Cross Stitch: The Essential Practical Collection

Everything you need to master the decorative craft of cross stitch, with over 150 beautiful projects suitable for beginners and accomplished cross stitchers: Easy-to-follow charts with clear step-by-step instructions, shown in over 600 photographs and illustrated plans; helpful advice on starting and finishing, using the charts, and the different tools and materials needed; inspirational designs in a range of popular styles: Celtic, Medieval, Traditional, Folk Art and Contemporary. This comprehensive volume includes all the information a cross stitcher needs. More than 150 decorative projects inspired by the historical styles of Asia, Europe, and the Americas are included. Rich motifs of the Celtic and Medieval eras, simple patterns of the Shakers and ethnic designs of South America, Eastern Europe and Asia sit alongside bold contemporary motifs. Ideas for displaying your work on cabinets, stools, fire-screens, pencil boxes, book covers and clothing, as well as framed pictures, cushions, pillows and tablecloths are presented. The book is fully illustrated throughout, with all the step-by-step stages and techniques, as well as detailed charts.