CRAFTY BOOKSHELF

Read on to find out our favourite new books for stitchers this month...

THE SUBVERSIVE STITCH

ROZSIKA PARKER [Bloomsbury] Rozsika Parker explores the relationship between women and embroidery. This edition includes a new introduction, with discussion of artists who use stitching in their work such as Tracey Emin, as well as the work of new young embroiderers. Rozsika uses household accounts, magazines, letters, novels and the works of art themselves to investigate how embroidery became separated from the fine arts in history.

DISNEY PRINCESS CROSS-STITCH

[Running Press] With Aladdin in cinemas this summer, Disney Princess CrossStitch is perfectly timed! Not only can you bring Princess Jasmine to life in stitches but many more of your favourite Disney leading ladies – from Ariel ( The Little Mermaid) and Aurora ( Sleeping Beauty) to Cinderella and Snow White. Designed for crafters of all ages and skill levels, the book includes profiles of each of the princesses, colour charts and spot illustrations, easy instructions, and an overview of cross-stitch basics. Prepare to be enchanted as you stitch!

EMBROIDERED BOTANICALS

YUMIKO HIGUCHI [Shambhala Publications] Japanese artist Yumiko Higuchi is celebrated for her trademark zaikai style with a Scandi flavour. Try these embroidery designs in wool, cotton, pearl cotton and metallics. There are 39 embroidery projects, all using nature as their inspiration. To help you, there are beautiful photographs, clear step-by-step instructions and detailed diagrams, making this a wonderful summer gift to treat yourself to.