The New Cross Stitch Sampler Book: 23 Fabulous Samples and 72 Projects to Stitch from Them

I've been writing reviews all day and just now I realized that the best(for me) came at the end. I've been asked if there was ever a cross-stitch book that I didn't like. The truth is, Yes. And I don't buy them. They don't live up to their title in their content. I am a Sampler fanatic. I haven't made many but I love them and I can see what goes into a good one, large and small, when they are contemporary pieces. God Bless Helen Phillipps, she gave us a "good 'un" here. It's packed with a lot of variety, imagination and special embellishments, a Helen Phillipps tradmark. There are 23 samplers using multiple stand alone motifs. The samplers are well thought out and range from a family farm piece(rustic, not country) to delightful gardens and more than one Christmas theme. I also like her Halloween sampler, unusual anniversary samplers and seasonal pieces. One thing that I particularly enjoy about Helen Philipps is her juxtaposition of color. She isn't Donna Kooler, nor does she need to be. Yet, her way of dealing with color is just as striking and mesmerising. It brings joy to the heart. Oh, well, I guess I'm in love again. I need more Helen Phillipps books but where are they?

I just received this book and can hardly wait to start stitching some of the samplers. Out of the 23 samplers there are probably at least 15 that I want to do. They are gorgeous and the charts are easy to read. They are colored and with symbols and are very clear. The threads used are DMC as well as a few variegated and overdyed ones. There are band samplers as well as bordered ones plus lots of suggestions for using smaller parts of each one. I am very happy with this book!

This book has simple, up-to-date designs that can be easily customized. It also offers many ideas for using parts of designs for other projects.I'm ordering it to make a wedding sampler for my son and his fiancee, but will also use it for other gifts.The samplers incorporate traditional motifs, but with modern color schemes.

This book begins with information about the history of samplers, and each project has an introduction to explain its inspiration. There are a wide range of projects to choose from and lots of helpful advice on how to personalise each one. The colours are well selected and fabric recommendations really enhance each project. The patterns are clear and in colour and are of a good size, although some go over two pages which is always a pain. Some of the samplers have options for adding beads and charms, which gives great variety. The projects are on a range of topics, including seasons and celebrations. I have been delighted with it!