Stitch Graffiti: Unexpected Cross-Stitch (Unexpected Cross Stitch) (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: stitch density, design size, mustard wool, Fabric Wichelt Imports, Thread Caron Collection, Extras Frame (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Knitting is cool. Crocheting is hot. But what about cross-stitching? Not so much—until now. . . . Highly recommended for public libraries."  —Library Journal

"There are many beginner cross-stitch books on the market but few are this bright and breezy."  —Monsters and Critics.com

"A long way from your run-of-the-mill cross stitch design. The book will appeal to crafters from other areas as well as cross stitchers looking for something different."  —Suite101.com

"What Debbie Stoller did for the punk-knitting boom, Heather Holland-Daly is helping do for cross-stitch. Stitch Graffiti puts a fun twist on this formerly staid craft."  —McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Product Description

Old-fashioned ABC samplers are nowhere to be found in this collection of 26 stylish and witty designs that give cross-stitch a forceful new look. Unconventional wall hangings fill the first section of the book and dazzle with their bold colors, unusual lettering, and offbeat quotes from songs, books, movie dialogue, and even truck stop bathrooms. A second group of patterns features intriguing, small designs called "tattoos" to sew on T-shirts, jean jackets, bracelets, and handbags, and a final section shifts to the decoration of household items such as pillows, dish towels, and a cloth-wrapped money jar. Each project is accompanied by commentary explaining the inspiration behind the design, and sidebars offer tips for personalizing the final product by adding beads, dyed fabric backgrounds, or frames made from hardware and found objects. Basic technique demos teach beginners how to form cross-stitches, mix cross-stitch with other embroidery, choose and use embroidery thread, stitch on linen, and work out designs on blank graphs.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press; illustrated edition edition (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596680458
• ISBN-13: 978-1596680456
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #63,684 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Accessible and imaginative! , March 10, 2008

By	Ms. K (Pequot Lakes, MN) - See all my reviews

I've been waiting for Stitch Graffiti for a while, and I certainly wasn't disappointed! I love Heather Holland-Daly's designs, and if you haven't seen them before, check out her website: www.monsterbubbles.com (and no I'm not getting royalties for talking her up). She uses brilliant colors and eclectic designs, often quoting poetry or music in her peices. Her patterns are funky, youthful, and fresh - without being tacky.

The book has an obligatory cross stitch lesson in the beginning, but further on, she assumes that if you're buying a book about cross stitch you're either going to know a little bit about it or refer back to the guide in the beginning if you don't - she doesn't talk down to the experienced stitcher. The majority of the book is patterns, both small and large, and ideas about where to stitch. Not everything has to go into a frame. Her patterns are relatively simple, but still beautiful. There are a few that could be done in a few hours, and a few that would take me more than a month. She doesn't cram her book with piddly little projects that just take up space!

One of the things I probably appreciated the most in Holland-Daly's book was the DMC conversion on each of her patterns. She uses hand-dyed and threads and cloth (and gives some good advice on how to finish and care for work using these materials) and recommends her favorites for each pattern, but also gives DMC thread "equivalents" for those of us who might not have access to special materials.

This is a very accessible book for the beginning stitcher and a breath of fresh air for the stitcher who's tired of making the same old samplers. Get brave with your cross stitch!

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not what I thought... but quite good., March 30, 2008

By	Sara J. Lutz "Bardic Bird" (Akron, OH, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'll be honest, I ordered this by mistake. I had been looking at a few embroidery books and ditzily clicked on the wrong one.

I'm rather glad I did. The book is put together well, with a nice overview of the basics of cross-stitch before heading into the patterns. Colors and placement are suggested... but the idea seems to be take Heather's initial plans and run with them. Some of the patterns are not in my own taste (frankly, I don't see myself making a cross-stitched flyswatter, but hey, that's just me.) but others will be motifs I'll be using for years (her wind design is already going onto a well loved denim jacket for this spring). In addition to well written directions and clear cut graphs, the book has a ton of unique placement suggestions and even some MP3 playlists to keep you in tune with your stitching.

If you aren't looking for cutesy sampler patterns (there are a few... but she does avoid the old standbys and tries for some new ground) and want to go beyond wall art needlepoint, this is a pretty good place to start. Patches, buttons, and hidden suprises for your favorite old pair of jeans are all supplied.

If you are looking for complicated color patterns however, I'd give it a miss. The author relies more on varigated threads and multi-hued backgrounds to add sparkle to her designs. A good way for begingers to get some extra bang for their buck when first stepping into the cross-stitch world.

10 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than I could have hoped, May 5, 2008

By	Kunni Biener "Kunni" (Gaithersburg, MD) - See all my reviews

Heather is inspiring for a stitcher of any age. Her designs are new and innovative, some small enough to be finished in one sitting. She sees cross stitch in places where no one else has and she opens her mind - and yours - to possibilities. Worth every penny! I have been stitching for over 20 years and just love this book,a new stitcher will, too.