Twisted Stitches: 30 Corrupt Cross Stitch & Embroidery Designs - Tapa blanda

For crafters who like their stitching with a twist, this book reworks or reimagines fine embroidery and cute craft imagery so that they cross over to the dark side. Think charming cottages with roses around the door - and trash and abandoned vehicles in the front yard, or napkins embroidered with pretty but poisonous plants. Projects include a RIP (read in peace) bookmark, a butterfly and skulls tote bag, and a pig strikes back barbecue apron. Inspired by popular culture and street art, it's the craft equivalent of the Jane Austin and vampire novel smash-up and is guaranteed to amuse. The book contains 30 original cross stitch and embroidery designs, organised by project type (eg home or clothing). Projects include pictures, cards, cushions and accessories. Twisted Stitches also features instructions on techniques for new stitchers. All projects use DMC threads.

Irish-born Phil Davison trained in fashion at the world-renowned St Martin's College of Design, and was taught to cross stitch by an elderly neighbour when living in Arkansas, USA. He runs Urban Cross Stitch, selling kits online. He also organizes Cross Stitch and Cupcake and Cross Stitch and Cocktails events in London, England, where he provides instruction and advice in a sociable setting. His work has been widely covered in the print and online press globally, including the Sydney Sun-Herald and Handmade magazine in Australia.