This title features everything you need to know to master a decorative craft, with 600 easy-to-follow charts and step-by-step photographs. It features inspirational designs in a wide range of popular themes and styles: Celtic, Medieval, Traditional, Folk Art and Contemporary. There are exquisite cross stitch ideas for cushions and pillows, tiebacks, curtains, fireguards, stools, frames, book covers and much more. It includes advice on starting and finishing off, how to make and use easy-to-follow charts, and the tools and materials you will need. For centuries the technique of cross stitch has inspired intricate, stylish patterns, and this book offers 150 highly original, decorative projects. Many of these projects use linen rather than aida, and with the use of rich threads and unusual combinations a tapestry effect is created, resulting in pieces that delight the eye. The finishing processes are also innovative, with ideas for displaying work on cabinets, stools, fireguards, pencil boxes, book covers and clothing, framed pictures, cushions and tablecloths. This inspirational book includes all a cross stitcher needs to know, from the basic stitch and simple patterns, to advanced techniques and complex designs.