Glorious Cross Stitch

Barbara Jacobs

Rankin provides charming, well-designed motifs to copy into cross stitch. Though the more than 50 patterns are not labeled according to difficulty, if a novice starts with a small sampler, say, or napkin ring, the results will be pleasing. Included among her repertoire are patterns for holidays (Christmas pictures and ornaments), blooms (a pillow decorated with blue cornflowers and a winter hyacinth sampler), animals (including a wonderfully whimsical cat tea cozy), and memorable scenes (a day at the beach, among others). Of course, directions are all inclusive, with charts, color keys, and good color photographs.