5 comments about A Rainbow of Stitches: Embroidery and Cross-Stitch Basics Plus More Than 1,000 Motifs and 80 Project Ideas.

1. This book is awesome! It's a hip, modern embroidery and cross-stitch book. No ducks in bonnets here! It's arranged by color, green, pink, blue, white, etc, and each section has 15-20 color pages with project ideas. This book will definitely give Sublime Stitching a run for their money! I almost like this better. It's just as comprehensive without being too trendy and maybe a bit more timeless.



2. I love this book! I both embroider and cross stitch, and for me this book is like a dream come true. This book is both a cross stitch and embroidery book that is divided into sections based on a single color (green, pink, red, blue, white/taupe). Each section starts off with beautiful photos of project ideas, and is followed by motifs used in those projects as well as others. Each project is worked in a single color thread on a simple background, which makes for a very modern and fun effect. I would say that the ratio of cross stitch to embroidery motifs is fairly even. The motifs are very diverse, some are vintage looking, some are very modern and fun.
   
   Some caveats about this book: the how-to section is very sparse, so if you are new to stitching I would suggest a more comprehensive book from which to learn; there are not any directions for any of the "projects" .. the photos are meant to serve as ideas for projects, rather than full directions. Lastly, the book is not spiral bound, which is something that I really feel all craft books should be.
   
   I gotta say though...I own A LOT of craft books, and this is by far one of my favorites. It reminds me of the beautiful books that you can import from Japan with the high quality paper, and gorgeous photos...that is what this book is like. There really are very few designs in here that I don't like... I really like the majority of them...and there are A LOT.
   
   Really an excellant book!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)



3. This book had so many wonderful stitchery patterns from embroidery to cross stitch. Each sections is full of so much inspiration for projects of your own. I would say this book is more for the advanced stitcher and sewist as the instructions are just kept to the basics and quickly covered - which I really appreciate as I want more pages dedicated to the meat of the book. The photos are beautifully done giving you lots of ideas on how you can incorporate your embroidery into projects. The projects shown are not given with instructions to make, but more as a jumping off point for you to add to existing items or to sew up yourself. If you like a craft book that is inspiration and a great piece of eye candy (as well as useful) then this is the book for you.



4. First off - I think this is a great resource for the experienced crafter. I enjoyed it a lot and will use some of the motifs. However there are numerous pictures of household items - pillowcases, aprons, etc. - shown with cross stitched motifs. No discussion is present on how to do counted work on an uncounted fabric. No mention of stitching over linen and removing the threads, nor of using waste canvas. I think this would not be too helpful for the novice stitcher.



5. I love this book. I bought 2 more of them for gifts after I received mine. It is well worth the cost and is full of motifs and wonderful ideas. A must have for your Cross stitch library.

5 comments about Subversive Cross Stitch.

1. I have been doing counted cross stitch my entire adult life. I have also been snarky my entire adult life. Subversive Cross Stitch combines both of those loves. I have made several projects for gifts and they have been very popular. The projects are easy enough for a novice but won't bore an experienced stitcher. Thank you Subversive Cross Stitch!



2. The patterns are difficult enough to be challenging, and entertaining enough to not be boring. My sister made the "This Place Sucks" sampler for our first home, and it's prominently displayed in the hallway. Makes a great story.



3. This book is hilariously funny. Although I'm not sure anyone would display half of the patterns, it is comical to be given the opportunity.



4. I love this book. Not only does it have some great patterns, but she provides a host of links and resources in the back.



5. I received this book as a gift. I agree with the review that I could do these myself, without the book. HOWEVER, I never thought of it. This book was a great jumping off point for making my own subversive creations.
   The alphabet used can sometimes be a pain and getting used to her pattern style took a little time.
   All in all a great book.

No comments about Donna Kooler's Second Edition Stocking Collection (Leisure Arts #4819).

5 comments about New Cross Stitcher's Bible (Cross Stitch (David & Charles)).

1. I have an extensive collection of cross stitch books and this is my most used resource. While it does have a few projects, they aren't really to my taste, but that is not what this book is for. It has wonderful cross-stitching tips. I've been stitching for many years but still found a lot to learn from this book. I recommend it highly.



