Today’s SBQ was suggested by Angela and is:
How many cross stitch books do you own and how often do you use them?
I’m answering this from the standpoint that a “book” is some sort of instructional book. Patterns might be included, but it’s not solely a book of designs. At least, this will be my definition for this question.
I have several such books:
– The New Anchor Book of Pulled Thread Embroidery Stitches (signed by Christine Wilkins, of Alchemy Stitchcraft, who created the designs used in the book)
– Stitch Sampler (a good visual stitch reference)
– The Cross Stitcher’s Bible (I’m not wild about this one)
– The Embroidery Stitch Bible (I found this one extremely helpful when I was designing my mini band sampler for the Friendship Tapestry)
– Ultimate Big Book of Finishing, Needlework Knowledge and Techniques (handy for finishing ideas)
– Hardanger Basics and Beyond
– Hardanger Fundamentals Made Fancy
I’ve used nearly all of them at some point. The last two I absolutely would not want to live without. They are by Janice Love and are incredible books that I would recommend for anyone who wants to learn or already does hardanger embroidery. I use them on a regular basis, in fact, I use them nearly every time I pick up a hardanger project just to refresh my memory and make sure I’m doing the filling stitches correctly. 🙂
It was difficult to know just what Angela’s definition of a cross stitch book was. By your definition I definitely have more than what I listed. And now, thanks to your post here, I have a couple more books on my wish list. 😀
Interesting… I have what I would consider 6 books. I go through periods where I refer very often to them, but then they’ll also sit and gather dust for other periods. I use mine mostly for pattern ideas – one has a section on speciality stitches that I refer to now & then.
Hi Jenna: Thanks for answering the question (so very well). I didn’t know if the SBQ meant patterns or ‘text’books. My books are so cherished & now that I ‘get’ the question, I should answer it : )
Funny you mentioned teaching Alex to add the cording & tassel b/c that is almost exactly what happened. After I purchased extra grey floss, Alex said he wanted me to call him when I was making the tassel & adding the cord. We might attempt that tomorrow. Today, He swims from 1:30-3 at the pool & has theatre rehearsal from 6:30-8:30.
Thanks for your comment on my finishing. I got so stuck on the DT pumpkin stuff. I ended up w/o tassels on the keep. Made cording for the fob only. The cording was too BLAH — so, I’m going to try it again with more greens w/hint of orange threads/floss. If that looks bad — I’ll try it with just the ‘greens’
No, Tori didn’t buy a car. Groan. It is really a wicked drive for me each day — some days over 100 miles between their jobs & activities & classes. I have a Honda Civic which does ok on gas — thank goodness.
Sounds a lot like my book list! I have used the hardanger books the most…those are awesome!