Bewitching Cross Stitch

This is a fantastic book of fantasy cross stitch designs by Joan Elliott. It’s a bargain to get this many designs in one book. Not only are there two handfuls of larger designs, there are also many smaller, coordinating designs to go with them.While patterns in color are not my favorite (I prefer black and white), these are easy to read and cause no issues for me.I enjoy Ms. Elliott’s designs aesthetic, no matter what the subject matter. Her designs are a bit heavy on backstitch, so be aware of that before you purchase. I don’t have problems with backstitch. It is always wonderful to see the intricate design emerge once the backstitch is going in.

*UPDATE*I LOVE THIS BOOK! I have done almost EVERYTHING in here as gifts or just 'cause. I m redoing the Cresent Moon Dragon again. The 1st time I did it on black and it looks FANTASTIC! Now I'm stitching it on a blue/grey tye dye fabric.This book ISN'T for beginners... itworks with evenweave fabric you have to work over 4 strands and its not only hard but it took me almost 8 months t finish the dragon because of that fact. The other ones are on regular Aida (you COULD do the dragon one on Aida but I'm a stickler for detail!) The charts are PERFECT... in full color and easy to read, 1/2 of the patterns take up more then 2 pages and each and every page is color. Some projects are small like post card size but the biggest one is the wizard (I am eagerly awaiting fabric or that one!), 18x22 inches! I TOTALLY think its worth the money, I have had this book for a little over 2 years and i go to it whenever I need a project (my sister loved the Hope (bird) cross stitch and my cousin loved the egyptian style bookmark)...If you can afford the amount of money and time it takes (you need PLENTY of both) then this book is a must have!!I found this book at the library and when i rented it i knew i had to buy it. the designs are a little big (1-4 pages) but the images when done are more then astounding. i am an avid cross stitching addict and have to work on three projects at the same time but with these they don't bore me or make me want to go to another design.

What a fantastic selection of designs! As both an avid needleworker and a Pagan, I really appreciate the patterns in this book. They range from beautiful, large projects like the Phoenix and Mother Moon, to smaller projects for when you want to make gifts or just don't have the time to commit to a long-term piece (I plan to use the phoenix feather design to make pillow cases). My only small feminist gripe is that there's a huge, involved Wizard piece, but no Sorceress/Witch aside from a cutesy kitchen witch. I'd love to see an enchanting enchantress who isn't dolled up in a Hallwe'en costume over a cauldron. Still, for the scope of the works, well worth the money. I'm going to try adapting the Wheel of the Seasons to needlework, it'd make an amazing design for a tapestry.

I bought one for myself and one for a friend when I saw mine. Joan Elliott is the artist that draws the most beautiful faces in cross stitch. I like "Mother Moon" so much, I immediately bought all the ethereal Kreinik metallic floss,beads, and fabric to start stitching! The colors that are used to make her patterns are really seen once you get all the "ingredients" together. Once you start you know you are creating a Goddess! Next will be "Father Sun" and the wonderful Wizard and Dragon that are also in this book. I have bought other books and have been disappointed once you get them home and see how poorly done they are, but not this one. Some of these patterns were originally published in English Cross Stitching magazines. If you go to her web site you will have to pay more for just one of these pattens then you will for this whole book.

Wonderful array of designs and levels

I bought this book for the lovely fantasy patterns, and wasn't disappointed. While the patterns are above my current skill level. There's nothing wrong with having something to aspire to. So the difficulty wasn't a negative.However, I'm slightly colorblind. I can see almost full color. However, similar hues and shades are quite difficult for me. The fact that some of the patterns use solid colors without any symbols in them for stitches... With some of those solid colors are quite similar in intensity... Makes this book very difficult for me to use. It's definitely not disability friendly. (Colorblindness is a very minor disability, but it is one.)

I was thrilled when I got my copy of this book. The book is well made and the charts are easy to read. What I did not expect was how many lovely designs were in the book. Usually when I get a book it is for one design, but all of these are fun and magical. When previewing the book before ordering only a handful of designs are shown, so seeing Phoenix and all the witchy designs and the ornaments (little designs that go with the bigger designs) was a pleasant surprise. I've never stitched a Joan Elliott before, but now I have to hunt down some of her other patterns.

Outstanding...l can't wait to do the dragon for mu daughter in law

brilliant book, my mum will be cross stitching me a dragon next year

Started to do one already, plans to all.

Designs included are marvelous, all are in color and detailed, dragons, the wizard Merlin, Mother Moon and Father sun are astonishing. Thanks!

bewitching arrived on time and in good shape. The book is beautiful and i really like Joans cross stitch

ce livre est idéal pour les amateurs de mythologie et de fantasygrilles et dessins très clairs et très lisibles