☆
Kustom Cross Stitch from KustomCrossStitch said 5 years ago
Love your work! Nice job!
Linda Foerster from HollyCreekHome said 5 years ago
Beautiful story! I too share your love of embroidery!!
Louise Lipps from LouisaDesigns said 5 years ago
Congrats
little Lia from LittleLiaGraphic said 5 years ago
Lovely work! congrats for the feature :D
Jennifer and Gary Pierce from LoftAtticEarth said 5 years ago
Great shop. Love how you turned adversity into a successful business! Looking forward to seeing your upcoming designs for 2016.
Lisa Brickle from DestinyCollections said 5 years ago
Love your work. Gorgeous shop !!
Megan C from AlaskaBagCompany said 5 years ago
Great shop, congrats!
Maria from StyleGraphicDesign said 5 years ago
Wonderful work!! Congrats:)
Nakkashe from Nakkashe said 5 years ago
Great work ..I love hand embroidery... Congratulations on the future...
Caroline Barbosa from OldSoulVintageLtd said 5 years ago
Beautiful studio and shop! Love your kits! Congrats!
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 5 years ago
So cool to share your creativity with kits ~ Cheers in spreading the embroidery love !
Ginette Young said 5 years ago
You're an inspiration... Both in life and as a creative artist.
Proton ThreeD from Proton3D said 5 years ago
Beautiful kits, congrats!
Kathya from aLittleBirdTweetme said 5 years ago
awesome shop! I love embroidery..I just wish I had the time to do it as well!
Jenette Robert from OverTheMoonBridal said 5 years ago
Super cute shop! Congratulations on the feature!
Jen Root from SheepyShoes said 5 years ago
Sarah, I love your story, and I'm so happy for your success. What a great example you and your shop are. Embroidery has always had a special place in my heart as well; my paternal grandmother created beautiful gifts for us, and my mom always did too. You've inspired me to go back to an old love of mine as well. :)
Vintage Gypsy Studios from BohemianGypsyCaravan said 5 years ago
Very cool ! Love the color choices.
HummingbirdCraftsLLC from HummingbirdCraftsLLC said 5 years ago
Awesome story and shop! Congratulations! :)
Eleri K from CleopatrasJewelry said 5 years ago
What beautiful, fresh embroidery designs! I love your work.
Renata Sponn Design from Sponndesign said 5 years ago
Beautiful shop, story and design. Congratulations! :)
Michelle Yi from SweetPaperDesignSol said 5 years ago
Awesome^^I like your work!!
Jennifer Hill from CottageCanyonCrafts said 5 years ago
Congratulations on the etsy feature. Best wishes for the new year.
LivingVintage from LivingVintage said 5 years ago
Love your designs. Congrats!
Cheryl Berry from PretticoateJunction said 5 years ago
Congratulations on a future filled with great success!. Thanks for sharing. Great shop.
Rhonda Stubbs from RhondaCorner said 5 years ago
I love your story and remembered the first time I put needle to hoop. It was a feeling of satisfaction and anticipation. I love your patterns. Keep up the great work.
Elena Korotkova from EllDolls said 5 years ago
Nice work! Wonderful shop!
Camille Turner from DelicateAndLayered said 5 years ago
This looks so fun!
Camille Turner from DelicateAndLayered said 5 years ago
Your shop I mean being able to buy kits.
Sarah Milligan from iHeartStitchArt said 5 years ago
Thank you for your kind and encouraging comments, everyone! I've read every comment and appreciate them so much. The Etsy community is so wonderful to be a part of. <3
June from isewcute said 5 years ago
I love how you transfer your art to fabric for stitching! So fun! Congrats on the feature!
silkyskyjewelry from silkyskyjewelry said 5 years ago
Wow beautiful art and even wrapping is also so artistic! Congrats!
Victoria Griffiths Sarah Williams from HooksforHugo said 5 years ago
I love all these stories, love your shop and your journey. Thanks for sharing.
Julia K Walton from FireHorseVintageHQ said 5 years ago
Beautifully presented products - wonderful! :o)
Shelly Okun from ShellyClayspot said 5 years ago
Really neat, lovely products, congratulations!
studioathome from StudioatHome said 5 years ago
beautiful work, congrats on the feature
Mary Jo and Rachael from SouvenirAndSalvage said 5 years ago
What an inspiring story, lovely products and beautiful shop! So happy you were able to take something you love and use it to tap into your creativity and benefit your family. Congrats on the feature and wishing you all the best in your future endeavors!
