Jane GreenoffReviews

This is a special edition of the previous Antique Style Sampler book which I also own. This one however has several new charts in it and they are all fantastic. If you like Samplers then this is a great book. Also I would like to add that some of the photography does not show the work to its best effect. I am currently working on the Hedgerow Sampler and although I am doing it on 28ct White Brittany (Lugana), the original is on 25ct Unbleached Dublin Linen - the photos really do not show how colourful and pretty this sampler is. Very Highly recommended book.

YTFG

YTFG

Lending

nice patterns for cross stitch

This book is really misnamed, as it isn't just about cross-stitch. It also introduces designs for blackwork and drawn thread work and shows how to make needlelace flowers.

The designs have a rather old-fashioned feel to them, so you need to consider if you like this style of pattern.

The biggest problem for me (which may be a bonus to other stitchers) is that none of the designs use fractional cross-stitches. This makes them very easy to sew, but means that the results are very angular and blocky. I find that flowers and birds with zig zag edges don't really work for me.

The only reason I've kept this book is becasue of the stitch library at the back, which has a variety of decorative hemming techniques and Hardanger stitches as well as a selection of decorative filling stitches.

There are so many lovely patterns included in this book. I would love to make them all, but just don't have the time. I really like the additional information about samplers in general which was included in the book. I will definitely be making some of these in the future.