Sage Spirit

I had the pleasure of encountering Sage very close to when Night Spirit Studio opened. (Some of the first patterns listed in the shop are proudly in my hoard, including some now-vintage anime ones.) The shop was small at that point, but I was eager to see where it went - the types of patterns listed were very, very much my speed. Sage and I exchanged a few messages as I snatched up those patterns en masse. I remember even in passing like that, her words carried such light and joy.

Time went on, and I would always scurry to look when the shop uploaded something new. Pattern-making is such a unique art, one that inherently enables others to make art of their own, and Sage had a particularly wonderful talent for it. Her continued engagement with cross stitch (and through it, what cross stitch could be [insanely cool] and who cross stitch is for [everybody but especially the goths /girls / gays of the world]) was a font of inspiration for myself and countless others.

Sage's enthusiasm and joy showed in everything she made. Without doubt, her work is part of what deepened my interest in this form of fiber art, taking it from a hobby I did from time to time to something that has become a vital pillar of creative expression in my life. For that, and for all the art she created, I will always be profoundly grateful.

I'll have a piece from Sage on my altar in offering. My heart goes to her and all her loved ones, now and always.

—Kristen

My sincerest condolences to all who loved Sage. Her patterns brought me a lot of joy and gave me time to reflect on many things in my life. May she rest peacefully 🖤 I will be starting another one of her patterns in her honor.

—Julia

These are two of my favorite patterns I’ve stitched of Sage’s. I was a Patreon subscriber for a time, and regrettably stopped when I lost my job last year and couldn’t keep most of my subscriptions. 

Her patterns have always been some of my favorites, we never chatted but I feel like I have a little piece of her on my wall.

—Amanda W.

Firstly, I'm incredibly sorry to hear that Sage has passed away - may her memory be a blessing.

I only recently discovered Night Spirit Studio but I just wanted to share one of my recent makes based on Sage's Farmer's Freefall cross stitch chart. As you'll see, I'm not really a cross stitcher so I used the chart to create a knitted tapestry instead. It was a really fun and easy to follow project. I'll be recommending NSS to all my crafty friends.

—Kat

Though I never had the pleasure of meeting Sage in person I can honestly say She saved me. I came across her work when I was at my most lowest. I needed something to occupy my mind and my time and cross stitch has always been my first creative love. I was never into the flowers and cute patterns that was readily available so when I stumbled on Night Spirit Studio full of what some would call unconventional themes, I felt like I was at home. Through her I found other artists that matched her style and community which made me feel not so alone.

I will forever be great-full to her and will truly miss her.

—Anonymous

When I first found out Sage was fighting breast cancer, I reached out in support as I was fighting Stage 4 colon cancer. I wanted her to know that she was not alone, and that she could message me anytime for support as I understood some of what she was going through. I would check in on her from time to time. She told me about the Luna Moth being her talisman, and I told her how the Blue Morpho was mine - the butterfly being a symbol of metamorphosis and blue being the awareness color for colon cancer. She made a drawing for me and said I could do whatever I liked with it. So I asked if she would put it on a t-shirt for me that I could purchase. I believe she actually sold the shirts in her shop. Here is what she drew, and I absolutely love it.

Rest in peace, Sweet Sage. You've earned your Luna Moth wings. Fly high in the night.

—Chris R.

I was very much on the wavelength of Sage. I had cross stitched before, but once the pandemic hit doing normal kits didn't bring me much joy.  It was only when I found her dancing skeleton that I took cross stitch up again. This ballerina was stitched by me during breaks while I packed up a natural history museum in the middle of the covid shut down. The design gave me something to focus on, versus this black unknown.

—Jennifer H.

I’ve admired Sage’s beautiful designs for a couple years now, they immediately captured my macabre history loving heart as soon as I saw them. What a huge loss of an extremely talented artist and a strong, courageous human being. I plan to purchase many more of her designs in the future as long as they’re available and keep her art alive in my stitches. 

Fuck cancer.

—Kayla

I have to say, some of my favorite patterns I’ve ever completed were created by Sage. I was so moved to hear of the life she lived and the passion she had for what she did. One of my favorite pieces I sewed as a back patch on a jean jacket and I will continue to wear it with pride and keep her and her family in my thoughts. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you know the joy and peace stitching these brought me and I hope her patterns continue to bring joy to others.

—Chantel J.

Sage was an incredible friend and I will forever value her support during my first infusion. She had started hers a few months before and she spent over an hour texting me and keeping me calm and entertained. 

—Aster Wise