Improper Cross-Stitch: 35+ Properly Naughty Patterns

by Haley Pierson-Cox

Sometimes it's good to be a little..improper. Profane, funny, and smart, Haley Pierson-Cox's THE IMPROPER CROSS STITCH invites the modern crafter to bring personality and humour to their cross stitch projects. From a fully designed 'Damn it feels good to be a crafter' to the beautiful Art Deco inspired 'fuck,' Haley's patterns are fresh, lively and just what the crafter ordered.

In this book, she'll introduce readers to the joys of stitching the naughty, the profane, the irreverent, and the just plain awesome. First, she starts with a basic lesson in cross-stitch technique, no previous experience required. Then, once readers know your way around an embroidery hoop and a skein of floss, the books moves on to the designs - 35 in total, ranging from hip, to nerdy, to ironically domestic - where Haley encourages crafters to embrace their inner snark with gleeful abandon.

Her easy to follow instructions and colorful designs can make a cross stitcher out of anyone. In all her years of crafting, Haley's learned many things, but this simple fact remains one of the most important: There is absolutely nothing in this world quite so satisfying as enshrining something deeply inappropriate within the delicate stitches of a cross-stitch sampler. It's truly one of life's great delights!

• ISBN10: 1250088984
• ISBN13: 9781250088987
• Publish Date: 1 September 2018
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 5 April 2024
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: St Martin's Press
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 128
• Language: English

Reviews

[Liz (Bent Bookworm)]

Improper Cross-Stitch is an excellent introduction to the world of cross-stitch that appeals to a younger generation. It consists of an introductory how-to section, then a selection of patterns with full color photos and charts.

None of the patterns are out of reach of a beginner, and they are quirky enough to appeal to a more experienced stitcher as well, for short, instant-gratification type projects. I have over 20 years of experience cross-stitching and was absolutely delighted with the patterns, using such phrases as "I'll Cut You," "Talk Nerdy to Me," and "Grammar Police." I'm not entirely sure where the "profane" bit comes in, as none of the patterns in the ARC would I call profane...but to each their own, I suppose. The ARC was short quite a few pages (I suppose they didn't want ALL the patterns out there), but from what I could see this would be a book I would love to have on my shelf.

I did wish the author would have included some more information about the myriad of fabric and thread options out there. I understand that this is a beginner level book, but sometimes a little knowledge of the tools of the craft outside of Aida and DMC floss might go a long way in enticing newcomers to stick with the hobby! There are many indie dyers of gorgeous fabrics and threads out there.

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[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Improper Cross-Stitch is an irreverent slightly snarky take on cross stitch patterns and books. Haley Pierson-Cox has a humorous, nerdy, tongue in cheek style that is definitely not 'grandma's cross stitch'.

I received an ARC preview which included 60 pages of content with a really good introductory tutorial. This would be a good starting book or gift for someone who was interested in learning the basics of cross stitch and finishing some fun gifts for themselves or friends. The first chapter provides a thorough introduction to materials and supplies. She discusses needles, fabrics, thread counts, embroidery floss, hoops, etc. The photos are full colour and clear and the instructions are easy to follow.

The full published edition contains 128 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. Published by St. Martin's Press and due out 7th August 2018.

Four stars, some fun projects here.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.