An African Expression of Cross-Stitch Communication

The material and textiles are designed with theircomplete each picture in the book for cross-stitch
attitudes and behaviors toward all, which is believeddesign, along with many project ideas. Her watercolor
to be sacred. Added to their work is the recognitionillustrations and colored photographs add to the 128
of their country and society, not only by themselves,pages of cross-stitch design information. She also has
but also of others. Cloths in other African regionsa book entitled, "Cross Stitch Collection Tigers" and
represent their aesthetic quality, symbolism of the"Cross Stitch Collection on Safari". The website Alibris,
regions culture, or individual responsibility.has the Safari book in a large range of prices, with
The quality that is expressed within the African lookthe low price of $5.60 from Dave and Charles
and feel is demonstrated in their culture and theirPublishing as its low bid.
material, created by their own people. And it is ontohas a price of $9.59 on it. If you plan on having a
this cloth that cross-stitch weaves its powerfulcross-stitching resource library, such as some of the
communication with those who feel this metaphor.books listed above, make sure it is the one you
The warm and vivid colors of Africa's sunrises andwant. Check it out, read the reviews and comments.
sunsets are interwoven with its folklore and customs,Look at some of the designs if possible. And then
and are impossible to separate from one another.purchase the book for your own library.
An excellent resource book to use in regard to AfricaAnother item I ran across in regard to Africa
colors and designs, if you are not using across-stitch was on one of our favorite websites,
pre-designed kit, is "The African Cross Stitchgood ol' Ebay. The seller, happy_paws_haven, has a
Collection" by Trish Burr, which is for embroiderybeautiful African cross-stitch pattern for $8.00 plus
work but the projects in it are bright and vivid, letting$2.00 shipping. The money from these patterns is for
you see how the colors work together, with folklorea rescue animal site for Happy Paws Haven, so you
African stories bringing the work to the very heart.may want to check it out online. The pattern is one
The designs vary from easy to more challenging.of a group of African animals in a headshot with
An alphabet and motif library is included in thebeautiful "Africa" lettering below.
resource book, which costs approximately US$17.95It is nice work and comes on a CD, with the pattern
UK/£10/Canada$2 3.95. The publisher,being on 16 letter size sheets. Included are a color
Powell.com, has some used copies beginning at $9.95key, DMC floss usage summary, and a finished color
if you are interested in them, or some used copiespicture of the pattern in virtual stitches. This pattern
from Amazon.com, has an average price of $11.95can be used in 18, 20, 22, 28, etc. size fabric, with a
each.stitch count of 280 x 355.
If you are interested in the African animal cross-stitchIn summing up this marvelous topic, be assured you
designs, Janye Netley Mayhew has designed severalcan spend a lifetime researching traditional African
cross-stitch hardback books with Africa in mind. Onepatterns and being enthralled by the many striking
is entitled, "Cross Stitch Animal Collection" which hasimages of that magnificent continent so beautifully
the Safari Collection in it, plus many other animals.captured in its cross-stitch designs without ever tiring
The book has the basic techniques needed toof its sheer fascination.