This Monty Python fruit cross stitch pattern is now available in my Etsy shop!
This project comes from the Monty Python sketch about self defense against homicidal maniacs armed with fresh fruit. John Cleese plays a drill sergeant training four hapless recruits. All the fruit they have trained for is on this list, plus one item deemed too “high and mighty” for their meager lot. In spite of the fact that I’ve seen this sketch repeatedly, “…and mangoes in syrup” cracks me up every single time I hear it.
This bizarre and hilarious sketch first appeared on their BBC show in a 1969 episode called “Owl Stretching Time” and they recreated the first half of the sketch for their movie “And Now for Something Completely Different.”
Monty Python’s Flying Circus ran from 1969 to 1974, creating a body of very silly and subversive comedy sketches that are still as bizarre today as they were then. If you’re unfamiliar with them, I recommend you start with either the BBC TV show, or the movie “And Now for Something Completely Different,” which is some of their best sketches from their first two seasons recreated with a higher production budget.
After their TV show, the popularity of Monty Python only kept growing. The troupe went on to create Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian (my personal favorite), and the Meaning of Life, stirring up controversy at nearly every turn and even serious academic analysis along the way.
I have another Monty Python cross stitch pattern currently available, based on the entirely silly opening credits of their movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail. I also have a project in the works that features another popular sketch from their BBC show so stay tuned for that! [Update 2016: See my Spanish Inquisition pattern!]
In the meantime, check out this Monty Python fruit cross stitch pattern… and the next time “some great homicidal maniac comes at you with a bunch of loganberries, don’t come crying to me!”