Alphabets & Samplers: 40 Cross Stitch and Charted Designs [Paperback]

Brenda Keyes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1997

For centuries, alphabets and initials have provided favourite designs for stitchers of all abilities, especially for monograms and traditional samplers. This collection presents 40 easy-to-stitch alphabet projects, which make gifts for many different occasions. The designs include commemorative samplers, a Christmas sampler and a Gaelic sampler, plus many decorative ideas for using single initials. The designs are shown in colour photographs and there are also charts. Most of the designs are in counted cross stitch; others feature such techniques as tent stitch, satin stitch and whitework. For beginners there are instructions on all techniques, including stretching and framing. For the more adventurous, there are many suggestions for using the charts and alphabets in original ways to create unique, personal samplers or designs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: David & Charles UK (March 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0715305301
• ISBN-13: 978-0715305300
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,505,134 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, May 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Alphabets & Samplers: 40 Cross Stitch and Charted Designs (Paperback)

This book was a checkout from my local library and after bringing it home and viewing it I was enthralled with every page! I knew that I would be referring to it many times over so instead of rechecking it out at the library numerous times I decided to buy the book.It has so many nice patterns for the beginner and the advanced cross stitcher.The only problem is trying to decide which one I want to stitch first!I have been doing cross stitching for many years and this is the first book that has everything imaginable to stitch!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Samplers for Every Occasion, June 18, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Alphabets & Samplers: 40 Cross Stitch and Charted Designs (Paperback)

I love this book! All of the alphabets and samplers are beautiful, and you are sure to find the perfect project whether you are creating a gift for someone special or looking for something to brighten up an area of your home.

Also, the author gives lots of ideas for finishing the projects, along with plenty of color photos to give you ideas. She gives recommended colors, using DMC, but also includes a chart which compares DMC to other commonly used floss brands. The photos also show several of the alphabets or samplers done up in colors different from the ones in the chart, so there is plenty of leeway for your own creativity. I definitely recommend this book, especially for beginners.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I was inspired., March 30, 2000

By 

R. Haldeman "ruth" (Lemont, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Alphabets & Samplers: 40 Cross Stitch and Charted Designs (Paperback)

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 a conversion chart of DMC to Anchor. The 40 designs in this book are inspiring and I am always looking for alphabets to stitch.