Enchanted Garden Cross-Stitch

""My dearest wish is that in stitching these projects, you will find some garden peace and serenity growing in your heart,"" writes cross-stitch designer Bussi (Inspired Cross-Stitch) in this whimsical offering. An illustrated guide explains the basic techniques--full cross-stitches, half cross-stitches, backstitches, and petite stitches­--required to make these garden-themed projects. Several designs are inspired by classic literature, such as the wall hanging featuring a quote from Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden above a country landscape with birds and flowers, as well as the ""Love Is the Honey"" sampler that includes a Victor Hugo quote alongside a beehive and bees. The pieces have a cozy, cottagecore feel, especially the ""Heart of a Rose"" pillowcase bearing an arched trellis decorated with roses, and the ""Tea in My Garden"" wall hanging depicting a teapot, teacup, and cake bordered by vines. The easy-to-follow charts and straightforward color keys ensure the projects are, as Bussi promises, ""relatively simple and quick to stitch,"" and the supplementary recipes for carrot cupcake and herb-infused honey are an additional treat. This will please novice stitchers. Crafting and gardening seem to go together, and a lot of designers use flowers in their designs because they also enjoy growing them. Gail Bussi is a cross stitch designer and an avid gardener, and she combined her two loves for a collection of outdoors-inspired patterns called Enchanted Garden Cross-Stitch. The book includes 20 patterns featuring flowers, bird, butterflies and other images from backyard gardens, complete with words or quotes related to gardens, flowers and the outdoors. Cross-stitch designer Bussi's (Inspired Cross-Stitch) patterns bring back the simplicity of cross-stitch and feature an adorable variety of flowers, birds, and other wildlife projects. All can be hung independently or transferred onto pillows, towels, and other pieces of home decor. Before jumping into the patterns, the book includes a helpful introduction for those who may be new to this type of craft or who just need some refreshers. The most endearing part comes in the form of the few recipes that are scattered throughout the book. They are the perfect additions to accompany the style and thoughtfulness of the designs. If readers, including cross-stitching rookies, need gift ideas or just want something simple to stitch, these are first-rate options to try. VERDICT An excellent book for readers entering anew into the world of cross-stitching or for those who may be looking to rekindle a hobby.--Sarah Filiberto