365 days of stitches How to create a personal embroidery journal

Although a year of stitches might seem too ambitious for readers who have never tried embroidery or haven't picked up a needle in some time, this book proves that it's a great way to practice and relearn the hobby. Arnold, who owns and runs an embroidery-kit business in the UK, provides a variety of themes (among the 1,000-plus designs are beach scenes and holiday motifs) from which to create a yearlong "journal" in the form of a single sheet of embroidery. The book shows different techniques and stitches for making fun-to-execute designs. It also gives readers the freedom to embroider at their own pace. VERDICT A charming guide for embroidery fans, whether they've been practicing the craft for 10 years or 10 minutes, to create a highly individualized, meaningful, and memorable record of the year.--Sarah Filiberto