Both titles by Sophie Helene, published by Search Press this year, will delight lovers of cross stitch. Each book contains attractive, full colour charts for over 50 designs with suggestions for use along with comprehensive technical tips and information. Modestly priced at GBP7.99 each, they are useful and inspiring for both the beginner and more advanced embroiderer.-East Kent Embroiderers' Guild Includes over 50 cross-stitch designs based on flowers, fruit and herbs. There are no borders or alphabets, but each pattern includes an easy to follow chart. Additional guidance will help you to create your own cross-stitch designs and give machine knitting ideas for single motifs.-Machine Knitting Monthly Cross Stitch Flowers and Cross Stitch Herbs, Fruit & Flowers: These two books by Sophie Helene are perfect for any cross stitcher's bookshelves. These compact volumes of flowers and herbs, fruit and flowers are packed with useful designs that can be projects in their own right or as motifs incorporated into your own projects. The Cross Stitch Flowers book contains bright florals in a variety of styles while the Cross Stitch Herbs, Fruit & Flowers has a more botanical look to it. Both books have colour charts and DMC thread references with over 400 designs in the flowers book and more than 50 in the herbs one.-New Stitches Cross Stitch Flowers and Cross Stitch Herbs, Fruit & Flowers: Between these two very original books are over 450 cross-stitch patterns. All charts are coloured to make them easy to follow and a section on technical tips is included. The flower book concentrates mainly on garden flowers and the second book has herbs, fruit and wild flowers.-Cake Craft & Decoration A perfect, small, concise and clearly illustrated book. Very detailed instructions re colour and design, and lots of useful tips, on an unusual subject for cross stitchers.(Pat Niblett)-West Country Embroiderers (Reviewed with Cross Stitch Flowers) Two delightful books on Cross stitch by the same author packed full of inspiring designs for the Cross stitch addict. The books contain coloured inspirational charts and a section on technical tips in which the author states that all one has to do to create these beautiful designs, is count! There are diagrams showing stitching, preparing the fabric, finishing and framing. She also advises on materials and accessories. Both ideal books for anyone who loves to stitch counted thread.-megonline.co.uk
