Cross Stitch Cabinet of Curiosities

Cross Stitch Cabinet of Curiosities

500 Magical Motifs And Peculiar Patterns

Grace Isobel (creator of innocent bones)

David & Charles

Who is the force which seems to be Grace Isobel?

I have made a little spy into her instagram accounts to begin my review progress. I like to get some background on the author as well as the book’s content as it gives me insight into why they write their topic and this education makes me appreciate the book more.

This girl is one to watch. Young with a fashion statement vibe which relates so well to the book - piercings, the hair…we want to be her.

She began her life selling kits in cross stitch and this has continued and grown - then the book came along. This is success in a story.

Books theme and craft genre

Cross stitch, it is a portable, size change worthy pastime, often seen as a retired hobby. Let this book change up your view and see how it can be really quirky and fun.

This is Halloween year long. Themes include beetles, autonomy, simple symbols, black cats and a text based on the calligraphy side.

Books layout

There is no time wasted pandering to lengthy narrations about the authors life, it is directed at teaching you straight away, achieving its purpose.

So we do get the usual tools and materials at the beginning and lots of notes on working with the fabrics listed and fitting a hoop etc at the back.

The patterns are all of various levels, so have a flick through first to see which one will suit you.

Who is it aimed at, what’s the audience capture?

At first glance this is, a cross stitch book, a traditional art form which is loved by many. But its audience is much more centralised - this book is edgy, dare I use the word youth? But it’s young and fun and this also comes across in her social media handles. Her instagram is so enthusiastic that I see it being followed more by a younger readership. Also for the punks and goths and macabre lovers out there, age is pointless to suggest here - it will be universally loved.

The real life vibe on her instagram is so relatable, every moment captured of art life as it is today…even a short film showing her sign her book contract for this very book. Being a part of the story, we want more…the book.

Oh and here is the instagram account she has so you can follow her.

Will this book be successful?

Yes. Why? because it is not just another Cross Stitch book - this is a book of a future generation, a generation sitting mainly online, but also with connection. Grace Isobel is a performer, she gathers her audience and gives them a show, her life, her highs…it can be addictive. So we are charmed, not only by her talent and niche subject but by her personality.

Link to purchase your copy

So, are you a curious stitcher? Then purchase your copy through this link.