Cross stitching's such a popular craft that I'm finding a number of books on the subject. Just what I need--I have this quirk, you see. Whenever I'm learning something new, I assume that there's a how-to book on it somewhere that'll teach me everything I need to know. I then want to read everything I can get my hands on concerning the subject. (Yes, I know this is more than a quirk. I plan to seek therapy for it whenever I can take the time off from reading!)
I recently finished reviewing a beautiful new book "The Cross-Stitcher's Bible" written by Jane Greenoff, the founder of the Guild in England. I really preferred Cross-Stitch For The First Time, finding the same basic information in both and designs that I would be more likely to make in this one than The Cross-Stitcher's Bible.
Author & Designers
Donna Kooler is listed as the author of this book but in a note from her on the first page, she sounds as if the book was a collaborative project including the staff of her Kooler Design Studios with the projects done by a team of designers. Kooler is the president of the Kooler Design Studios.
Six people were designers for the projects. Some work for the studio while others have their own needlework businesses. The gallery section at the end of the book contains pictures of each of the artists, their backgrounds information on them and photos of examples of their work.
The designs are the book's most outstanding feature, in my opinion, a result of using a variety of designers instead of just one. This gives the projects variety and takes advantage of the unique approach of each designer. For example, Sharon Cohen of Maryland a former illustrator uses historic influences in her work, especially Elizabethan influences. Her personal style is evident in the photos of her creations, such as embroidered coin purses. Ermie Bishop of Utah uses soft pastel florals with touches of heirloom lace. My favorite sample is an elaborately detailed picture of Cinderella with her fairy godmother, made by Sandy Orton of the Kooler Design Studios.
Design, Layout and Graphics
Another excellent feature of this book is the way it's laid out to help a beginner step by step, with each step making him/her a little more skilled. Each technique includes a color photograph of the project, text on how to make the project with details on how to do the new technique, a drawing that's a visual instruction of the newly introduced stitch, a list of supplies needed and basic information like stitch count and design size.
The four different sections of the book have their own color background so it's easy to find the different sections.
Contents
Section 1: Cross-stitching Basics
Section 2: Stitching Basics
Section 3: Beyond the Basics
Section 4: Gallery
The first section tells you all about the equipment used for cross-stitching, including the basics like floss and needles and ones that the inexperienced might not think about like lap and floor stands; floss holders and organizers; magnification and place keepers. I found this extremely helpful in seeing accessories that can make the needlework easier and more comfortable. I found this part much more informative than the same section in the "The Cross-Stitcher's Bible". For example, under floss organizers the author even says that paper envelpes are "the simplest and most cost effective method of conveniently storing different flosses" with the contents written in a n upper corner of the envelope and then stored in a large sneaker shoe box.
This is the kind of information that's so helpful to a novice who might not have been around other cross stitchers to see how they keep their equipment organized.
This section is quite comprehensive covering everything from the methods for starting securing the floss when you begin stitching to framing a finished cross-stitch design.
The second section covers the techniques of cross-stitching. Each technique is accompanied by a project that uses that technique and each technique gets progressively more difficult.
It's interesting that the sub sections under this Stitching Basics section are put in the form of questions--questions that might be asked by a beginner. For example, the first one is "How do I cross-stitch on Aida fabric? Some other examples are:
How do I read a split graph?
How do I stitch fractional cross stitches?
How do I stitch with beads?
Each question is then answered within the section's text and by doing the accompanying project.
I especially liked the selection of projects. Almost all were ones I'd like to do and they inspired me to want to finish my current project so I can make some of those in the book.
The book includes 19 projects with the cross stitch used in a variety of forms such as pillows, wall hangings, book covers, an afghan, etc.
One of my favorite projects is called Flower Cat to accompany the fourth technique, "How do I cross stitch on linen and other plain-weave fabrics?" A precious looking black and white cat holds a red flower in his mouth and the bottom of the design is a mass of red flowers (geraniums?) as if the cat is sitting in the bed of flowers. This is done on a white linen covered pillow with a black and white striped ruffle--oh, soooooo attractive!
Other favorite projects include Lone Wolf, a Native American design, a whimsical angel put on a t-shirt and a wedding sampler.
When I first looked over the book I thought the last section on the gallery of designers was superflous. However, I've changed my mind. I now see it as a wonderful ending to a book for beginners because it's so inspiring and gives new cross stitchers an idea of the truly beautiful work done by masters and how one can express their own personalities in their creations.
Recommendation
After reading this book at the library, I ended up buying it at Barnes and Nobles for $19.95. I don't think one is likely to find a better book for the new cross-stitcher. In addition, I think the more experienced could use this book as a resource and also want to make the beautiful designs. There are so many nice ones that it seems to me to be a good value if someone is planning to use it often.
However, I found an even better book on cross-stitch in general at a local second hand book store. It's the "Reader's Digest Book of Cross-Stitch". It originally sold for $20 but cost only $8 used. This is a much more comprehensive and larger book than the one reviewed here. So, if you're only going to buy one book....you're not a beginner...and you can find the Reader's Digest book, I'd definitely recommend that one first.
So, now I own two books on cross-stitch...not bad for me. Maybe I'm making some progress in understanding the concept that owning every book printed on the subject does not necessarily make me better at needlework.
I do think that Cross-Stitch For The First Time would be an ideal gift for someone who has had surgery or been ill and is facing a long recovery. If they don't already do cross-stitch and maybe have been wanting to learn, a gift basket that includes this book, a couple of small kits that have everything in them and maybe an embroidery hoop would make a thoughtful gift.
Recommended:
