Inspired Cross-Stitch

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Updated 31 Mar 2021

“Lovely cross-stitch book! The patterns are cute and include a broad range of uplifting messages while also including color and chart, if you want to replicate the pattern as they have used and photographed. There are pictures for each pattern, as well as the stich chart. Most cross-stitch books that have I happened upon, really don't have too many patterns as they are not that large. However, I was pleasantly surprised that this book has tons of patterns!”

• Kate Z, Consumer Reviewer

Gail Bussi has been designing and stitching cross-stitch pieces since she was a young girl. Through the years, her signature chalk-art, hand-lettered style has earned her an endeared place in the hearts and hands of her fans and customers from around the world.

In her newest publication, Inspired Cross-Stitch, Gail shares 30 inspirational, heartwarming designs meant to encourage and uplift spirits and promote emotional healing through the use of needle and thread. As you stitch your way through this collection of positive thoughts and sentiments, it is Gail’s wish that your heart and soul find comfort, peace and calm from the daily rigors of life.

Each design features a brief story about the inspiration for the piece, a color chart, complete floss key and fabric suggestion, along with beautiful photographs of lovely stitched models. You’ll also enjoy easy-to-follow finishing instructions for creative wall hangings, cozy pillows, handy gift bags, treasured ornaments and more.

NetGalley Review: 4 stars

Updated 31 Mar 2021

“Sweet and colorful designs that are perfect for Spring.

“Cross-Stitching has become a hobby over the last few years and when I saw this book, I needed to have a look!

“These cross-stitch patterns are very pretty. They use more light colored thread and look almost delicate and would be for a baby girls room or just for Spring decorations.

“Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.”

• Jess Von, Consumer Reviewer

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last Updated 01 Apr 2021

“Inspired Cross Stitch by Gail Bussi is my new favorite cross-stitch book. The book, which is divided into three sections, Inspire, Create, and Connect, contains 30 beautiful cross-stitch charts and I am sure you will find several that you just have to stitch. A beginner will have no problem stitching the charts, but they definitely include enough detail to make even the most seasoned stitcher happy. In addition to the beautiful photographs and charts, there are wonderful, inspirational stories throughout the book. Each chart comes with a complete materials list and a brief story about the design. The instructions and tips that are included are helpful even to someone who has been cross stitching for almost 50 years as I have. I especially appreciated her instructions on how to finish the stitched pieces and found them very simple and easy to follow. I recommend this book to all stitchers. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book prior to publication in exchange for my review. This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon and Barnes and Noble upon the book's publication”

• Donna Boyd, Educator at Reading Enrichment/Literacy Group

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Updated 31 Mar 2021

“When life for the entire galaxy and planet has turned on its end, you are continuing to #maskup and #lockdown to be in #COVID19 #socialisolation as the #secondwave ( #thirdwave ?)is upon us, superspeed readers like me can read 300+ pages/hour, so yes, I have read the book … and many more today.

“I requested and received a temporary digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley, the publisher and the author in exchange for an honest review.

“From the publisher, as I do not repeat the contents or story of books in reviews, I let them do it as they do it better than I do [smiling cat emoji].

“The 30 cross-stitch designs in Gail Bussi's signature hand-lettering style will encourage mindful, relaxing stitching and are easy enough for beginners. Create personalized designs with alphabets provided. Each project includes a chart, finished photo, materials list, and full instructions.

“Gail Bussi has had her cross-stitch designs published in all of the major needlework magazines in the UK, US, and France, and is the author of several needlework books. Her images and artwork have also been made into greeting cards and other items. After suffering personal trauma, she stopped creating for a time but has recently found healing through the power of stitching meaningful words in her designs and finding peace in the stitching itself. With this book, she seeks to share this power with others.

“This is a great little cross-stitch book that will get you to make amazing creations in no time at all. The ideas are cute and the instructions will make sense to those newbie stitchers and old-hats in no time flat. And as it is a craft that does not cost a lot, I will recommend this book to friends, family and patrons alike as the words are meaningful to so many kinds of people. (I will likely paint them instead of stitching them, but that is me!)

“As always, I try to find a reason to not rate with stars as I simply adore emojis (outside of their incessant use by "[bless]-ed Social Influencer Millennials/#BachelorNation survivors/Tik-Tok and YouTube Millionaires/snowflakes / literally-like-overusers etc. " on Instagram and Twitter... Get a real job, people!) so let's give it [5 thread spool emojis]”

• Janet Pole Cousineau, Librarian at A.E.M.S. Library/ Community Kitchen

Crafters hoping to use cross-stitching as a balm for the stresses of every day life should look no further.

NetGalley Review: 4 stars

Updated 31 Mar 2021

“What a lovely cross stitch book. It is packed with beautiful patterns that I can't wait to stitch and her writing just makes it that much sweeter.”

• Emilee Meeks, Consumer Reviewer

NetGalley Review: 3 stars

Updated 02 Apr 2021

“This is a sweet little book of cross stitch patterns, mostly phrases with cute illustrations to accompany them. For instance: "Friends are Earth angels," "Celebrate everything," "bloom," "live with passion," "Do it with heart," "Make your dreams real," "Write from the heart," and "Together is the best place to be." There are lots of mentions of cake, home, angels, etc. Each design has a detailed pattern with colors needed and a color photo of the finished project. These include wall hangings, tiny pillows, etc. but the instructions are more for the cross-stitch than the projects you can make with them. The color scheme is very pastel, feminine and old fashioned. Many of them reminded me of the 1980's. I realize that's probably the aesthetic of most folks who are doing cross-stitch these days, but the themes, colors and designs are not terribly modern. Some are more so than others. I think most cross-stitchers will greatly enjoy it though.

“I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.”

• Alicia Bayer, Media at a Magical Life

NetGalley Review: 4 stars

Updated 03 Apr 2021

“Inspired Cross Stitch is a charming book of softly colored designs that use Backstitch & whole Cross Stitch almost entirely. This makes it great for beginners and those wanting to translate the designs to other charted techniques.

“The charts are clear, in color, and easy to read (they can also be enlarged). The color keys are straightforward and list each kind of stitch separately, a nice touch. The instructions for each project are straight and to the point. Often they also include finishing instructions. The book ends with a set of four alphabets for creating your own pieces and a visual index of all the projects.

“The projects are all non-religious inspirational sayings. Although angels and mandalas appear in some designs, the intention of the book is to inspire without being tied to any particular tradition. While those seeking projects with a Christian focus will be disappointed by the lack of these, they will still find plenty to like.”

• Janet Perry, Consumer Reviewer

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 07 Apr 2021

"This was a sweet book that includes a bunch of fun patterns. Not all the patterns were to my style, but there were so many that I loved! This has something for everyone."

— Jennifer Darnell, Librarian an EVPL

NetGalley Review: 4 stars

Last updated on 11 Apr 2021

"Cross-Stitch is something I liked doing as a kid, but I never really "graduated" to being able to do designs that weren't already printed out for me. Since having so much more free time over the past year or so, it's something I've considered coming back to, so I figured I'd check out this book to see if it gave me any inspiration. It starts out by showing you how to do some of the stitches that will be featured in the book and has 30 patterns starting with beginner. (I'm listening...)

"I have to say that these designs are all awesome and very positive, but I still feel like they may be a bit over my head. It may be time for me to smart small and circle back to some of these later (I really love all the ones about dreaming big!)

"I also liked seeing the different alphabets that are available! Different "fonts" so to speak. Again, not sure I am ready for this but anyone more advanced than me would surely enjoy the instructions included in this book!

"I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated."

— Concert Katie, reviewer at ConcertKatie.com

NetGalley Review: 4 stars

Last updated on 12 Apr 2021

"A cute collection of cross-stitch patterns. There were a couple I would like to stitch up, though I would move away from the pastel color-scheme that predominates."

— Megan Taylor, reviewer at wildsoulreading.wordpress.com

NetGalley Review: 4 stars

Last updated on 12 Apr 2021

"This is a nice little cross-stitch book with different projects that can be completed quickly, especially if you are short on time. Several of the patterns of the book are inspiring enough to get me out of my crafting rut. [smile emoji]

"Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review."

— LiAna Gray, consumer reviewer

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 13 Apr 2021

"The designs are great for beginners or even experienced stitchers looking for simple projects they can work up quickly. The charts are presented in a clear, easy-to-read style as the instructions and thread charts. It would be a good idea to include the selections for alternative thread brands but this isn’t really an issue as the stitchers perfectly free to adjust the colors of threads used in the designs.

"This is a great addition to a stitcher’s library and even makes a great gift! I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher and Net Galley but the thoughts expressed are my own."

— Evalina Irish-Spencer, consumer reviewer

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 16 May 2021

"Cathartic, Deeply Inspiring, and Engaging Mindfulness at its’ core, Gail Bussi’s “Inspired Cross-Stitch” reminds you to “See the Possibilities,” while gently allowing you to find healing, by “restoring your grace and building your strength” through your creative side, as well enjoying the serenity, peaceful introspection and renewal of well-being.

"Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

#NetGalley. #InspiredCross-Stitch

#EngagingMindfulnessAtIts’Core

#InspireCreateConnect"

—DaenerysSnow1, Consumer Reviewer

NetGalley Review: 4 stars

Last updated on 25 May 2021

"Inspired Cross-Stitch is a tutorial guide with designs plus alphabets for DIY motivational sayings designed by Gail Bussi. Due out 1st Sept. 2021 from Rowman & Littlefield on their Stackpole Books imprint, it's 166 pages and will be available in paperback format.

"This collection is filled with small pastel designs and inspirational sayings which can be done in a short amount of time or combined into larger pieces. The design aesthetic is sweetly whimsical and a bit traditional. They would make good embellishments for gifts or clothing (using waste canvas to stitch the design). The individual element would also make nice small projects on sachets, towel edgings, or other small pieces.

"Each project includes suggested fabric, design stitch counts, and approximate size on the recommended fabrics. The author has included suggested finishing directions. The charts are in color with symbols, along with DMC thread and color name equivalents. Most designs have only a handful of colors, so substituting different (darker or brighter) colors shouldn't pose any difficulty.

"The book includes a thumbnail gallery index as well as a very (very) short general how-to tutorial.

"Four stars. It would make a good choice for library acquisition or home use.

"Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes."

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 10 Jun 2021

"This is a wonderful cross-stitch book that tells you what materials you will need to complete any of the patterns in the book. It then describes how to read the patterns. Each pattern is simple to follow, and will take from a few days to a few weeks at most to complete. The book is divided into 3 sections- Inspire, Create, and Connect. Each design is a counted cross-stitch design, and the colors of DMC floss are listed for each project. Each project is photographed beautifully in color. At the back of the book, there is a chart for each letter of the alphabet, so that you may design your own cross-stitch design, or add a name to one of the designs already provided. This is an excellent book for novice and experienced stitchers alike."

—Cropperhopper Noble, Consumer Reviewer

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 15 Jun 2021

"I'm so excited to have received this ARC. I had previously pre-ordered the book and am now so excited for my hard copy to arrive in a few months. The patterns are easy to read, not overly complicated or large, and absolutely beautiful! Definitely will be making a few gifts from these patterns!"

—Allison Murphy, Blogger

NetGalley Review: 4 stars

Last updated on 17 Jun 2021

"I got this book because, like many other people, I started cross-stitching in the pandemic and want to learn ALL THE THINGS! Which is why I chose this book.

The patterns are beautiful and thoroughly explained and illustrated.

I'm not much of a person to enjoy tales of inspiration etc (although I am in no way judging the author or those that find these things enhance the experience) but I am really impressed by the beauty of the patterns.

I wish there had been more alphabets as Gail Bussi has created such beautiful ones (such as in the Keep a Rainbow in the Sky) and I would have liked to have seen more of them!"

—Emma Cuneo, Reviewer at Diversify Your Shelf

NetGalley Review: 4 stars

Last updated on 20 Jun 2021

"Very nice colorful pattern that are small enough to crossstitch in a few days. The patterns are very organized and easy to read. I recommend this book of patterns to those who love to crossstitch."

