The Bottom Line
The Big Book of Cross-Stitch Designs - From Reader's Digest has charts and finishing ideas for hundreds of projects in a wide variety of themes. The charts are easy to read with a unique symbol and color for each floss color. I could barely turn a page without finding a chart that I would like to stitch.
Pros
- Hundreds of Charts for a Wide Variety of Themes
- Clear, Easy to Read Patterns With Individual Keys
- Ideas for Finishing and Embellishing Each Design
Cons
- Lots of white space on chart pages - surely the key could have been added to them
Description
- Hundreds of Charts for a Wide Variety of Themes from Classic to Comedic
- Color Symbol charts are quite easy to read.
- The book contains a great deal of information about techniques and finishing ideas that will carry over to other projects.
Guide Review - The Big Book of Cross-Stitch Designs - From Reader's Digest
Overview of Contents:
Introduction - How to Read the Charts
Part One: Techniques and Materials
Chapter One - Essential Know-How
This chapter includes a comprehensive overview of Cross Stitch Embroidery from stitches to materials used.
Chapter Two - Embellishments
This section contains tips on applique, adding beads, and personalizing projects.
Part Two: Motifs
Chapter Three - Floral Inspirations
Charts for flowers from roses to Gerber daisies to some flowers I never heard of before are accompanied by ideas for finishing the designs. My favorite design is the passionflower or maybe the tulip or - oh well, I really like flowers and there are too many beautiful ones in this section to select just one favorite.
Chapter Four - Nature's Bounty
Patterns for vegetables, leaves, fruit, trees and more are included. An apple and blackberry wreath is particularly appealing.
Chapter Five - Home Comforts
Landscapes, tools, kitchen gadgets and samplers will add quirky charm to your home decor.
Chapter Six - Animal Magic
Cows, pets, marine animals, bird and insects for the animal lovers in your life. I really like the cartoon cow design - Cross Stitch with a sense of humor.
Chapter Seven - Kid's Corner
Cute animals, alphabets, picture frames, an Advent calendar, bears, boats and even a robot are guaranteed to strike a kid's fancy. I really like the beach sampler design - it is done in colors that will grow up with a child and the sampler will become a treasured possession over the years.
Chapter Eight - Traditional Arts
Roman figures, African and Moroccan motifs, and folk art design are among the motifs in this part of The Big Book of Cross-Stitch Designs - From Reader's Digest. I particularly like the Delft tiles which are based on 17th Century designs from Holland.
Introduction - How to Read the Charts
Part One: Techniques and Materials
Chapter One - Essential Know-How
This chapter includes a comprehensive overview of Cross Stitch Embroidery from stitches to materials used.
Chapter Two - Embellishments
This section contains tips on applique, adding beads, and personalizing projects.
Part Two: Motifs
Chapter Three - Floral Inspirations
Charts for flowers from roses to Gerber daisies to some flowers I never heard of before are accompanied by ideas for finishing the designs. My favorite design is the passionflower or maybe the tulip or - oh well, I really like flowers and there are too many beautiful ones in this section to select just one favorite.
Chapter Four - Nature's Bounty
Patterns for vegetables, leaves, fruit, trees and more are included. An apple and blackberry wreath is particularly appealing.
Chapter Five - Home Comforts
Landscapes, tools, kitchen gadgets and samplers will add quirky charm to your home decor.
Chapter Six - Animal Magic
Cows, pets, marine animals, bird and insects for the animal lovers in your life. I really like the cartoon cow design - Cross Stitch with a sense of humor.
Chapter Seven - Kid's Corner
Cute animals, alphabets, picture frames, an Advent calendar, bears, boats and even a robot are guaranteed to strike a kid's fancy. I really like the beach sampler design - it is done in colors that will grow up with a child and the sampler will become a treasured possession over the years.
Chapter Eight - Traditional Arts
Roman figures, African and Moroccan motifs, and folk art design are among the motifs in this part of The Big Book of Cross-Stitch Designs - From Reader's Digest. I particularly like the Delft tiles which are based on 17th Century designs from Holland.