2. I now have a large library of Cross Stitch reference books but I thought that I would add this just to see. I am delighted that I did. It is a comprehensive look at cross stitch and other styles of needlework that compliment and add to cross stitch design. Many of the tips and techniques were unknown to me or skills I didn't possess as my focus was strictly cross stitch. I didn't realize until I looked at this book how limited my choices were and how simple it would be to enhance my pieces. I have learned so much just by scanning my copy. It may take practice to develop some of the skills but it's worth the time invested. The detail put into this book is exceptiomal. If you don't own one of these, get one. If you are a needleworker, you won't be sorry. I know that if I were stranded somewhere with just a few needlework items this would be one of the books I'd have by my side. Enjoy!!!



3. This book was very appealing based on other descriptions given. I love cross stitching but am self taught through kits and my knowledge does not go that in depth. I've been TRYING to find books that will help me advance and give me more ideas and things to try. This book is great if you want to start other types of embroidery. It had some very beautiful samples and overall it was put together well. The only real pitfall I found was that out of the 200+ pages there was only a small section on types of different types of stiches and almost all of the samples were of everything BUT cross stitch done on Aida. MISLEADING, but good for the right audience... I guess.



4. My mother-in-law is an avid cross-stitcher and I ordered this book for her birthday. It is a beautiful hard-cover book, and she LOVED it! Great service, fast processing and arrival!



5. An excellent reference book for people who like to cross stitch or just plainly wanted to collect stitchery books. I learned quite a few terms for things that I have been doing, and didn't know there is a name for it.
   
   
   
   
   
   

5 comments about Fashioning Technology: A DIY Intro to Smart Crafting (Craft: Projects).

1. I'm very happy I bought this book. I came to it as somebody who is interested in multi-media art and crafting, but with little experience of home made electronics. If you're as clueless as I was don't worry, the author starts at the beginning by providing pictures and descriptions of all the parts you will need, she gives a great introduction to electronics, and her directions are very clear. The projects in the book are varied and fun, but I was more interested in learning how they were made than actually making them. I was able to use what I learned from reading about her projects to make my own designs. At the end of the book there's a very useful list of suppliers of materials, without it I would have found it hard to track some of them down.



2. I picked this up at the library to check it out and was immediately impressed with it's accessible and easily understood explanation of how to read and use electronic components like resistors, capacitors, transistors and LEDs. Just about the best I've ever seen. I had to add this to my personal collection for that attribute alone. However, there's a lot of basic and easy to grasp instruction and information on materials and production techniques, too.
   
   There are plenty of projects in this book to get you started and if you're half-way creative and imaginative you should be able to springboard off them to come up with your own ideas.
   
   I wish more instructional manuals and books were written as clear and understandable as this one.
   
   Outstanding!



3. This book is a wealth of information for those looking to start delving into the world of 'soft circuits' and smart materials. It is for the beginner, and includes detailed information on circuits and parts, as well as explanations of the latest smart materials and their usages. In the last section of the book, there are easy-to-follow instructions on making a variety of projects that will inspire anyone on the possibilities for these materials.
   
   Happy crafting!



4. This book is the best introduction into basic electronics, basic sewing and the high class of e-textile technology. Want to know how textile resistors work? Want to see how the connect electronic components to textiles? Just check out this book, everything clearly described for beginners with lists of resources, overviews with easy explained electronic terms and principles. For he more advanced e-textile experts this book serves as excellent source of inspiration using many examples from clothing over accessories and toys to home decoration to show the potential e-textile technologies open up to creative minded DIY enthusiasts.
   
   It's a page turner for crafters looking for the unconventional, the unique and unexplored world of fashion+technology.



5. With 'smart materials and techniques you can make accessories, toys and more that light up, make sounds, or even move. Fashioning Technology is for any crafter who wants more than the typical range of stationary objects: a range of projects offer seasoned crafters techniques for blending easy electronics into projects, and provides clear direction and options for customization. Black and white and color photos throughout offer step-by-step and exciting options highly recommended for any library strong in crafts.

5 comments about Better Homes and Gardens 2001 Cross Stitch Designs: The Essential Reference Book (Better Homes & Gardens Crafts).

