Herbert Press An imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
1385 Broadway New York NY 10018 USA
50 Bedford Square London WC1B 3DP UK
www.bloomsbury.com BLOOMSBURY and the Diana logo are trademarks of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc First published in Great Britain 2017 This electronic edition published in 2017 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc Š Bloomsbury Publishing plc Created for Bloomsbury by Plum5 Ltd Photographs and Illustrations Š Shutterstock All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publishers. No responsibility for loss caused to any individual or organization acting on or refraining from action as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by Bloomsbury or the author. British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
[Library of Congress Cataloguing-in-Publication data has been applied for.
ISBN: HB: 978-1-9122-1704-5 ePub: 978-1-9122-1705-2 ePDF: 978-1-9122-1706-9
To find out more about our authors and books visit www.bloomsbury.com. Here you will find extracts, author interviews, details of forthcoming events and the option to sign up for our newsletters.
Herbert Press An imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
1385 Broadway New York NY 10018 USA
50 Bedford Square London WC1B 3DP UK
www.bloomsbury.com BLOOMSBURY and the Diana logo are trademarks of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc First published in Great Britain 2017 © Bloomsbury Publishing plc Created for Bloomsbury by Plum5 Ltd Photographs and Illustrations © Shutterstock All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publishers. No responsibility for loss caused to any individual or organization acting on or refraining from action as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by Bloomsbury or the author. British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
[Library of Congress Cataloguing-in-Publication data has been applied for.
ISBN: HB: 978-1-9122-1704-5 ePub: 978-1-9122-1705-2 2 4 6 8 10 9 7 5 3 1
Printed and bound in Spain by Graphicom
To find out more about our authors and books visit www.bloomsbury.com. Here you will find extracts, author interviews, details of forthcoming events and the option to sign up for our newsletters.
Contents 1) Introduction
5
2) A short history
6
3) The Basics
8
4) You will need…
10
5) How to cross stitch
12
6) Patterns 7) Acknowledgements
16–93 96
Sometimes revolution is a scary thing
Introduction
It brings to mind images of violence, dominant men and terrible fashion. But luckily, you have stumbled on a beautiful revolution: The Craft Revolution. If you believe the internet, craftivism is a hot new craze sweeping the planet. “Not your grandmother’s protest!” hollers the shouty clickbait. Happily this couldn’t be further from the truth as craft and protest have been merrily cohabitating since your great, great, great grandmother’s time. The Luddite, Suffragette, second wave feminist, and peace movements were amongst many to share a passion and understanding of the power handmade objects have to subversively communicate ideas. On January 21st 2017, 2.5 million people marched worldwide in the Women’s March against Trump. The Women’s March was a proactive international movement, galvanising people to defend women’s rights, and those of others, in response to the rising rhetoric of far-right populism around the world. Symbolic of this movement, hundreds of thousands of pink knitted “pussy hats” adorned the heads of marchers. More than simply casting off Trump’s misogyny, the pussy hats empowered people to come together and creatively respond to politics. Friendships were made, solidarities forged, many debates were had. Most importantly, the mainstream came to realise that craft is not benign. Craft has the power to change minds, and a radical craft circle has the power to change the world.
WELCOME TO THE REVOLUTION. SAVING THE WORLD ONE STITCH AT A TIME.
really cross stitch
5
Sometimes revolution is a scary thing
Introduction
It brings to mind images of violence, dominant men and terrible fashion. But luckily, you have stumbled on a beautiful revolution: The Craft Revolution. If you believe the internet, craftivism is a hot new craze sweeping the planet. “Not your grandmother’s protest!” hollers the shouty clickbait. Happily this couldn’t be further from the truth as craft and protest have been merrily cohabitating since your great, great, great grandmother’s time. The Luddite, Suffragette, second wave feminist, and peace movements were amongst many to share a passion and understanding of the power handmade objects have to subversively communicate ideas. On January 21st 2017, 2.5 million people marched worldwide in the Women’s March against Trump. The Women’s March was a proactive international movement, galvanising people to defend women’s rights, and those of others, in response to the rising rhetoric of far-right populism around the world. Symbolic of this movement, hundreds of thousands of pink knitted “pussy hats” adorned the heads of marchers. More than simply casting off Trump’s misogyny, the pussy hats empowered people to come together and creatively respond to politics. Friendships were made, solidarities forged, many debates were had. Most importantly, the mainstream came to realise that craft is not benign. Craft has the power to change minds, and a radical craft circle has the power to change the world.