—Donna Rineholt, Educator

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 21 Jun 2021

"A lovely book filled with sweet inspiration and hope. The designs are well written. The colors are soft, I may mix that up a bit for my decor. Overall a beautifully designed book."

—Roseanna Elleman, Reviewer at Audiobook Obsession

NetGalley Review: 4 stars

Last updated on 24 Jun 2021

"'Inspired Cross-Stitch' by Gail Bussi is filled with lovely, inspiring counted cross-stitch patterns that will be a joy to create. All of the patterns use a similar color palette of soft, soothing colors that complement each other and will look perfect with cottage or shabby chic décor. This book includes 30 full-color patterns plus four different alphabet fonts for stitchers who want to create their own words or quotes.

There is a short tutorial on stitches at the beginning of this book if one needs it, but these patterns are not overly complex and totally appropriate for a novice stitcher. The motifs are on the small side, which makes for a project that can be accomplished in just a few sittings.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Rowman & Littlefield, and Stackpole Books for providing me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review."

—Suzi Makowski, Consumer Reviewer

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 24 Jun 2021

"I received this craft book in exchange for an honest review, which has not altered my opinion.

This is a beautiful book, the designs and the meanings and explanations behind them are so sweet and inspiring. I can’t recommend this enough and I loved that the book explained the different types of stitches and knots. Not to forget, it also walked us through how to make the finished stitches into more than just a single cloth but an actual project as well!"

—Sara Modahl, Reviewer at Bean's Bookshelf and Coffee Break

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 27 Jun 2021

"The book is filled with many projects with empowering and inspiring words. Most of the projects are less stitch intensive, where you embroider the words and some decorative elements, not the whole space, so the projects are manageable for a busy person. I was very glad to see that all of the charts were actually stitched out on fabric, and turned into projects, from framed pictures to bags and pillows. So many cross stitch book only show you simulated pictures that were made by computer, and people didn't actually make them.

There are charts with DMC thread numbers and they give reference to the exact fabric they used. They included some simple instructions on how to do cross stitch. It is all cross stitch and some back stitch, but they also have you make some super tiny cross stitch over one thread instead of over the usual two threads - I only spotted this in one project and it is a tiny area in the house's window.

I love the messages in the projects, and I love how they look like.

I received a free digital copy of the book from NetGalley"

—Genoa Golf, Consumer Reviewer

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 04 Jul 2021

"I love the cross stitch patterns in this book, they are very inspired and adorable. If you love to cross stitch or embroider, you should pick up this book and give it a try. This is such a fun hobby"

—Kimberly Miller, consumer reviewer

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 07 Jul 2021

"I received this e-book ARC of Inspired Cross-Stitch by Gail Bussi through Net Galley from Stackpole Books in exchange for a truthful review.

Cross stitch patterns with loads of background explanations of the meaning behind the sentiments.

The patterns all included feel-good sayings lettered into the patterns. Cute patterns!

I'm used to doing cross-stitch with almost no lettering and a bit more modern, so I thought this would be an interesting change of pace to review.

I had some formatting issues with the layout/understanding the pattern/pattern legends using my Kindle app [was only seeing symbols and no color], but switching to use Adobe Digital Editions was much better to see the full patterns and in color. Much easier to follow!"

—Pourthe Webs, consumer reviewer

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 16 Jul 2021

"Cross-stitch is something that my maternal grandmother taught me back when I was much younger and I have never forgotten it. There have been periods where I would do cross-stitch all the time and periods where the materials were simply waiting for me to pick them up again. I have used cross-stitch to create beautiful hand-made gifts for my friends and that would not have been possible without my grandmother.

This book reminds me of the ones that my grandmother used to teach me about cross-stitch and the patterns are simple, fun and can be finished in a variety of different ways. The author themselves mentioned that the colors in the patterns can be swapped and changed depending on personal preference. Another thing that I liked about the book is that the author goes through a few different ways that each project can be finished and displayed and the book actually goes through each option and talks though how to do it. The book also talks about the different ways that each project can be finished depending on what the sewer wants.

I absolutely recommend this book both for beginners and for people familiar with cross-stitch. The patterns are simple, easily customizable and can be adjusted to the sewers comfort level." —Mariah Kallevig, reviewer at New Days Ahead