Cute and quirky book of clever patterns and helpful tips. I'm actually planning on trying some of these out to make for gifts!

Super fun and irreverent! I and my crafty friends will be laughing along with these for the rest of the year!

This is a very fun and original cross stitch book. I received a ARC sample of the book via netgalley, and while it doesn’t include the book in its entirety, I liked what I saw! The designs are clever and simple (but not boring). I could see myself stitching the Grammer Police motif and hanging it in my home. I also think the Home Sweet Castle project is adorable. All the projects are doable, and with the great instructional section at the book’s beginning, this would make a great book for the beginning cross stitcher.

"Improper Cross Stitch" was a simple, but cute book with cross stitch patterns that are not the normal, average patterns. One says, "I will cut you" , "Damn it feels good to be a crafter", etc. The book starts out talking about words and phrases to help you learn cross stitch. It talks about fabrics to use and about thread counts, etc. It also talks about tools needed, like needles, thread, etc. It also talks about drawing your own patterns (simple ones, of course). Finishing up your stitched piece is even included. The patterns are simple, yet they are easy to read and easy to stitch. I liked this book. It was fun!

I'm a big fan of non-traditional cross-stitch. I stumbled across a website a few years ago that inspired me to pick up the craft, and I quickly got hooked! It's a very portable craft, something I can take with me easily when traveling, and depending on the pattern can be a quick way to satisfy my crafty side. I'm not terribly artistic or creative, but I like things that give me a pattern to follow...cross-stitch is perfect for me in this way! If I can do it, then anyone can :) I'll have to post a few of my favorite personal creations on here later...

Improper Cross-Stitch starts with the basics for the newbie...I wish I would have had this when I started. The website I used was great, but having something to review in my hands would have made it so much easier. I also bought some supplies initially I didn't need or were wrong sizes, and this basic tutorial can prevent you from making my mistakes!

The preview copy I received was electronic and thus I didn't get to review all the patterns or see them in great detail. I can say though that the ones I saw made me laugh out loud (most of the time), go awww (a few times), yell "YES" (several times), and generally make me think of a person I would make each one for in an instant.

Patterns in this book are creative...maybe not always in the "words" but how they are portrayed between the words used and the rest of the pictures or context provided absolutely make them entertaining. I'm going to add this to my Christmas list for the coming year so that I can actually make several of these patterns myself! In truth, I might not be able to wait until Christmas and may have to sneak in a purchase well before then...I can justify it as a Christmas present for others since I'll be making several as gifts (wine and cats and squad goals are two I saw for sure)!

Added bonus: a section of various alphabets for customizing creations and a section on designing your own patterns (for those of you with more artistic and creative skills than me!).

I'm excited to see the whole book and all of the patterns here upon its release, and think this would be a great library addition for a newbie or old pro when it comes to cross-stitch.

*Preview copy provided by publisher through Netgalley*

Improper Cross-Stitch is an excellent introduction to the world of cross-stitch that appeals to a younger generation. It consists of an introductory how-to section, then a selection of patterns with full color photos and charts.

None of the patterns are out of reach of a beginner, and they are quirky enough to appeal to a more experienced stitcher as well, for short, instant-gratification type projects. I have over 20 years of experience cross-stitching and was absolutely delighted with the patterns, using such phrases as "I'll Cut You," "Talk Nerdy to Me," and "Grammar Police." I'm not entirely sure where the "profane" bit comes in, as none of the patterns in the ARC would I call profane...but to each their own, I suppose. The ARC was short quite a few pages (I suppose they didn't want ALL the patterns out there), but from what I could see this would be a book I would love to have on my shelf.

I did wish the author would have included some more information about the myriad of fabric and thread options out there. I understand that this is a beginner level book, but sometimes a little knowledge of the tools of the craft outside of Aida and DMC floss might go a long way in enticing newcomers to stick with the hobby! There are many indie dyers of gorgeous fabrics and threads out there.

Easy, fun cross stitch patterns. Very good instructions for beginners with explanations/terms that you need to know. I do cross stitch and sometimes instructions are not clear on the different options. Funny, fun patterns to choose from. A good addition to any library (including my own personal one!).

I received an ARC from netgalley for an honest review.

This book has a good bit of instructions for crossstiching, the designs are cute and witty. I do wish there where more patterns in this book though but if still recommend this if your interested in cross stitch.

For a 113 page book, it's a little hard to review only 30 pages. From what I saw it looks like a fun cross-stitch book along the likes of Subversive Cross-Stitch's book. The charts were clear, the pictures were good. The designs I saw were fun and fresh, and I look forward to purchasing it so I can cross-stitch some of these designs.

