Jo Verso: a Favourite Cross Stitch Designer
Many of us have watched the Olympic Medals ceremonies over recent days, and applauded the talents of the sporting greats. In this celebratory mood, I have been wondering who would get my own personal gold medal for cross stitch greatness. Most cross stitchers have a favourite designer. I have a number of cross stitching heroines whose work I lap up with great enthusiasm.
I am rarely impressed by people who wallow in their own grand achievements. I prefer those who share with others the secrets of success with a truly generous heart. These people inspire and encourage others to improve their own skills and demonstrate real greatness to me.
Who is your favourite cross stitch guru?
For me, Jo Verso is one of my three favourites. During her career, she was the world’s best-selling cross stitch author, publishing six very successful books, and achieving sales of over 900,000 copies. Her popularity did not arise from her own personal cleverness, although that was apparent. What was special about Jo was that when she wrote a book for beginners, you could be certain that you would be able to understand and follow her patient instructions even if you had never picked up a needle before.
Jo was one of the first designers to use charting software for cross stitch design. She also explained how any stitchers with some crayons, scissors and graph paper could design their own personal samplers, creating a picture of their own life in stitches. So what was once considered to be the domain of experts was opened up to anyone who had some time and determination. This process, along with other tips and resources, is simply explained in her last book ‘Picture It in Cross Stitch Today’. The success of this book was a surprise to this modest woman.
Tragically, Jo was killed in a car accident in France in 2002. The cross stitch community has lost a great mentor, friend and expert. However, Jo has gained stitching immortality through her books. The new edition of her last book, published posthumously earlier this year, can be appreciated by many new stitchers too.
Happy Stitching!
Iona
