Bewitching Cross Stitch

I saw this book in a library and new I had to buy it - very exciting to see an entire well-crafted book of counted cross stitch designs that aren't just flowers, kittens, or Biblical verses. As an intermediate-advanced cross-stitcher, I love the detailed, non-cartoonish designs. The colors are gorgeous (though naturally, with a little imagination, you could swap them for others if they aren't to your taste), and (extra kudos to the publisher!) the symbols on the charts are colored to approximately match the thread colors, making them fantastically easy to read. Each large design is also accompanied by a few smaller accent designs/charts, along with instructions on various project ideas (tea towels, keepsake boxes, etc.). The book also provides clear lists of items needed for each project and estimated sizes of finished designs. As a note, I recommend making a photocopy of the chart you choose to work on; a copy is easier to handle while you're stitching, and keeps the book from getting too worn. I hope to see more from Joan Elliott and this particular publisher. I also recommend Teresa Wentzler's fantasy cross stitch collection, though her designs are far more detailed and challenging, and the charts aren't quite as easy to read.

I loved this book and started stitching a picture the day I got it. I live a magical life and this is the best book for someone who wants to put so magic in their projects! There is a wheel of the year,a beautiful dragon, Father Sun, Mother Moon and even some witchy magnets!! You will not be able to stop stitching. Metallic thread and beads embelish almost ever picture and they sparkle.Oh and the charts are full color and very easy to use.

Great book, especially for people who love fantasy designs. I don't know which design I want to stitch first. They are all lovely.

I've been a fan of fantasy stories and themes my entire life, so when my grandmother-in-law said that she'd make one of her cross stitch master pieces for me, in the design of my choosing, I started my fantasy cross stitch search. Until now (as a fantasy buff) I only knew one name in the world of cross stitch, Teresa Wentzler, but I am pleased to say that I've found another one just as talented, Joan Elliott. When I received Bewitching Cross Stitch in the mail yesterday I was flat out stunned at the quality and complexity of the designs Joan Elliott created. The showcase designs are simply gorgeous, awe-inspiring. Her designs look like painted stitchery, not cubist interpretations. They are sometimes whimsical, other times hauntingly beautiful, always lovely. Even better is the fact that, while I'm not a big stitcher myself, she includes petite pieces and coordinating projects out of each design that are small and simple enough for the beginner to attempt (and actually finish). Standout projects include the Father Sun, Mother Moon, the dragon from the cover, and the black cat/magical workshop. The cover of this book does NOT do it justice, the dragon pictured there is covered in tiny details and fine stitching. Lastly, as a Pagan, I was pleasantly surprised to see the Wheel of the Year pillow and the celestial faces. The only thing missing is a Green Man face, now THAT would be gorgeous given the same treatment as the others. All in all, a great book for those who like fantasy and magical designs. I think it's worth every penny, on sale or not, and will definitely recommend it to my likeminded stitching friends.

I love this book! All the projects are fabulous!! I only wish that it didn't have color charts - and page overlapping charts would have been even better as well.