The Bottom Line
Great Cross-Stitch Gifts features a wide variety of designs. Each chapter features a different set of projects with ideas for displaying the completed designs.
Although some patterns cover several pages, permission is given to reproduce the patterns, so this potential difficulty can be overcome by making a working copy of each large design.
Clear project instructions and stitch diagrams assist the beginner and intermediate stitcher in expanding stitching skills.
Although some patterns cover several pages, permission is given to reproduce the patterns, so this potential difficulty can be overcome by making a working copy of each large design.
Clear project instructions and stitch diagrams assist the beginner and intermediate stitcher in expanding stitching skills.
Pros
- Patterns are large, color, and easy-to-read.
- Designs are available for all stitching levels.
- Instructions for finishing the designs are included.
- Project instructions are detailed and easy to understand.
- A wide variety of pattern types are represented.
Cons
- So many great projects, it will be hard to choose which one to do first.
- Large patterns are spread out over multiple pages.
- Blending filament and specialty stitch use will challenge some stitchers.
Description
- Title: Great Cross-Stitch Gifts
- Number of Pages and Projects: 128 pages with over 70 patterns
- Publisher and Date Published: Kooler Design Studio, 2004
- Designers: Designers include Barbara Baatz Hillman, Linda Gillum, Nancy Rossi, and others.
- Adaptable designs and alphabets make this a good addition to a stitcher's library.
- Patterns are clear, color, and in large print. The clarity makes the patterns easy to stitch.
- Instructions for projects are illustrated, easy-to-read, and adaptable to other designs.
Guide Review - Donna Kooler's Great Cross-Stitch Gifts
The wide variety of patterns and projects which will make this book an asset to the collection of any stitcher is described below:
Chapter Two is about gift tags. Some, including the ribbon heart, would make great name tags too.
The popper designs in Chapter Three have motifs which could be adapted for bookmarks or towels.
In Chapter Four, pillows are the focus. Designs would also be suitable for framing or stitching into a quilt square or wall-hanging.
Chapters Five through Seven, showcase complex wedding-theme pillows and a coordinating picture frame.
Simple bookmarks in Chapter Eight are accompanied by how-tos for several different bookmark styles.
In Chapter Nine find 12 framed fairy-of-the-month designs.
Chapters 10 through 12 use blue-ware inspired designs to create an afghan, a pillow, and towels.
Overview of Contents of Donna Kooler's Great Cross-Stitch Gifts:
Chapter One features small motifs and instructions for how to create simple sachet bags.Chapter Two is about gift tags. Some, including the ribbon heart, would make great name tags too.
The popper designs in Chapter Three have motifs which could be adapted for bookmarks or towels.
In Chapter Four, pillows are the focus. Designs would also be suitable for framing or stitching into a quilt square or wall-hanging.
Chapters Five through Seven, showcase complex wedding-theme pillows and a coordinating picture frame.
Simple bookmarks in Chapter Eight are accompanied by how-tos for several different bookmark styles.
In Chapter Nine find 12 framed fairy-of-the-month designs.
Chapters 10 through 12 use blue-ware inspired designs to create an afghan, a pillow, and towels.
