Cross-Stitch to Calm: Stitch and De-Stress with 40 Simple Patterns (Craft To Calm)

Fantastic book with easy to read and follow patterns for cross-stitching. You don't need many colors for any given pattern, and it gives a good explanation of various types of stitches as the beginning of the book. The patterns are lovely and feature a variety of simple but entertaining subjects. I would gladly gift this to any beginner cross-stitcher or avid stitcher interested in quick and simple projects.

It’s a great book with lots of designs but they are all large projects....which there were more smaller projects for ornaments, etc.

The author gives dimensions for each project design with a variety of fabric choices and also gives suggested fabric amounts to cut for each so you have enough on the sides for hoops/frames. I think beginners would get enough instruction to get started. There are several patterns I might make. I've done two so far. It's not my favorite craft book, but it is decent and has a different style than many of the kits and patterns currently available. I'm particularly a fan of some of the simple nature and "creature" designs she has included. The front cover is very representative of what you will find inside!

I love this book! It has some wonderfully cute patterns. Well laid out and easy to follow patterns. Looking forward to getting some cross stitch time.

Love this book! I am a veteran stitcher, but was looking for simple patterns to work on. This fits perfectly. Only a few colors required to work each one.

I love this book and have done 4 or 5 designs from it already. I love the simplicity of just a few colors and the focus on relaxation rather than "finishing" the project. I put down a project for a month or two, came back, and it was easy to find where I left off and finish it. I hope she makes more!

The variety of pattern categories was my main reason for purchase. The patterns are minimalistic, which I find refreshing. Thank you, Leah!

The book has nice and easy pattern in it. They might result a little “poor” since they are very simple and mostly one color (have at least two floss skeins for each). But they have good decorative potential and are large enough to use to decorate pillows or totes.HOWEVER: 28 count evenwave over two it’s not a beginner’s count or technique. At least not at the very beginning. If you know how to cross stitch on Aida a little bit, then you’ll be fine. But starting out with this it’s not the best. Also because 28 count fabric is not common and harder to find. I tried to stitch some on 14 count Aida that I had but the designs turn out wonky so you do have to use 28 count for best results.Last note: I don’t know if it’s the California heat or the quality of the bindings, but my book totally came apart and is now a loose leaf book