Sew Mindful Cross Stitch

by Sophie Crabb

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Sew Mindful Cross Stitch is a well curated collection of nice, simple, beginner friendly cross stitch designs by Sophie Crabb. Due out in Jan 2024 from Pen & Sword on their White Owl imprint, it's 224 pages and will be available in paperback format. 

These are colourful, sweetly upbeat, simple designs. They're all full-cross patterns, no partial stitches. Some of them do have outline and detail stitching and/or backstitching. The book contains a good absolute beginner tutorial with tips and how-to's for materials and getting started and how to actually -do- cross stitch. Her voice throughout is calm and encouraging (anyone can do this and it's relaxing and fun). 

Charts are both colour coded and with symbols. Most of the patterns are on the smaller side, under about 60x60 stitches. Finishing options are not the focus of the book. Most of the projects are shown finished in round wooden embroidery hoops, she does also give a short picture tutorial on mounting with foam core board for framing or displaying.

The author/publisher have also included a short resources and links lists at the back of the book. Supplies, fabrics, and floss will be readily available at any crafts store, as well as online or most big box stores. 

Five stars. Very cute collection. This would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, as well as home use.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.