From one of the world’s finest cross-stitch designers come some of the prettiest gifts ever created. This charming collection of projects will inspire newcomers to pick up a needle and fabric, while delighting experienced embroiderers always on the lookout for new ideas. Stitch a floral sachet bag (there are several flower patterns to choose from); an individualized gift tag; or a blue-and-white pillow and afghan. Plus, there’s a special “angel” to cross-stitch for every month of the year.

For the perfect baby's gift, take plain store-bought bibs, booties, mittens, caps, and bath towels and adorn them with geese and teddy bears. Decorate pillows with fantastic sunflower or Victorian-style patterns--and you'll love the wonderful designs for lacy table linens, jar covers, mugs, bookmarks, Christmas gifts, and more--all 333 of them exquisitely interpreted for needlework.

Here are patterns and ideas for cross-stitching gifts for friends and family for every occasion. The patterns are simple enough to complete in a few hours or days.

Cross-stitch designs for many home items.

Try this wealthy of irresistible patterns that can be used by themselves to make charming trinkets or combined to make delightful motifs. From muschievous kittens and dozens of different alphabets to carousels and cupids, the hardest part of these designs is choosing which one to stitch first!

Donna Kooler, a renowned designer of gorgeous cross-stitch projects for more than 30 years, has now come up with nine colorful sampler patterns that celebrate home, nature, holidays, and more. Each one--from the charming and playful "Pet Friends” to the lush flower-filled "Beautiful Blooms”--is showcased in a breathtaking two-page spread with a themed beauty shot of the framed piece. Several pages of patterns follow, along with suggested alternative motifs to help stitchers unleash their creativity and make the samplers their very own. A brief introductory section teaches some basic stitches, as well as how to prepare the fabric and center the design. A Main Selection of the Crafter’s Choice Book Club.

First ed. published as: Donna Kooler's ultimate stocking collection: 15 of Donna's favorite cross stitch Christmas stockings.