1. This book has a lot of variety. I gave it 4 stars because it has a real flaw. The charts are too small to read easily and although they are in color, the colors are subtle even when the designs are bold. If you are going to print a small chart to indicate color changes, even subtle ones, you need to keep it easy to see the distinction between colors on the chart. Cross stitch is often hard on the eyes. Some of these pattern charts are ridiculously hard to read and yet the designs are nice. It would have been a lot smarter to sharpen the colors on the charts and increase the size of the patterns. That said, there is a nice selection of everything you might want for building a design for a sampler. If you want an all over piece, this isn't the book for you. There are a lot of choices if you want to put together a large piece but there isn't a ready made full size design in the book. It isn't Donna Kooler but it is a good suppliment. One of the things that I particularly like about this book is that it shows many different background colors for working pieces. And it shows the pieces in a way that you can decide if this works for you or not. It also uses a good bit of outlining and colorshading withing the designs and that is clear on the finished pieces. I like the book and I'm glad that I have it.



2. This book is a great tool. So many ideas are inside. It's definitely a book every cross-stitcher needs to have in their library. I highly recommend it.



3. This is my go-to book for small projects or larger designs that I put together myself. I have made lots of fun things like ornaments, coasters, trivets, etc. My only complaint is that sometimes the colors aren't quite right...use your own judgment if you think the colors need to be adjusted.



4. This is a great book to have in your stash if you like to stitch quick gifts or create your own projects. The book has a lot of simple motifs that are quick to put together, and instructions for creating several projects in the back. While it does not have any large, put-together projects already in place, such as samplers, it is a useful purchase when you can get it on sale.



5. This is one of my best purchases!! The variety of patterns is fantastic. The patterns are easy to follow. Nothing is too complicated, and nothing is too simplistic. There's just the right amount of shading and detail to each pattern. I highly encourage the purchase of this book if you need small patterns!!

3 comments about Stitched Toys: 20 Stunning but Simple Designs.

1. I'll admit, I haven't sat down to sew any of these projects just yet (the book was just delivered the other day), but after looking through the book, I was impressed with not only the design of the projects themselves (beautiful!), but also the layout and design of the book.... I'm looking forward to working my way through all the delightful projects. :) Well done!



2. This is a beautiful book and has lots of very cute projects that would appeal to young children just learning how to sew. The mouse pictured on the front cover is by far the most complicated project in the book. I'd give it five stars as a children's sewing book, but no more than three stars as an adult book.



3. If you're a quilter and have a room full of fabric, a sewing machine, and are looking for some lighter, quick projects during the hot summer months, I highly recommend STICHED TOYS. Chock full of toy patterns for the under-8 years old set, these easy stash-busting designs require little more than fabric, simple sewing, and, occasionally, embroidery thread. Simple but sweet is the name of this game, with blocks for toddlers, an embellished fabric snake, a rabbit pajama case, and a giant quilted snail cushion for all ages. There's a total of 20 delightful toys, with easy to follow instructions, colorful illustrations, templates, and guidelines for simple embroidery, appliqué and patchwork.
   
   Some projects may be easy enough for your older child to help make for the younger children, such as the "Rag Doll" or "Cool Cat". An excellent way to introduce them to sewing and even, in some cases, hand sewing skills.
   
   Once the basic sewing is done, these are nice "in front of the TV" or "sit on the deck" hand projects, to embellish as much or as little as your creativity calls for. STITCHED TOYS might just be what you're looking for to fill some long summer hours with a bit of fancy handwork practice! And if your handwork isn't perfect? Believe me when I tell you that the lucky recipient of these toys won't care one bit!
   
   Review from: http://QuiltingonaBudget.blogspot.com

3 comments about Cross Stitch Art Nouveau.

1. If you are tired of the same old cross stitch books and patterns: THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU! The graphs are easy to read and the pictures are absolutely beautiful! The completed items would fit in with any type of decor - even contemporary... WOW! I personally recommend this book to everyone who loves cross stitching! I am happy that I purchased this book and plan to stitch many of it's beautiful designs.



2. This book was so nice I had to buy a second. The second one was for my sister. I'm going to stitch all the patterns. They're projects I would give to both sexes.



