Stitching Pretty: 101 Lovely Cross-Stitch Projects to Make

As another reviewer noted, these aren't (for the most part) quick-to-stitch designs, but don't be scared off (though there are some items such as a bookmark, sachet bag, etc.). There are bears, birdhouses, hearts, houses, flowers, wedding items, a couple Christmas designs, and children. They are attractive designs with enough detail that they are attractive when finished, but they are not highly time-consuming designs, and scanning the book, I could not find any that you couldn't readily complete with ordinary floss. A rather classy book with a little something for everybody.

This book features absolutely gorgeous charts in a nice variety of styles. The best part, to me, was that the charts are flawless - something you can only achieve by stitching each chart to test it, and someone has obviously done that for this book. I just completed the sampler of rows of houses as a gift for my mother-in-law, and it turned out beautiful. Fair warning: this is not for the beginner cross-stitcher! But if you have advanced beyond the easy kits and want to really create some art, this book is for you.

I don't usually take the time to write reviews, but I had to for this BH & G gem, especially since one hasn't been written as of yet. SOMEone has to let cross stitch fanatics know what they're missing! :) This book is chock full of gorgeous charts for a variety of topics such as nuptials, love, home, samplers, florals, and hearts, just to name a few. Each one is printed in color and accompanied by clear instructions, as well as a materials and supplies list. In addition, each project has been beautifully stitched and photographed for inspiration.There's a particular project I consider just one my many favorites, as well as probably the most challenging, called "THE FLOWER SHOP," in which the design is worked on two pieces of fabric and utilizes a combination of several different stitches (besides those of cross stitch) to arrive at a pretty spectacular piece of work. I was both excited, and I must admit, a tad intimidated to try it. If a cross stitch book can arouse this type of reaction out of me, I consider it a definite "keeper" for my library. "...STITCHING PRETTY..." also contains patterns with instructions for the use of metallic and silk threads, a variety of beads, ribbon, etc. Speaking for myself, I love it when cross stitch books include patterns which call for the use of these items as part of the design, for they only enhance what I am capable of creating with just thread alone. I happen to adore books with projects dedicated to the different skill levels of counted cross-stitch, especially those geared toward the more experienced stitchers. Very rarely do I see cross stitch books containing patterns for intermediate/advanced stitchers and in my opinion, there should be a lot more of them. If you're brand new to cross stitching and are just learning the basics, though it DOES include "how-to" illustrations for all of the stitches required to do each project, this book will still probably be a bit too advanced for you. However, if you plan on sticking with it, please purchase the book because I'm sure it will serve as nothing less than an inspiration for you to continue with the craft.If you're already an intermediate to advanced stitcher, purchasing this book will result in smiles and excitement, as the most troublesome thought you might have is trying to figure out which design you'd like to stitch first! P.S. Merely just a suggestion...with each chosen pattern, you may want to copy it on a photo copier prior to stitching. It's a very nice quality book and I'm sure you won't want to "age" it prematurely with constant handling. Happy Stitching!! :)