Mr X Stitch Guide to Cross Stitch, The - Softcover

Chalmers, Jamie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1782214240 ISBN 13: 9781782214243

Publisher: Search Press, 2017

Synopsis

If you think you know what cross stitch is, look again! Jamie Chalmers, aka Mr X Stitch, shows you how to cross stitch using simple step-by-step instructions and also takes you to the frontiers of cross stitch design. The book is aimed at stitchers of all abilities, from absolute beginners looking to learn a new craft to embroiderers and cross stitchers who want to do something different in cross stitching. For many, cross stitch conjures up images of cute kittens and country cottages, but this book shows people that theres a different side to cross stitching that its an art in its own right, and will encourage them to be a little braver with their art.

Jamies writing style is fun, entertaining and highly inspirational. The book aims to appeal to men as well as women, encouraging one and all to take up the ancient craft. It teaches the basics of cross stitching, including information on materials, tools, techniques and colour blending, but also puts Jamies own individual spin on it, with urban flavours and the introduction of different materials such as glow-in-the-dark threads and stitching on metal. As well as providing exciting designs to stitch, there is guidance on how to create cross stitch designs of your own, for example by using photographs and other images for reference.

Jamie also showcases the work of other contemporary cross stitchers who are pushing the boundaries of their craft, and introduces more than 20 stunning cutting-edge projects to make, showing that beauty, innovation and 'craftivism' are alive and kicking in this inspirational book.

About this title

About the Author:

Jamie Chalmers took up cross stitching fifteen years ago and hes never looked back.

Since establishing the Mr X Stitch website in 2008, he has been showcasing new talent in the world of textiles and stitch and has curated a number of stitch-based exhibitions in the UK and Ireland. Jamie is an accomplished and internationally exhibited artist in his own right, and the curator of PUSH Stitchery, part of a series of books published by Lark showcasing the work of contemporary embroidery artists from around the world. He writes articles for textile publications across the world, including Fiber Art magazine and Surface Design Journal and is the founder of the game-changing XStitch cross stitch design magazine.

Jamie Chalmers is an active leader in the online stitch community and what he has dubbed the new embroidery movement and is active on various social networking platforms. He is a regular feature at the Knitting and Stitching Shows and The Handmade Fair, appearing alongside craft celebrities like Kirsty Allsopp, Poppy Chancellor, Patrick Grant and Annie Sloan. He loves introducing new people to the benefits of embroidery from a creative and wellbeing standpoint and is proud to be an ambassador for this ubiquitous craft.

Review:

Stitcherista YouTube video review of Mr X Stitch Guide to Cross Stitch is a fantasticpage by page review of the book. Stitcherista is known for her contributions to Cross Stitch Crazy and has a popular channel on FlossTube. Check out the full review:  https://youtu.be/w8zMOSSq_Nc
-Feb 18 2018

Peacock & Fig Review - Feb 27, 2018
I was lucky enough to be contacted by the publisher of the newest cross stitch guide to hit the market, The Mr X Stitch Guide to Cross Stitch, and asked to give my honest feedback. I was thrilled to be contacted, I’ve been a big fan of his for years and have worked with him on a few projects for his fantastic modern XStitch magazine. Jamie “Mr X Stitch” Chalmers used to have a regular column in CrossStitcher magazine, and his TEDX talk on cross stitch is so good. I knew his book would be good, but I didn’t know how good until I got my copy. 
 
First off, I have to give a shout out to the wonderful photographer Stacy Grant, her photos are so awesome (I’m very jealous and wish I could take such nice photos of my own work). The whole vibe of the book is fun and relaxed, and definitely there’s no trace of being pretentious or “precious” as some craft books can be. Jamie’s personality shines through in his writing, and many times I laughed out loud at the way he phrased something. This section about the back of your work really made me lose it...
 

"There’s a myth going around town, an urban legend that says the back of your work should be as neat as the front. Usually started by a friend of a friend who knew an old lady with loads of cross stitch, who said that unless your back is really tidy, you’ll all be sent to hell and your children will all have gills."
But what’s in the book you say? Jamie has done a great job of not only covering the techniques and materials of cross stitch (with really clear photos and easy to understand instructions), but a wide variety of other topics that are part and parcel of stitching. He covers basic colour theory (perfect if you’re wanting to experiment with colours in your projects or make your own), how to frame your projects, and explains how glow in the dark threads are seriously under-utilized and how to use them more easily. He even goes into why stitching is important in our lives, whether it’s purely as a means to relaxation or connecting with our traditions of the past, but also as a means of “craftivism” and making change in your community and society.
 
The book also contains a ton of useful information if you’ve ever considered making your own patterns (including a variety of examples of one pattern produced at different sizes). He also delves into stitching on non-traditional materials, whether that’s by using waste canvas or soluble Aida, or drilling holes into materials like leather, wood, or metal and stitching on that.
 
Jamie also features some really innovative cross stitch designers, and shows how they are pushing the boundaries of this craft. Lord Libidan‘s work in 3D stitching is featured, as is the fantastic metalwork stitched art of Lithuanian artist Severija Inčirauskaitė-Kriaunevičienė (cross stitched car, anyone?). Also featured is embroidery artist Zoe Gilbertson with her beautiful abstract colourful pieces, heavy metal inspired UK designer Kate Blandford, and street installation artists Les Deuz’Bro.
 
Throughout the book, there are sample patterns with full colour photos of the finished projects, and they are labelled according to difficulty level. There is a wide variety of fun projects, from a simple question mark that’s meant to be displayed with the back showing, to a little version of the Mona Lisa. No matter your stitching level, there is something in this book for everyone, and I learned a lot reading it. If you’re interested at all in cross stitch and its context in modern society, I’d highly recommend picking up a copy. 

Full review - https://peacockandfig.com/2018/02/review-the-mr-x-stitch-guide-to-cross-stitch/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=something_special_for_you_this_week&utm_term=2018-03-14

About this edition

• Publisher: Search Press
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1782214240
• ISBN 13: 9781782214243
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144