America the Beautiful Cross Stitch

I love this new book of cross stitch patterns. The instructions at the beginning of the book are wonderfully detailed. I’ve ordered this for our library.

“America the Beautiful Cross Stitch” contains 30 inspiring counted cross-stitch patterns from America’s most popular national parks and monuments; from Arcadia to Yosemite to the Washington Monument, and everything in between, including landscapes, wildlife, lighthouses, and monuments.

This pattern book starts with a short introduction and a Cross-Stitch 101 section, describing tools such as needle, floss, and fabric; how to read a pattern; and how to create basic stitches.

These little patterns are a lovely way to capture the natural beauty of America’s parks and monuments and are perfect for beginning stitchers. All of the patterns contain full cross-stitches only, no backstitching, French knots, or half or quarter stitches. Every pattern has a color palette of no more than a dozen shades.

The motifs are on the small side, which makes for a project that can be accomplished in just a few sittings. All of the motifs are circular in shape and work up to 6.5 inches in diameter on 14-count Aida cloth. A 7-inch embroidery hoop would make a perfect frame to display your finished needlework, and a grouping of several pieces would make for a beautiful bit of décor in your home.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advance copy of this book.

I love to cross stitch but haven't done any for a while. This book makes me want to break out my needle again. These are beautiful designs that are not terribly difficult of some of the most beautiful spots in America. What a wonderful keepsake from a trip but to recreate that site in cross stitch. Whether it is the St Louis Arch or sunrise over the Smoky Mountains, this book has it all. And what could be better than a cowboy riding a horse through Monument Valley? I think I might have to do the Redwood tree with the car driving through to commemorate our vacation this year. Cherry Blossoms and the Washington Monument!!!
I'll be right back I have to go find my cross stitch supplies.

America the Beautiful Cross Stitch is a stitching tutorial and pattern collection which includes scenes to cross stitch from iconic American parks and monuments. Due out 19th Oct 2021 from Quarto on their becker&meyer! imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback format.

This collection includes 30 patterns and a good introductory tutorial. This would probably be a good starting book or gift for someone who was interested in learning the basics of cross stitch and finishing some fun gifts for themselves or friends. The patterns are recognizable and colorful without too much "confetti" stitching. The first chapter provides a short beginner friendly introduction to materials and supplies. It discusses needles, fabrics, thread counts, embroidery floss, hoops, etc. The photos are full color and clear and the instructions are easy to follow. All the patterns contain only full stitches and there's no outline or backstitching. The patterns are all round (see cover) and suited to framing in hoops.

Each pattern also includes facts and locations for the national parks and monuments depicted. There are tips and factoids scattered throughout as well. The pattern keys contain the flosses by both DMC 6 strand floss number as well as letter. Conversion charts for other brands of floss are not provided in the book, but conversion charts are readily accessible online for readers who prefer another brand of floss, or silk instead of cotton.

The pattern charts are in full color with color keys in a footer bar under the pattern. The charts also contain letter designations for each color. I found the charts very dark, but if readers print off working copies in lighter greyscale format, they're easy to follow and the letter symbols can be differentiated from one another. The patterns are simple and I think many stitchers will probably want to do some detail backstitching on them for a more finished appearance, but it's not absolutely necessary.

This would make a nice gift, perhaps bundled with some stitching supplies, for a friend who wants to learn to stitch, as well as readers who enjoy nature and the outdoors.

Four stars.

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

I was blown away by the colorful detail in these designs. There's something about cross stitch that soothes my soul but most designs I see are too simplistic and dated. This book approaches cross stitch in an entirely new way and the result is fabulous. Finished products look more like pixelated photography than traditional cross stitch. I'm in love!

Yay!! This book has everything that a crafter, a teacher, or just a curious person always looking to learn new things, could ask for.I love that this is not just a craft book, but also includes history and trivia about all of the locations pictured.

I stopped reviewing craft books for a while because they were terrible, and I was getting frustrated by the lack of originality and creativity that was being peddled. I’m glad I took a chance with this one. America the Beautiful Cross Stitch begins with a simple explanation of the basics of cross stitch - everything from supplies you will need to “how to read a pattern,” then dives into a glorious and gorgeous array of patterns for stitching.

