Haley Pierson-Cox, St Martin’s Press, 2018 ISBN: 978-1-250-088987, $19.99
One of the best trends in Counted Cross Stitch in recent years has been the trend to create designs that harken back to traditional samplers and designs but include snarky or “subversive” comments. It creates designs that are relevant to younger stitchers while it encourages us all to lighten up a bit.
It’s something we needlepointers should take to heart.
That’s why I’m excited about this new book by Pierson-Cox. It has more than 35 witty and colorful designs that embrace this idea. The book divides the designs into three categories: Hipster Snark, Ironically Domestic, and Talk Nerdy to Me. Each of the designs has a two-page spread with a large picture of the stitched design, a color key using DMC floss, and a chart project. About half the designs use whole stitches only and can be converted directly to needlepoint.
The other designs use Backstitches, partial stitches, or both. Many of these could be turned to needlepoint by using over stitching, for example for the cats’ whiskers in Cat Lady, or by turning Backstitch letters and numbers into whole stitch ones, for example Robot Love. The designs that use extensive partial stitches and Back stitch are not suitable for needlepoint.
I really liked how colorful and light-hearted the designs were. They had a modern clean look that makes them simple to stitch but still sophisticated in style.
I will warn you though, several of the designs include swear words or words some might find offensive. That is the nature of this trend.
In addition to the designs, the book includes excellent chapters on cross stitch basics, finishing, and creating your own design.
It’s tons of fun and would make a great gift.
The publisher has donated two copies of the book as a giveaway, open to addresses in the US only. All you need to do is add a comment to this article, letting me know you want to join the contest. The contest closes on Friday, September 7 at midnight Pacific. If you are selected you will be notified by email
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
Interested!
We all need some snark in in our lives, especially since people are used to sentimental sayings posted on the wall. Let’s add some life to those saws we put up on the wall and on the So hats off to Haley Pierson-Cox..
I would love the chance to win the book “IMPROPER CROSS STITCH”. I read your blog every day and get lots of useful info from it. I’ve also taken one of your classes. I do both cross stitch and needlepoint and belong to several guilds. Thanks for this opportunity.
Sounds like fun! Please enter my name.
I would love to win a copy of this book.
Sounds like a great, fun book. Please enter my in the contest!
I would love to join the contest. Even more I would love to win one of the books.
I’d love to have this fun book!
I would love to obtain this book! Sounds !one fun.
Please enter me in the contest to win this book!
I love your column! I read it every morning!
Marsha Roberts
Thank you! I actually want to learn to Cross Stitch and be able to add that to my stitching repertoire!
I like that these projects make us smile or laugh and are at times irreverent.
Count me in
Would love to joint this.
Count me in please.
What a clever idea! Please count me in!!!
Oooh I would love to have this! I’ve had my eye on it for the past few days! Looks super snarky and right up my alley.
It sounds like a hoot, count me in!!
I’m an old needlepointer looking for fresh and fun images to enlighten those who think needlepoint is STUFFY! Mainly my offspring. This sounds like it is right up my friggin alley!!!