Cross-Stitch to Calm: Stitch and De-Stress with 40 Simple Patterns (Craft To Calm)

Fantastic book with easy to read and follow patterns for cross-stitching. You don't need many colors for any given pattern, and it gives a good explanation of various types of stitches as the beginning of the book. The patterns are lovely and feature a variety of simple but entertaining subjects. I would gladly gift this to any beginner cross-stitcher or avid stitcher interested in quick and simple projects.

I love this book. I'm working on my second pattern and the first one turned out great. I love the variety, animals, florals, geometric shapes. All in all a great buy!

I'm being generous with 4 stars. I'm an expert stitcher so almost all of these patterns are not interesting to me, not enough of a challenge. But I don't want to diss this book just because it's too easy for me. On the other hand, this book is geared toward raw beginners and as such it is really sparse on directions. First: don't I have to worry about my fabric edges unraveling? How do I prevent my floss twisting? If 14-count aida is the most commonly used embroidery fabric, why is every project stitched on 28-count evenweave? Some projects require fractional stitches which can only be made when stitching over 2 threads...but what are these doing in a book that is supposed to be easy and calming? Second, some of these projects require a LOT of counting which is very tedious and not in a soothing way. Just because a project calls for only 1 color of floss does not make it easy. For example, the Bonsai tree has a stitch count of 214 by 116. If you don't know, 214 stitches is over 15" long on the fabric. It would be one thing if these stitches were in straight lines but the branches are very twisty and asymmetrical. The counting for a new stitcher might be very frustrating. Also, the stitch diagrams leave something to be desired: for some reason I can't figure out, you can make horizontal rows of cross stitches by making one leg of each stitch going right or left and then finishing each cross on the way back. These are much more even than if you made each stitch separately. But you cannot use this method vertically. For some reason, the stitches are elongated and don't provide the correct coverage. The author, however, says you can cross-stitch in any direction. Finally, if the words "De-stress" and "To Calm" are right in the title, I'd like to hear why or how stitching is a calming activity that will reduce stress. I'm a night owl so stitching after supper and even into the night while watching TV is very pleasant. But many people find that having any TV or music on is too distracting. I had to spend countless hours in the hospital waiting room and my son's room when he was very ill with a severe seizure disorder. Yes, stitching helped save my sanity and was a lovely distraction from worries. But many other people might not like to stitch if they're constantly interrupted or when they're not at home in their cozy chair. Perhaps I had too many presumptions about this book. I preordered it in August last year and just received it today. I have a huge needlework library both on techniques and history so by comparison this book doesn't even crack the Top 20 for beginners or for patterns. I guess for my purposes, I would give this 2 stars. But, again, I don't want to be negative to a first-time author.

Very easy. Not challenging.

I love this book! It has some wonderfully cute patterns. Well laid out and easy to follow patterns. Looking forward to getting some cross stitch time.

It’s a great book with lots of designs but they are all large projects....which there were more smaller projects for ornaments, etc.

Lots of patterns, not so much about why stitching calms. I've been working on one, with a couple of others picked out for future use. Simple and calming images. Well charted, and quality printed book.

The book has nice and easy pattern in it. They might result a little “poor” since they are very simple and mostly one color (have at least two floss skeins for each). But they have good decorative potential and are large enough to use to decorate pillows or totes. HOWEVER: 28 count evenwave over two it’s not a beginner’s count or technique. At least not at the very beginning. If you know how to cross stitch on Aida a little bit, then you’ll be fine. But starting out with this it’s not the best. Also because 28 count fabric is not common and harder to find. I tried to stitch some on 14 count Aida that I had but the designs turn out wonky so you do have to use 28 count for best results. Last note: I don’t know if it’s the California heat or the quality of the bindings, but my book totally came apart and is now a loose leaf book

Lovely patterns and easy to follow. Will definitely do many of them.

I enjoy this book. The patterns are easy - most of them using only one or two colours. But they are also quite striking. There are both large and small patterns, sizes of projects clearly indicated for different gauge cloths.

A beautifully laid out book, simple yet beautiful designs that don't require a lot of concentrating or switching of threads. Most designs are one or 2 colours and are easy to follow, great for a relaxing couple of hours. Highly recommended.

Designs are simple and great to start on the cross-stitch path.

Tanti disegni alcuni più semplici, altri più complessi, alcuni simpatici, qualcuno molto moderno come le WORDS, uno schema addirittura per me poetico . Ce n'è per tutti i gusti. Schemi semplici, nessun progetto, da utilizzare a piacimento e - per quanto mi riguarda - con fantasia