Member Reviews

I really loved these cross stitch patterns - they celebrate nerd culture and crafty habits in such a fun way. Many cross stitch books these days try to be needlessly vulgar, but this is edgy without being over the top. This is definitely a book geared towards beginners and as such, I felt like the introductory section should have been expanded. The ARC did not give the actual grid patterns to follow, so I can't review how easy they were to follow - all I can say is that I really wish I had them so I could stitch up a few of them!

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This book was hilarious! I love cross stitch but find so many of the patterns boring and they don't fit my style. This book is one of the few I've found that does. I can't wait to pick this up in person and do some of these patterns!

I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Great patterns that I'm anxious to stitch, plus an overview of the basics for anyone new to this and instructions on how to create your own improper designs. #ImproperCross-stitch #NetGalley

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I love all of these designs! The book is laid out neatly and the designs are so creative. I cannot wait to start stitching the squad goals one!!

Even if you have never cross stitched before, all of the information is included from designing your own pattern to finishing and displaying your stitching.

I received a copy via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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I was granted access to this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Improper Cross-Stitch is a worthwhile addition to the growing number of irreverent cross-stitch books. The author provides a clear explanation of what's needed to start cross-stitching and some basics. The designs were fun and charts are well designed. I also liked the addition of how to finish and frame finished pieces.

A little bit of feedback about the ARC itself. Anyone reviewing this ARC should download the protected pdf rather than sending it to Kindle. When I sent it to Kindle, the formatting of the pages was odd and disjointed. Additionally, the charts were left off completely.

I'm definitely going to be getting this book!

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I was granted access to excerpts from this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Based solely on the pages that I was able to access, this is an amazing book for anyone who is looking to get into cross-stitch. Pierson-Cox begins by explaining the basic supplies needed, some terminology, and then gets right into providing patterns and suggesting ways to display finished projects.

I'm going to have to buy a copy just for the wine and cats pattern.

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I received this e-book ARC through Net Galley from St. Martin's Press in exchange for a truthful review.

The ARC contained only 30 of the 128 pages, so I cannot give a review of the complete work.
The pages which I was able to read were cute and perfect for a novice to cross-stitch. The book starts with the basics of cross stitch and ends with tips for displaying your creations and even creating some of your own naughty patterns.

The few patterns included in the 30 pages to which I had access were colorful, witty and fun. I wouldn't categorize them as "naughty" per se (I only saw one curse word in my reviewed pages). The patterns are in chapters entitled "Hipster Snark", "Ironically Domestic", "Talk Nerdy to Me" and "Alphabets", to give you an indication of the pattern topics.

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This title has a nice variety of designs, that will appeal to those interested in "sassier" cross-stitch patterns. Charts are well laid out and easy to follow. I plan to recommend this to a number of my friends.

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I have been very disappointed with these 'sassy' cross stitch pattern books in the past, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one. This is more than the typical "rude saying surrounded by an ironic border" book. This actually includes patterns with cute graphics and funny images. Patterns are very basic and aimed at beginners (very aida friendly). Not many of the pattern fit my personal taste, but there are some I've like to do. I would say this is the best book of this type I've seen. Patterns are generally more hipster-ironic than rude, which is nice. I say check this out of you like that kind of pattern.

**I received this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

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This book had me rolling! Fantastically unexpected sayings in traditional cross-stitch style has always been a favorite thing of mine, and with the patterns in this book, you can create funny and memorable gifts for your humor-loving friends and family. The patterns are easy to follow and aside from a few fancy embellishments (my French knots are abysmal), most of the projects are fairly easy for even beginning stitchers. This book would make a fabulous gift for the fun-loving cross-stitcher in your life!

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Ok, this is my type of cross stitch book. Yes, I know how to cross stitch, I just do not do it as much as my knitting or crochet. Plus, to be honest, it costs more then my knitting or crochet, but that is another subject.

This book is hilarious at the same time so completely true. It is smart-ass, yet funny. Definitely not your grandmother's cross stitch samplers, lol. The "Talk Nerdy to me" & the cat ones I can really see myself doing. All the designs are fairly small & quite easy to do.

The book even gives you primers on how to do the cross stitch, items needed, framing advice, etc. It is an all around good book if you want to barely step into the cross-stitch waters but do not want to make the "normal" samplers. This would be a good book for a beginner in my opinion.

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This is a cross stitch book centered mainly on the theme of crafting but with side geeky tangents. Most of the patterns are fairly simple and straight forward. I didn't find anything improper about it but then I am not easily offended. I have quite a few patterns earmarked to do soon.

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A wonderfully fun DIY book full of hilariously improper cross stitch patterns. It definitely makes me want to take up cross stitching as a hobby, as this book makes it look so simple and fun. The book comes with a ton of tips and tricks. Wonderful book! I simply loved it!

I have received a much appreciated digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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I'm sure this will be a fun book when it is published, but as an ARC it is a hot mess. Things are very scrambled and hashed together. Only a few images are shown and none of the actual pattern/grid. How are you supposed to evaluate a pattern book with no patterns? One example would have been plenty.
From what I could see, the designs will be cute.

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As an accomplished needleworker, I really wanted to like this book. I was underwhelmed with the lack of patterns, which, in my opinion, should be included, or no one will want to purchase this book. The "how-to" portions of the book were well written, organized and true to materials for beginners. The author recommended high quality materials, which in the long run are far less frustrating than using inferior items. She takes you through gathering the materials, stitching and even framing advice. She concludes the book with making your own pattern. I suppose it serves a purpose, but without patterns I can not give this book more than an average review.

I want to thank #NetGalley for the opportunity to review honestly this book prior to its publish date by offering an advanced reader copy.

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I enjoy the variety of designs in this book, but was disappointed that the review copy didn't show most of the designs offered. It would have been helpful in deciding if this is a book that I'd like to purchase or not.

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Basically exactly what it promises. There is a nice little introduction to the tools of cross-stitch, although I do feel like beginners (like myself) might find it a little overwhelming. The patterns are simple, but funny, and I can definitely think of some people in my life who would appreciate them, having several snarky crafters in the family! I think that for a beginner, this is maybe not the best first book to act as an introduction to cross-stitch, but for the casual or experienced cross-stitcher, this book could be a fun source of ideas and inspiration.

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This little book extends the idea of subversive cross stitch to include ironic and, modern designs that have more elements of modern cross stitch such as Backstitched lines, outlining for detail, and partial stitches.

The designs are delightful and will be fun to stitch. The introductory chapter gives you the basics of cross stitch and the final two chapters cover finishing and designing your own project.

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Improper Cross-Stitch took a new spin on a classic craft. I can remember my mom and her friends cross-stitching in the 80s when it was the "cool craft" to do.
I love that Haley Pierson-Cox took a new approach to cross-stitching and bringing it to the modern times! By bringing in phrases and designs that were funny and clever, I think this will appeal to a younger crowd and help to bring back the cross stitch trend.
Additionally for new crafters, Haley does a great job explaining all the different components of doing cross stitch from picking thread to displaying the finished project!
I would for sure purchase this book when it is published and look forward to trying out a few of the patterns!

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This book is absolutely PERFECT for beginners. The patterns are simple, and the book includes far more information than I have found in other cross stitch books. I was particularly impressed by their choice to include instruction on framing your pieces when they are complete.

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