500 Cross Stitch Blocks
By Anna Davidson 

      Cross stitchers always want blocks to use singly for greetings cards and other small projects, or to combine in groups for pictures, cushions and hangings. Here are 500 beautiful blocks, all arranged in themed groups, and what a feast for the eyes this book is! After a brief description of the stitches used and how to do them it is on with the show, and the first of six sections of linked designs. Within these sections, which have names like "A World of Florals" and "A Study in Color," each two-page spread has a title, such as "Beneath The Waves," which shows colorful fish in pleasing poses, or "Early English Mediaeval", which shows tiles. So there is a page of butterflies, swans, bees - each design surrounded by a thin frame and perfect for using alone, or combining in a group. Motifs are typically square or rectangular (although there are departures) and there are always border designs on each page. At the back are ideas for combining the motifs, and before each section is a photograph showing stitched items. Although I do not see this as aimed at the beginner (who would probably prefer less of a pick and mix approach to design) there are no fractional stitches and any experienced needleworker can doubtless think of many delightful projects with their lovely motifs.

      If you enjoy bold colors then this is the book for you, as the author has gone for a bright, paint box look that is a delight to the eye…unless you prefer pastels, of course. It is also a book for nature lovers, as designs showing plants, animals, birds and butterflies predominate, as do historical and ethnic designs. If you are looking for holiday blocks for festive projects then apart from one page of angels (which are too large for greetings cards) you will be disappointed, which I thought was a shame. There are no motifs for any festivals, and this is very much a spring and summer book, with a little for fall and nothing much for winter. It all depends on what you are looking for - as to whether you think this is a problem or not. There is also a whole floral alphabet which I thought rather on the large side but on the other hand there are a lot of smaller designs which are just the right size for greetings cards or putting on a flannel for a novel gift. The borders can be tackled on a bead loom and made into necklaces and bracelets, all of which go to show how inspiring I find this book! To sum up, this is a visually stunning book that celebrates nature and color in a bold and joyous way.