Book review: Stitch the Halls

Although we 'do' celebrate Christmas in our house, in our own quiet way, I'm not a huge fan of covering the whole house in Christmas decorations. Most decorations that stores offer don't appeal to me anyway. Santas are not allowed in my house (only the real one is, to drop off presents) and the only decorations I indulge in are a Christmas tree and lots of sparkly fairy lights.

But now Stitch the Halls by What Delilah Did* has arrived and I suddenly feel I need Mini-sampler Stockings in my tree and send Christmas cards with tiny jumpers on.

The Polar Parade bunting is one of my favourite projects in the book. Sophie's signature silhouette designs make this decoration sophisticated and timeless. Festive, but in a not exclusively Christmas kind of way. Brilliant.

With it's 80 pages this book will not take up much of shelf space but the 12 projects are all of great quality.  Personally, I'd rather have a small volume with great useful designs than a large book with lots of mediocre stuff.

Another favourite (it's so hard to choose though!) is this tiny 'Miss Prance-a-Lot' Peg doll ornament. The attention for detail is just fantastic.

The book starts with a chapter about Supplies and the basics of  Cross Stitch and Counted Thread embroidery are discussed. I thought this was particularly interesting as Counted Thread embroidery doesn't always gets mentioned in today's Embroidery books. A lot of the projects aren't incredibly complicated or time-consuming so all in all this would be a good starting point for anyone who wants to try their hand at cross stitch and/or counted embroidery.

Just like in Story Land Cross Stitching the photos (by Rachel Whiting) and illustrations (by Ana Victoria Calderon) are very charming.

Stitch the Halls is perfect for anyone who wants to add stylish, handmade stitched decorations to their home and presents (without the 'loudness' of the usual Christmas decorations!). It's available now in stores and online shops (including Sophie's own shop).



*As you may know I'm a longtime fan of Sophie's designs. I already had the book on my 'to buy list when I received a copy from the publisher for review. :) 

Books reviewed in 2013

Today I bring you an overview of the books (and the odd pattern) I reviewed or discussed on my blog in the past year. There's still time to add a book or two to your wish list, right? It's predominantly embroidery but there are some sewing pattern/book reviews too and in some books the two are combined. :)  The links will take you to the original blog posts were you'll find more details.


Doodle Stitching: Embroidery & Beyond by Aimee Ray

Blackwork by Beck Hogg

Staple Dress (PDF pattern) by April Rhodes

Stitched in Scandinavia by Karin Holmberg

Stuffed Animals by Abby Glassenberg

Storyland Cross Stitch by What Delilah Did

Stitched Blooms by Carina Envoldsen-Harris

Sew & Stitch Embroidery by Alyssa Thomas

Hoop-la by Kirsty Neale

Pretty Little London (PDF cross stitch pattern) by Jody Rice of Satsuma Street


I'm looking forward to bring you more reviews in 2014!

Book review: Storyland Cross Stitch

When I recently learned that Sophie of What Delilah Did was going to release a book I was well excited! I really admire her dreamy, nostalgic style and have bought quite a few of her patterns over the years. If you, like me, love cross stitching endearing woodland animals and magical beasts, and a bit of folklore as well, you will definitely feel at home in the world of Storyland Cross Stitch!

I rarely never have come across an embroidery book that is as esthetically pleasing and stylish as this book. Throughout the book you'll find charming small water colour illustrations, which I assume Sophie made *, and beautiful photography. Even the classic, formal font goes perfectly with the nostalgic feel of the book. The only downside is that the text is a bit on the small side. I had trouble reading the instructions at night actually.

The book starts with a chapter about cross stitch supplies,  advice on how many strands to use on which count of fabric and a cross stitch 'how to'. It is followed by chapters for beginners, more advanced cross stitchers and  'projects for the brave and determined'. Each project has an introduction in the form of a short story so that you know a bit about (for example) The Fantabulous Mr Fox before you commence your stitching. All the information you need to make the patterns is there: size and type of fabric needed, needles, thread etc etc. Even the estimated time to complete the project is mentioned. Some projects like the pincushion or lavender sachet, have additional sewing instructions.

The patterns are all fantastic: from Sophie's signature silhouette designs of birds, stags and knights to a huge Wise Owl pattern in different shades of brown. My favourite project is probably the Enchanted Forest selection (see photo above) which is quite an ambitious project: it would add up to 100 hours of stitching all together (or in my case probably a bit longer) But what a beautiful collection it is!

I'm not sure about you but when I'm cross stitching I like to keep track of where I am by colouring in the parts of the pattern I have already completed. Obviously I wouldn't do that directly in this lovely  book, so the book advises to photocopy the patterns before starting. In an ideal world I would have loved the chance to go to the publishers website and download the charts (on a bigger scale) that I want to stitch instead of photocopying. Maybe an idea for a next book? As a bonus Storyland Cross Stitch also comes with a little kit (which includes fabric, floss, a chart and a needle) so you can start stitching right away, which I think is a fabulous extra to a fabulous book!

Storyland Cross Stitch is published by Anova books (Collins & Brown) and available now (RRP 14.99 GBP). For several of the projects, like the fox pincushion or the sampler, you can buy kits (or a book + kit combo) in the What Delilah Did Shop.

* Sophie let me know the wonderful illustrations are actually by Julianna Swaney.

Photos used in this review are from the book Storyland Cross Stitch (Anova books) and made by Rachel Whiting

This review, like any of my reviews, reflects my own opinion. Regardless whether publishers send me books or, like in this case, I have purchased the book myself.