Subversive Cross Stitch review and giveaway!

If you agree, even a bit with the statement above, have I got a book for you!  I was super-pleased to receive a review copy of Subversive Cross Stitch: 50 F*cking Clever Designs for Your Sassy Side by Julie Jackson, the mastermind behind subversivecrossstitch.com. This book certainly contains some colorful language, so if that at all offends you, you should skip this one. But if you like to let some choice words fly, this book is for you. :)

Subversive Cross Stitch is one of those sites that requires no introduction - if you have a dry wit and an itch to cross stitch, you have probably found Julie's site already. This little book packs in an amazing 50 individual cross stitch patterns, including 17 brand new to the world designs.

Let's take a tour of the opening pages and peek at a few of my personal favorites, shall we?

I tried to keep this tour as safe-for-work as possible, but the Table of Contents has the full skinny on the patterns. For example, if words of the "f" persuasion are your adjective of choice - you are in luck, as I counted no less than 12 patterns which feature it. :)

I really love the helpful guide to Aida count and finished project size above - when I was a beginner, it was a tough detail for me to grasp.

And now, a quick peek at a few patterns I love:

Would it be too weird to have this in a baby's room? I'd do it. :)

Perfect for going-away parties. :)

To make the pattern pages more hilarious, don't miss the little quips under each stitched example - they're pretty awesome, too. It's really nice to see each pattern stitched up and beautifully framed, and there's a full DMC color list for each pattern.

This is a great book for any stitcher who loves colorful language and a well-placed sarcastic quip. The patterns are quick and straightforward enough to be perfect for someone who is new to cross stitch. There are also 4 simple alphabets at the back so you can further personalize your projects. Need I say? I love this book!

Giveaway time! This giveaway is US only - to win - please leave a comment on this post by 9 PM US CST, March 1. Let's keep it safe for work, but please tell us the letter your favorite curse word starts with. For instance, mine is, cough, "f." :)

Edit: Mar. 2, 2015 - We have our random winner - Laura likes a word that begins with A and will be receiving a free copy of Subversive Cross Stitch! Thanks, all!

Stitch Love preview!

Hi all! Recently the lovely Mollie Johanson of Wild Olive was kind enough to send me a copy of her new book Stitch Love: Sweet Creatures Big and Small.

It is pure adorable-ness.

Have a cup of coffee, tea, or the brew of your choice and take a quick peek at it with me this morning! :)

Even the dedication is wonderful.

How gorgeous is this butterfly project? You'll see beautiful photography like this throughout!

I haven't said eep! lately - but this pup is eep-worthy. :)

Furoshiki cloth? I don't know what that is. But I want to make one!

Possum, you are so much cuter than the critters that steal my cat's food.

Hello Yeti, I love you.

There are pages and pages of critters beautifully stitched by Mollie on linen - it's such a perfect way to get inspired!

Aww, shucks, thanks for the shout-out, Mollie!

In short, if you love cute, small projects that are quick to stitch, you'll be happy to have this little gem in your library. Thanks again Mollie, for the preview of Stitch Love: Sweet Creatures Big and Small and thanks all, for joining me! :)