Cross-Stitch Samplers: Elegant and Timeless Needlecraft Designs in Red and Blue (Made in France) Hardcover – October 1, 2012

This is a lovely book filled with fresh and pretty designs to be worked either entirely in blue or in red. There are alphabets and numbers, lots of animals (rabbits, cats, reindeer and more, even a fox), houses, flowers and fruit, all to be "sampled" and made into your own designs. The author gives several sampler designs of her own, as well heart shapes filled with motifs, such as the fox on the front cover. There are 8 loose-leaf patterns (18 inches by 14 1/2 inches), printed on both sides, which give enlarged patterns for many of the designs. The heart patterns are only in the book, but the book easily flattens enough to photocopy and enlarge these designs. Note there are no instructions given on doing cross stitch, nor are there any projects. The only information the author gives are the DMC Mouliné numbers, the design size in number of stitches, and the dimensions (in centimeters) for 30, 36 and 40 count fabric. I am delighted with the book and I'm looking forward to stitching the heart filled with an all over cat design.

I would give this book 6 stars if they were available. I love this book! The motifs are fun and simple to cross stitch, and at the same time very sophisticated. I have done three patterns so far, and plan to do more. Wonderful book.

Purchased mostly for reference - I "redesign" a lot of the projects I stitch by adding motifs from elsewhere. This book is great for that, but also has several things I'd like to do as they are.Good photos and graphs, overall a nice , not-too-busy feel to designs

Beautiful red and blue designs. I purchased for the patterns to the script cross-stitch alphabet which is perfect for monogramming your personal hankerchiefs and linens.

It was very nice to find a book with full size patterns. Can't wait to make some sample pillow cases.