Improper Cross-Stitch 35+ Properly Naughty Patterns by Haley Pierson-Cox is a book I requested and the review is voluntary. On the review copies, we don't see all of the patterns but see the titles of them all and boy does this book look fun! I want to start cross stitching for this book! I tried about 40 years ago and didn't have the patience but I probably could do it now with this book motivating me. It has tips, what the newbie will need, etc. I am excited to start! Some of the titles included, I Will Cut You, and it showed butcher knives, lol. Stitchers gonna Stitch, Badass Garden Gnomes, and Home is Where my Hound is. LOL The Gnomes is the one I wanted to see! They are funny and would make great gifts!

While I appreciate the fresh take on cross-stitching, and making something my grandma would do cool....I find this book lacking in the instructions and patterns to make these awesome creations. I do like the fact that the colors were listed...so I could try and replicate. I also liked how towards the back, the book shows how you can make your own patterns...that is if you are super creative. This clearly isn't a book for beginners.

This was hilarious! Plus it was informative so I think it’ll be really helpful as I’m working on my second one! The first one was good but uh, my skills are not

Reviewing for an Advanced Readers Copy, and boy does it need work!

This is half a book, which is disappointing. There are patterns mentioned that did not show up at all, and yes, I checked to make sure it downloaded correctly. That Escalated Quickly had no information for it at all and the same with Morning Cup of Chemistry, Smart Is The New Sexy, Home Is Where My Hound Is, and so many more.
While I can understand not wanting to put the actual patterns in, what is left are the occasional diagram and materials list. But if you're going to put a cross stitch book out there, it had better have the patterns so we can review those, don't you think?

So with no patterns, and many missing materials lists...what's the point of asking for reviews?
I'm reviewing an incomplete book.

I'm giving this one, as it stands, two stars, for interesting content (what there is of it). Complete it as a proper book and I'll re-review and likely give it more stars.

Improper Cross Stitch was a vaguely entertaining how-to guide. I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner cross-stitcher like myself. Though it had some helpful elements and some wonderful beginner's suggestions (to draw your own cross stitch pattern use graph paper, but make sure it scales or else it won't look right in translation) it was far from a step-by-step and many of the designs would be far outside my wheelhouse to achieve.

I really liked that the book was broken up into teasing chapters, like "snarky hipster sayings." The author punctuated a very particular type of humor it would take to spend time and energy into crafting a tongue-in-cheek cat lady masterpiece. I see the appeal of the cross stitch, particularly in my Podcast group My Favorite Murder. Cross stitching foul language into beautiful flowers and mesmerizing shapes is so incredibly fun and a great turn on "woman's work."

This is a beginners book, well done with colorful pictures. It does not contain anything new or different for the advanced or long term cross stitcher. This volume will make a nice gift for the beginning crafter. The pictures are helpful.

St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Improper Cross-Stitch: 35+ Properly Naughty Patterns. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

Improper Cross-Stitch includes 35 designs that bring snarky attitude and humor into cross-stitching. The author takes the time to describe tools that you will need, as well as the basics of cross-stitching. There are sections such as Hipster Snark, which spouts sayings like Armed and Creative, complete with a pair of crafting scissors, and I'll Cut You, which depicts vegetables and dueling kitchen implements. Talk Nerdy to Me and Alphabets will also help crafters show their creative side. With a final look at Finishing and Framing, as well as designing your own patterns, the author takes readers on a complete tour of cross-stitching.

The title does not do a good job of conveying the content of this book, which may disappoint a certain portion of readers. The subtitle promises properly naughty patterns, but the designs were more snarky than naughty. Improper Cross-Stitch also has very few projects to complete, which may be a turn-off to some readers. The book represents a missed opportunity for me, as the author does not fully deliver on the promise made. For these reasons, I would be hesitant to recommend Improper Cross-Stitch to other readers.

As a stitcher and librarian I have a long and happy history with books about cross stitch, needlepoint, embroidery, quilting, knitting, and crocheting. This ebook sample of "Improper Cross-Stitch" falls short on many levels. It is not visually appealing and has a bargain bin feel. The font choice makes the page look text-heavy and crowded, the photos are small and dark as if taken with a smart phone in the author's living room, and the cross stitch designs are simply, meh. Uninspiring. The theme has a lot of potential, but the book feels more like the starting point of an idea rather than a final product. It would have benefitted from more thought and development in terms of both cross-stitch and book design.

Good tips, quick read and some cute/improper cross Stiches.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a free copy of this ebook for an honest review!

The book I received for review was a subset of the book that will be published, so I can’t really provide a full review. I will say that there are some basics upfront for those who are new to cross-stitching, but I can’t really comment on the patterns as there were none in the copy I received. Wait for the book to be released and see what others have to say about them, but if you’re just starting out, you may find this to be of interest to you.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC. This entertaining crafts/needlecrafts book is a fun gift idea for any and all of your snarky friends. I recommend this one.