Book Review: Super Subversive Cross Stitch: 50 Fresh as F*ck Designs by Julie Jackson

Super Subversive Cross Stitch: 50 Fresh as F*ck Designs by Julie Jackson offers crafters snarky inspirations they. The book features 50 patterns (23 brand-new designs and 27 fan favorites) along with easy-to-follow instructions for the beginner and fonts and designs for adventurous crafters looking to customize their creations. It recasts a traditional, dare we say "sentimental," craft into a modern,
relevant art form. It's the latest offering in the Subversive Cross Stitch brand, beloved by legions of DIYers. Less messy than graffiti, Super Subversive Cross Stitch allows crafters to adorn walls with political pith and irreverent twists on classic quotes ("I think, therefore I drink," "Let the good times be gin").

Super Subversive Cross Stitch is not for the prim and proper crafter, and I do not recommend gifting any of these creations to those that you do not know well, or would not enjoy the humor. I thought the chosen designs offered a good selection of what one would expect from this author and what the title promises. I thought the grids, instructions, and information on techniques were all well done, easy to understand, and entertaining in their own right. Most importantly I thought the author's encouragement to try new things and embrace mistakes made this book even better. The support and tools to try and create this designs and more, create your own and explore options and your own creativity could be the difference between someone trying something new and sticking with it and them giving up after a few mistakes think they just cannot be good at this. I really appreciated the tone, encouragement, and creativity in this book. While I might not be making these to give away for the holidays, I will be keeping some of these in reserve for the perfect moment and right recipient.