Manga Cross-Stitch: Make Your Own Graphic Art Needlework by Helen McCarthy. Andrews McMeel Publishing; Har/Cdr edition (August 1, 2009).

‘Stitchers often get stereotyped as middle-aged ladies in cardigans, anime and manga fans as geeky teenage misfits. Both stereotypes are equally inaccurate – because both groups are just people who love beautiful things and want to create and enjoy beauty in their own way.’ Helen McCarthy

With a compelling voice, Helen McCarthy, reaches out to those with a curiosity for everything Manga and needlework. McCarthy is a well known writer and speaker on Japanese animation and comics and with her other love of historic and fantasy costume and embroidery designs – it wasn’t long before these two loves would meet in the middle.

She has done a fine job with this authentic manga design book – with short engaging passages that contextualize the manga aesthetic, along with instructions on how to use the included CD/DVD – where you can find all the customisable and printable charts – McCarthy also has included instructions on how to make your own cross-stitch charts based on your favourite character – using the included software found on the DVD.

(Needless to say this book is just as thorough in learning how to cross-stitch as how to design – with the basics covered – thread, materials, charts, there are also good close up photos of how to stitch.) But really this books main feature is its dedication to helping you design your own cross-stitch patterns – and the manga – its all about the manga really – who and what are these kawaii characters / cyber beings / heroes + villains / samurai + ronin / monsters … and more fantastic run down on these character types – how to add in text + special effects, change the texture and tone, and how to change the facial features to give different expressions – this is better than many ‘how to draw manga’ books that are so popular with kids these days.

The readership will not be confined to needle-workers or manga fans but to anyone who wishes to be creatively guided and engaged.

Adorable! Link.

new (to me) stitching site MrXStitch – contemporary embroidery and needlecraft – ‘pushing boundaries of the threadiverse; people who make amazing art using the power of stitch’. This site is giving me lots of laughs and introducing me to new realms of stitchery – (beware its a little bit naughty [sometimes]- but lots of fun and super creative).

Images: Beefranck and Mr X Stitch

Female reproductive system by textile artist Christa Rowley- seen on craftster - find more on etsy.

Stitch Graffiti: Unexpected Cross-Stitch (Unexpected Cross Stitch) by Heather Holland-Daly published by Interweave Press (April 1, 2008).

Get brave with your cross-stitch, was a quote from one review I read of this book. And that really summed it up for me too. This book really allows you to get a little braver and try some new designs, have some fun, get inspired and go beyond cute sampler patterns.

This book doesn’t go all out however – its no Subversive Cross Stitch but it does have some interesting ideas. motifs, tattoo designs and slogans, some fun patches and colourful designs.

There are instructions for beginners at the front and a stitch dictionary at the back, but otherwise more advanced stitchers are well catered for.

Cross Stitcher’s Countdown To Christmas by Various Contributors, published by David & Charles (June 9, 2008).

Christmas is coming and for cross stitchers – here is a fabulous book, filled with all sorts of variations on Christmas. All the designs have lovely big charts, and there is a brief techniques section at the back. Designs range from a very sweet advent calendar – with a different design for each day, designed by Joan Elliott. I love the Scandinavian motifs in red and white, and sweet flora and fauna designs both by Lesley Teare. The ‘Mittens garland’ by Ursula Michael, is just beautiful, with beaded cross stitch motifs and the beaded tree decorations by Shirley Toogood are lovely.

And there is more, each page there is something I love, cake band designs with iceskating ladies by Maria Diaz, gift pillow with funny elves by Claire Crompton, some irreverent ‘feathered friends’ turkeys and ducks by Jane Henderson…. Lots lots more. Many projects for the more experienced cross stitcher – with enough for the beginner as well.

120 Celebration Cross Stitch Cards by Gillian Souter, published by David & Charles.

Say it with cross stitch – for the cross stitch lover – some terribly cute designs – small enough for greeting cards – but really you could use these for anything. The charts are clear and there is a good but brief stitching techniques section at the back.

All the main events are included: Religious (all the main religions are represented), as well as every other event you can imagine. I love the knot tag design for fathers day and the tools design, there is a ‘twins’ design with twin prams, and lots of ideas for new babies, and children – including a ‘well done smarty pants’ design and birthday designs, with cute monsters and fairies. There are too many designs to mention and all of them are classic and timeless. Lots here for anyone.

needlework necklaces and wall wear pieces

website : etsy store [via freshly blended]

love this image and her work: kimberly scola of her embroideries hanging on her wall.