Reviews (5)

the nicest patterns I've ever seen in a book
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.

Fantastic!
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. Beautiful but hard
These are beautiful pictures, but difficult. If your like me and need fast projects because of small children, forget it. They use lots of beads and special threads. I think its great for your library. But these are very long and specialized, detailed graphs. I have to tell you I was happy that I bought it, but I will not be using it soon, some day when I have more time. There are some beautiful wedding samplers, pictures of flowers and no holiday special pictures, which I loved. If you like to work with beads and special threads go for it, if your a simple cross stitch lady like me with no time, wait until you have more time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Cross-stitch    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    6. Needlework - General    7. Patterns    8. Sewing    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Cross-Stitch    10. cross stitch   

Reviews (5)

A most Superb book !!!
I simply fell in love with this book. The designs in this elegant book are stylish,very beautiful and grand. The life-like designs are categorized into 6 chapters:Bulb flowers,spring flowers,roses,herbal gardens,wild flowers and orchard harvest. Each includes projects(21 in all) that are described in full detail:easy enough for a beginner to follow,sophisticated enough to appeal to an advanced cross-stitcher. My fingers are itching to start on all the projects at once. The layout of this book is SUPERB to say the least,I highly recommend it to those who love floral cross-stitching.

A spectacular book
This book is nothing short of stunning. It elevates cross stitch to a true art form, showing what a needle, a simple stitch and colored threads can do in the hands of an artist.

21 designs and color charts
There are so many beautiful color photos in this book, of cross stitch designs and gardens full of flowers.Each project has a sharp color photo (many have close-up detail photos), a chart in color, a list of materials and instructions.The floral variety and colors are stunning with subtle shading.Most of the designs are suited for more advanced stitchers.Projects in this book were stitched on linen.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Cross-Stitch   

Reviews (7)

Excellent book of Art Nouveau patterns!
This is a fabulous book, very representational of Art Nouveau style (don't look for Frank Lloyd Wright here, his work is considered its own style). Many projects from a variety of artists. Check out the table of contents page link in the book description to get a better idea of the types of projects and artists.
Excellent range of designs
I wish there had been more photos of the contents of this book online as the range covered is diverse and better than I expected. I especially love the MacIntosh designs

Very nice projects
I didn't know much about Art Nouveau, other than it is ascribed to Frank Lloyd Wright and Tiffany-stained glass.The projects in the book are beautiful and sophisticated-looking.The charts are also large and easy enough to read.The colors suggested are listed by the DMC brand.Artists featured include Mucha, Renee Mackintosh, Klimt, and Walter Crane.(Don't count on a full picture by Klimt though, just a mirror piece that incorporates some of the same colors as in "The Kiss.")The bamboo "stained glass" wooden box on the cover is my favorite, although I will have to special order the light green aida fabric.However, the Mackintosh rose women pieces are also very stunning and unique.The piece by Mucha is a poster lady holding a glass of champaigne.It looks almost like it's almost entirely done in blackwork, with black and gold thread on white.All of the pieces have a crisp, clean look.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    5. Cross-stitch    6. Tapestry-making   

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Cross-stitch    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Nature (Aesthetics)    6. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    7. Patterns   

Reviews (2)

Must have
Another reviewer had a very detailed description of this book which allwho are interested in this title should read.I generally like moresohisticated designs and I absolutely loved all the Father Christmases thatmake up a nice portion of the book.This book really caters to all tastes.

If you could only have one book for the long winter nights
I have long been a fan of the Vanessa-Anne house style, but this book is a perfect culmination of all their previous work. The collection covers a wide range from simple Amish samplers to complex needle-art pictures. There are five headings covering birth, special events such as weddingskeep-sakes for friends and family, decorations for the home,lovely alphabet samplers, and my particular, favourite, the Chirstmas collection. This is a group of seven different Father Chismas pictures, which cover all ethnic origins but could be worked as a harmonious whole if you were skilled enough. Even if like me, you felt a lot of the work was beyond your skills the sheer beauty of this book would lure you on to greater artistic endevour. The art work is of a very high standard being both clear and easy to read.So often needle-work books are let down by poor rendition and mean use of colour.This is most assuredly not the case with this book. Another nice touch is the way the finished projects are diplayed in various settings to further whet the appitite. I first came across this book in a review featured in a American needle-work magazine and was so taken by the look of it that I ordered it through a book-seller who was who was going to the states. ( I live in England) Even though I was agast at the price, this being pre-online ordering, I have used and browsed this book almost more than any other in my vast collection. In fact my significant other says if he has to share his space with much more of my collection he is moving out to the garden shed. But if I didn't already have this I would feel it a risk well worth the taking. Truly a book to help pass the balmy summer evenings, and get you through the long winter nights ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Cross-stitch    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    6. Patterns    7. Sewing    8. Embroidery   