Melissa Collins from adairya2 said 5 years ago
Beautiful! I too have a love for hand embroidery! I loved seeing the stack of embroidered flour sack towels my grandmother was always working on. It is such a freedom and pure thing to make things with our hands! Thank you for sharing your gift with the world! Your kits are so great!
Alanna Thompson said 5 years ago
Love your work,The design of the fashion!
Melissa Burke from ApiaryKnits said 5 years ago
Lovely shop and feature story! So nice to see someone being able to do what they love with the support of family. Have to say that the bee is my favorite! ;-)
dori1955 from EnigmaSkulls said 5 years ago
Your faith, courage, and talent are what made your business a success ... your family must be very proud of you. In spite of what was going on in your life ... you 'listened' to the spark and didn't let it die. Congratulations and blessings to you and your family. It was a wonderful feature story!
Gabi and Einav from shtaim said 5 years ago
Love your art!
Krasi Kids Art from gingerkidsart said 5 years ago
Your ideas are very interesting and your work is beautiful. Congratulations to you !
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 5 years ago
Awesome creative designs! Congratulations on the feature!
Cristy Ramos from ArtisanBathandBody said 5 years ago
Lovely shop! Congratulations on the feature!
Priscilla from Gardenmis said 5 years ago
Inspirational story! Congratulations on the feature :)
Diana from joliefemme said 5 years ago
How wonderful! I find embroidery and handmade needle art to be meditative and relaxing. A great creative release of stress!
s&i sipe from spirallollipop said 5 years ago
pretty, pretty!!
Barbara Gable from CrazyLovely said 5 years ago
super cute! Congrats on the feature
CHIC FLAG from ChicFlag said 5 years ago
Lovely! Congrats....
Geta Bora from CarouselBoutiqueUSA said 5 years ago
What an inspirational story!! Congratulations!
Jeeranut Noikhong from ginew said 5 years ago
Beautiful works, congrats!
Liz and Phil Van D from lizystuff said 5 years ago
Amazing designs and beautiful shop! Congratulations on the feature!
Rasa Rabaciene from PRINTDECOstudio said 5 years ago
Really cozy and warm, good luck with the work!
Matejka Max from NattyMatty said 5 years ago
Compliments!
Stacy from TinySacredThings said 5 years ago
Reading your story and seeing your kits makes me want to start doing embroidery. So beautiful. Wishing you continued success.
Kristine Baltazar from homeofficemobile said 5 years ago
These are awesome, you should also make and promote pop filters for recording musicians. The product is already there as far as the structure goes. Keep creating, Great work and designs!
Kim Phillips from PotcakeAndCompany said 5 years ago
What a great story! Congrats on the feature and good luck!
Hajira Gibb from HajiraKG said 5 years ago
Beautiful shop and great work. Congrats on the feature :)
FabGiftsDesign from FabGiftsDesign said 5 years ago
Beautiful shop, congrats!
Shannon McEntyre from WillowCreekCompany said 5 years ago
Love your shop! Congratulations :-)
Katyooshjewelry jewelry from Kattyoosh said 5 years ago
Beautiful and clean work.congratulations!
Katie Anne from MiddleCoast said 5 years ago
I am so happy for your success! I will def be a customer! ;) Stories like this are so inspiring to me since I am a mother myself. So glad you were able to share your story! <3
Patricia Ramirez from patsdesign said 5 years ago
Congrats!!! Cute shop
Jovita from alabatis said 5 years ago
Cute shop! Congratulations!
philosofhe from philosofhe said 5 years ago
I love your story, very inspired by it?
ezliving from ezliving said 5 years ago
Love your shop!
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 5 years ago
I heart stitched art as well :)
Flair Nouri from FlairPaintings said 4 years ago
very nice and neat!!!
CraftyEggs from CraftyEggs said 4 years ago
Wonderful shop! Congrats on the feature!
Adam Leou from TreasureCollec said 1 year ago
In fact, you are also a workshop operator!
Kordula from BuddhaYou said 1 year ago
looks so easy but i think it´s a pacience work :) lovely shop !!