Book: Feminist Cross-Stitch

You may already know Stephanie Rohr from her lively Instagram account, or her activism during the DMC design contest, that offered no monetary prize, until Rohr, and others drew attention to the issue.

The book, out this month, includes 40 patterns and some basic instruction. Since I’m an entry level needle arts person, I asked a more experienced stitcher to take a look at the book. She agrees, if you didn’t know how to do cross stitch at all, you could learn from this book. The patterns are written clearly and easy to follow, including having a center line for each design, to help you make sure you center the design correctly.

Most of the patterns are beginner level, though there is a range in the book, including a lovely Rosie the Riveter.

The sample stitching in the book is consistent and well done, an advantage of this book being the result of a single artist’s own practice, versus other books trying to hop on a trend.

My friend the expert stitcher recommends Q-Snap frames instead of embroidery hoops, and having tried them, I have to agree. While they’re platic and lack that tactile appeal of a wooden hoop, once you try a Q-Snap, you’ll never go back.

She also recommends leaving a larger border around your design for framing than is recommended in the book, and advocates framing needle work properly, not displaying it in the embroidery hoop.

All in all, if you’re looking for some relaxing times stitching statements that are supportive, or angry, or have an F-bomb in them, this book will not disappoint!