Stitch Stars - Taylor
Stitch Stars: Taylor: Over 20 unofficial embroidery patterns for stitchy superfans
Emily Middleton
David and Charles Publishing
The author
The thing is, in order to write a book on a star, it is important to be authentic in your text. If you don’t love your muse, you cannot write a book on them - simple. Emily Middleton has written two books of this type, one on Taylor Swift and another on Harry Styles. Both are obviously so famous in their own way, so she got the popularity factor right. Going back to loving your topic, Middleton is a known concert visitor, so she actually lives a life connecting to her point of inspiration. Her life in embroidery is her way of showing it, her vocalisation of her “fan girl”.
What is this book about?
Well, Taylor swift. But it is so much more. This is so much more than a surface pop flick read. This is a study on a character, what they wear, their gestures. Lets take a few examples….
The gestures…page 46 sees the ‘Hand Heart’ I am imagining that Middleton may have watched Taylor in person, studied the movements etc. She mentioned ‘capturing the moment’. That is a powerful thing to do and actually takes confidence and authority. Why do I say that? Not every artist would want to tackle someone as famous. This is “pop royalty” in fact both Taylor and her past Harry Styles adaptation are.
This book also has an age tp it - Taylor is famous now, but will she be In a decade? Who knows, but the author has acted wisely as to her publishing time - this is the right time to present this book - Taylor fans are at their most prevalent.
It is worth noting that there are twenty variations, based on her known for outfits, the concert outings and the good girl Saturday vibes. Those who know her well (from a distance) will “get” all of this.
Templates are printed for each project at the back, so it is easy to follow.
Imagine not being able to stitch but loving Taylor Swift - this book could make you explore a new craft. This could be the making of a new hobby for you - simply because you love the person it is on. We all need a reason to do what we do - this could be yours.
Who you have to be to love it
This book is pretty niche. It is easy to follow, so it is great for those who are new to embroidery and love the superstar that is Taylor Swift. But it is less important to the everyday embroiderer who wants to learn a new method or idea.
How to get yours
Sometimes we need to quit the serious and just have a bit of fun - that applies to art too. So do not be put off by the one person it is about, even if you are not a Taylor Fan, it could open you up to a study on costumes. So be open please!