Reviews (1)

Kooler Design - always good, this one is great
American cross stitching is so vibrant compared to the European (I'm a Brit) and Donna Kooler is one of the very best.Her 'serious' needlework is excellent, but she and her team never forget to acknowledge the joy andsheer fun of the cartoon.This book is a part of my large and growingcollection - but always the first source for inspiration.Check out thenutcracker stocking - he's the best ever. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas decorations    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Cross-stitch    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    6. Patterns    7. Christmas books   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    5. Cross-stitch   

Reviews (1)

Rustic and Refreshing Motifs
For those who love both cross stitch and gardening this is the book. As I looked through it I felt like I was really in some country garden. It includes 7 chapters: the cottage garden,kitchen garden,herbal garden, formal garden,birds and bees, fruit orchard and a garden alphabet. There are lots of garden samplers,some which include recipes,an apple orchard a potting shed and many others ; all are quite charming and rustic.The hundreds of small beautiful motifs include: vegetables,seed packets, bird houses,herbs, flowers and flowerpots. The designs and projects are small , quite simple and not time consuming :pincushions,bookmarks,cards,etc... but the motifs can be used collectively to create a bigger project because they all work so well together.It also shows how the creative use of buttons,charms and beads can really liven up one's piece of art.The book has a very good layout, the little watercolor drawings on every page enhance the beauty of this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    5. Crafts & Hobbies / Cross-Stitch    6. Cross-stitch    7. HOME REFERENCE - Decorating TRD HC   

Reviews (6)

Good but not excellent
The designs included are a little simplistic, with little or no shading and relatively little detail.NEVERTHELESS they are well charted, well organized, and treated as "motifs" rather than projects (though some project ideas are included) so that you can use them for a variety of purposes.The nice thing, however, about not using 50 colors for one design is that you can easily adapt the color scheme to suit your needs.
Positively a must have!
This book is a must have for anyone interested in Celtic Art. I can't wait to get started on the designs. This book has clear detailed instructions that can be altered with little to no problem it seems. The designs range from simple quick projects to more advanced longer projects which would make it an excellent purchase for those just getting into cross stitching.

GREAT Celtic cross stitch book!!!
This book is worth the cover price for the lettering patterns alone!Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Cross-stitch    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knotwork, Celtic    7. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    8. Patterns    9. Sewing    10. Crafts & Hobbies / General    11. Handicrafts   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    5. Cross-stitch   

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    6. Needlework - Embroidery    7. Embroidery   

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Cross-stitch    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    6. Needlework - Embroidery    7. Needlework, Victorian    8. Patterns   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    5. Cross-stitch   

Reviews (5)

A gorgeous book
This book is beautiful -- it could almost double as a coffee table book!The projects are suitable for all sorts of occasions and are all easily customizable.I highly recommend this book to any cross-stitcher,regardless of skill level -- it could keep you busy for the next two years!

I was inspired.
There are color photos of each design, black and white charts, a stitch directory, instructions and finishing techniques.The 15 alphabets include: traditional, floral, Assisi, lower case and Victorian.There is aconversion chart of DMC to Anchor.The 40 designs in this book areinspiring and I am always looking for alphabets to stitch.

Inspiring letters
Original, well explained and a great source of inspiration!One wants to start stitching immediately, and looks for any excuse to do so. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    5. Sewing    6. Cross-stitch   

Reviews (3)

Its O.K.
I think this book has some great, fun wedding, and pet designs. But, if yours like me, no pets at the time and everyone married, a big part of the book is a waste of time.I did like this book because I'm a big fan of Donna Kooler, but I wasn't going crazy with excitment when I saw it. I really liked her book, " For the Young at Heart". Nice addition to your collection, but if money is tight, spend it on another Kooler design book.

