Stitch Graffiti by Heather Holland-Daly

Stitch Graffiti by Heather Holland-Daly is a perfect book for beginning stitchers. The designs are fresh and easy. Unique finishing instructions are provided for each design. At the risk of using an over-used phrase - this book is "cool!" I rarely find a Cross Stitch publication that I would like to sit and stitch through, but this is one of them.

Pros

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The subtitle of Heather Holland-Daly's Stitch Graffiti is "Unexpected Cross Stitch." This is definitely the case. Heather uses unusual, fun color combinations and one of her favorite stitching surfaces is nylon screen!

The topics and motifs are not necessarily traditional, but they will be fun to stitch.

And, speaking of fun, Heather shares anecdotes related to each pattern, and she gives suggested stitching tunes for each project.

Overview of Contents:

Section One: Why We Stitch
This section details the supplies used in Cross Stitch and ideas for finishing projects. One particularly enlightening section is on stitching with hand-dyed floss.

Patterns are divided into three themed sections - graffiti, tattoos, and stuff.

Graffiti patterns include:

• Whirled Peas (it's really about World Peace)
• Kiss - I can relate to this saying - "I kiss better than I cook"
• Jolly - an unusual holiday design
• Truth - colorful, fun design
• Flowers - distinctive flowers and a saying by Emerson
• Lipstick - can it really save the day?
• Harvest Moon - inspired by her Grandmother
• Relish - A starry night saying and scene (my personal favorite)

Tattoo patterns include:

• Biker Babe - perfect for a pair of jeans
• Flower Child - 60's inspired motif
• Cross My Heart and Mom - two funky heart designs
• Spidey and Compass - simple to stitch motifs
• Yin Yang and Swirl - colorful circular motifs
• Flutterby - stylized butterfly
• Windy, Lucky, and Surfer Girl - add these distinctive elements to bags or clothing

Stuff patterns include:

• Bloomer - stitched on nylon screen
• No Fly - fly swatter project
• Home - "Home is where my bed is" saying
• Hip Hop! - banner design
• Three Bracelets - wearable Cross Stitch art using nylon screen

In addition, a quirky alphabet is included for further personalizing the designs. Add initials or sayings as desired.