The publishers chose a wide variety of iconic views and beloved monuments from across the United States. There is nature, there are architectural wonders, and there are symbols of the treasures represented by all the states in the union. Each original pattern has an explanation and information about the location.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t a Kindle version available for review so I had to look at this on a cell phone screen, not the best medium to take in all the glory, However, I’m looking forward to purchasing a hardcopy to add to my IRL library.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

Loved the patterns of several different United States landmarks/scenes. Would be a great book for anyone who loves America the Beautiful. You could do all of them and have a really nice look at America to hang up. .

Beautiful Book Pays Homage to Iconic US Parks and Monuments

This is an absolutely delightful cross-stitch book, at home on both the coffee table and the crafting bench. A very brief introduction gives guidance on how to cross stitch and use the visual-cross stitch guide for the 30 patterns given in the book. I was amazed how beautiful the book’s photos were. Not so much of the cross-stitch, of course, but the photo choices showing the national parks and monuments. It is a visually stunning book. Each park or monument gets a picture or two, a description, and a few facts. I had fun sampling the US’s majesty through this book! The cross-stitches themselves are mostly relatively simple, with just a few colors and details to evoke place. Yet, they still convey the essence of these iconic places. I think most cross-stitch patterns could also be used for hooked rugs as well; I like to latch-hook, and I think many of these would look beautiful as a rug. I like how some cross stitches include not only a main focal point but often an important detail. For instance, the Washington Monument was shown in springtime with cherry blossoms off to one side. I have been to two of the western parks featured, Redwood National Forest and Crater Lake. I thought the cross stitch choice for Crater Lake was spot-on, featuring the very prominent Wizard Island. As someone who often traversed the Redwood National Forest, I was disappointed in the cross-stitch choice. When I imagine my many travels through the Redwoods, I see gigantic stands of very tall trees with a small ribbon of twisty road running through them. Unfortunately, the publishers of this book chose the touristy drive-through trees instead of the natural setting of these ancient majestic trees. All in all, though, this is a stunning book of beautiful pictures and lovely cross-stitch patterns to inspire any needleworker.

A great cross stitch book to help record adventures and memories from across the states. It includes iconic parks, landscapes, architecture, and animals. Great for a gift, or for making gifts. Careful, because it also inspires planning road-trips.

America the Beautiful Cross Stitch: 30 Patterns of America’s Most Iconic National Parks and Monuments from becker&mayer! books contains 30 original cross stitch patterns, an introduction to each park or monument, and instructions on cross stitching techniques and suggested materials. The patterns include: Yellowstone National Park, Statue of Liberty, Great Smokey Mountains, Washington Monument, Arches National Park, Yosemite National Park, Appalachian Trail, Haleakala Volcano, and many more. The finished projects can be used to commemorate your favorite vacations or to personalize household items like tea towels, pillowcases, and backpacks.

America the Beautiful Cross Stitch offers readers exactly what the title promises. As someone that has always been a crafter, but has only picked up my cross stitch tools again after several years, I have to say I stumbled across this book at the exact right moment. I was able to look at the patterns and instructions both as someone that knows the terminology and sometimes needs a reminder of technique and tips. I thought that the chosen patterns were beautiful, and the information provided about the tools and techniques needed was accessible by all skill levels, but it might be a bit daunting for those new to the skills. I liked that the book also included information and pictures about the parks the patterns portray. This was a great touch to bring a bit more of the heart of those scenes into the final product, and maybe inspire another trip. I cannot get started on these after I finish my current project.

Beautiful cross stitch designs with easy to read and follow patterns. Also enjoy the little facts and bits of info about places included as well as the stunning photos of each location!

There are so many beautiful patterns in this book, it could keep you busy and "traveling" for months. There are beautiful pictures of the different spots in America, along with a picture of the completed project and a detailed color pattern for the project. I highly enjoyed looking at the pictures and have a LARGE to do list just from this book!