Cottage Cross-Stitch

April 15, 2024
This cozy embroidery guide by Bussi (Enchanted Garden Cross-Stitch) shows how to cross-stitch pastoral scenes. The simple designs use only cross-stitches, backstitches, French knots, and “a few half stitches where necessary,” and Bussi shows how to make each in a brief introduction. Cottages feature heavily in the projects, such as the “wool and whimsy” composition that features sheep frolicking on hills outside a small home, and the “cottage joy mandala” that portrays a small yellow house at the center of flowers and vines arranged in concentric circles. Other pieces are more text heavy. For instance, one design consists almost entirely of a recipe for apple crisp cake, and another depicts the scene outside a beach house accompanied by the sentence, “We don’t count the days in a little house by the sea.” Most of the compositions are intended to work either as wall hangings or on pillowcases, though Bussi also shows how to stitch a floral wrap for a journal. The combination of muted colors and photos taken in relatively low light can make it hard to see the details of some projects, but their charm nonetheless comes through. Recipes for pancakes, pumpkin soup, and rose essential oil are a bonus. Cottagecore enthusiasts will be pleased.

July 1, 2024

In this book's introduction, cross-stitch designer Bussi (Enchanted Garden Cross-Stitch: 20 Designs Celebrating Birds, Blossoms, and the Beauty in Our Own Backyards) describes how the pandemic led many to seek a return to a simpler life. As a result, she created 20 designs for cross-stitchers to add a touch of warmth, charm, and coziness to their living spaces. Intended for crafters of all experience levels, the book is divided into three chapters: "Cottage Comforts," "Cottage Spirit," and "Cottage Seasons." Pattern themes include what she calls "House by the Sea," "Cottage Cakery," "Welcome Home," and "La Vie en Rose." Each design is shown in color photographs, and there are color-coded charts that enhance the instructions. VERDICT A well-put-together volume with charming designs to keep stitchers happy with year-round projects. Cross-stitchers of all levels will enjoy this book, but beginners will especially benefit from the colorful chart that shows them how to do basic stitches.--Jacqueline Parascandola

Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.