Cross-Stitch to Calm

April 1, 2016

Cross-stitch is having a moment--Etsy is full of homegrown designers peddling cross-stitch charts inspired by everything from contemporary design to TV, film, and literary fandoms. Lintz is one of those Etsy sellers, and her graphic, minimalist patterns are ideal for crafters who use the technique as a way to unwind. Lintz began designing her own charts because she was bored with the fussy, frilly styles that were on the market, and the charts in her collection include everything from hipster motifs (anchors, stags' heads, a bird on a branch) to cute designs appropriate for a child's room (a stylized ice cream cone, a moon and stars, a series of minimalist wild animals including an elephant, a tree frog, and a flamingo), with a few outliers, such as a sunshine that looks like it came straight out of late-1990s clip art. Many designs use only one or two colors of floss, making them an inexpensive way to attempt something new without investing in a lot of supplies. The directions, presented at the beginning of the book, provide a walkthrough of the basic stitches and techniques, with large illustrations that clearly show how the needle travels through the fabric. VERDICT This collection is ideal for beginners looking for no-fuss patterns that don't require a rainbow of floss colors, or for experienced cross-stitchers seeking a quick, easy-to-finish, small project.

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