3. I'm a big cross stitch fan but rather picky about the books I buy. I purchased this book after seeing a few of the designs in Cross Stitcher magazine, and I am glad I did! This book is fantastic! There are many designers' Art Nouveau styles provided in beautiful large projects - Mucha, Mackintosh, Crane, Tiffany - and an unexpected surprise, a cross-stitch version of Klimt's 'The Kiss.' Any one of these projects is worth the cost of the book on its own, but not only are there a number of beautiful large designs, each designer is given a section for smaller pieces and decorations as well, inviting the reader to use them in whatever way they wish.
   
   So beautiful. I can't wait to start stitching these designs!

5 comments about Stitch Graffiti: Unexpected Cross-Stitch (Unexpected Cross Stitch).

1. I just received this book today and have already ordered the floss and fabric for two of the designs. The designs are full of lots of great colors, swirls, and uplifting quotes and sayings. There is a section at the beginning of the book describing the materials used for cross stitch and instructions for the beginner. I've been stitching for years, but haven't used hand dyed flosses very much and was happy to see so many in the book so I can start using them now! There are also some really unique finishing ideas which I love because I'm always looking for something new to do with my finished pieces. The author introduces each design by telling us what song she was thinking of when creating it or certain memories that inspired it, which really makes the book fun to read too. I'm very glad I bought this book and I think you will be too.



2. One of the reasons I bought this book was due to the really interesting heart found on the cover as well as the rave reviews this book got. I really ended up loving it! I like the friendly approach that the author has towards stitching and turns it into a fun hobby. Finally a book that strays away from the "perfect" and over done florals. Some of the designs are rather comical and easy to make, but nonetheless still wonderful. All of these designs can easily be taken apart and analyzed so you can turn it into your own. One thing I really didn't like is the color schemes. Many of them I found to be too much and rather hippie-ish. Apart from that, that's nothing that can't be solved as I have a large box of DMC floss. This is great for the beginner, or the advanced who wants to take a break from huge projects we all know will never get finished. I have been stitching for a long time and I am happy that finally (the author) agrees that embroidery hoops are not always the best way to go as I have been stitching without one since the beginning. The charts are full color and easy to follow, and I just love books printed with tons of color. This easily qualifies. This book is pure fun and unique!



3. I recently got into cross stitch and I wanted to find a book that had patterns that I could use for my friends and not have them feel like their friend was an old woman (I'm in my early 20's) and stumbled across Stitch Graffiti. I ordered and when I got it I was really impressed with it. The book is organized well, written well and easy to understand and the patterns look like so much fun. I can't wait to get started on one of the projects, picking one is going to be hard though cause they are all wonderful.



4. Heather is inspiring for a stitcher of any age. Her designs are new and innovative, some small enough to be finished in one sitting. She sees cross stitch in places where no one else has and she opens her mind - and yours - to possibilities. Worth every penny! I have been stitching for over 20 years and just love this book,a new stitcher will, too.



5. I'll be honest, I ordered this by mistake. I had been looking at a few embroidery books and ditzily clicked on the wrong one.
   
   I'm rather glad I did. The book is put together well, with a nice overview of the basics of cross-stitch before heading into the patterns. Colors and placement are suggested... but the idea seems to be take Heather's initial plans and run with them. Some of the patterns are not in my own taste (frankly, I don't see myself making a cross-stitched flyswatter, but hey, that's just me.) but others will be motifs I'll be using for years (her wind design is already going onto a well loved denim jacket for this spring). In addition to well written directions and clear cut graphs, the book has a ton of unique placement suggestions and even some MP3 playlists to keep you in tune with your stitching.
   
   If you aren't looking for cutesy sampler patterns (there are a few... but she does avoid the old standbys and tries for some new ground) and want to go beyond wall art needlepoint, this is a pretty good place to start. Patches, buttons, and hidden suprises for your favorite old pair of jeans are all supplied.
   
   If you are looking for complicated color patterns however, I'd give it a miss. The author relies more on varigated threads and multi-hued backgrounds to add sparkle to her designs. A good way for begingers to get some extra bang for their buck when first stepping into the cross-stitch world.

No comments about Naughty but Nice Cross Stitch.