JANE GREENOFF

As a follow up to her acclaimed The Cross Stitcher's Bible, Jane has produced this collection of imaginative projects designed to give stitchers a chance to incorporate new and more advanced techniques. There are over 40 designs divided into four sensational sections. Fabulous Fabrics concentrates on the beautiful effects that can be achieved by working on different fabrics; Exciting Embellishments introduces the enhancing qualities of beads, buttons and speciality threads. In Perfect Stitch Jane demonstrates how easy it is to combine other techniques with cross stitch; and, finally, Beautiful Bands shows how to combine stitches and techniques so as to create two wonderful heirloom band samplers.

Both novice and expert stitchers will find a mine of useful material in this book to help them obtain the best results from their cross stitch work. It is divided into three parts, each section crammed with essential information and valuable hints. Part One covers basic techniques such as reading a chart, the different threads and fabrics available, and how to get stitching with them. Part Two explores creative options including three-dimensional cross stitch, using metallic threads and space-dyed threads, and how best to use the different fabrics available. Part three explores the use of bead, button and charm embellishments, as well as combining other techniques such as Blackwork and Hardanger with cross stitch designs to create textural interest. It introduces designing a sampler by hand or computer, and adapting commercial kits and charts to create unique and personal designs. At the end of the book there is a comprehensive stitch library, an essential reference for those keen to develop their counted thread embroidery skills. This is followed by a design library comprising over 50 pages of original charts, allowing stitchers to explore all the effects described.Finally, finishing techniques are covered such as mounting and framing; illustrated with step-by-step colour photographs, it demonstrates how easily the stitching can be made up into a wide range of stunning projects, from cards and pictures to pincushions and table linen.