Jill Gordon, best known for her vivid portrayals of nature through her tapestry designs, now recreates her observations in cross stitch.Fourteen stunning new designs reflect Jill's unique interpretations of the natural world, encompassing animals, landscapes, gardens, fruit and flowers. With the whole fabric worked, the images produced are as full and vibrant as nature itself. Striking zebras quench their thirst at a shimmering savannah watering hole, and brightly coloured macaws inhabit the tropical beauty of a rainforest. Watchful owls are illuminated by moonlight, while a lizard lazes the day away in a succulent cactus garden of exotic aloes and yucca. Cows are found grazing beneath the blossoms of a summer orchard, and topiary hedges and trees adorn a formal garden. Jill's own watercolour sketches, from which she has taken the designs, offer extra inspiration.While many scenes are finished as simple framed pictures, Jill shows how easily the stitching can be transformed into eye-catching and unusual items to adorn the home. A wall hanging, footstool and box lid insert are just a few of the exciting ideas featured. Step-by-step instructions accompany every project, while the comprehensive techniques section includes hints and tips for successful stitching. However the finished work is displayed, these designs are guaranteed to bring the beauty of the outside world into any home.Jill Gordon started stitching and painting in 1971, producing her nature inspired art as beautifully in textiles as she does in watercolour. While designing kits for the John Lewis Partnership, she also produces her own needlepoint kits under her own name.Jill lives in Waterhouses, Staffordshire.

Cross-stitch your favorite people with this easy-to-follow and highly customizable method Great for new and experienced cross-stitchers, curious crafters, and handmade gift givers Personalize your PixlPeople with pets, hobbies, careers, facial expressions, and zodiac signs

Old-fashioned ABC samplers are nowhere to be found in this collection of 26 stylish and witty designs that give cross-stitch a forceful new look. Unconventional wall hangings fill the first section of the book and dazzle with their bold colors, unusual lettering, and offbeat quotes from songs, books, movie dialogue, and even truck stop bathrooms. A second group of patterns features intriguing, small designs called "tattoos" to sew on T-shirts, jean jackets, bracelets, and handbags, and a final section shifts to the decoration of household items such as pillows, dish towels, and a cloth-wrapped money jar. Each project is accompanied by commentary explaining the inspiration behind the design, and sidebars offer tips for personalizing the final product by adding beads, dyed fabric backgrounds, or frames made from hardware and found objects. Basic technique demos teach beginners how to form cross-stitches, mix cross-stitch with other embroidery, choose and use embroidery thread, stitch on linen, and work out designs on blank graphs.

"Excellent instructions augmented by clear illustrations, graphics, and photographs."—Booklist. "This unique book is highly recommended."—Library Journal. "Whether you're looking to create keepsakes for yourself or for a friend, you're sure to cherish the creative ideas offered by Evershed."—Country Victorian. Take your cross-stitching skills into the third dimension. All these imaginative and attractive finished pieces do more than just hang on the wall. Some, including a jewelry box and flower vase, can serve very practical purposes; others, such as the amazing decorative cross-stitch country village with an array of buildings, should be picked up and viewed from all four sides. Stitch colorful, scented town houses, keepsake clocks, charming dolls’ house furniture, and more.

Gives an introduction to the Spanish language using everyday situations.

For sumptuous texture and depth, nothing compares to the handwork quilts of folk-artist Sue Spargo. This treasure trove of inspiration showcases her quilts in 200 detail-rich photographs.

The “ready-to-go” patterns in Customize Your Cross-Stitch: Friends and Family come with tips and tricks for customization so you can create your very own personalized pieces.