Too Similar to the Other 555 Kooler Books
Mostly a home and family oriented design book :family, children, pets,etc. Doesn't break any creative barriers
This book is similar in style to the other "555" cross stitch pattern books by Kooler.While many designs are attractive and eye-catching, Kooler hasn't broken any creative barriers in this book.The use of color is good and there is a variety of designs for novice level to expert.However, the range of designs is more limited in this book as compared to others by this author.I have a large collection of cross stitch books and consider it a good addition.But, this is not the book to buy if you are new to cross stitch or looking for basic designs.This book should be one you'd get to supplement your existing collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    5. BG-MIND & BODY - BG-HEALTH    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Cross-Stitch    7. Cross-stitch    8. Sale Books   

Reviews (1)

good
goo ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cartoon characters    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Cross-stitch    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    7. Patterns    8. Handicrafts    9. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games   

Reviews (3)

What a disappointment!
What a waste!These are beautiful designs but they are almost unusable due to poor charting.For some reason, these designs are charted using colored squares only (where has this designer been?? Hasn't she seen or heard the endless complaints from stitchers about this form of charting??).Granted there are some black & white symbol charts at the back of the book but only 12 designs out of about 60 are there (does this indicate the designer actually does know there is a problem with her charts?).Often the key is on a different page than the chart making it even more ludicrous to try to determine which color is which. This is a lovely book of Chinese designs
The is a beautiful book containing designs to challenge the beginning as well as the advanced cross-stitcher. Each design includes details of the source of the design as well as some historical/cultural background. Many familiar Chinese symbols are represented including dragons, pagodas, phoenix, and my favorite the Chinese Zodiac with information on what date in a given year the Chinese year started. HUGE disappointment
If I could give this book a rating of zero, I would. First of all, it has the ugliest designs I have ever seen, and I love Asian designs.Also all the graphs are printed so small that you certainly couldn't use any of them for stitching.However, the author does provide black and white graphs at the end of the book to be photocopied and enlarged for stitching. All designs are charted for Anchor floss, with only one general conversion table given at the end of the book for DMC.The author does also give floss estimates, a materials-required list, and minimal instructions for making up each project. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. China    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Cross-stitch    5. Decoration and ornament    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    8. Patterns    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Cross-Stitch    10. JUVY-NON FICTION - JUVY-ACTIVITY NON FI   

Reviews (1)

Mabel Lucie Attwell fan
This book is a must if you are a fan of Mabel Lucie Attwell. All the charts are very clear and easy to use and the designs are very varied. I am sure there is a chart to suit all occassions. Happy stitching! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    5. Crafts & Hobbies / Cross-Stitch    6. Cross-stitch    7. NEW AGE - ASTROLOGY TRD HC   

Editorial Review

Whether you're an absolute beginner or a longtime stitcher, you'll find useful patterns galore in master needleworker Julie Hasler's collection. The hundreds of flora and fauna designs are clearly charted in color, many accompanied by ideas on ways to use the designs or suggestions for applications such as paperweights, book covers, shelf edging, or place mats. The images are generally small individual motifs and border patterns, so it's up to you to combine them into an overall design, but there's plenty here to choose from, as well as helpful information on planning and preparation, equipment and materials, the basics of cross-stitching, and making up the finished work. Read more

Reviews (1)

Great if you like to make your own charts
Although the color pictures in this book gave me a lot of inspiration, the charts were done in an unusual way which might not appeal to everyone. The author simply gives colored in charts, more like a photograph of the finished product.Color is more appealing than black and white, but I am new to embroidery and the idea of not having a detailed chart kind of overwhelmed me.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    5. Sewing   

Reviews (3)

welcome to the doll's house
nice "little" book. every project is clearly explained with easy to follow instructions.
List Price
I'd like to point out - the list price on the back of the book is 3.95, NOT 5.95.

Fun and Easy
I am a Miniature enthusiast and have searched for a Cross Stitch book of Miniatures for years.When I received this book, I was pleasantly surprised.The patterns are easy to follow and easily adaptable to my color scheme.A wide range of styles and I have enjoyed making each of the projects in this book and encourage other Miniature enthusiast to try it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Canvas embroidery    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Cross-stitch    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Miniature craft    8. Miniatures    9. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    10. Patterns    11. Toymaking - General    12. Crafts & Hobbies / Toymaking    13. Embroidery