Meet Kristen Daniels
Owner and Creator of 42nd Street Stitches
How did 42nd Street Stitches come about?
As a fun side-hobby, I began to take up embroidery on a whim after it caught my eye while in a Michael's, and I self-taught the basics of all the stitches. I practiced in my spare time and really loved my new skill of fiber art.
In January 2019, I was whisked away to Sonora, California to perform on a gig (literally whisked away – I had 24 hours notice to get my booty to Northern California and jumped into tech week of one of the most technically complicated shows there is, A Chorus Line! That’s a whole other story!). While on that contract, the biggest snowstorm of 20 years decided to hit, which left me with a lot of time indoors. I began to work on some embroidery to pass the time when one day I was hit by the idea of combining my love of these two different art forms, embroidery and theater. The idea was born, and as soon as I got home from NorCal, I was busy at work trying to see if I could make this idea happen. I came up with the name, 42nd Street Stitches, in a brainstorming session with my parents while sitting in a Starbucks (as you can see, I’m a sucker for alliteration), and the rest is history! While performing in shows, you can probably catch me stitching up an embroidery hoop while waiting for my cue in the dressing rooms, and when I’m home (on an off-night I’m not at rehearsal, that is), I’m still probably stitching away listening to show tunes while I work.
Where did you learn to embroider!
I am all self-taught! I looked up a few stitches online, and later on, bought a book that helped teach me some of the more complicated stitches. Practicing and messing up taught me the most, and from there, I learned how to figure out techniques that worked well for me. It's really fun to do and I highly recommend embroidering to anyone!
What have you been doing during quarantine to stay inspired and connected to theater/Broadway?
During quarantine, I have been lucky to have been quite busy in the theatrical field! As a performer of musical theater myself, I have been able to participate in multiple online Zoom concerts, which have been really fun to keep the creative juices flowing! I did about eight concerts for a charity called Tara's Chance, which helps those that are at-risk youth or special needs through equestrian (horse-riding!) therapy. I also have been keeping busy with self-tapes, voice lessons, acting classes, piano lessons, and more throughout these last 7 months, which has really kept my love of the arts at the forefront of my life. Of course, I also have been connected to Broadway and theater through my embroidery by stitching up various musicals for custom commissions! I also launched several new products during these months, and have a few secret products that are about ready to get launched VERY soon!
Fun Facts:
What is your favorite design you’ve ever embroidered?
So hard to choose! I would say some of my favorites are of Beetlejuice, Les Miserable, Sunday in the Park with George, Frozen, and Hairspray.
Who's your hero?
I would say my personal heroes in my daily life are my parents. They are so strong and hardworking, and have always supported me my entire life. They are my biggest cheerleaders in all I do, and I look up to them. Making them proud makes me the most happy! My heroes/role models when it comes to actors and Broadway are tied between three people. I look up to Kerry Butler, Christy Altomare, and Jenn Colella. All three women are kind, genuine, and radiate positivity (I have actually gotten the pleasure to train with all of them before too!). It is my biggest dream to do a show with them!
Do you have a dream role in a play or musical!?
My biggest dream role... again so hard to choose! I would love to star in a Disney musical, especially Ariel in The Little Mermaid or Belle in Beauty and the Beast! I also would love to play Cady in Mean Girls, Barbara in Beetlejuice, Anya in Anastasia, Bev in Come From Away, Jenna AND Dawn in Waitress, Carole King in Beautiful, Elle in Legally Blonde, I can keep going?? Lol! I have so many!
