"Feminist Stitches" is the feminist cross-stitchery gem of my DREAMS! I plan on making every single one of these beauties and smashing the patriarchy while I'm at it.

I have been an avid cross-stitcher and advocate for the craft for many years due to its healing power in regard to my Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. When I came across Feminist Stitches I couldn't hide my enthusiasm! I am a feminist and I am always looking for groundbreaking and current cross-stitch patterns to make and gift to my friends. The beauty of Feminist Stitches is that it provides the crafter with an excellent selection of quick to make cross-stitch patterns along with ideas on how to use the product when it is completed - such as turning it into a patch and putting it on a jean jacket!  Haley Pierson-Cox makes cross-stitch modern in a way that is fashionable and enticing, while also making the craft easy to learn.

From what I understand, this book is going to be part of a cross-stitch kit, which I couldn't be more excited about.  Feminist Stitches will make for an excellent gift for any young woman seeking to learn a new hobby, or purveyors of the craft to modernize their art in an impactful way. 

I found Feminist Stitches to be an excellent addition to the cross-stitch world in that it appeals to younger generations and keeps this beautiful art alive in our modern world. This book (especially in the form of a kit) makes for an excellent gift, or a treat to buy for yourself.  I cannot wait to create each and every one of these cross-stitch patterns and give them to my girlfriends. Thank you to the author for creating such a beautiful book!

A vibrant collection of stitching projects with clear, practical instructions and some significant history included throughout the book.

I'm a knitter and have only dabbled in cross-stitch. This is an excellent resource for beginners and intermediate crafters alike! The patterns are straightforward, the tips are useful, and the finished designs make me smile (of my own choice, not because I was told to). I especially appreciated the additional historical context provided in each pattern's notes to promote inclusivity and awareness given the feminist movement's tendency to focus on cisgender white women's experiences.

Fun book with 12 projects featuring famous quotes and symbols. Short text tells the background of each. Cool to finally know who really said well behaved women rarely make history. Basic instructions and full color patterns. Book comes with supplies for 2 of the projects, hoop and all.

(A hand injury makes me temporarily unable to type with my right hand so my reviews will be shorter than usual for a bit. Review copy via net galley).

The book has 12 amazing cross stitch designs which promote feminism. All the designs were wonderful. I loved the grid/graphical was of instructions. The physical copy comes with the materials required for two of the designs given in this book.
I highly recommend it for craft crazy people and feminists.

I was drawn to this book because of the cover and because of the focus on feminism. The author has picked some interesting patterns involving many symbols and quotes of the movement as well as the history and meaning behind each one. I am disappointed that it is short but maybe the kit included with the physical copy makes it more of an introduction. I look forward to future works by this author and plan on getting a physical copy so I can enjoy this book even more while creating my first feminist cross-stitch.

An awesome collection of cross stitch patterns promoting feminism. I want to buy this kit for all my crafting friends so they can work on them as well. Also comes with all the materials needed to make 2 of the designs.

This is the perfect gift for a feminist cross stitcher. There's a bit of variety in terms of the sayings and such, so there's something for lots of feminists out there.

I thought this was such a great short book about different ways you can cross stitch different feminist sayings. I have never really cross stitch before, but I want to learn it so I can make these designs.

I like the aesthetics of this cute cross stitch book. I appreciate the tutorial notes at the beginning of the book and even the recommendations on how to take care of your projects for cleaning and displaying. For each project, you can mimic them exactly, down to the specific thread color listed. But I think once readers get the hang of these patterns, they'll be inspired to create their own feminist art! My personal favorite design in the book is the "RIP Gender Roles" one. I plan on using that design and changing it to "rip gender norms". This book would make for a great present for your craft inclined friends!

Absolutely wonderful! Clear and concise directions and patterns. The colors are standard and the patterns are easy to follow. I love the feminist sayings and I can’t wait to stitch every one!

What a great set of simple yet powerful cross stitch designs for girls and women! Ranging from the "We can do it!" anthem of Rosie the Riveter, to the Suffragettes of 100 years ago, to the Pussyhat icon of the Women's March of 2016, these designs will inspire and empower you. Although they are cross stitch patterns, I could easily see these being used for other sorts of crafting designs. I can't wait to start working on some of these for gifts for my friends!

