Cross-Stitch for the First Time(r)

It's a great introducion to cross stitch to hardanger and is written very simply. The projects are lively and colorful. Explaination of techniques is wonderful and i have this book next to me as i stitch for refference.a great buy i checked it out at my library first and fell in love with it so i bought it.

Kooler assumes nothing and give very complete instructions, almost in baby steps, and some very nice projects for learning the art of cross stitch. The projects deal with some of the tricky ideas of half-stitch, beaded work, paper cross stitch and of course interspersing cross-stitch with regular embroidery. The last is probably how most cross stitch projects are shown in the high end magazines.Kooler handles ably the different types of fabric and yarn and she really tries to address the 'fear factor' of cross stitch this book is very helpful. Another one is The Cross Stitch Bible but it handles the topic differently.

This book would be good for both the first time cross-stitcher and for people who have been stitching for a while. It starts with sections on preparation (what you need), and how to handle the materials, then moves on to more complicated items, all clearly explained (I finally understand what railroading is!) Also included are brief explanations of how to bead a chart and do hardanger. The charts are charming and range across a wide variety of subjects. The book is a little pricey, but the charts and explanations make up for it.