America the Beautiful Cross Stitch: Stitch 30 of America's Most Iconic National Parks and Monuments

Cross stitch combined with national parks is a wonderful combination. This book has some absolutely gorgeous patterns, featuring some of the most scenic spots in America. Best of all, the patterns are not intimidating at all, but seem very doable. They are clearly illustrated and explained, and each pattern also shows a color photo of the actual place. This book inspires me, both to cross stitch and to travel!

Overall I’m loving the patterns in the book. I haven’t done cross stitch in many years, and there seems to be a good selection of beginner patterns. However, some of the color guides have the wrong numbers listed and you have to try and figure out the correct ones

I liked this book very much as the patterns reminded me when I travelled these places when I was in my teens. Great patterns.

I ordered this book sight unseen which I don't do often. It is a beautiful book and worth every penny. I usuallyPut my own tastes to my projects by changing colors or omitting parts of the pattern but if you don't do that, this book is full of different designs with good instructions and information.

Beautiful and fairly simple cross stitch patterns. This book is very well composed with facts that accompany amazing photographs!

This book contains 30 counted cross stitch designs from the Unites States most iconic parks and monuments. The designs are shown in full color with the charts in full color as well. The designs are shown on 14 count Aida in a circular design (they can be framed in an embroidery hoop if desired) and they are 6.5" x 6.5". As much as I could see, all the designs use a full cross stitch. No partial stitching. No varigated or blended threads are used which makes these ideal for beginner stitchers. The charts are stitched using DMC embroidery fLoss. However, in my opinion, a more advances stitcher might want to blend their floss or use varigated floss to add that 'extra' touch to the design as well as smooth the edges of the design by using partial stitches. Many of the designs have water in them so using a metallic thread blended with a regular thread or even some beading would make the water 'pop'.In the book, is says that the dimensions are given in both 14 and 16 count. Perhaps I missed it, but I didn't find that to be true. I saw only the dimensions for the 14 count. The beginning of the book has the basic dei thWhile these designs would be easy for a beginner stitcher, a more advanced stitcher could make these designs look so much better. They would also be helful for a designer that is developing their own nature design with a waterfall for example. While I have never done needlepoint, I wonder if the designs could also be done in needlepoint as well?I appreciate receiving this book. Thank you very much.

This book is so beautiful throughout. It has so many lovely pictures of places I've been to, and would love to visit. The patterns match the beauty of the pictures perfectly, with wonderful color choices and detail. The patterns are large and easy to read, and I found no mistakes on the patterns I tried. There is a section in the beginning that will really help those new to cross stitch, and a few projects that could easily be done by someone new to the hobby. This is absolutely a must have book!

I have never done a cross-stitching project, so I thought I would give this a try. I don’t think it’s going to be as difficult as I thought. The introduction explains about tools and materials, prepping the Aida cloth, and making a cross-stitch. It also teaches you how to read a cross-stitch pattern with shortcuts. This is going to take a lot of concentration on my part as far as counting the squares. One interesting tip I learned was that using my arm as a measuring guide can help prevent knots and tangles!There are 30 patterns of US Landmarks. It states National Parks and Monuments on the front, but one of the patterns (Monument Valley Tribal Park) is not part of National Park Service. As far as I know, it is part of the Navajo Nation. Some of the patterns are outstanding, such as Acadia National Park, but some like the Appalachian Trail and Haleakala just do not look distinctive. That is why I gave this book only 4 stars. The patterns are 6.5 inches square, and are on a full page with DMC color, numbers for easy reference. I think this is a good cross-stitch guidebook for beginners like me.

I've visit ed most of these places and love doing cross stitch, so this book is a match made in heaven! It has a good selection including lesser known parks and of course you can personalise any cross stitch to make a great souvenir. As an experienced stitcher, the designs seem easy to me, but are fine for a beginner being mostly whole stitches. I would definitely recommend this book!

Really good book .