WELCOME TO THE REVOLUTION. SAVING THE WORLD ONE STITCH AT A TIME.
really cross stitch
5
The craft revolution
A short history
The craft revolution started a long time ago when people were resisting the Industrial Revolution. The People decided they had no interest in soulless objects made by soulless machines. The People knew that there was an inherent greatness in stuff that was handmade by people in their own communities. They knew creativity within their community spilled over into all sorts of domains beyond craft itself.
6
really cross stitch
Imaginative people make better decisions. They create wonderful spaces in which to work, play and love. Imaginative people do not need to rely on violence to create a world they want to live in. However, the Industrial Revolution did get its way for a while. Our communities have been successfully duped into believing we need to buy stuff to feel like proper human beings. Now that we are getting more and more disconnected
from our communities and might get an empty feeling in our soul, we are taught that we can simply fill this void by buying more stuff. Stuff is no longer a wonderful, special part of our lives. Now stuff is disposable and unemotional; we have no idea where most of it comes from.
People are realising that the reason there is so much unhappiness and violence in our communities is because we have become so disconnected from the land, our friends and family, and most of all from the processes that are needed to make this world function.
Thankfully a new craft revolution has been born. People all over the world are realising that buying things won’t make you happier, sexier, brainier or better- looking.
THE PEOPLE ARE RETURNING TO THE EARTH AND HEARING WHAT SHE HAS TO SAY.
really cross stitch
7
The craft revolution
A short history
The craft revolution started a long time ago when people were resisting the Industrial Revolution. The People decided they had no interest in soulless objects made by soulless machines. The People knew that there was an inherent greatness in stuff that was handmade by people in their own communities. They knew creativity within their community spilled over into all sorts of domains beyond craft itself.
6
really cross stitch
Imaginative people make better decisions. They create wonderful spaces in which to work, play and love. Imaginative people do not need to rely on violence to create a world they want to live in. However, the Industrial Revolution did get its way for a while. Our communities have been successfully duped into believing we need to buy stuff to feel like proper human beings. Now that we are getting more and more disconnected
from our communities and might get an empty feeling in our soul, we are taught that we can simply fill this void by buying more stuff. Stuff is no longer a wonderful, special part of our lives. Now stuff is disposable and unemotional; we have no idea where most of it comes from.
People are realising that the reason there is so much unhappiness and violence in our communities is because we have become so disconnected from the land, our friends and family, and most of all from the processes that are needed to make this world function.
Thankfully a new craft revolution has been born. People all over the world are realising that buying things won’t make you happier, sexier, brainier or better- looking.
THE PEOPLE ARE RETURNING TO THE EARTH AND HEARING WHAT SHE HAS TO SAY.
really cross stitch
7
You will need... 1) 14-count Aida fabric 2) Embroidery hoop 3) Fabric scissors 4) Embroidery scissors 5) Tapestry needle 6) DMC stranded cotton thread 7) Good lighting 8) A passion for craftivism!
You will need... 1) 14-count Aida fabric 2) Embroidery hoop 3) Fabric scissors 4) Embroidery scissors 5) Tapestry needle 6) DMC stranded cotton thread 7) Good lighting 8) A passion for craftivism!
Getting started
How to cross stitch 12
really cross stitch
Place your clean, dry and ironed fabric inside your embroidery hoop. Separate a 100 cm/40 inch length of your embroidery thread so you have two strands and thread your needle. Start at the top of the pattern as it’s loads easier to stitch downwards than upwards. Thread your needle through from the back of the fabric, leaving 4 cm/1.5 inches of thread at the back. When you begin your first row of stitching make sure the tail of the thread is tucked under each stitch and secured.
