MCT "Stitch Graffiti: Unexpected Cross-Stitch" by Heather Holland-Daly.

By Kim Ossi
McClatchy-Tribune

When you think of cross-stitching, you may picture country-kitsch at its worst. But fear not, because what Debbie Stoller did for the punk-knitting boom, Heather Holland-Daly is helping do for cross-stitch (though in a decidedly less P.O.'ed manner than Subversive Cross Stitch). Her book "Stitch Graffiti: Unexpected Cross-Stitch" (Interweave Press, $21.95) puts a fun twist on this formerly staid craft. She stitch-graffitis quotes and "tattoos" onto pillows, clothes, accessories and even fly swatters. And she wants you to enjoy it as much as she does.

In the first part of the book Holland-Daly delves into the dirty details _ what to stitch on and with what, the needles and, surprise!, no hoops _ and the bit of elementary math involved in cross-stitchery. One of the coolest things in this explanatory part of the book is the example of what happens with a hand-dyed (variegated) thread, depending on how you stitch it. And while there are plenty of patterns in the book (which you can follow if you are new to stitching), you also can use her designs as pure inspiration. Who says you need an official pattern? Certainly not Holland-Daly, who seems to follow her bliss _ and encourages you to do the same.

Find "Stitch Graffiti" in stores now.