All you need are some pretty machine embroidery threads and a needle to make these beautiful cards. Impress your friends and family with your stitching skills and save money mailing them as these look impressive when flat! There are over thirty patterns in here for a variety of square and rectangular cards, the latter suitable for A6 to obligingly fit those easily obtained C6 envelopes (or your country's equivalent). Each pattern is graded from 1 to 5 and they are arranged in order of difficulty, starting with beginners' stars and ending with some glorious floral arrangements. Apart from one Christmas tree these patterns are largely abstract (lots of frames) or floral, so can easily be adapted for the occasion by the addition of whatever cutout pictures you choose. All the cards are shown completed in color, and the instructions for each pattern lists whatever you need in detail, including the pictures used. Full instructions are given for beginners to this craft, and if you are looking for a simple, relaxing, inexpensive yet very effective way to make cards here it is. The authors of this book use all new materials for their work but there are many opportunities for recycling, whether you are using up thread from a machine embroidery hobby or cutting out images from old cards to adorn your stitched frames and backgrounds. One for the keeper shelf, and now I know how I am going to make my Christmas cards this year.-Myshelf.com Annie has been embroidering her own greetings cards for several years. She and Nico now design templates of their own and they've fans all over the world. Here they combine designs with decoupage techniques to create stylish floral and abstract cards. Embroidery patterns are included, along with detailed instructions and lists of the materials you need. If you love card making then do look out for this one.-Machine Knitting Monthly This book aims to provide lots of templates for cardmakers and is divided into eight chapters, each with four designs, graded according to the level of difficulty. There are coloured illustrations for each design, showing how the designs can be developed depending on the skills of the stitcher. The actual instructions are shown clearly with lots of helpful hints for working the designs. A list of materials and recommended threads is included. The authors state that their aim is 'to create designs for cards which are as pretty as possible' and they do illustrate designs which have the personal touch. This book would be ideal for both beginners and more accomplished cardmakers and should provide lots of enjoyment.-Megonline.co.uk