MAKING A STITCH There are two methods of making your X. The first is for working horizontal rows. Start by working a row of half stitches (////), then work back (\\\\) to complete the Xs. Use this method for most stitching. The second method is to complete each X as you go. Use this method for vertical rows and randomly placed stitches. It is important that all the X’s are crossed in the same direction, i.e., the top thread of the X should always angle in the same direction (either \ or /). It doesn’t really matter which way they slant, but if they are mixed the finished piece will look wonky.
Be careful not to pull the thread too tight as it will distort the fabric and make it harder to straighten at the end. When you pull your thread through the canvas, ensure it sits flat and firm, but not tight.
FINISHING A STITCH When you reach the end of a piece of thread, run it under the stitches at the back so it holds it tight. Trim off any spare bits of thread. But make sure that there is at least 2 cm /1 inch of thread held tight at the back so it doesn’t come undone.
really cross stitch
13
Getting started
How to cross stitch 12
really cross stitch
Place your clean, dry and ironed fabric inside your embroidery hoop. Separate a 100 cm/40 inch length of your embroidery thread so you have two strands and thread your needle. Start at the top of the pattern as it’s loads easier to stitch downwards than upwards. Thread your needle through from the back of the fabric, leaving 4 cm/1.5 inches of thread at the back. When you begin your first row of stitching make sure the tail of the thread is tucked under each stitch and secured.
MAKING A STITCH There are two methods of making your X. The first is for working horizontal rows. Start by working a row of half stitches (////), then work back (\\\\) to complete the Xs. Use this method for most stitching. The second method is to complete each X as you go. Use this method for vertical rows and randomly placed stitches. It is important that all the X’s are crossed in the same direction, i.e., the top thread of the X should always angle in the same direction (either \ or /). It doesn’t really matter which way they slant, but if they are mixed the finished piece will look wonky.
Be careful not to pull the thread too tight as it will distort the fabric and make it harder to straighten at the end. When you pull your thread through the canvas, ensure it sits flat and firm, but not tight.
FINISHING A STITCH When you reach the end of a piece of thread, run it under the stitches at the back so it holds it tight. Trim off any spare bits of thread. But make sure that there is at least 2 cm /1 inch of thread held tight at the back so it doesn’t come undone.
really cross stitch
13
Find your emotion centre
So much anger
DESIGN SIZE 203 x 136 mm (8 x 5½") | 750 stitches
DMC COLOUR 581 Moss Green 519 Sky Blue 312 Baby Blue VY DK 310 Black 20
really cross stitch
Sometimes, the state of the world really is quite rage-inducing, and five minutes watching the news can leave you feeling very stabby indeed. Channel your rage into this project! There have been countless studies expounding the mental health benefits of craft. Something about the gentle repetitive nature of creating with your hands calms and balances the mind. One thing’s for sure, by the time you’ve stabbed your needle through these 750 stitches you’re bound to feel much better. There’s a reason it’s not called “happy stitch”. really cross stitch
21
We’ve got this stitched up
Act your rage
DESIGN SIZE 211 x 125 mm (8½ x 5") | 727 stitches
DMC COLOUR 157 Blue LT 334 Baby Blue MED 562 Jade MED 310 Black 28
really cross stitch
The best thing about this pattern is its versatility. No matter what the issue of the day is, you’ll be ready! Before photography, a protest sign was made in order to inform passers-by of the reason and logic of your protest. They were often lengthy and rather verbose. The advent of photojournalism and then television meant signs got shorter and snappier. Now we have social media, the humble placard has evolved into a locus of wit. Sometimes, however, the rage is too intense for puns. In that case, this pattern is perfect. really cross stitch
29
Don’t give up
#battlecry
DESIGN SIZE 200 x 163 mm (8 x 6½") | 1404 stitches
DMC COLOUR 894 Carnation VY LT 727 Topaz VY LT 598 Turquoise LT 334 Baby Blue MED 703 Chartreuse 561 Jade VY DK 32
really cross stitch
