Review - Ultimate Cross Stitch Projects - Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

Ultimate Cross Stitch Projects
By Maria Diaz
Publisher: Design Originals
Pub. Date: September 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-1574214444
Pages: 128

Review:

Many of my readers probably don't know that one of my hobbies is cross stitching. Yes, I'm a guy, who knows how to thread a needle, though my own stitching projects have taken a slight pause this year, I still enjoy making gifts for my family and friends. It seems there are many quilt and sewing books released every year, but not very many focus on cross stitching. Luckily, Design Originals released the Ultimate Cross Stitch Projects featuring twenty-seven beautiful cross stitch patterns by designer Maria Diaz.

Feathered Friends

Some of people think cross stitchers only make "Welcome Home" stitches, but die-hard stitchers love making portraits, which the Ultimate Cross Stitch contains some of the greatest patterns I have never seen; with a variety of different projects, such as adorable animals, country landscapes, spring flowers, nursery accessories, and famous paintings.

I think everybody has at least one animal lover in the family and there are eight cute projects that they would love to have. The projects are: "Petals and Purrs," "Holly & Whiskers," "River Birds," "Chirpy Visitors," "Feathered Friends," "Two Little Pigs," "Crisp Winter Morning," and "Autumn Gatherer."

The five landscapes projects would make a great addition to anybody's living room or bedroom. The projects are: "Remembrance Fields," "Spring Lambs," "Sunset Trail," "Bluebell Wood" and "Wisteria Cottage."

If you're not into landscape designs, then maybe you would enjoy a floral project, such as "Floral Vintage," "Floral Fancy," "Scarlet Statement," "Fresh As A Daisy," "Treasured Words," "Art & Crafts" (a stylish bag), and "Stitching in Harmony."

Whether it is your child, niece, nephew, or grandchild, you'll be wanting to help decorate their nursery with peaceful and soothing cross stitch projects, such as "Little Angel," "Tales From The Toy Room," "Precious Gift," and "Alpha Baby."

Praying Hands

If you are a fan of the arts, then you are in luck, as there are four wonderful patterns based on Renaissance paintings, which would make a perfect birthday gift. The projects are "Leonardo DaVinci's La Scapigliata," "Praying Hands" and "Madonna & Child."

Leonardo DaVinci's La Scapigliata

Speaking for myself, I'm a big fan of the Renaissance paintings; therefore my favorite projects from the book are "Leonardo DaVinci's La Scapigliata and "Madonna & Child." Maria Diaz is a gifted designer. I can easily tell that she puts her heart and soul into every project. I'm not the biggest landscape or floral fan, but the projects in the book look gorgeous. I haven't had time to make any of the projects yet, but I might have to make the “Praying Hands” as a Christmas gift for a family member. Overall, the Ultimate Cross Stitch Projects is one of the best published cross stitch books I have ever seen, which I should know as I own plenty of books and leaflets, and I highly recommend it to all stitchers.

*Disclaimer - I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

2 comments:

florida stitcherTuesday, February 02, 2016 9:41:00 AM
I have a question about the "Scarlet Statement" designed by Maria Diaz and wonder if you could help me. I'm not using the bead embellishment for the center of the flower - so what DMC color (represented as a maroon circle on the pattern) is used along with the black?

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