My A Court of Thorns & Roses Obsession is Now a Collection
For the past few months, I have been absolutely obsessed with the A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series by Sarah J. Maas. I know, I’m a little late to the party, but I’m so glad I’m here now. It has been life-changing in a way, sparking my creativity and inspiring me in ways I didn’t expect. Specifically, I've been inspired to create embroidery patterns based on the Maasverse. This level of inspiration is not something I usually experience, and it’s exciting to see where it’s taking me creatively.
Anime cartoon Sailor Moon
You see, I’ve never really been a fan art creator. In fact, I haven’t been deeply immersed in anything fandom-related since middle school when I was a die-hard Sailor Moon fan and obsessed with Christopher Pike books. Back then, I had a Sailor Moon website on Geocities (yep, I’m THAT old!). In some weird and wonderful way, Sarah J. Maas's writing has transported me back to those childhood memories of being completely engrossed in a fictional world. As I read the ACOTAR series, I keep finding myself drawing parallels to those two formative obsessions: Sailor Moon and Christopher Pike.
For example, Amarantha in ACOTAR reminds me a lot of Queen Beryl in Sailor Moon. There are so many similarities, from her role as a general before the introduction of the real big villain—the King of Hybern—to her overall presence and demeanor. Then there’s the found-family trope, which is another huge connection between the two. And, of course, we can’t forget the guys with dark hair and piercing blue eyes—a perfect ringer for Darien (as he’s known in the English dub). Then there are magical items like a mask that can scan enemies for vital information. What’s wild is that I made these connections organically before learning that SJM actually started her writing journey creating Sailor Moon fan fiction. That was such a jaw-dropping moment for me! It all made sense after that revelation, but it was thrilling to discover I had picked up on that energy before knowing it was intentional.
Book cover of The Last Vampire 3: Red Dice by Christopher Pike. I owned this one.
Then there’s my teenage obsession, Christopher Pike. His books were such a perfect blend of fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and just the right amount of YA spice to keep me hooked. Though he’s primarily known for his horror stories, his books gradually developed complex lore and intricate backstories that kept me coming back for more—very much like what Sarah J. Maas does with her worlds. And let’s talk about that spice. SJM is famous (or infamous) for her steamy scenes, and though Pike’s books were a different level of spice, I can’t help but feel that nostalgic connection to that era of my reading life. Some people aren’t fans of lore-heavy books or long info dumps, but I absolutely live for that stuff. I guess it’s the ADHD in me—something about the way it sends my imagination spinning and keeps my mind active is almost therapeutic.
Speaking of therapy, I can’t express enough how much SJM’s books have helped me mentally. They’ve reignited my creativity, and in doing so, they've also relieved a lot of my anxiety. Not too long ago, I heard Inside Out 2 screenwriter Meg LeFauve say that when her imagination isn’t actively engaged, anxiety takes over. That resonated with me so deeply because I’ve experienced the same thing. LeFauve talked about how staying creative helps her manage her anxiety, and ever since hearing that, I’ve been trying to live by it. It sounds a bit odd to admit, but thinking about fictional characters and storylines when I’m standing in line at the grocery store is actually a relief. It’s far better than what I used to think about in those moments—things like potential mass shootings or catastrophic earthquakes. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for being realistic and prepared, but I don’t want to live in a constant state of fight or flight. Our bodies aren’t designed for that kind of stress, and it can really wear you down.
As much as I’ve always been a consistent reader, very few books or series have truly captivated my imagination the way the ACOTAR series has. It’s been refreshing and empowering to immerse myself in a world so vivid and inspiring. I genuinely appreciate this series—and Maas as an author—for the mental escape and creative spark they’ve given me.
"Feyre's Bargain" finished embroidery with A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas.
