The Best of Kooler Design Studio from Leisure Arts

Hello crafters! How many of you are cross stitchers? As you know, I have difficulties sewing but somehow I am really comfortable with cross stitching. In fact, I like all kinds of cross stitching; counted stamped, painted, I love it all! There is just something magical to me about how the little crosses make a picture. 

I wanted to start a new project, something beautiful and challenging and, of course, being as it is crafts and patterns, you know I went straight to Leisure Arts. If you haven’t been there, stop what you are doing and go now, they really do have everything you need as far as patterns go for all sorts of crafts. 

For this trip I settled on The Best of Kooler Design Studio. It was the cover that caught my eye, isn't that stunning? The Best of Kooler Design Studio is a compilation of cross stitch designs from: Linda Gillum, Barbara Baatz Hillman, Sandy Orton, and Nancy Rossi. 

It is broken into four chapters, one for each designer. You really get a sense of the designers different styles too which makes this a lovely varied book. There are florals, samplers, wildlife and seasonal landscapes. In all, there 38 simply fabulous designs.

In case you are not a seasoned stitcher, there are general instructions in the book to show you the basic stitches. I say go for it, I find cross stitch so easy and relaxing and as you know I am sewing challenged, so if I can do it so can you. These really are some super beautiful designs, some of the most detailed looking I have seen. 

Once I finish the cover one, there is a beautiful lighthouse landscape called Around the Pointe (shown here) that I will do next. Another great things is the samplers give you the basics to use the design to make your own scenes once you get comfortable with how the floss like magic makes pictures.  Have you cross stitched before? What are your favorite types of designs? I love florals and landscapes best. 

Take some time to browse Leisure Arts' great selection and make sure you also connect with Leisure Arts on Facebook and Twitter so that you never miss a special or new pattern! Also, if you sign up for their knitting or crochet newsletters, you get a free pattern on Fridays!

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my reader.