Look, profanity is as crude as it can be offensive, and God knows Malta has a swearing problem. But sometimes, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as letting out a rude word, even if you just quickly whisper it in the comfort of your own home. If you’re looking for a slightly flashier outlet though, we might just have the solution for you.

2019 is off to a subversive start thanks to a new Instagram account that has just cropped up. The aptly-named Don’t Cross Me Stitch has only been around since last Thursday, but has already posted over a dozen photos of some of her work.

Beautiful frames and delicate stitching are juxtaposed against everything from ‘Shit’ and ‘Pussy’ to a cursive ‘I Hope You Choke’. Clearly, this is an artist who doesn’t really mince her words.

“I knew my art would cause a bit of a stir here, but good art usually does.”

Lovin Malta reached out to the artist behind the subversive art to learn more about the inspiration behind her awesomely rude work.

DCMS is actually the brainchild of Den DeVille, a former model from England who moved to Malta two years ago and who’s definitely no stranger to provocative art.

“I instantly noticed a lack of naughty humour that shouldn’t be taken too seriously, so I decided to continue with my art here on the island,” Den told Lovin Malta. “I knew it would cause a bit of a stir here, but good art usually does.”

It’s still early days for DCMS, but Den already has some big plans for her naughty baby.

“I’ve got a lot of designs waiting to do, but clothing, accessories and the cross-stitch pictures themselves will all eventually be for sale soon,” Den explained. “I’m hoping my work will eventually hold in an exhibition or even the artisan market here.”

“I know it’s not to everyone’s taste,” she concluded. “But I think we all need to just stop and have a good laugh once in a while.”

Den’s Instagram account has only been around for a couple of days, but we honestly can’t wait for even more pieces to be posted online.

Worldwide shipping is also available, so if you’re not on the island, don’t fret. After all, in the wise words of this local cross-stitcher, home is where the vodka is.

Tag someone who’d love one of these frames in their house!

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David Grech Urpani

Lovin Malta's Head of Content, Dave has been in journalism for the better half of the last decade. Prefers Instagram, but has been known to doomscroll on TikTok. Loves chicken, women's clothes and Kanye West (most of the time).