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Stitch Graffiti: Unexpected Cross-Stitch (Unexpected Cross Stitch) | 
 enlarge | Author: Heather Holland-daly
Publisher: Interweave Press
Category: Book
List Price: $21.95
Buy New: $13.17
You Save: $8.78 (40%)
New (17) Used (5) from $13.17
Avg. Customer Rating:  2 reviews
Sales Rank: 67045
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 112
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 10.1 x 8.4 x 0.5
ISBN: 1596680458
Dewey Decimal Number: 746.443041
EAN: 9781596680456
ASIN: 1596680458
Publication Date: April 1, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: BRAND NEW
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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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| Customer Reviews:
 Not what I thought... but quite good. March 30, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
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.
 Accessible and imaginative! March 10, 2008
13 out of 13 found this review helpful
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!
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