With all this inspiration buzzing in my head, I decided to create a few embroidery patterns based on the ACOTAR series. The first one I worked on is called “Feyre’s Bargain,” and it’s inspired by the tattoo Feyre receives on her left hand in the first ACOTAR book. For those unfamiliar, her tattoo is described as black swirls of flowers with a cat-like eye in the palm of her left hand. I used various floral embroidery stitches to bring this to life in a textile version of her iconic tattoo. The design felt so organic and natural to translate into embroidery, especially because of its intricate floral details.
As I was designing it, I couldn’t help but think of henna tattoos—especially because of the flowers and the overall aesthetic of the Night Court in the series. The loose, flowing clothing of the Night Court female characters, the open-air palaces carved into the rock, and the descriptions of spices in the air made me imagine the Night Court as being loosely inspired by Middle Eastern cultures, like something out of Arabian Nights. That association really helped shape how I visualized and designed the pattern. (Side note: shoutout to the podcast Fantasy Fan Girls for their detailed discussions on details like spices. If you know, you know!)
Once I finished "Feyre’s Bargain," I decided to make the pattern available as a downloadable PDF, so that others could recreate the design for themselves. Every purchase comes with an email that includes the pattern file and a separate email containing links to a detailed guide on how to execute each type of stitch used in the design. I wanted to make sure the patterns were accessible to people of all skill levels, so I included a stitch key in each PDF to identify which stitches are suggested for different parts of the design. And I say “suggested” because I always like to leave room for personal creativity in my patterns. At the end of the day, this is your project, and I want people to feel free to interpret the designs in their own way. That’s part of the joy of crafting—letting your creativity run wild within a given framework.
A detail of the blackwork embroidery of "Feyre's Bargain". The stitches used were inspired by traditional henna tattoos.
Creating these embroidery patterns has been such a fulfilling experience, especially knowing that they’re born out of a story that has impacted me so deeply. I never thought I’d be someone who gets so invested in fan art, but here I am. This whole journey has reminded me that creativity can come from the most unexpected places, and it’s important to follow those sparks of inspiration when they appear.
As I’ve continued working on these designs, it’s led me to reflect on the broader implications of fandom and creativity. Fan art, fan fiction, and even fan crafts are more than just hobbies—they’re acts of love and dedication to a story or a character that has profoundly impacted someone. They’re also deeply personal. Each piece of fan art, whether a drawing, a piece of writing, or in my case, an embroidery pattern, is an individual’s unique interpretation of something they love. It’s their way of saying, “This story moved me, and here’s how I want to express that.” And in a way, it becomes part of the larger narrative. The community that grows around these fandoms, fueled by creativity and passion, adds layers to the stories themselves. Fans breathe new life into these worlds, creating an ever-evolving relationship between the creator, the work, and the audience.
"Feyre's Bargain" in progress with the design printed on dissolvable stabilizer.
Beyond that, fan-created art forms a unique bond between the fan community. As much as I’ve always been a crafter, I never really understood the power of being part of a fan art community until now. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about sharing your creative work with others who not only appreciate it but who also deeply understand the source of your inspiration. They get it because they, too, have been moved by the same story or character, and it creates an immediate sense of connection. I’ve found so much joy in seeing how others interpret the ACOTAR series through their own creative mediums, whether it’s visual art, jewelry-making, or even cosplay. It’s a celebration of the shared experience of loving something so much that you want to spend your time creating something in its honor.
The concentric design of the cat eye in the center of Feyre's palm.
Fan art isn’t just an homage to a story—it’s also a way of making that story your own. When I embroider Feyre’s tattoo or think about designing a pattern based on the Velaris skyline, I’m not just copying what’s in the books. I’m interpreting those details through my lens and expressing them in a way that feels meaningful to me. I think that’s what fan art really is: personal expression, filtered through the love of a shared story.
This experience has reminded me that creativity is fluid, and it’s meant to be enjoyed. I’ve always been a reader and crafter, but I didn’t realize how deeply these two passions could intertwine. Now that I’ve found this outlet for my love of the ACOTAR series, I can’t wait to see where it takes me next. Whether it’s through more embroidery patterns, new crafts, or simply reading more books that light my creative spark, I’m excited for the journey ahead.
