'Nasty women' will find much to cross-stitch in Rohr's sharp-needled pattern book of designs for 'craftivist' feminists. After a childhood of traditional cross-stitching, Rohr began her 'subversive' cross-stitch career in 2010, moving it into higher gear after the 2016 presidential election. She declares that cross-stitch, once dismissed as mere 'women's work, ' is now being acknowledged both as an art form in its own right and as a way for crafters to 'express their opinions, show support for marginalized groups, and protest.' Rohr begins the book's instructional component by clearly covering the basics: Aida cloth, DMC floss, large-eyed tapestry needles, and hoops for tautness and/or framing. The 40 patterns fill chapters from 'Stitched Affirmations' ('Believe Women' and 'Smash the Patriarchy') to 'Sassy & Subversive' ('Don't Tell Me to Smile' resembles folk art); from 'Politically Active' (with quotes from Michelle Obama, Emmeline Pankhurst, and Maxine Waters, among others) to 'Feminist Iconography' with rainbow flags. Each pattern is marked with a cross-stitch icon denoting the project's difficulty level, ranging from one to six stitches, with the toughest project being, fittingly, a Rosie the Riveter pattern. Each design is clearly graphed, and Rohr encourages free adaptations. The patterns, 'bold and fierce' indeed, will speak to stitchers who share Rohr's spirit and convictions. --Publishers Weekly Like feminism, cross-stitch is for everyone, Rohr says in her first book of patterns. These creations follow the subversive cross-stitch theme first popularized by Julie Jackson (Subversive Cross Stitch, 2006): simple, traditional-looking patterns expressing surly sentiments. Standouts here include a folk-art inspired 'Don't Tell Me to Smile' and a sweet, floral pattern that proclaims 'A woman's place is in the Revolution' For crafters who appreciate Rohr's sense of humor, the rampant profanity (e.g., 'Feminist as Fuck') won't be a problem, and there are plenty of patterns that, like 'Reclaiming my time, ' are G-rated. The skill level required for each pattern is indicated, and the difficulty level progresses from those for beginning stitchers that use just a few colors to an impressive Rosie the Riveter for pros. Instructions and supply resources are well covered. Feminist Cross-Stitch is very much on-trend as a new generation discovers the joys of needlework, and libraries looking to freshen up their craft collections should start here. --Booklist Stephanie's book is a treasure--like having a best friend by your side teaching you the craft step by step. She truly understands the therapeutic value of reclaiming what was once traditional 'women's work' as a modern, empowering medium. Her designs are spot-on and well executed with clear, encouraging instructions. There are very few people who really 'get' subversive cross-stitch the way Stephanie does. --Julie Jackson, founder of Subversive Cross Stitch
