Exciting news! You may have known me as Maddi — I'm now going by Noah(they/them), a name that reflects who I’ve always been and who I’m becoming. This change is part of living more fully and openly in my truth.
Stab.it.Pretty is contemporary embroidery that’s avowedly queer, body-positive, and unapologetically progressive. I’m Noah (they/them) a non-binary, queer, and disabled artist busy stabbing things until they are pretty. I’m a fourth-generation settler and an uninvited guest living and creating on the unceded, stolen lands of the Coast Salish peoples, including the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations (Vancouver) - I put this here as a reminder to step into action.
What started as a way to pass time after being diagnosed with a chronic illness has grown into a fulfilling and expressive art practice. I was raised in a strict Christian household where queerness was forbidden, but art became my refuge and a way to build a life grounded in authenticity and joy. I now create vibrant, rainbow-filled pieces that celebrate queer identity, neurodivergence, and resistance. Every stitch is made with love and intention.
I’m pansexual, practice relationship anarchy, and live with Functional Neurological Disorder, non-epileptic seizures, and complex PTSD. My creative life is deeply intertwined with rest, healing, and the radical act of self-preservation. I’m also passionate about mutual aid, community care, and all things Whales!
While I originally trained in acting, I’ve found my true creative home in visual and fiber arts — especially embroidery. Whether you're looking for a one-of-a-kind gift or a custom portrait of your loved ones (furry or otherwise), I'm here to help bring your vision to life with color, care, and connection.
#aboutme #meettheartist #bio #thewhy #artist #artistbio #biography #fnd #functionalneurologicaldisorder #fndawareness #fndwarrior #cptsd #mystory #chronicpain #pnes #pnesawareness #embroidery #embroider #fibreart #embroideryart #vancouver #yvr #vancouverartist #meetthecreator #behindtheart #queerart #queeraf #prideart #pridemonth2025 #notyourgrandmascrossstitch
Upcoming Events – Spring Edition
The days are getting longer, the air’s a little softer, and I’m stepping back out into the world with polished boots, fresh art, and spaces to connect. Here’s where you can find me this spring:
APRIL 19 - Shoeshine Sunday @crossandcrows
1PM-4PM
Winter’s wear and tear deserves some love. Bring your boots, bags, and well-loved leather—I’ll clean, condition, and shine them back to life.
APRIL 20 - Non-Monogamy Discussion Group Vancouver
Hosted by myself + partner at Cross & Crows Books - Doors 7PM, Discussion 7:30PM
A space for non-monogamous folks (and the curious) to connect, share, and learn together. Come as you are.
MAY 2 - Halfway to Halloween @creators.coven
A little taste of spooky season in the middle of spring 🌙 Expect weird, witchy, and wonderful goods - I’ll be there with my art and handmade pieces.
MAY 17 - Shoeshine Sunday @crossandcrows
1PM-4PM
Round two of spring leather care. Keep your gear looking sharp as the seasons shift.
MAY 18 - Non-Monogamy Discussion Group Vancouver
Hosted at Cross & Crows Books by me and my partner Rj – Doors 7PM, Discussion 7:30PM
Another evening of conversation, community, and thoughtful connection.
Stepping into spring with intention, creativity, and care for our things, ourselves, and each other. Hope to see you out there.
#QueerEvents #VancouverEvents #ShoeshineSunday #NonMonogamy #QueerCommunity
Wait, shoeshining? Aren’t you the embroidery person?
Well, yes! But just like with embroidery, printmaking, digital drawing, stickers, and writing zines, I love bootblacking. ❤️ It’s a huge part of queer history, a way to fundraise, and helps extend the life of a pair of boots (good for the planet). It’s also about service — taking care of everything I love, from my dog to my garden, and of course, my community and their shoes.
So yes, I’m the embroidery person, but I’m so much more than that! And no, I can’t create separate social media for everything I love doing. Everything you see on stab.it.pretty — from my art to my bootblacking — is made by me, and it will always be steeped in queer joy. ✨
Find me the first Sunday of the month - 1pm-4pm - Shining shoes @crossandcrows - Bring your boots, buy a book and receive a free shine!
Mixed media fibre artist. Bootblack. Queer joy. 💖 #queerart #bootblack #mixedmedia #fiberartist #queerjoy #handmade #embroideryart
I’ve noticed a lot of well-loved Blundstones and leather boots around the city that could use some care! I’m a shoeshine - it’s a hobby and passion of mine - I shine shoes at events like shoeshine Sunday @crossandcrows
Queer spaces like cross and crows need your support because they let queer things like bootblacking happen.
Leather needs care, and a good clean and polish can seriously extend the life of your boots (and keep them out of the landfill!). Who wants to break in new boots anyways? My goal is to offer not just a shine, but a welcoming/approachable, relaxed experience - whether you sit and unwind while I work or leave the shoes withe as I shop.
I currently shine shoes for tips, with a suggested $10-20 per pair or free with the purchase of a book!
-Leather boots/shoes/runners
-Leather apparel/bags
Sunday May 17, 2026 - @crossandcrows from 1-4pm
#leathercare #leather #crossandcrows #vancouver
I'm having an off few weeks - so I picked up one of my oldest standing WIPs originally put together at @lamovidasewinganddesign and finally finished it. Two years in the making - cat approved.
#catparents
#cats #embroidery #fabriccollage
Finally heard from someone at @vancouverpride
A board member confirmed to me directly that “there will be no police recruitment at Pride and no police or military uniforms in the parade.”
I’ve sent a couple follow-up questions for clarification around policing organizations and tabling, and once I hear back I’ll post a fuller update to the big list.
A couple additional Pride organizations also reached out after seeing the post and asked to be added to the “no police recruitment/tabling” list, which I’ll include in the update as well.
Thanks folks for amplifying the video and helping me get some answers.
#VancouverPride
Behind the scenes at @creators.coven
Did you know I black all my work with upcycled cereal boxes topped with scrapbook paper. When my partner when gluten free I ran out of cereal boxes - had to outsource to neighbours.
#behindthescenes #theprocess
Queer vibes coming to Chiliwack this weekend! 🏳️🌈
Creators Coven - May 2 - 2pm to 9pm - Evergreen Hall 9291 Corbould St.
@creators.coven
#heatedrivalry #queerallyear #alternative #handmadevancouver #britishcolumbia
For Trans Day of Visibility - March 31, 2026
I am asking the PWHL to publish a clear and public gender inclusion policy.
Trans and gender-diverse people belong on and off the ice.
Click here for a pre-written email you can send:
tinyurl.com/4rec8r2j
(Link is in my bio)
Remember to sign your name and what team you cheer for! Also share share share - want to be a collaborator on this post let me know!