Le whoa. It’s been a while since I’ve posted, thanks to what I like to call “Tofurky Day.” Well, I’m back from my annual trip to Indiana and my belly is full of Tofurky. Having typed that, let’s get back to getting ready for the holidays. And don’t you fret, we’ve got lots of great reviews to come. You know, in addition to providing you with the first-ever HANDMADE DETROIT HOLIDAY MARKET! I know, I’m impressed myself.

Subversive Cross Stitch: 33 Designs for Your Surly Side
By Julie Jackson
March 2006
96 pages, $14.95

I love needle crafts. I tend to swear more than my mom cares for. It’s really a natural fit that the book version of Julie Jackson’s Subversive Cross Stitch would be the perfect fit for me!

I’ve never tried Julie’s kits before, so I wasn’t sure if the book version, complete with a how-to section on basic stitching techniques, would be easy to pick up right away with diagram-assistance only. Julie does a great job going over the basics, including the difference between such terms as 11-count and 14-count fabrics, choosing the right floss, and even how to cut your material for your finished piece.

Julie’s designs for this book fall into four categories: everyday sentiments, gifts that keep giving, workplace expressions, and special occassions. Taking my cue from the holidays. I decided to try my hand on the “Happy Fucking Holidays” message. Not to worry, it turned out perfectly, swear words et all. Here’s my modified version. Thanks to Ikea for the “gold” frame.

The gridded-designs are super easy to follow, even if counting isn’t your strong point. I’m already making plans for my next project, “Kiss My Grits.”

Thanks to helpful HD reader Jessica, I found out that Chronicle Books is having a 40-percent-off sale online with their own site. Make sure to check it out.