Product Description

First published in 1997, this book features fantasy figures, mythical beasts and mystical characters, with a new design for each Zodiac sign. Projects include floor and scatter cushions, wall hangings, bags, sweatshirt designs, throws, cards and pictures accompanied by easy-to-follow charts and step-by-step working instructions.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #697188 in Books
• Published on: 2000-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

Amazon.com Review
Drawing on the realms of lore, legend, and magic, Fantasy Cross Stitch is a stunning gallery of intricate designs, a refreshing departure from the usual cross-stitch themes. Celestial subjects and mythological figures abound, from the signs of the zodiac to unicorns and mermaids to wizards and warriors. Accomplished needlework designer Julie Hasler finds inspiration in many places and many eras: medieval Europe, ancient Egypt, Greek and Norse mythology, the Orient, and the heavens. Each of the 23 highly detailed designs is fully charted in color, plus there is nice background information about each one. We learn, for example, that the ibis-headed Egyptian deity Thoth is credited with the invention of hieroglyphics, and that the Chinese dragon's waking, sleeping, and breathing was believed to determine night and day. In addition, a "symbol library" charts 35 smaller motifs (such as the yin-yang, Viking runes, Hindu talismans, and early Christian symbols). With subtle shadings and elaborate detail, these designs are apparently meant for the more experienced stitcher. But the artwork is good enough that anyone intrigued by these mystical motifs may even want to consider adapting them to other crafts. --Amy Handy

From Library Journal
Hasler, the compiler of numerous collections of cross-stitch motifs (e.g., 500 Cross Stitch Charted Designs, LJ 10/15/97), has ventured into the fantasy world that is popular with modern stitchers. The designs she offers are more complex than many in her earlier collections and are presented as projects for pillows, bags, and clothing. The zodiac designs are particularly striking. Each design is charted in color and symbols with a DMC thread key. A small section of motifs is charted in color only, though there are color photographs of all the finished projects. Sure to be a popular selection.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Fantasy and legends with style
I have found this book to be wonderful. I bought it whilst on holiday in England, (New Zealand is my home)and have used several of the designs already. The Pegasus and Unicorn are very good with only using 3 colours for the main design (4 if you count the one accent in black) The star signs are really wonderful, very courful. The oriental Dragon is striking, the wizard is, though just the top half,good to do in any fantasy background. I love Frey and Sif the Vikings, then of course there is the mermaid as well,I just hope I get time to do more of Julie Hasler's talented work.

Good renditions of zodiac symbols but lacking elsewhere.
Julie Hasler's renditions of the zodiac symbols are WONDERFUL!!! I have not seen better anywhere else (and I've looked!) However, my praise must be tempered by the rest of the book. Except for one chart of the moon,the rest of the designs were no where near the quality of the zodiac, and at almost $28 this was a pricey buy!

A broad assortment of cross stitch Fantasy Images
Julie Hasler's Fantasy Cross Stitch book contains a broad variety of fantasy designs. The patterns are in full colour and contain a materials list and an explanation regarding the significance of each fantasy icon.

The book is divided into 3 fantasy themes:
Celestial Heavens - signs of the Zodiac, Sun, Moon & Planets.

Mythical Beasts - Unicorn, Pegasus, Oriental Dragon, Egyptian Mythology, Heraldic Beasts.

Wizards and Warlocks - Wizard, Viking and Greek Mythology, Mermaid.

There is also a 'Symbol Library' with an assortment of 34 symbols ranging from Ying-Yang to the Eye of Horus.

Nearly half of this book is dedicated to the Zodiac Patterns, these designs are by far the most detailed and richly coloured I have seen. However they are all circular - which may or may not be a problem for people looking to frame their work.

If you are looking for Cross stitch book covering Signs of the Zodiac then this is a fantastic source. However if you are looking for cross stitch patterns covering other themes such a Dragons, Wizards and Unicorns, then this book is fairly limited.