The range of projects is charming, featuring scenes that many will find relatable, like family portraits and cozy gatherings. However, while the customization tips are a great addition, I felt that some sections could have gone into more detail, especially for those looking to push their creative boundaries. Overall, it’s a nice guide for getting started with cross-stitching, but it may leave advanced crafters wanting more inspiration.

Good book to show the beginner or intermediate cross stitcher how to customise their designs. There are some cute projects in the book that would make lovely gifts for friends or family.

A clear, modern book on how to customise cross stitch portraits. Good for beginner or intermediate stitchers, the author talks the reader how to customise the figures in the projects to match friends, family or pets. Clearly illustrated and explained, this book should be straightforward for a stitcher to follow.
The projects weren't quite what I was expecting, but do serve as good examples as to how to customise patterns.

This is a very detailed book to add to people skills in cross-stitching. The results are beautiful and make a beautiful gift and keepsake to give for family and friends.
Instructions are great and the attention to detail to add to your family and friends cross-stitch portrait are really lovely.. .Thanks you NetGalley and the publishers for the DR.

This is a beautiful book about how to customize your embroidery from photographs to images that can be used on clothing, bags, hats, and even jewelry. The instructions are clearly illustrated showing the stitches and how to make them. This book is for both beginners and those with more experience. Your friends will be wowed!

This book is interesting and creative. I used to cross-stitch all the time and this book made me want to take it up again. Thank you #NetGalley for the copy to review!

A great book for any cross-stitch fans who want to learn to personalize patterns. Great basic patterns at tips to help anyone achieve this goal.

I am just starting to get back into cross-stitch after a long time away from the craft and I was delighted to get the chance to look through this book. I liked that a how-to guide was included in the beginning and some templates for customizing the charts to resemble the people the crafter wants to depict in their cross stitch art.
I liked the examples that were included but I think I might have trouble following the patterns since I'm accustomed to a chart with symbols representing each colour.
I would have liked to have some more time with this book but it archived about a month before the book publishes on December 5th.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Stitch People/Quarto Publishing Group - Walter Foster Publishing for the opportunity to take a look at this unique cross stitch book.

As a self taught cross stitcher this had some great ideas how to customise and personalise your own cross stitched family portraits including pets.
It gives a really good understanding with basic instructions and patterns as well as going into detail on how to customise each character.
The images are clear and patterns easy to understand that even a beginner would have no trouble picking up and starting their own cross stitch.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for honest reveiw

A fantastic "self help" kind of book to help you on your way with cross stitching.

As a complete newby to cross stitch this was really appreciated in helping me personalise my work.

Very clear instructions about how to customise designs to cross stitch anyone! A lovely idea for making gifts or keepsakes.

"Customize Your Cross-Stitch: Friends & Family" by Lizzy Dabczynski-Bean is a must-have for anyone looking to add a personal touch to their cross-stitching projects. With clear instructions and creative ideas, this book offers a comprehensive guide to customizing, preparing, stitching, and finishing your very own personalized cross-stitch creations.

One of the standout features of this book is the author's ability to break down complex techniques into easy-to-follow steps. Dabczynski-Bean's writing is clear, concise, and approachable, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced cross-stitchers alike. The book covers a wide range of customization options, from selecting the perfect color palette to incorporating personal details that add sentimental value to each project.

The inclusion of patterns and templates tailored for friends and family members adds an extra layer of warmth and meaning to the projects. The author's thoughtful selection of designs ensures that there's something for everyone, whether you're creating a heartfelt gift or a cherished keepsake for yourself.

In addition to the instructional content, the book provides helpful tips on materials, tools, and techniques, making it a valuable resource for those looking to refine their cross-stitching skills. The step-by-step photos and illustrations further enhance the learning experience, ensuring that readers can confidently execute each project.

One minor critique is that some readers may have preferred a broader range of patterns, although the ones provided are certainly versatile and can be adapted to suit various occasions and recipients.

Overall, "Customize Your Cross-Stitch: Friends & Family" is a delightful and informative guide for cross-stitch enthusiasts looking to infuse their projects with a personal touch. Lizzy Dabczynski-Bean's expertise and passion for the craft shine through in every page, making this book a valuable addition to any cross-stitcher's library. With its user-friendly approach and creative inspiration, this book is sure to inspire countless memorable stitching projects.

