Scenes From The CrossStitch Games
Linda and Peggy bring you complete opening coverage
By Julianne Frega and Nathan J. DiPerri
LINDA SHUBATONG: Good evening and welcome to our opening coverage of this year’s CrossStitch Games! I’m Linda Shubatong and with me tonight is CrossStitch Games legend Peggy Tresta. Peggy, which athletes are you keeping an eye on this weekend?
PEGGY TRESTA: Well, Linda, I’m thrilled to be here hosting the Games again and it’s a privilege to watch so many talented athletes who will be competing at Chalford Stadium. Of course, the first standout for me is Barbara “Backstitch” Blankenden.
LS: I agree. Blankenden is dealing with a little arthritis in her left hand but is still the favorite heading into the weekend.
PT: She’s going to be tough to beat, for sure, Linda. I have to say, though, that Gloria “All Glory to the Lord” Ninden is a returning standout as well. I was quite impressed last year by her version of La Pieta. There is just such an interesting tension between tradition and modernity in her work.
LS: If the rumors are true, Peggy, we may see Ninden take on her most ambitious stitch yet — “Feeding the 5,000.”
PT: Oh my! Then my prayers are with Ninden. I hope she can finish before hell freezes over!
LS: Let’s talk about some of our newcomers. For me, Margot “Makin’ Moves” Murrette is one to watch. At 17, she’s the youngest competitor in CrossStitch Games history and will no doubt be an intimidating presence out on the field.
PT: Absolutely, Linda. As long as Murrette can hold back on the amount of glow in the dark thread she uses, her techniques may prove effective in this competition. The judges will see right through that pizzazz — you can’t cover up a sloppy performance with a cheap thrill, as we’ve seen time and time again. Don’t remind me of the metallic floss scandal back in 2013…
LS: Who could forget that?! Now, I have to say, I’m really curious to see what we have in store with the dark horse stitcher Kaleigh McMarden. She’s a self-taught prodigy who watched a lot of cross-stitch videos online during quarantine, and you just can’t argue with those nimble fingers and the dexterity she’s gained from constant text messaging.
PT: It really shows, Linda. Time will tell whether what she lacks in formal training, she can easily make up for in speed and agility. Her backstitch needs work, but I admire how faithfully she can stick to a pattern.
LS: Making his CrossStitch Games debut this year, Derek “Double Dribble” Danvo says he, quote, “wanted a challenge.”
PT: CrossStitch has made intense marketing and PR efforts to bring more men into the sport and scoring Derek Danvo is a slam dunk for the CrossStitch Games. He was professional basketball’s 57th overall draft pick in 2018. In CrossStitch, he’s my 7th pick.
LS: Seventh? Who would you pick ahead of Danvo?
PT: I find Brenna “XXX” Havisham exciting to watch because of her unpredictability. You just don’t know what you’re going to get, Linda!
LS: You’re not wrong there, Peggy. Last year, she shocked the CrossStitch world by going hoopless in every event at the Games. That was completely unprecedented, and, frankly, a little unnerving! Let’s hope that this year she uses less seed beads.
PT: I agree. The judges will be keeping their eyes on her. Now let’s not forget Melinda Larell. I’m told she’s perfected her French knot since last year and is a force to be reckoned with.
LS: Sandra “Steppenwolf” Rottinson may seem kind of vanilla to the casual observer, but she has a fire motivating her. She’s just dropped her youngest off at college and has a LOT of free time, Peggy, which can only mean a clearer focus and improved performance.
PT: What about Norman “The Jean Ripper” Vunello? He’s back for the first time since being banned four years ago.
LS: Well, you remember he was disqualified in the speed round for waxing his thread but he’s back and hungry for victory. It will be very interesting to see how the other athletes react to him.
PT: Speaking of hungry, have you seen Sarah “The Sampler” Sleighton? Her work stands out for its simplicity and powerful messaging.
PT: Sleighton has always been an inspiring athlete because she imbues her linen with so much meaning. I hope that this year she really gives our viewers at home a chance to reflect on the impact this sport has had on all our lives.
LS: I do hope she is a little more fastidious with her spellcheck this go-around, Peggy. It’ll be exciting to watch her in action! We’ll be right back with the opening ceremonies, live at Chalford Stadium for the CrossStitch Games!
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