The needle arts are traditionally associated with the decorative, domestic, and feminine. Stitching the Self sets out to expand this narrow view, demonstrating how needlework has emerged as an art form through which both objects and identities – social, political, and often non-conformist – are crafted. Bringing together the work of ten art and craft historians, this illustrated collection focuses on the interplay between craft and artistry, amateurism and professionalism, and re-evaluates ideas of gendered production between 1850 and the present. From quilting in settler Canada to the embroidery of suffragist banners and the needlework of the Bloomsbury Group, it reveals how needlework is a transformative process – one which is used to express political ideas, forge professional relationships, and document shifting identities. With a range of methodological approaches, including object-based, feminist, and historical analyses, Stitching the Self examines individual and communal involvement in a range of textile practices. Exploring how stitching shapes both self and world, the book recognizes the needle as a powerful tool in the fight for self-expression.

Learn the art of thread painting from Instagram sensation Michelle Staub Cats and dogs seem to always have a paw planted firmly in our hearts. Capture the life in their eyes and the texture of their fur with a unique embroidered pet portrait! Insta-famous artist Michelle Staub puts a modern spin on thread painting with her easy-to-learn approach. Get started with 4 basic embroidery stitches, and follow the detailed tutorials to hone your skills. Capture awe-inspiring details of your pet with lessons in full-color thread painting or go clean with a simple line drawing—the choice is yours. Learn to personalize your art piece with names, dates, and decorative accents. With 20 sample patterns to customize, you can easily recreate any breed! Paint stunningly realistic pet portraits with just a needle and thread Try your hand at two styles—minimal outlines and incredible full-color renderings Make it modern with floral garlands, personalized banners, and crisp lettering Start today with 4 easy stitches and 20 customizable projects

Between The Stitching is the New England based romance between professional baseball player, Skyler Williams, and Taylor Higgins. Follow along as Skyler battles his way through minor league baseball in hopes of pursuing his dream of becoming a big leaguer all while Taylor struggles to keep her own identity afloat. Delve into the realities of modern day relationships and uncover secrets that lie underneath the surface of America's most beloved ball game. Join us during our travels, relate with our inseparable souls, live out of our suitcases, believe in our journeys, rest your heart when it breaks, and rebuild yourself when you're ready.

A Creative Journey for CaregiversHave you ever had one of those days when the fabric of your life, everything around you, seems to be in pieces?Your heart breaking, stressed, torn apart, caring for a loved one who doesn't even remember you as daughter or son, much less remember your name? Sometimes, you forget who you are! Your creativity is stifled!I know that when you assume the duties of care giving, as you may have experienced, you realize it is a full-time job. It's a whirl-pool requiring special effort to juggle business, family, the many doctor appointments, scheduling home-care personnel, plus managing the day-to-day activities. It's a special effort for you to stay afloat!I'm experiencing the upsets of being a caregiver. I'm familiar with the many challenges of a care givers life. I'm an artist, and a caregiver. I work from home creating Shimoda Accessories - Art for the Soul. I use the ancient art and craft traditions of hand stringing and knotting beads and semi-precious stones into fine jewelry and textile art; connecting cloth together by hand-stitching pieces of fabric into a whole cloth. I live with my husband and we take care of my 95 year-old mother. Mom has Alzheimer's disease. In addition, I also care for another family member who lives elsewhere. Thankfully, she is a breast-cancer survivor. However, she is now experiencing memory lapses.

From the author of the successful and provocative Feminist Cross-Stitch comes a new collection of 40 patterns to help you practice self-care. Crafters will love this snarky book with its 40 witty cross-stitch patterns that focus on promoting a healthy, self-affirming relationship with yourself. Whether you want to proudly announce that “Self-Care Is Not Selfish” or remind others that “You Are More Than Your Productivity” or “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” you’ll find edgy slogans and sharp one-liners that make fabulous wall art or gifts. An illustrated basics section provides beginners with information on materials, tools, techniques, and framing finished pieces.

An all-in-one volume covering crewelwork, canvaswork, and six other types of hand embroidery, from the renowned school established in nineteenth-century England. This beautiful book is a rich source of embroidery techniques, stitches, and projects, covering eight key subjects in detail: crewelwork, bead embroidery, stumpwork, canvaswork, goldwork, whitework, blackwork, and silk shading. Collecting all the books in the trusted, bestselling Royal School of Needlework Essential Stitch Guide series, plus a new section on mounting your finished work, this fantastic book—heavily illustrated with photos—is a must-have for all embroiderers.