I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed reading and trying some of the cross stitch in this book. It was easy to follow the instructions for each patterns. There were examples throughout the book that help.

I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinions.

I've just recently started doing cross-stitch and I loved to start making gifts for people while doing it.

it is such a relaxing thing for me and keeps me from scrolling.

Having said that this book is great for the beginner cross-stitcher and for the more experienced cross-stitcher it. It tells you everything you will need and even gives some suggestions on what type to buy. When it comes to the designs themselves it gives templates and suggestions on how to customize them for your loved ones.

This is a great short little book and I look forward to buying it when it comes out!

As a life-long stitcher (I self taught myself embroidery at age 7...yes, way before YouTube), I really enjoyed this book. It was a different take than many of the stitching books I have. The author encourages stitchers to take her basic patterns and customize them to your life. Whether you're a novice or an experienced crafter, there are tips and tricks that will improve your stitching. The illustrations are clear and easy to follow. Lizzy Dabczynski-Bean has good suggestions for thread colors for hair, skin tones, and eye colors. I think that the tips to customize are spot-on. It's easy to swap and change the patterns - add a child or a pet, make the background match up to your home, add or subtract a border. This is a great addition to any stitcher's library.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for this ARC.

I was thrilled to see Lizzy is publishing a cross-stitch book. I have been a fan of her work for awhile, and have purchased ebooks from her website. I find the instructions and pattens easy to follow, helping me to create my own patterns of people.

This book is great for people who are newer to cross stitch, as well as those more advanced. Lizzy does a good job explaining how to cross stitch (e.g., how to have nice stitches, setting up the fabric, etc.) as well as provides fun patterns people can try out.

I did find the patterns limited in the book but is really good for showing what is possible in the cross stitch world. For more advanced and wanting to design their own patterns, I do recommend checking out Lizzy's other books that provide loads of patterns that you can pick and choose from to create your bespoke family and friends portraits.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary aARC of the book. All opinions are my own.

A great example of a cross stitch primer. I have been cross stitching, embroidering, etc for many years so this book was a little basic for me. However, for anyone who wants to learn this excellent hobby I highly recommend it. The explanations are well written, good illustrations and some lovely projects. Not to say I like that the small projects can be used by more experienced craftworker as part of a bigger creation. I can definitely recommend this to add to ones craft library. Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read and review this cute book.

I love all types of sewing, but cross stitch tapestry is my all time favourite, so I knew I had to see this book. The embroidery ideas featured are beautiful, happy family moments, all made entirely customisable to represent your own loved ones. Each stitch you’ll need is introduced and taught with accompanying photographs, and the actual patterns are clear, simple, and easy to follow - perfect for a total beginner or experienced sewer alike. You can follow the patterns exactly, or use the skills to create your own patterns and ideas. Would definitely recommend.

Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster and Netgalley for an eARC of this book to read and review.

Pros: My granny taught me to cross stitch 30 years ago, and it remains one of my favorite hobbies. I think this book would be great for beginners because it includes very approachable projects and explains the basics of cross stitching well. I also think the idea of creative cross stitching would be great for experienced stitchers who have never customized a pattern. My favorite thing about this book was the diversity in the people stitched! The dog and cat patterns were also adorable.

Cons: None!

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster for the opportunity to read this book.

I am familiar with Stitch People and enjoyed this book about customizing people. The book would be good for beginners since it covers tools and materials, along with stitching instructions for both cross stitch and some accent stitch types. The bulk of the book discussed customization of the people you are stitching - colors, skin tones, hair colors and styles, eyes, height, etc. There are samples on stitch charts, as well as alphabets. The book also includes 12 patterns for scenes - family or group events and gatherings. These all have backgrounds but are still customizable, and variations are shown. The book finishes with instructions on displaying in a hoop, plus a page of dog and cat patterns that can be included in your piece, and a blank grid sheet for designing your own pieces.
Overall, a very helpful book for those interested in this type/style of cross stitch piece.