“She was warned. She was given an explanation.” Such chilling words when you consider their intent: to silence a woman’s political voice. Fortunately, it takes a lot more than that pitiful attempt at bullying to silence Sen. Elizabeth Warren, whose refusal to stay silent energised a movement. These three words have become a rallying cry for women fighting to be heard in male-dominated spaces. The knack for persistence is a requirement for any activist, just like cross stitch. So consider this pattern part of your revolutionary workout routine. really cross stitch
33
Don’t give up
#battlecry
DESIGN SIZE 200 x 163 mm (8 x 6½") | 1404 stitches
DMC COLOUR 894 Carnation VY LT 727 Topaz VY LT 598 Turquoise LT 334 Baby Blue MED 703 Chartreuse 561 Jade VY DK 32
really cross stitch
“She was warned. She was given an explanation.” Such chilling words when you consider their intent: to silence a woman’s political voice. Fortunately, it takes a lot more than that pitiful attempt at bullying to silence Sen. Elizabeth Warren, whose refusal to stay silent energised a movement. These three words have become a rallying cry for women fighting to be heard in male-dominated spaces. The knack for persistence is a requirement for any activist, just like cross stitch. So consider this pattern part of your revolutionary workout routine. really cross stitch
33
This is my stop sign
Enough already
DESIGN SIZE 179 x 179 mm (7 x 7") | 1078 stitches
DMC COLOUR 728 Golden Yellow 471 Avocado Green VY LT 469 Avocado Green 310 Black 36
really cross stitch
Language can be used to persuade, amuse, insult, and mobilise action. Few formats can accomplish these goals as ably or succinctly as the protest sign. Of course, sometimes the words just won’t come. Or there are too many of them to fit on one sign. Or you’re just so tired of being angry and upset that you just want to go UGH; which is fine. “Just, Ugh” conveys all the despair, rage and hopelessness in just seven easy letters, and of course, can be used for virtually any occasion as it works for anything. Plus, it’s nice and easy to stitch. really cross stitch
37
This is my stop sign
Enough already
DESIGN SIZE 179 x 179 mm (7 x 7") | 1078 stitches
DMC COLOUR 728 Golden Yellow 471 Avocado Green VY LT 469 Avocado Green 310 Black 36
really cross stitch
Language can be used to persuade, amuse, insult, and mobilise action. Few formats can accomplish these goals as ably or succinctly as the protest sign. Of course, sometimes the words just won’t come. Or there are too many of them to fit on one sign. Or you’re just so tired of being angry and upset that you just want to go UGH; which is fine. “Just, Ugh” conveys all the despair, rage and hopelessness in just seven easy letters, and of course, can be used for virtually any occasion as it works for anything. Plus, it’s nice and easy to stitch. really cross stitch
37
With age comes wisdom
Nanacore
#1 slogan of the nanacore.
DESIGN SIZE 192 x 147 mm (7½ x 6") | 833 stitches
DMC COLOUR 891 Carnation DK 563 Jade LT 310 Black 38
really cross stitch
Once upon a time, a long, long, long time ago, and then a bit before that, women took to the streets to march for the right to have control over their own bodies. My body, my choice, has always seemed a pretty basic concept to grasp. For some gobsmackingly unbelievable reason, there are still men in this world who believe they’re better placed to make these decisions. Who are these people? Don’t they have something better to do with their lives? It would be nice if some bro gangs would pull them to one side and remind them that women aren’t property anymore. really cross stitch
39
With age comes wisdom
Nanacore
#1 slogan of the nanacore.
DESIGN SIZE 192 x 147 mm (7½ x 6") | 833 stitches
DMC COLOUR 891 Carnation DK 563 Jade LT 310 Black 38
really cross stitch
Once upon a time, a long, long, long time ago, and then a bit before that, women took to the streets to march for the right to have control over their own bodies. My body, my choice, has always seemed a pretty basic concept to grasp. For some gobsmackingly unbelievable reason, there are still men in this world who believe they’re better placed to make these decisions. Who are these people? Don’t they have something better to do with their lives? It would be nice if some bro gangs would pull them to one side and remind them that women aren’t property anymore. really cross stitch
39
Annoyed? Upset? Distraught? Want to stab a sharp object into something? Really Cross Stitch is the book for you.
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