Book Reviews

"This book is a must-have if you've been bitten by the embroidering bug."—Crafts ‘n Things

"The book will trigger your creative juices for completing finished items, as well as the 20 fun projects already in the book . . . The instructions are clear and complete, with the embroidery stitched diagrammed for you. The added bonus is the inspiration of the projects that can be stitched in other mediums than the ones shown . . . Be sure to check out Hip to Stitch. It just might be the refresher you need or could perk up your gift giving." —Needlepointers

"Show this great book to every young person you know—it'll help turn him or her into a new stitcher!" —Needlepoint Now

"This very fashionable, very contemporary, full-color, softcover project book will lead you through 20 hand-embellished accessories and crafts. . . .a multitude of saucy projects." –Sew News

"Twenty modern projects use thread embellishments to turn an accessory into something hip and eye-catching, from hair ties and purses to ordinary one-color mittens and picture frames. Geared to the beginning stitcher, chapters in Hip To Stitch: 20 Contemporary Projects Embellished With Thread provide easy steps, many ideas, and clear pictorial examples of stitches to help new embroiderers and sewers get a feel for different techniques."–Midwest Book Review

“Hip to Stitch. . .will appeal to those just learning to embroider and to veterans looking for a fresh approach.” –Bangor Daily News

“The designs presented by this youthful stitcher are bound to tempt other young people. They are colourful and meaningful - you can imagine wearing, using or making a gift of all of them. . . You won't find many flowers here. The author's aim is to bring a new look to embroidery that will appeal to a new generation of stitchers, and so traditional stitches are often used in geometric and stylised designs. Guidance in adapting the designs or creating your own is interesting and helpful. t's not just the designs which are appealing here. Melinda Barta dreams up ways of embellishing an amazing selection of articles, including thimbles, buttons, gift ribbon and a guitar pick case as well as the more traditional tea towels, aprons and picture frames. However, she still brings her individual style to all of these." –Country Bumpkin Online

“At the age of 24, Barta can certainly claim to be in the "hip" category…. This book, which will appeal to the stitching novice, begins with an excellent chapter on embroidery basics.” –Library Journal

“Makes needlework accessible and appealing to a contemporary audience…. The book's pages are bright, modern and visually appealing.” –Publishers Weekly 

Hip to Stitch was listed on Library Journal's Crafts Bestseller List (July 15, 2005)