Cross Stitch Splendid Florals - Tapa blanda

Nov 10 Liven up your walls with a set of handsome floral studies worked in cross stitch. This slim volume contains all you need (apart from the materials) to produce these four lovely pictures, shown helpfully on the reverse of the book. The flowers shown are a rose, poppy, tulips and a bearded iris and anybody who has worked a few charts before ought to have no trouble with these patterns. There are no fractional stitches or blends, just thread up and get stitching. Each chart is shown in black and white with symbols. My favorite method as working it and watching it take shape is rather akin to piecing together a jigsaw puzzle. The designer has used a selection of Anchor and DMC threads, an unusual but clever touch which maximises these two rather dissimilar ranges of floss. Layouts are given as to how the pages fit together to form the finished work, and there are even small insets showing the back-stitchedbackstitched outline. This does help with some parts of it which are slightly harder to spot, but to be truly useful these would need to be enlarged quite a bit. Fortunately, the back-stitching is clearly marked on the actual patterns rendering this superfluous. At the back are helpful hints as to what fabric to use, what size the finished work will be depending on what thread count you buy and how to get started. There are diagrams showing the correct working of cross stitches and back-stitches, as well as some other useful things. I couldn't think of anything else that could have been included, and this would make a wonderful project (or gift) for somebody who is looking for their first big project after working smaller pieces, or who wants to graduate from kits. * Myshelf.com * Aug 10 Are you looking for a challenge but feel daunted by complex projects? Well don't! Norwegian designer Marc Saastad brings you four prize-winning designs with excellent comprehensive instructions. They're ideal for stitchers looking to progress to the next level, with detailed charts that come with easy-to-read instructions, as well as clear diagrams explaining the stitches used. The larger charts come in black and white with separate backstitch charts, making them easy to follow. These gorgeous pieces will look beautiful when framed. * Cross Stitch Crazy *

These designs will take a little longer than some cross-stitch designs, but will be well worth the time. Marc's color choices of DMC and Anchor floss give brilliance to each completed piece. Your stitched pieces will be sure to become some of your favorite heirlooms you'll be proud to pass down to future generations. Easy-to-read general instructions include figure drawings for cross-stitch and backstitch. The design size is given for each project, giving the width and height. Large charts are in black and white with Backstitching outline insets make it easier for the stitcher to follow. Centers are shown by arrows placed at the top of the chart. Each Color Key gives Anchor and DMC embroidery floss color numbers and names, and symbols. Special stitching information is also shown with the color key.