Monthly Archives: May 2015

This is a great book of samplers of varying types. For myself, I won’t be using the designs as a sampler but instead, I will be using the individual components as motifs for many projects. There is everything from sewing motifs (which I will use frequently) to baby items to china to herbs and many many more.

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I have been familiar with Maria Diaz for years from her designs published in British cross stitch magazines. I have a number of her books which I have purchased from a local needlework store, including one that has some of her larger and more well known designs. She also does many motif designs and this book is one of that series.

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What a wonderful tool this book is for anyone who wants to learn to draw in a realistic way. “The Realism Challenge: Drawing and Painting Secrets from a Modern Master of Hyperrealism” is the first book I have by Mark Crilley.

I have recently read a book about the advent of Modernist movement of the early twentieth century – when artists were moving away from realistic art because of, in part, the invention of affordable photography. At that time, artists were less concerned about realistically capturing an image in their art. It is really interesting that about one hundred years later, this attitude has made a 180 degree change. Perhaps this is due in part to digital art being able to manipulate items into total abstract. It seems time for artists to once again capture the world around us in a realistic (or hyperrealistic) manner.

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This is a wonderful set of designs for a wide variety of crocheted stuffed animals. The book is written in British terms, so those who follow the US terms will need to adjust their brains around the stitches. I have a page of conversion terms that I have put together to remind me – so I just sit that to the side and refer back to it when I have to change stitches. I’ve done this for years and find it helpful.

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“My Crochet Animals” by Isabelle Kessedjian is a lovely book of crocheted animals. There are 12 different animals that are worked from standard patterns. Each has their unique little touch that makes them stand out from the others. In addition to the animals, there are 35 different pieces of adorable clothes and accessories.

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