Better Homes and Gardens 2001 Cross Stitch Designs: The Essential Reference Book (Better Homes & Gardens Crafts) (Paperback)

~ Better Homes & Gardens (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

• This golden encyclopedia of needlework complements the library of every cross-stitcher.
• 2001 designs for every occasion and category of stitching—holidays, alphabets, florals, nature, sports, children, babies, Christmas, animals, and numerous others.
• Each motif collection accompanied by a clear and accurate color chart and color key.
• Tips for end uses for the designs.
• Includes 50 specialty stitch diagrams with instructions.
• Cross-stitch tips and specialty stitches to accompany the designs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (September 7, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0696221535
• ISBN-13: 978-0696221538
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 9.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #38,172 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you're like me . . . you'll love it!, August 23, 2001

By	Jaina Solo "[e-mail]" (Not Telling, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 2001 Cross Stitch Designs : The Essential Reference Book (Better Homes & Gardens) (Hardcover)

From reading the other reviews here, I guess I'm what you'd call a "beginning stitcher"! I haven't got a huge cross-stitch library, and this book (a gift from my Mom) is GREAT for me! The number of the designs is terrific, and the varied topics, too (flowers, kids' motifs, alphabets, holidays, etc.) really make it useful. I love flipping through and finding something to go on a baby bib, hand towel, or other gift (the designs, being small, are a great fit!). But the main reason I like this book is that the actual designs are REALLY NICE--meaning classy! How many times have you dismissed a cross stitch book because the designs were just too tacky or choppy? Why do so many designers "countrify" everything, or make the same blocky-looking bunnies and ducks over and over? I'm so picky, but this book satisfies my tastes--good stuff here! For example, the flower section is so pretty, they've got me stitching flowers all over (and I'm not a real flowery type!). So, if this sounds like you--GET this book NOW!

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice book, but not *just right* for all stitchers, June 24, 2002

By	"cameoroze" (Post Falls, ID USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 2001 Cross Stitch Designs : The Essential Reference Book (Better Homes & Gardens) (Hardcover)

Small designs on every subject and for every occassion. The designs can be used well on household items, to decorate clothing, for ornaments, bookmarks and small gift bags and tags. Color charts. Chapters include:

Florals; For Little Ones (children); Symbols of Love; Christmas Fun; Santas and Snowmen; Borders and Patterns; Country Patterns; Americana; Year-Round Holidays; Nature Designs; Animals; Alphabets and Numbers; Sports, Professions and Pastimes; Cross-Stitch Basics; From Start to Finish (tips and techniques); Specialty Stitches; Patterns & Instructions; Extensive Index

This book is perfect for the stitcher that likes to take various motifs, and put them together in her own way rather than for the stitcher that likes to have a complete project to stitch and finish "just like the picture." I like the myriad of designs, but find that when I use the book, I need to make a working copy that I enlarge to make reading the charts easier. I've used some of the Borders and Patterns for creating bookmarks. There are lots of great idea starters here.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 2001 cross stitch designs, February 2, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: 2001 Cross Stitch Designs : The Essential Reference Book (Better Homes & Gardens) (Hardcover)

This book is NOT REALLY for big project. But for small project like orament and book mark and small gift bags or small gift tags. I like it a lot, since I don't want to do BIG CROSS STITCHES project. If you are looking for big project like a big painting(cross stitch), then this is NOT for you.