A compilation of twelve inventive counted canvas designs, Debbie Rowley’s (DebBee’s Designs) newest book is a real delight. Some of the designs originally appeared in the Just Cross Stitch Ornament issue, some were designed for her local cross stitch group, and some are brand new.
They cover the whole gamut of technique — Bargello, Hilton stitches, overstitching, embellishment, and more. There are designs suitable for every level of stitcher.
Although the models are mostly stitched in a traditional Christmas palette of red, green, and gold, Debbie has left a column for you to fill in your choices in every material list.
Each ornament has a full chart as well as smaller detail charts and stitch diagrams.Each design has its size (in stitches) plus an approximate size on 18-mesh canvas. Step-by-step instructions are included for each design. Included in these are helpful stitching hints.
Looking through the book initially, I couldn’t decide which pattern to stitch first. As a result, I picked three to try out: the Bargello star, a Christmas tree with presents, and an embellished geometric. Where I’m having problems it’s definitely me and not the instructions.
My only wish is that the pages were numbered so that it was easy to find the start of each ornament’s instructions.
Even so, this is a book to delight you with the most enchanting set of ornaments. If you love small projects (these would make great box inserts) or ornaments, get this book — you’ll love it!
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
Hi Janet, Thanks for the review! About the page numbers, that’s something I would like to have added. This book was compiled from several pdfs, and so far I haven’t figured out a way to add page numbers. I’ll do some further research and see if I can’t figure out a way to do it, so subsequent printings will be easier for people to use. Thanks again, Debbie
Hi Janet, I did a little research this afternoon, and thanks to Google A Canvas Christmas will now have page numbers for subsequent printings. Thanks for the nudge! Debbie
Fantastic! You’re a champ!