Stitch Graffiti: Unexpected Cross-stitch

by Heather Holland-Daly

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.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Adult, Reference

111 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2008

Reviews

[Sumi]

I'm in the middle of the road as far as reviews go.

I did like a few of the designs very much. As a matter of fact the design on the cover was what drew me to the book. I do wish more of the designs had been like those in the graffiti section. There wasn't much for me to admire in the tatto section.

I did like the use of screening in cross-stitch. I don't think I'd ever seen that before.

[Bookerkc]

Only a few designs I really liked. I thought the bracelets made from screen material were interesting.

[Diana]

Going through a few cross stitch books looking for a new pattern to work on. Most of the things in this book were not my style, and not something I'd enjoy stitching.

[Marianne]

The designs are not really my style but I enjoyed the humor and openness of the author.

[Hope]

good craft book

[Jay]

when i hear the term 'graffiti' i really don't think of phrases like 'the world laughs in flowers' and 'on a bad day there's always lipstick' but those are the kinds of patterns in this book. true, it's not traditional in the usual sense, but it's still pretty cutesy stuff. i think i have been spoiled by mr. x stitch's blog!

[Tamara]

This did not sell me on cross-stitch. It just looks so grandmotherly. And truly, how hard is it to learn cross-stitch. You simply stitch x's. Not rocket science.

Whoa, I don't know what possessed me to take out all of my aggression on an innocent pastime. Hmmm...therapy may be in my future.

[Gwnhwyfer]

Designs are in the "very-sparse" mode of stitch (i.e. a quote with a frame, or a single, small, basic pattern). Though I don't go for the roses and Victorian ladies style, this isn't my cup of tea either.

[Slynne]

Excellent book with fantastic charts and tons of great ideas on new ways to finish your projects.

[La Fay]

Not a lot of patterns, but it definitely got me thinking about trying new things. ‎

[Gus]

The cross stitch on the cover is the best one in the book. These are not very "unexpected" as the title says...The pattern say things like "World Peace".

[Stephanie Denison]

I really like the projects in this book.

[NTE]

Kind of disappointing, because I was hoping for more unusual stitches/patterns (and maybe some info about how to stitch on non-traditional materials). Still, there was a cute pattern or two.

[Lisa]

Kind of disappointing. Better title than content.

[Nancy]

I liked this one. Lots of colorful designs. The only one I'd probably do is the Holly Jolly one, but I really liked several of the designs. This one could be worth a purchase for some people.

[Sita]

Not my style. Did not appeal to me. I didn't find one pattern in liked.