Manga Cross-Stitch: Make Your Own Graphic Art Needlework is a bold, contemporary approach to the time-honored skills of needlework. Readers and cross-stitchers get a new twist on the old craft as they learn how to use the tricks of Japanese graphic art mixed with the skills of traditional needlecraft to make cute, action-packed, stylish images.

The book includes easy, step-by-step instructions for cross-stitch beginners and insightful information for manga novices. Materials, techniques, and skills are clearly explained and help simplify the art form. Patterns include "school's out," "super robo," "happy birthday manga," and many other cute and chibi characters.

Also included is a CD with hundreds of unique manga designs. On the CD are charts for printing out and stitching. Plus, the software included lets artists create their own personalized manga designs by creating their own color palettes.

This isn't your grandma's needlework.