The book also comes with easy to follow instructions if you aren't familiar with cross stitch, and it looks like the book itself (I received a digital ARC) comes with some basic supplies to get you started).

Five out of Five for Fun!

Thank you to the publisher, the author, and Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC to preview.

Well designed and put together with easy instructions for any beginner. As far as the content goes, I feel like it's all a year or two too late - the pink pussy hats?? I thought we've moved past equating genitals with gender..

I did feel that a lot of the quotes or phrases used were ones floating around online already and while that's fine to re-purpose them, I was hoping to see some more original designs or lesser known quotes. As well as having more generic patterns that could be changed up with different colours and the like so at least the book would be appealing to moderate or expert level~ stitchers. As it stands, this would make a cute gift for someone who is like, low key interested in feminism and bored at home or whatever. Basically it's cute but it's still lacking.

I’m all for equality but found this a bit aggressive and a bit pointless really. All these motifs apply to all people regardless. They are not exclusive to women. Equality should be a norm not a demand.

Some great images and design ideas, with clear step by step instructions. I like the fact that it tells you where the inspiration has come from as well.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

This is a lovely little pattern book (that will be sold with a starter kit of supplies) that will be hit with experienced and beginner stitchers alike.

The introduction does a nice job of explaining the current crafting trends that reclaim the “womanly” arts in the name of progress. This will resonate with crafters who are often told that our hobby’s are “silly” or “frivolous” just because we code anything done by women as “not important.” (As opposed to how important golf is...I mean, don't even get me started.)

The instructional section provides a quick overview of how to get started with cross-stitch. While more in depth instruction might be desired by new stitchers, this will get you up and running with the craft. The addition of starter supplies when for commercial sale makes this a perfect grab-and-go way to jump into a hobby.

As for the patterns? They are a delight. All are manageable for beginners, but will also keep a seasoned-pro engaged. The patterns vary enough in style that there will be a good choice for an aesthetic. I personally can't wait to make a “Dissent Collar” (Pattern 11) for my sister and a “Don't Tell Me to Smile” (Pattern 7) patch for my work apron.

A lovely little pattern book, accompanied with some simple advice and instructions.

It will probably make a great gift when published as it comes with starter equipment.

I liked about 80% of the patterns but there is enough variety to suit

Some reviewers say there isn’t enough for beginners and, while I don’t necessarily agree, I think that an illustration or two in the general advice sections such as ‘making a cross stitch’ would have been very useful for beginners.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC... next time you can send me the equipment too! Hahaha.

Crafting went through a phase where it wasn’t particularly associated with feminism but it’s good to see that changing. After all, as the introduction to this book points out it can actually make you feel connected to the women who came before. And let’s not forget those suffragettes didn’t just pop to the shops to get their outfits and banners!

This book follows the format of a picture of the finished pattern and example of how to use it - a bag, cushion, framed picture. There is also a brief section on the politics behind each slogan. Then the instructions follow. They are clear but as there is no visual pictures alongside them I don’t think this is the book for a complete beginner.

There are 12 patterns over all with Well-behaved Women Seldom Make History and Don’t Tell Me To Smile being my favourite.

Although the designs and slogans are quite obvious it’s nice to see a range of races and abilities represented in the images. It’s definitely a fun book and would make the perfect gift for any feminist crafter.

This would be an awesome gift for novice stitchers. The instructions are no-nonse, straightforward and easy to follow. With the patterns being in full colour, there is none of the charts and symbols that scare people away. I'd be proud to give this to a young person to sit down together. Let's put our own two-stitches into the conversation!

I imagine when sold with the craft equipment this book describes at the back, this set would make a lovely gift for a strong woman in your life - or for yourself! Some of these patterns are very attainable even if you are a novice needle worker.
I do feel some of the patterns are a little Americanized, and there was perhaps too much of a forced effort to fit under the bracket of inclusivity that it didn't feel natural, and gender identity politics shouldn't come into play when it comes to a book that is aimed at feminists.
The instructions could have been clearer, and more demonstrations of stitches with individual patterns would have been appreciated. For this to be really accessible for beginners it would have been better to break it down into more step by step.
Overall I feel that this book was written with a good heart and good intentions, but possibly by someone who is so familiar with the craft that they didn't know how to break it down entirely - which is understandable! I've done the same with crochet patterns. I'll certainly keep it in mind for people who are more experienced however.