Book Review: Stitch!

Do you like sewing? And are you a fan of Cath Kidston's vintage-inspired designs?

If you answered "yes" to both of those the publication of this book will make you very happy:



Stitch! by Cath Kidston features 30 needlepoint and cross stitch projects using classic Cath Kidston motifs... and there's a free kit included in the book to make the purse shown on the cover.

The book begins with what looks like a pretty comprehensive "how to" guide to the different needlecraft techniques and materials involved in the book, but it's not just aimed at beginners. The projects range from small things like badges and lavender hearts to "labour of love" projects like a rug and a seat cushion, and each project is rated by difficulty.


Motifs include sailboats, cherries, terriers, a cowboy, stripes and spots, a union jack and lots and lots of florals...

As I said before, I think if you're a crafty Cath Kidston fan you'll love this. If you can't stand her, steer clear!

And for the people who're somewhere inbetween?

Well, I'm not the world's biggest Cath Kidston fan by any means but I do like this book. I think that at their best her designs are a great mix of chintzy/traditional and bright/modern, without being either too old fashioned or too trendy, and this book does that very well.

It feels like a fresh introduction to a traditional craft, and though I might not want to make all the projects in it some of them are really, really lovely, and the motifs featured could be adapted for use in all sorts of sewing projects... and (of course) could be sewn in in any colours you fancy.

Stitch! is published by Quadrille.

(Disclaimer: Quadrille sent me a free review copy of this book, and the product links to Amazon are affiliate links)