Customer Reviews

Bewitching Cross Stitch

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been a fan of fantasy stories and themes my entire life, so when my grandmother-in-law said that she'd make one of her cross stitch master pieces for me, in the design of my choosing, I started my fantasy cross stitch search. Until now (as a fantasy buff) I only knew one name in the world of cross stitch, Teresa Wentzler, but I am pleased to say that I've found another one just as talented, Joan Elliott.

When I received Bewitching Cross Stitch in the mail yesterday I was flat out stunned at the quality and complexity of the designs Joan Elliott created. The showcase designs are simply gorgeous, awe-inspiring. Her designs look like painted stitchery, not cubist interpretations. They are sometimes whimsical, other times hauntingly beautiful, always lovely. Even better is the fact that, while I'm not a big stitcher myself, she includes petite pieces and coordinating projects out of each design that are small and simple enough for the beginner to attempt (and actually finish).

Standout projects include the Father Sun, Mother Moon, the dragon from the cover, and the black cat/magical workshop. The cover of this book does NOT do it justice, the dragon pictured there is covered in tiny details and fine stitching.

Lastly, as a Pagan, I was pleasantly surprised to see the Wheel of the Year pillow and the celestial faces. The only thing missing is a Green Man face, now THAT would be gorgeous given the same treatment as the others.

All in all, a great book for those who like fantasy and magical designs. I think it's worth every penny, on sale or not, and will definitely recommend it to my likeminded stitching friends.

I saw this book in a library and new I had to buy it - very exciting to see an entire well-crafted book of counted cross stitch designs that aren't just flowers, kittens, or Biblical verses. As an intermediate-advanced cross-stitcher, I love the detailed, non-cartoonish designs. The colors are gorgeous (though naturally, with a little imagination, you could swap them for others if they aren't to your taste), and (extra kudos to the publisher!) the symbols on the charts are colored to approximately match the thread colors, making them fantastically easy to read. Each large design is also accompanied by a few smaller accent designs/charts, along with instructions on various project ideas (tea towels, keepsake boxes, etc.). The book also provides clear lists of items needed for each project and estimated sizes of finished designs. As a note, I recommend making a photocopy of the chart you choose to work on; a copy is easier to handle while you're stitching, and keeps the book from getting too worn.

I hope to see more from Joan Elliott and this particular publisher. I also recommend Teresa Wentzler's fantasy cross stitch collection, though her designs are far more detailed and challenging, and the charts aren't quite as easy to read.

I loved this book and started stitching a picture the day I got it. I live a magical life and this is the best book for someone who wants to put so magic in their projects! There is a wheel of the year,a beautiful dragon, Father Sun, Mother Moon and even some witchy magnets!! You will not be able to stop stitching. Metallic thread and beads embelish almost ever picture and they sparkle.Oh and the charts are full color and very easy to use.

The problem with this book is that charts are in color and because of my eyesight...I need to enlarge the charts which makes them difficult to read and to mark where I am when sewing. The designs are good but I would like more dragons to place on sweatshirts!

I bought one for myself and one for a friend when I saw mine. Joan Elliott is the artist that draws the most beautiful faces in cross stitch. I like "Mother Moon" so much, I immediately bought all the ethereal Kreinik metallic floss,beads, and fabric to start stitching! The colors that are used to make her patterns are really seen once you get all the "ingredients" together. Once you start you know you are creating a Goddess! Next will be "Father Sun" and the wonderful Wizard and Dragon that are also in this book. I have bought other books and have been disappointed once you get them home and see how poorly done they are, but not this one. Some of these patterns were originally published in English Cross Stitching magazines. If you go to her web site you will have to pay more for just one of these pattens then you will for this whole book.

There are so many amazing designs in this project book that I am having a hard time deciding which to stitch first. The book is color coded, which is easy for the stitchers in my family, especially my husband, who is working his first project from this collection. While it is highly ambitious to do a first project from one of the large pieces in this book, it is especially valuable for stitchers who have done several projects and are looking for designs that go beyond teddy bears and old fashioned samplers. If you are a fan of fantasy art, this book is strongly recommended!

I was thrilled when I got my copy of this book. The book is well made and the charts are easy to read. What I did not expect was how many lovely designs were in the book. Usually when I get a book it is for one design, but all of these are fun and magical. When previewing the book before ordering only a handful of designs are shown, so seeing Phoenix and all the witchy designs and the ornaments (little designs that go with the bigger designs) was a pleasant surprise. I've never stitched a Joan Elliott before, but now I have to hunt down some of her other patterns.

I found this book at the library and when i rented it i knew i had to buy it. the designs are a little big (1-4 pages) but the images when done are more then astounding. i am an avid cross stitching addict and have to work on three projects at the same time but with these they don't bore me or make me want to go to another design.

I love all things mythical and have fallen in love with this book. All of the patterns are extremely beautiful and so fun to stitch. I have already completed the "Mother Moon" and I am currently working on "Father Sun" and I have to say that they are both magnificent! The colors are rich, the details are beautiful, especially the metallic thread and the beading. If you are into stitching and love to do mythical type projects, this will be your favorite book. I first borrowed it from the library and after looking through it, I had to buy it for myself.

Joan Elliott has outdone herself with this book. Beautiful designs. Breathtaking colors. She was born to design for cross stitching.
Every chart in this book is incredible. A friend just finished the Crecent Moon Dragon, and I am working on the Chinese Phoenix, my favorite in this collection.
If you want a challenging, yet extremely enjoyable project, this book is for you!