Exquisite Miniatures: In Cross Stitch and Other Counted Thread Techniques

by Brenda Keyes

Good things come in small packages-as these charming counted-stitch miniatures prove! Use your needlework skills to cross-stitch plants and animals, birds and trees, houses and baskets. At the start, you'll find a stitch directory and all the basic information needed to understand charts, calculate fabric quantities, and work with threads, hoops and frames. Then choose any one of the 34 projects, among them The Boxers, inspired by a 17th century sampler; bright Victorian flowers; and a golden cherub that's simplicity itself to make. Those who believe bigger is better can use the instructions for enlarging the patterns! A Selection of BOMC's Crafters Choice Book Club.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction

128 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1998

Reviews

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some lovely historical patterns here (think Elizabethan, Queen Anne, and Victorian inspired pieces). Personally, I wouldn't call them "miniatures." Most miniature cross stitch books I've come across focus on truly small patterns that can be completed quickly. These patterns don't have much square-inch footage, but they are extremely detailed and would be lengthy to complete. If you like historically inspired patterns (only a few look like 90s trends), this is a great book for you. It's also a good resource if you're interested in framing techniques and refurbishing--there are lots of ideas, instructions, and inspiration.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dozens of beautiful, compact motifs that look like they'd be a joy to stitch. A few clunkers but those hardly stood out among the nifty stuff!

[Dolldiva · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea.

[Barb Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty little book....inspires me to do more handwork !