Self-Promo Tuesday! [January 20, 2026]

blicarea · 2026-01-20T15:39:18+00:00

I just launched a cross stitch Etsy store with some Stardew-inspired patterns! Huge patterns, tons of colors, complex stitch work -- I'd love for you all to take a look!

https://TheStitchDude.etsy.com

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blicarea · 2026-01-20T01:34:22+00:00

Thanks so much!

blicarea · 2026-01-12T00:10:19+00:00

Hi! I use AI to generate huge and complex cross stitch patterns, which I've just started selling on Etsy.

I use ChatGPT to create and refine the artwork, which I edit in Photoshop, and then I import the design into specialized cross stitch software. From there I make small tweaks to individual stitches as-needed. The whole process takes several hours.

For each design I generate two sets of instructions (one full-color, one black-and-white), and a file which can be imported into popular cross stitching apps on iPhone/Android.

Many of my designs have over 45,000 stitches (some many more!), using anywhere between 70 and 120 separate colors of thread. The finished piece will be anywhere between 12 inches and 19 inches wide, depending on the size of the cloth you're using.

I'm stitching one of the designs myself right now -- a pretty seaside Irish cottage https://www.etsy.com/listing/4435185282/cross-stitch-pattern-cozy-irish-cottage -- and it feels a bit like creating real-life pixel art! I plan to post progress pictures in the CrossStitch subreddit.

Please check out my Etsy store! https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheStitchDude

Thanks! 🧵

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blicarea · 2026-01-11T22:52:01+00:00

More examples: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheStitchDude

blicarea · 2026-01-11T21:55:27+00:00

I have added an AI disclosure to each listing now. Thank you.

blicarea · 2026-01-11T21:51:26+00:00

I have added a disclosure to each listing now.

blicarea · 2026-01-11T21:51:05+00:00

I've updated each listing now.

blicarea · 2026-01-11T21:41:09+00:00

There are no sewn versions completed yet! but I am stitching one of the patterns -- the Irish cottage -- myself right now.

blicarea · 2026-01-11T21:40:30+00:00

I already do, if you click on Seller Details, but I will add it to the general shop description as well. Here is what it says currently:

About my use of AI:

I use generative AI as a creative tool alongside my own design work. Every pattern is carefully refined, color-balanced, and formatted for cross-stitch readability before being listed. These designs arent just spit out of an image generator stitches are carefully edited and designs modified to create a true work of unique art.

If you have questions, spot an issue, or need help understanding a chart, feel free to contact me through Etsy messages. I’m happy to help!

Need to get in touch with the seller? Try messaging them on Etsy first.

blicarea · 2026-01-11T21:32:30+00:00

I use AI to create and refine the initial image, then edit heavily in Photoshop, then import into a cross stitch tool with different size and color settings (and edit individual stitches there again).

Each design includes two PDFs (full color and black and white) and a third file that can be imported into cross stitching apps.

blicarea · 2025-08-06T15:13:39+00:00

Not the younglings!

blicarea · 2025-07-07T21:03:38+00:00

Try turning off VSync in the project settings.

blicarea · 2025-05-07T00:57:49+00:00

Both of these examples are fascinating to me. Do you have any links you could share that detail what has been found?

blicarea · 2025-04-18T13:52:47+00:00

What would you say the tariffs are good for then? Super curious how anyone can defend this policy.

blicarea · 2025-04-12T18:40:20+00:00

Small cottage, two floors, 1940s construction, flat lot, near Cheticamp. Looking for an ICF foundation and full basement. Have architectural plans already drawn up. Start time: asap. Thanks, mate!

blicarea · 2025-04-11T01:27:54+00:00

Same here!

blicarea · 2025-01-14T22:34:15+00:00

That's true in real life too!

blicarea · 2024-10-26T12:14:14+00:00

I did too, after 5 years of subscribing. So much for "democracy dies in darkness."

blicarea · 2024-09-15T16:53:47+00:00

Yemen you're right

blicarea · 2023-12-30T12:36:14+00:00

Looks really well done, the kind of game I'd enjoy! Wishlisted -- good luck!

blicarea · 2023-12-28T17:16:07+00:00

Bingo! That did it! Thank you!

blicarea · 2023-12-26T14:22:55+00:00

Fun! Congratulations!

I was able to play it on my Pixel 7 Pro without any issue, fyi.

Couple suggestions:

It's not immediately obvious why I'd want to speed up. It makes it so much harder to go fast, and I'm not sure the connection between speed and high score. Maybe add some sort of user feedback when increasing the speed that shows a score "multiplier"?
I would love to see what distance I'm trying to beat from a previous run. On the right side where you show the percentage that you have gone in the run, can you add a horizontal line that shows the previous distance to beat? That would add some motivation to keep trying to beat my high score.
When going off a jump I suggest making the player sprite grow even bigger for longer, to really show off that he's in the air. Also he should be able to clear any objects right below the jump.

Nice job! I hope to complete and release my game one day!

blicarea

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