This is mystical in the astrological sense, which isn't what I expected going in. However they are beautiful designs, which are explained with very clear and detailed tutorials

Let me just start off by saying what a beautiful book this is. I enjoyed the way it was written, the layout and the photos but as a complete novice, I think I was expecting more in the way of actual patterns.

I will absolutely use this book when I’m more confident in what I’m doing, I just adore anything Mystical and this book didn’t let me down. It also inspired me in my other craft hobbies (knitting & crochet).

This will be a great addition to my craft bookshelves.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Brilliant book, perfect for encouraging new or experienced embroidery artists and inspiring new ideas. I'm a beginner to the craft but as a long time cross stitcher and sewist I'm ready pretty handy with a needle and thread, but wanted to learn more about the stitches and get some ideas. This book gives me all this and more. I love the bohemian, ephemeral style of the designs and think this will be a firm favourite that I'll turn to again and again.
Beautiful photography, clear instructions and helpful guides.

Embroidery has been around for centuries, and this book takes a look at how artistic symbolism can help us to manifest change in our personal lives. This book suggests that creativity is a jumping block for magic, and introduces us to the idea that imagery is the basis for spiritual and inner communication. I loved the idea that intention is tied to our subconscious mind, which prefers to speak in symbols, and that by working with images and patterns we can boost our spiritual power. This is something I will take with me and continue to think about as I create art.

This was a wonderful read, thank you to NetGalley for sending me a free ARC!

I love the designs in this book!

I have always found that crafting things helps me to find peace and it is nice to see a book that goes along with that idea and goes into much more depth.

The designs are beautiful, the photographs are amazing and this book will help to encourage your mystical, creative self to keep creating wonderful things.

This beautiful book is a great addition to an embroidery book collection for someone who is looking to add a little magic to their embroidery. While I normally do hoop work and this focuses more on clothing, I still find the designs and their meanings to be quite inspiration. It also made me want to try sewing designs on clothing, which I probably will shortly. It has clear and concise instructions for not only the common stitches, but also the designs themselves. If you've never embroidered before and are looking for a magical way to get into the art, this book is for you.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book in return for an honest review.

This was a very interesting ARC to read as I really like embroidery (it is something that I am steadily learning) and I wanted to see what the mystical element was. I found this very simple to follow and I found the spiritual aspect interesting to read about as I had never really considered a spiritual or mystical element to embroidery!

'Rating: 5⭐
Would I Read It Again? Yes
Would I Recommend it? Yes

This will be a great resource for those who are in the target audience, but you might want to preview it first to see if that's you. Johnson does a great job of showing you how to do lots of kinds of stitches and shows many wonderful designs. The whole book has a new age spiritual tone to it and it's definitely designed for those who want to incorporate that sort of belief system into their crafts. It also doesn't provide patterns as much as just a photo of each design and then a drawing telling you what stitches to use. There are a lot of really great patterns and I thought of getting it as a gift for one of my grown kids who does embroidery and loves nature patterns like the mushrooms in here, but she's not Wiccan or Pagan and I also don't think a lot of the designs would be a great fit for her aesthetic. The instructional section is very helpful though, and there are color photos of all of the designs.

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

#MysticalStitches #NetGalley
Special thanks to NetGalley and Storey publishing for providing me with ARC.

I love Stitches so much, i get this hobbie from my mom, she loved it so much that she made a lot of things in our home like tablecloths.

This book is so good that provides me with a lot of ideas, i want to try it.

I didn't realise that this was mystical in the astrological sense. I went in thinking maybe it would have some zodiac signs but there's a lot about meditation, chakras and talismans which wasn't what I wanted.
However the actual stitches and patterns themselves were beautiful. I loved the botanical and animal spirit stitches. And I'm definitely going to embroider the universe on the back of my jacket.

Never really gave it a thought, but needlework, of any kind, is rather meditative, isn't it! I cross stitch mostly, but also do a little embroidery here and there, so this book looked interesting. It really is a magical work! Christi Johnson has put into print some fine ideas and observations! Easy read, lots of great ideas, and, of course, wonderful suggestions and observations! Kudos to you, Christi! Love the photos, too! So creative!

This is such a refreshing book to read. giving the reader the confidence to try embroidery and not feel constrained. There is a strong emphasise on the relaxing aspect of craft and producing hand made objects, as well as the importance of symbols. There are plenty of examples as well as practical information on materials required. At a time of lockdown, when people are turning to craft and mindfulness, this book is perfect.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book can be summed up in one word, stunning! I loved the layout and as silly as it is I loved the the color palette being wrapped around sticks. Definitely something I plan on doing it was so pretty.

This Book is broken down in techniques, supplies and embroidery techniques, but my favourite part was the mythical section, folklore, planets and moon phrases.

This is great for anybody in all honesty from beginners to a more seasoned stitchers. Even if you don’t partake in the craft it would make a wonderful “coffee table book”.

The one thing I wish that was included was a few templates.

Thank you to the publishers for the proof copy

I'm not quite through with this book but it's very well done! Excellent information to start one off, solid info explaining the tools and how to use them along with a great deal of information on symbolism and some on meditations for creativity leading to stitch projects. Oh, and lots of permission to stitch the way that makes you happy! I'm sure that the placeholders will turn into lots of good quality photos -- the few included in this ARC were very clear and offered ideas for projects. It would have been nice to see more project photos but there was enough verbiage to show what was intended. If all stitchery and craft books were this informative I think more people would give these pastimes a try. Bravo.

This book can be summed up in one word: Beautiful! The images, the layout and the color palette all make this a stunning read even if embroidery isn't your thing. While an extremely useful crafting book, this is “coffee table book” quality imagery.

The first section of the book is all about the supplies and techniques used in embroidery. The directions on everything from picking fabrics to individual stitches are well illustrated and explained. While this section explains all you need to know to perfection, the general tone is light and fun. Everything you need is right here, but don't get too stressed about it; a sentiment that many hobby communities could use!

The second section is a guide to embroidered images and how to make them. While the images themselves are amazing, what sets this book apart is the discussion of the meanings behind the symbols. In addition to learning how to make an animal, you will also learn what the animal represents in magic and folklore. This book is an excellent symbology reference even if you never have, or ever will, stitch a single one of the gorgeously illustrated images. This section maintains the very supportive and forgiving nature of the book, there is no one right way to make these and the goal is to make your own mysticism shine through.

Any stitchers, from newbies to seasoned pros, looking to add a little magic to their art will love this book.

Such an interesting book quite unlike any crafting book I've read before. Johnson combines the embroidery with symbolism and a lifestyle that is sensitive to the universe.

I really enjoyed exploring this book. I recently got back into embroidery and as an avid yogi I knew I needed to check this book out. I loved the idea of the book. How you can use your embroidery to manifest, meditate, or simply connect. The author gives good descriptions and meanings for symbols and the artwork is beautiful.

Wow! Truly this review could be just that one word. This is the most comprehensive modern embroidery book I’ve seen in a very long time. As a quilt store owner I know this will be a hot ticket item in our store and we might just have to switch to it for our classes. Detailed with excellent illustrations that you can really see exactly where your thread should lay and needle should be placed. The designs and information from the author are thoughtful and unique, very happy to see this book in person.

I was expecting more in the way of patterns from this book so I'll admit I was quite disappointed.
Not the book for people who want to start with embroidery.

I didn’t care for this book at all. As a stitcher i know there are better books with the same information presented in a more straight forward fashion.