Cross Stitch and Sampler Book
In 2005 a fabulous collection called "The Cross Stitch Motif Bible," was published by Jan Eaton. I love this book. It ranks in my top five cross stitch refrence books. It has some great introductory material and then presents an abundant selection of motifs, borders and designs from which to create whatever you want. As much as I treasure this book, is as dissappointed as I am in the book I just received. This one, published in 1985, is more a compilation of embroidery stitches, of which cross-stitch is just one. Yes, there is a great history of stitchery included and good charting of various crewel and embroidery stitches. What it isn't is a Cross Stitch or Sampler book. History? Yes. Cross-Stitch/Sampler? No. If you are interested in a book like this but more focused on Cross-Stitch try, "The New Cross Stitcher's Bible," by Jane Greenoff. She presents an excellent refrence with great focus on cross-stitch and contemporary use of complimentary options, embellishments, and materials. She also includes some historical stitches that are in use today with Samplers and designs. This book is well written, interesting, very informative,and just plain fun. Of course, it is another one of my top five. I seldom endorse an author, across the board, and these are no exception, but the two alternatives I mention might well be worth a second look to someone building a library, or just starting out.