Do you like to embroider and cross stitch or are you interesed in learning these useful crafts? If so, A Rainbow of Stitches is a book you will enjoy.
Our book begins with a "get stitching" tutorial section which teaches you the basics of cross stitch and embroidery. You'll learn how to work with cross stitch fabric and embroidery floss, how to transfer motifs and how to work the essential stitches used in cross stitch and embroidery.
Next we arrive at the chapter titled "green". There are photos of project suggestions, such as emboidered napkins and kitchen towels, a wine bottle wrap, a peace and love sampler, buttons, a journal cover, a snack sack, curtains, a stool cover, a throw, an embroidered blouse, bikini keeper, throw pillows, a floor cushion, shade and more. The trouble is, there aren't detailed instructions on how to make these projects. They do, however, look fairly easy to figure out on your own.
All of the projects suggested in this section are shown in the color green but you can easily switch colors. All of the designs in the book are monochromatic (worked in just one color).
The projects featured in green are a modern alphabet embroidery design, kitchen-themed embroidery designs (spatulas, pots, pans, mixers, etc.), the words peace and love in cross stitch, modes of transportation in cross stitch (a sailboat, plane, scooter, etc.), whimsical cross stitched flowers, embroidered flowers, embroidered birds, beach-themed cross stitch charts (a palm tree, ice cream cone, sandals, bikini and sunglasses), embroidered trees, cross stitched deer and a rabbit, cross stitched apples and pears, park-themed emboidery designs (children playing), and a few surprises.
Now we move on to "pink". The projects suggested are an ink blotter, sheet music folder, slippers, samplers, a tablecloth, sachet, cushion, lingerie bag, scarf, chair cover, table runner, sewing accessories, diary cover, a shopping bag and more.
The patterns include Paris-themed embroidery designs, cross stitched musical instruments, a cross stitched art deco alphabet, an embroidered art deco alphabet, bird-themed embroidery designs, a selection of heart cross stitch designs, embroidered cats, cross stitched sweets, embroidered fashionable ladies, embroidered poodles, cross stitched parasols, an assortment of sewing-themed cross stitch designs (buttons, scissors, thread, etc.), borders and patterns, and a few suprises.
We've arrived at "blue", which features such project suggestions as cross stitched tennis shoes, an angel sampler, messenger bag, ballet flats, a dress, tea towel, beach towel, beach bag, picnic bag, tee shirt, pillowcase and more.
The patterns shown in blue are a cross stitched angel sampler, embroidered writing-themed designs (pens, pencils, etc.), exotic cross stitched floral designs, emboidered art nouveau alphabets, coffee and tea cross stitched designs, Dutch-themed embroidery designs ((a Dutch boy and girl, tulips, windmills, etc.), ocean themed cross stitch designs (fish, seahorses, shells, etc.), mariner-themed embroidery designs (a compass, oars, anchor, etc.), beach-themed embroidery desings, cross stitched toy charts, a cross stitched paper doll chart, a starry night sky worked in cross stitch, a cityscape in cross stitch and a few surprises.
Our "red" chapter features suggested projects like a child's dress, tote bag, picnic blanket, gardener's apron, book bag, chef's notebook, bath towels, coverlet, an ornament and more. The projects are beautifully photographed.
The patterns featured in red are toy embroidery designs (toy soldiers, a toy train, toy truck, etc.), embroidered dolls and teddies, cross stitched poppies, cross stitched angels, embroidered garden friends, cross stitch Christmas designs, cross stitch berry charts, butterflies, fish, ants and ladybugs in cross stitch, cross stitch snowflake charts, a monogrammed sampler and a few surprises.
Our chapter "white" features projects like a wedding monogram, pot cover, stitcher's gift set, portraits, a cameo jacket, lampshade, clutch, jar toppers and more.
The patterns include cross stitch monograms, embroidered good luck charms, cross stitched busts and cameos, embroidered angels, cross stitched cats, doves and a mouse, embroidered flowery letters, cross stitch fairy charts, cross stitched feathers and more.
A Rainbow of Stitches is a thick book filled with ideas and patterns. It's well worth the purchase price. With a little investment of time and money you can easily reproduce any of the projects in this book. But please note that, while you're collecting your supplies, you may want to purchase a chart or line magnifier, as the cross stitch charts are printed on the small side and are a bit hard to see. A good magnifier should solve the problem but if you're eagle-eyed disregard.
Happy stitching!