Needlepoint Designs from Oriental Rugs

I've had this book for a long time just enjoying the pictures and Ms. Sorensen's discussion of the histories, origins and meaning of the motifs in Oriental rugs. The book is put together in an extremely organized and helpful fashion: each project is shown in a glossy color picture in use in a typical home, whether as a wall hanging, throw pillows, or upholstered stool. (This gives you a good idea how it will look in your home.) Each project is also shown in a full-on, close-up color pic displaying all the detail. She explains the background of every design. Each is charted in an extremely interesting way: she has separated the different "layers" of each section such that you stitch only 1 or 2 colors at a time. Once you finish the first couple colors, you go on to the next chart which shows the same section but displays 1 or 2 other colors that overlay the previous chart. So there are 2 or 3 charts for each section of a rug. Very easy to follow. Amazingly all the rugs have only 4 to 7 colors! My only concern has been that just 1/2 of each carpet has been charted and you're supposed to use a mirror to stitch the other half. Fortunately, now, we can scan and print the reverse pages. What prompted me to purchase the book was the gorgeous red multiple-bordered carpet on the front cover. I finally dove in and am cross stitching the "Laver Kerman" carpet with #8 pearl cotton on 16-count aida. While this is one of the bigger projects at about 300 by 450 stitches, the stitching goes very quickly--even for this slow stitcher. Smaller charts are only 80 by 80 stitches. I already get many compliments on it though I'm only halfway done. This is one project not destined to become a UFO. I have my eye set on the next one as well. If you like Persian carpets, needlepoint or cross stitch, this is one book you need to get. Highly recommended.